K-wave AI News

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea.

Here's our top story.

Korea's performance and exhibition services exports reached 754 million U.S. dollars last year with imports at 419 million dollars, posting a surplus for the third consecutive year.

While exports to Asia remain dominant, K-pop performances and other Korean exhibition exports have significantly grown in North America and Europe.

The Korea Culture and Tourism Institute noted that the surplus was achieved despite most other service sectors experiencing trade deficits.

A replica of the "Joseon Tongsinsa" ship, once a symbol of Korea-Japan exchange, has arrived in Osaka.

According to the National Research Institute of Maritime Heritage, this is the first time in 261 years that a Joseon Tongsinsa ship has made the journey to Osaka since its 11th mission in 1764.

The term "Tongsinsa" refers to the official diplomatic envoys sent by the Joseon government to Japan from the 1600s to the 1800s to promote cultural exchanges.

The symbolic reenactment comes as part of the two nations' celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of their normalized diplomatic relations.

A one-of-a-kind event took over Seoul's Banpo Hangang River Park on Sunday — the annual "Space-Out Competition," where doing absolutely nothing earns you the top prize.

This year, 126 participants across 80 teams joined the event in colorful flair, with some dressed as clowns and llamas while others opted for traditional 'hanbok.'

Launched in 2016, the competition aims to challenge the modern obsession with constant productivity by celebrating stillness and mental rest.

Contestants must sit in silence and remain motionless for 90 minutes, with winners determined by heart rate stability and audience votes.

This year's champions, punk band "Pogo Attack," said the contest offered them a rare break from their packed daily schedules.

That's all from me. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.