K-wave AI News

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

Global interest in Korean literature has surged following author Han Kang's Nobel Prize win last year.

According to the Literature Translation Institute of Korea, sales of Korean books translated or supported by the institute reached roughly 1.2 million copies last year, marking a 130% jump from 2023.

The average number of copies sold per title surpassed 1,270, the highest since the institute began tracking data.

Other Korean authors are also gaining steady international traction, with "Cursed Bunny" by Chung Bo-ra and "Kim jiyoung, born 1982" by Cho Nam-joo both selling over 4,000 copies annually for three consecutive years.

The government will begin distributing 2.1 million discount vouchers for performances and exhibitions this Friday as part of efforts to boost Korean citizens' cultural engagement and consumption.

The program includes performance coupons offering a 10,000-won discount and exhibition coupons with a 3,000-won discount.

The vouchers will be available on a first-come, first-served basis through five online platforms: NOL Interpark, Melon Ticket, Time Ticket, Ticket Link, and YES24.

They must be used by September 19 and apply only to performances and exhibitions scheduled before November 30.

World-renowned pianist Paik Kun-woo will perform in Korea's southwestern city of Gwangju this fall to mark the release of his first Mozart album.

The concert, set to take place at the National Asia Culture Center on October 23, will feature some of Mozart's most beloved works, including Piano Sonatas Nos. 10 and 12, as well as popular pieces such as "Rondo" and "Fantasia."

Paik, who marks the 69th anniversary of his debut this year, remains one of Korea's most celebrated pianists, with a distinguished international career and multiple accolades from prestigious global competitions.

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