K-wave AI News

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

Nearly 700,000 people visited the National Museum of Korea last month alone. The total number of visitors so far this year stands at over 3.4 million, nearly double the figure from last year. The museum attributed the surge to the peak summer holiday season, coupled with the growing popularity of K-content, including the sensational Netflix original "KPop Demon Hunters."

Newly appointed Culture Minister Chae Hwi-young visited the museum on Sunday, highlighting that the museum serves as a foundation for sustaining the K-culture boom. He also pledged full support to ensure Korea's traditional heritage drives growth toward the ministry's 300 trillion-won K-culture market goal.

A historic fortress built to defend Hanyang, the capital of the Joseon Dynasty, is now vying for UNESCO World Heritage status. The Korea Heritage Service has selected the "Capital Fortress of Hanyang" as Korea's official candidate for inscription. The site consists of multiple historic fortresses that boast a history spanning over 600 years.

The administration plans to make a formal application in January next year, with a final decision expected at the 49th session of the World Heritage Committee in 2027.

Son Heung-min received a hero's send-off on Sunday, after he played his farewell match for Tottenham Hotspur at Seoul World Cup Stadium.

The preseason friendly against Newcastle United, part of the Coupang Play Series, ended in a 1-1 draw, but the spotlight was firmly on Son, who confirmed a day earlier that he would be leaving Spurs this summer after 10 seasons with the club.

He bid a tearful farewell to more than 60,000 Korean fans who filled the stadium in the white of Tottenham Hotspur.

It's not yet confirmed where Son will play next.

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