K-wave AI News

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story.

With just seven months to go until the 2026 Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics, the organizing committee says preparations are well on track, drawing key lessons from the 2018 PyeongChang Games.

Speaking at an official briefing held in Seoul, the CEO of the committee, Andrea Varnier, said the PyeongChang Games served as a valuable reference, particularly in areas such as information and communications technology, ICT, venue sustainability, and transportation.

Varnier also expressed hopes of welcoming Korean athletes and fans, given the country's strength in winter sports.

Also attending the event was former Olympic figure skating champion Kim Yuna, who encouraged the athletes to fully enjoy what may be the most impactful moment of their lives.

The National Palace Museum of Korea will partially close from July 8 to 27 for renovation work.

Exhibition halls on the first floor and basement will remain open from July 8 to 20, but the entire museum will shut down from July 21 to 27.

Museum officials say the renovations aim to upgrade aging lobby facilities, enhance visitor guidance, and improve the overall flow of foot traffic.

The New York Philharmonic, often called the heart of American classical music, is set to perform in Korea for the first time in 11 years.

At a press conference, conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen expressed his excitement about returning to Korea with the orchestra, stating that the tour in Korea feels like a family trip.

He also highlighted the significance of reuniting with world-renowned pianist Krystian Zimerman after more than 30 years, praising Zimerman's performance as "pure as water."

The program features Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 and Symphony No. 3 'Eroica', along with French repertoire including Ravel's "Mother Goose Suite."

The stages will be presented at the Arts Center Incheon today, and at the Seoul Arts Center this Friday and Saturday.

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