News

[Short-form] “Sanggwabang,” where royal desserts are made

2025/04/07 14:00

Step into Sanggwabang and savor the sophisticated tastes of the Joseon royal court!

Jinhae Gunhangjae: A city filled with cherry blossoms

2025/04/07 10:00

Cherry blossoms are in full bloom here in South Korea, with the country's biggest cherry blossom festival having taken place this past week. Our Ahn Sung-jin takes us down to Changwon city. Spring has returned. Streets filled with cherry blossoms greet those who have made their way to Jinhae-gu district in the south coast city of Changwon. The 63rd Jinhae Gunhangjae, which lasts for 9 days, is the mecca of spring cherry blossoms, with more than 2 million visitors every year. "The cherry blossom, a symbol of spring, is already approaching its peak here. People are out with their family and friends to enjoy the beautiful colors." "We're so happy to be back in Jinhae. We were here in 2013, the two of us, and now we are here with our three kids. Beautiful weather and cherry blossoms are in full bloom. It's beautiful." "I'm so proud that in our country, and here in Jinhae, there is such a beautiful spring blossom path." "We are in our last year of high school so we originally came out here for graduation photos, but it feels so refreshing to see all these pretty blossoms." The town's top cherry blossom spots including Gyeonghwa Station, an old, closed-down railway station and its train tracks, as well as the Yeojwacheon stream. Most areas in the south of the country have seen cherry blossoms bloom, yet with the sudden colder breeze in some areas, especially up north, they still need some time to fully bloom. Following the recent devastating wildfires in Gyeongsangbuk-do province, the festival has been reduced in scale. However, the festival still offers ample scenery while promoting local culture and boosting business in the small town. So for those who missed out this time around, make sure to be ready for next year. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News, Jinhae.

Jinhae Gunhangjae: A city filled with cherry blossoms

2025/04/04 20:00

Earlier this week we covered the colorful sights and sounds of spring. Well we have more related coverage today as our Ahn Sung-jin made her way to a cherry blossom festival. Do take a look. Spring has returned. Streets filled with cherry blossoms greet those who have made their way to Jinhae-gu district in the south coast city of Changwon. The 63rd Jinhae Gunhangjae, which lasts for 9 days, is the mecca of spring cherry blossoms, with more than 2 million visitors every year. "The cherry blossom, a symbol of spring, is already approaching its peak here. People are out with their family and friends to enjoy the beautiful colors." "We're so happy to be back in Jinhae. We were here in 2013, the two of us, and now we are here with our three kids. Beautiful weather and cherry blossoms are in full bloom. It's beautiful." "I'm so proud that in our country, and here in Jinhae, there is such a beautiful spring blossom path." "We are in our last year of high school so we originally came out here for graduation photos,but it feels so refreshing to see all these pretty blossoms." The town's top cherry blossom spots including Gyeonghwa Station, an old, closed-down railway station and its train tracks, as well as the Yeojwacheon stream. Most areas in the south of the country have seen cherry blossoms bloom, yet with the sudden colder breeze in some areas, especially up north, they still need some time to fully bloom. Following the recent devastating wildfires in Gyeongsangbuk-do province, the festival has been reduced in scale. However, the festival still offers ample scenery while promoting local culture and boosting business in the small town. So for those who missed out this time around, make sure to be ready for next year. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News, Jinhae.

Jinhae Gunhangjae: A city filled with cherry blossoms

2025/04/04 17:00

Earlier this week we covered the colorful sights and sounds of spring. Well we have more related coverage today as our Ahn Sung-jin made her way to a cherry blossom festival. Do take a look. Spring has returned. Streets filled with cherry blossoms greet those who have made their way to Jinhae-gu district in the south coast city of Changwon. The 63rd Jinhae Gunhangjae, which lasts for 9 days, is the mecca of spring cherry blossoms, with more than 2 million visitors every year. "The cherry blossom, a symbol of spring, is already approaching its peak here. People are out with their family and friends to enjoy the beautiful colors." "We're so happy to be back in Jinhae. We were here in 2013, the two of us, and now we are here with our three kids. Beautiful weather and cherry blossoms are in full bloom. It's beautiful." "I'm so proud that in our country, and here in Jinhae, there is such a beautiful spring blossom path." "We are in our last year of high school so we originally came out here for graduation photos,but it feels so refreshing to see all these pretty blossoms." The town's top cherry blossom spots including Gyeonghwa Station, an old, closed-down railway station and its train tracks, as well as the Yeojwacheon stream. Most areas in the south of the country have seen cherry blossoms bloom, yet with the sudden colder breeze in some areas, especially up north, they still need some time to fully bloom. Following the recent devastating wildfires in Gyeongsangbuk-do province, the festival has been reduced in scale. However, the festival still offers ample scenery while promoting local culture and boosting business in the small town. So for those who missed out this time around, make sure to be ready for next year. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News, Jinhae.

[K-enter] NewJeans and ADOR's first court hearing ended without progress

2025/04/04 14:00

Time for some K-entertainment news with Bella Kim. We will start off with an update on a court hearing for the dispute between NewJeans (or NJZ) and ADOR. Please provide us with the details. The first court hearing, held on Thursday, for the dispute between NewJeans and their agency ADOR ended without progress as the two sides remained far apart on the possibility of reaching a settlement. The Seoul Central District Court held the initial hearing for ADOR’s lawsuit seeking confirmation of the validity of its exclusive contract with NewJeans. On the day of the hearing, only legal representatives were present, as none of the members attended. ADOR argued that the group’s unilateral termination of contract in November 2024 lacked both procedural and legal grounds and that their deal signed in April 2022 remains valid. In contrast, NewJeans’ side asserted that trust between the parties had irreparably collapsed, particularly after the removal of former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, a key figure credited with the group’s success. The judge asked whether the parties were open to a settlement. While Ador expressed a willingness to pursue an agreement, NewJeans replied that the group was not in a mental state to consider a settlement at this time. Back on March 21st, the court granted ADOR’s injunction to preserve its status as the group’s agency and to block any external advertising contracts until the final judgement. NewJeans has also decided to halt all activities for now. The next court hearing is scheduled for June 5th. Please keep us updated on the next hearing. Next, we will talk about some news that will excite NCT Dream fans. Please fill us in. NCT Dream will hold “2025 NCT Dream Fan Meeting Dream Quest” at Inspire Arena in Yeongjong-do, Incheon from May 24th to 25th, the first time in almost two years. The fan meeting will have the concept of exploration, where NCT Dream and their fans NCTzen go on a quest together. The members will perform, play games, and chat with the fans to pass the ‘huge quest.’ The pre-sales of the fan meeting tickets will open on April 8th, and the general ticket sales will open on April 10th. Meanwhile, NCT Dream will attend “SM Town Live 2025” in Mexico City on May 10th and in Los Angeles on May 12th. So NCTzens in Korea, Mexico and the U.S. can all look forward to meeting NCT Dream. Our last story for today is also on a boy group, but this time a new release? TWS released group and unit photos from their upcoming mini-album “TRY WITH US.” The group photos give off the free-spirited twenty-year-olds' vibes, while the unit photos capture the members’ daily lives more closely. “TRY WITH US” is an album depicting how TWS lives at the age of twenty. Their agency, Pledis Entertainment said, “You will be able to witness TWS’s growth as they race toward their twenties.” Their 3rd mini album “TRY WITH US” will be released on April 21st. Can't wait for their young spirited songs. Thank you Bella for today’s stories.

[K-wave] Jinhae Gunhangjae: A city filled with cherry blossoms

2025/04/04 14:00

South Korea is known for its spring celebrations, earlier this week, we had our reporter cover the Azalea festival in Bucheon now it's time for the cherry blossoms to shine. Our news features reporter Ahn Sung-jin was at one of the country's major cherry blossom sites down south. Let's take a look. Spring has returned. Streets filled with cherry blossoms greet those who have made their way to Jinhae-gu district in the south coast city of Changwon. The 63rd Jinhae Gunhangjae, which lasts for 9 days, is the mecca of spring cherry blossoms, with more than 2 million visitors every year. "The cherry blossom, a symbol of spring, is already approaching its peak here. People are out with their family and friends to enjoy the beautiful colors." "We're so happy to be back in Jinhae. We were here in 2013, the two of us, and now we are here with our three kids. Beautiful weather and cherry blossoms are in full bloom. It's beautiful." "I'm so proud that in our country, and here in Jinhae, there is such a beautiful spring blossom path." "We are in our last year of high school so we originally came out here for graduation photos,but it feels so refreshing to see all these pretty blossoms." The town's top cherry blossom spots including Gyeonghwa Station, an old, closed-down railway station and its train tracks, as well as the Yeojwacheon stream. Most areas in the south of the country have seen cherry blossoms bloom, yet with the sudden colder breeze in some areas, especially up north, they still need some time to fully bloom. Following the recent devastating wildfires in Gyeongsangbuk-do province, the festival has been reduced in scale. However, the festival still offers ample scenery while promoting local culture and boosting business in the small town. So for those who missed out this time around, make sure to be ready for next year. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News, Jinhae.

K-wave AI News

2025/04/04 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Jongmyo, Korea's foremost royal shrine, will come alive with the majestic music and graceful choreography of the Joseon royal court—a tradition that has endured for over 600년 years. The National Heritage Service and Korea Heritage Agency will showcase evening performances of "Jongmyo Jeryeak" at the Main Hall of Jongmyo Shrine from April 24 to May 2. Jongmyo Jeryeak is a traditional Korean court ritual performance that combines music, dances, and songs as part of the ancestral rites held at the Jongmyo Shrine. It was added to the list of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2001. Tickets will be available for reservation starting at 2 PM on April 7 via Ticketlink. The 14th Busan Annual Market of Art, the port city's premier art fair, has kicked off a four-day run at BEXCO. This year's theme focuses on sustainability, highlighting a commitment to fostering a sustainable art ecosystem by embracing environmental and social values through art. Over 130 galleries, including 15 international galleries, are participating, showcasing around 4,000 artworks. The fair features a diverse range of works, from AI-generated pieces and interactive media art to a special spotlight exhibition on French painter Michel Delacroix and emerging new talents. Meanwhile, at COEX in Seoul, the 2025 Seoul International Buddhism Expo and 13th Buddha Art Fair are underway, offering a one-stop glance at Korea's traditional Buddhist cultural industry. Nearly 370 exhibitors are showcasing a rich array of Buddhist content, including Buddhist architecture, tea culture, and traditional crafts, that blend Korean heritage with Buddhist aesthetics. Participants from seven other Asian countries, including China and India, are also presenting various Buddhist cultural products, such as agarwood and meditation-related items. The event runs through this Sunday. That's all from me. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[Hallyu People] Korea and France connect through K-pop

2025/04/03 14:00

France is widely recognized as a country of art and a cultural powerhouse. It is also a nation with which South Korea has close to 140-years of diplomatic relations. No wonder France and Korea also cooperate in the music sector. Recently, French and Korean music industry professionals got together for a conference in Seoul to discuss the future of K-pop and explore ways to collaborate. Today, we connect to Leslie Dubest, CEO of a French independent music label who was one of the participants at that conference. Hello (Leslie / ) Mr. Dubest! 1) (Leslie/) Mr. Dubest, let’s start with your impression of your recent visit to the home of K-pop. How was it? 2) “The Atelier K-pop Conference” was held in Seoul late last month. What was this event about? 3) What were the outcomes of the conference? We also heard that four French songwriters wrote songs aimed at the K-pop market during their stay in Seoul. How did that turn out? 4) During the conference, you mentioned that the K-pop industry is where it is today thanks to various industries having been integrated during the growth of K-pop. Could you elaborate on that? 5) Please tell us about the presence of K-pop in France right now. (Who are the most popular K-pop acts, which are the most loved songs and why?) 6) As the CEO of an independent music label, are there any specific musicians that grab your attention or is there anyone in the Korean music industry you’d like to work with? (singer, songwriter, entertainment company, etc.) 7) How would you like to see the Korean and French music scenes collaborate in the future through K-pop?

[K-enter] TVXQ! renews contract with SM

2025/04/03 14:00

Time for some exciting K-entertainment news with Bella Kim. Bella, we will start with news on a K-pop artist? We are going to talk about BTS member J-hope. J-hope has once again made his mark on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. According to the latest chart released by Billboard on Tuesday, J-hope’s digital single “MONA LISA” debuted at No.65 on the Billboard Hot 100. This marks J-hope’s 7th entry on the Hot 100 chart as a solo artist, tying with fellow BTS member Jungkook for the most entries by a K-pop solo artist. J-hope first entered the Hot 100 in 2019 with “Chicken Noodle Soup” at No.81. And in this year alone, J-hope has achieved the remarkable feat of having three songs enter the Hot 100 -“LV Bag,” “Sweet Dreams,” and now “MONA LISA.” Always so proud to see K-pop artists thrive globally. For our next story, we will move from HYBE to SM who've renewed a deal with one of their top groups. TVXQ! has renewed their contract with SM Entertainment. On Wednesday, SM announced that they have renewed their contract with TVXQ!’s U-KNOW Yunho and MAX Changmin. SM and TVXQ! are continuing a partnership that began from their debut in 2003, marking 22 years together. Yunho said “It’s a nostalgic feeling to continue our journey with SM Entertainment, who has been with us since our debut. We will always strive to show our best to give back the love and support we receive from our fans.” Changmin also shared, “It’s incredibly meaningful to have been with SM Entertainment for over 20 years. We will continue to create an even more impressive future for TVXQ! with the support and strength that SM Entertainment provides us.” Meanwhile, TVXQ! will meet the fans at Tokyo Dome for their concerts from April 25th to 27th. TVXQ! is one of the representative 2nd generation K-pop boy groups who helped in spreading the hallyu wave. And for our last story, we are going to talk about an upcoming film with a "punch?" ‘One Punch Man’ Ma Dong-seok will hunt down demons in the upcoming film “Holy Night: Demon Hunters.” On Wednesday, a press conference for the film was held at Lotte Cinema’s Konguk University branch in Seoul, where the film’s lead actors Ma Dong-seok, Jung Ji-so, Kyung Soo-jin, Seo-hyun, Lee Da-wit, and director Lim Dae-hee attended. “Holy Night” is an occult action film where the ‘Holy Night’ team of dark fixers take on the forces of evil in a city plunged into chaos by a cult that worships evil. We will be able to see Ma Dong-seok throwing his signature ‘nuclear punch’ but this time at demons, instead of humans. Ma didn't just participate in the film as an actor, but also contributed to film making. He said at the press conference that he watched thousands of horror films from all around the world until he got sick of them. One of the main actors, Seo-hyun, a member of Girls’ Generation, will make her screen debut with this film. “Holy Night: Demon Hunters” will hit theaters on April 30th. I feel already bad for the demons that will have to deal with Ma Dong-seok's hard punch. Thank you Bella for today’s stories.

Val Kilmer, Top Gun and Batman star, dies at 65

2025/04/03 10:00

In the United States, renowned actor Val Kilmer passed away on Tuesday night at the age of 65. The cause of death was complications from pneumonia. Kilmer had previously battled throat cancer, diagnosed in 2014, which significantly impacted his health and career. He was celebrated for his performances in iconic films, including Top Gun, in which he played the character "Iceman." He also played the role of the Caped Crusader in Batman Forever. Kilmer is survived by two children, Mercedes and Jack Kilmer, who continue his artistic legacy in the acting industry.

Spring bliss at Bucheon Azalea Festival

2025/04/03 10:00

Spring is finally upon us, meaning more outdoor activities and festivals for us to enjoy. And that being said, our Lee Eun-hee introduces us to a flower festival to check out this weekend. The Bucheon Azalea Festival is blooming. The vibrant pink azaleas have people soaking up the spring vibes. Bucheon City, not too far from Seoul, is hosting this beautiful festival at Bucheon Stadium and Wonmisan Mountain or Wonmisan Azalea Hill. "The trails around Wonmisan Azalea Hill offer a great opportunity to enjoy both the stunning azalea blossoms and the natural beauty of the landscape while hiking. It's the perfect way to soak in the scenery and get some fresh air." "I visit every year. Taking in the scenery brings me a sense of peace. Now, at 72, I find myself reflecting on the beauty of life and the passing of time." "It was my first time to come and see these beautiful flowers, I came to see the azalea blossom. And then I roamed around and saw lots of beautiful flowers. And then I found out the market which was nearby and there I enjoyed the food. It was crowded, but if you want to have beautiful photos for your Instagram or social media, I recommend that you visit here." A key goal of the festival is to boost the local economy by hosting a variety of events and activities, such as making custom azalea-themed bags. "The Azalea Festival is timed to coincide with the spring bloom, transforming open spaces at Bucheon Stadium into interactive attractions. To promote cultural tourism and support the local economy, the festival features a flea market with local artists, small business product sales, and a variety of food trucks." Many other spring blossom festivals across South Korea are still running. Other major festivals include the Daegu E-World Blossom Picnic, Taean Tulip Festival, Jinhae Gunhangjae Festival, and Gokseong World Rose Festival. The Bucheon Azalea Festival will run until April 6th. However, music performances have been canceled as a mark of respect for those affected by the recent tragic wildfires in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. Spring is here, but so are heartbreaking losses. Lee Eun-hee Arirang News.

Spring bliss at Bucheon Azalea Festival

2025/04/02 20:00

Korea is ushering in the sights and sounds of spring. That being said, our Lee Eun-hee sheds light on a flower festival to celebrate this particular season. The Bucheon Azalea Festival is blooming. The vibrant pink azaleas have people soaking up the spring vibes. Bucheon City, not too far from Seoul, is hosting this beautiful festival at Bucheon Stadium and Wonmisan Mountain or Wonmisan Azalea Hill. "The trails around Wonmisan Azalea Hill offer a great opportunity to enjoy both the stunning azalea blossoms and the natural beauty of the landscape while hiking. It's the perfect way to soak in the scenery and get some fresh air." "I visit every year. Taking in the scenery brings me a sense of peace. Now, at 72, I find myself reflecting on the beauty of life and the passing of time." "It was my first time to come and see these beautiful flowers, I came to see the azalea blossom. And then I roamed around and saw lots of beautiful flowers. And then I found out the market which was nearby and there I enjoyed the food. It was crowded, but if you want to have beautiful photos for your Instagram or social media, I recommend that you visit here." A key goal of the festival is to boost the local economy by hosting a variety of events and activities, such as making custom azalea-themed bags. "The Azalea Festival is timed to coincide with the spring bloom, transforming open spaces at Bucheon Stadium into interactive attractions. To promote cultural tourism and support the local economy, the festival features a flea market with local artists, small business product sales, and a variety of food trucks." Many other spring blossom festivals across South Korea are still running. Other major festivals include the Daegu E-World Blossom Picnic, Taean Tulip Festival, Jinhae Gunhangjae Festival, and Gokseong World Rose Festival. The Bucheon Azalea Festival will run until April 6th. However, music performances have been canceled as a mark of respect for those affected by the recent tragic wildfires in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. Spring is here, but so are heartbreaking losses. Lee Eun-hee Arirang News.

Spring bliss at Bucheon Azalea Festival

2025/04/02 17:00

On a light note now. Korea is ushering in the sights and sounds of spring. That being said Lee Eun-hee sheds light on a flower festival to celebrate this particular season. The Bucheon Azalea Festival is blooming. The vibrant pink azaleas have people soaking up the spring vibes. Bucheon City, not too far from Seoul, is hosting this beautiful festival at Bucheon Stadium and Wonmisan Mountain or Wonmisan Azalea Hill. "The trails around Wonmisan Azalea Hill offer a great opportunity to enjoy both the stunning azalea blossoms and the natural beauty of the landscape while hiking. It's the perfect way to soak in the scenery and get some fresh air." "I visit every year. Taking in the scenery brings me a sense of peace. Now, at 72, I find myself reflecting on the beauty of life and the passing of time." "It was my first time to come and see these beautiful flowers, I came to see the azalea blossom. And then I roamed around and saw lots of beautiful flowers. And then I found out the market which was nearby and there I enjoyed the food. It was crowded, but if you want to have beautiful photos for your Instagram or social media, I recommend that you visit here." A key goal of the festival is to boost the local economy by hosting a variety of events and activities, such as making custom azalea-themed bags. "The Azalea Festival is timed to coincide with the spring bloom, transforming open spaces at Bucheon Stadium into interactive attractions. To promote cultural tourism and support the local economy, the festival features a flea market with local artists, small business product sales, and a variety of food trucks." Many other spring blossom festivals across South Korea are still running. Other major festivals include the Daegu E-World Blossom Picnic, Taean Tulip Festival, Jinhae Gunhangjae Festival, and Gokseong World Rose Festival. The Bucheon Azalea Festival will run until April 6th. However, music performances have been canceled as a mark of respect for those affected by the recent tragic wildfires in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. Spring is here, but so are heartbreaking losses. Lee Eun-hee Arirang News.

K-wave AI News

2025/04/02 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Palaces and museums near the Constitutional Court will be closed this Friday, the day of the court's ruling on President Yoon's impeachment. Police plan to enforce the highest-level emergency alert level on that day, completely sealing off the areas surrounding the Constitutional Court to prevent any external access. Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Deoksugung Palace will be closed for the day, with cultural events either postponed or canceled. The royal guard-changing ceremony at Heungnyemun Gate will not take place, while the Starlight Tour at Gyeongbokgung Palace has been rescheduled from April 4th to the 14th. Major museums around Gyeongbokgung Palace and Gwanghwamun Square, including the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History, will also be closed on Friday. Renowned Korean pianist Lim Yun-chan will continue his domestic appearances this summer, following his successful performance at the Tongyeong International Music Festival last week. Lim will collaborate with the Orchestre de Paris under the baton of Klaus Mäkelä this June. According to concert organizer Vincero, Lim will perform with the orchestra at the Seoul Arts Center on June 11, presenting Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 4. That will be reprised at the LG Arts Center on June 13 and at the Lotte Concert Hall on June 15. Known for his technical brilliance and emotional depth, Lim rose to stardom after winning the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition at the age of 18. The musical "Phantom" will mark its 10th anniversary with a special performance at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts this May. Produced by EMK Musical Company, the show will run from May 31 to August 11, featuring Park Hyo-shin, Kai, and Jeon Dong-seok in leading roles. Celebrated singer and musical theater actor Park Hyo-shin returns as the Phantom for the first time in nine years. The role of Christine Daaé, who is guided by the Phantom to become an opera diva, will be played by Lee Ji-hye, Song Eun-hye, and Jang Hye-rin. Premiered in 2015, "Phantom" tells the story of a musical genius with a disfigured appearance, living in hiding beneath the Paris Opera House. Chung Mong-gyu, president of the Korea Football Association, has been appointed as the interim president of the East Asian Football Federation. According to the KFA on Tuesday, Chung was selected to replace former president Kozo Tajima, following his resignation, in a meeting of the EAFF Executive Committee in Tokyo. Chung will serve as interim president until receiving formal approval at the East Asian football body's General Assembly in July and will officially hold the position until March, next year. The KFA explained that it is EAFF policy for the host country of the biennial East Asian Football Tournament to assume the presidency. The association pledged full preparations for this year's tournament, set to be held in Korea this July. That's all from me. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[Short-form] Korea’s enchanting cherry blossom wonderland

2025/04/02 14:00

Discover Korea’s ultimate cherry blossom hotspots, and seize the fleeting beauty before it’s gone!

[K-Correspondent] Hallyu in Cuba, a year after S. Korea and Cuba's establishment of diplomatic ties

2025/04/02 14:00

It's time for our K-correspondent segment where we connect live to a correspondent overseas who fills us in on K-culture issues in their respective country. It’s been a little over a year since South Korea and Cuba’s establishment of diplomatic ties. A move that came as a big surprise to many citizens of both countries and a pleasant surprise in terms of increased opportunities for deeper cultural exchanges. Today, we connect to our K-Correspondent Dayviana Diaz in Cuba to get a glimpse of the past year since Seoul and Havana’s milestone agreement. Q1. Please introduce yourself to ‘The Kulture Wave’ viewers. Q2-1. South Korea and Cuba last month commemorated their first year since forging diplomatic relations in February 2024. How would you compare the atmosphere before and after the establishment of such ties? Q2-2. How about the popularity of the Korean wave ‘hallyu’ in Cuba? Has it grown noticeably? Q3. Could you introduce us to any special places where you can experience Korean culture in Cuba? Q4. This shows the interest Cuban people have for Korean food. Does K-food seem to fit the local palate? Q5. With the opening of South Korea’s Embassy in Cuba earlier this year, what are your expectations for the relationship between Korea and Cuba going forward? We are looking forward to that as well Thank you very much Dayviana for connecting with us. Keep in touch.

[K-enter] Bae Doo-na's 'Virus' finally has a release date after long production

2025/04/02 14:00

It's now time for our daily dose of K-enter news with Walter Lee. And today it's going to get quite entertaining indeed as we have some great acting to report on on various different platforms. I believe we are starting off with some big screen news. Yes, one of my favourite Korean actresses, Bae Doona , and her new movie "Virus" finally sees a release date! Now why do I say "finally sees a release date?" Well, filming was actually completed in 2020, and the film's release was postponed due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Maybe it had something to do with the title "Virus", who knows? Now, "Virus," also starring Kim Yoon-seok , is set to premiere on May 7th, according to distributor By4M Studio on Tuesday. The story follows Taek-seon , a woman infected with a virus that makes people fall in love for no reason. Kim Yoon-seok plays Lee Gyun , the only expert capable of developing a cure. But in my opinion, why would you want a cure for this kind of virus? Spread the love I say! Just by hearing the title I would have never thought it's that kind of virus. But indeed, it probably wouldn’t have been a great idea to release a movie called "Virus" during the COVID era, even though this virus makes people fall in love. From movie to TV series, what's next? On Tuesday, a production presentation for K-content streaming platform TVING and their original series "Way Back Love" was held in Seoul. "Way Back Love" is a drama based on the novel of the same Korean name by writer Seo Eun-chae . This youth fantasy romance drama follows the story of Hee-wan played by Kim Min-ha , who has been drifting through life with no purpose until Ram-woo , her first love who died six years ago, reappears before her, now in the form of the grim reaper. Ram-woo is played by Gong Myung , who is known for films like "Extreme Job" while Kim Min-ha , gained recognition from dramas such as "Pachinko." "Way Back Love" will premiere on TVING on April 3. Two episodes will be released every Thursday. Another drama we hope spreads across the world and fills hallyu lovers' hearts. Okay from the big screen, to the small screen, now to the stage. The original play "Rendezvous" , which premiered last year, returns with a new dazzling cast along with a familiar face. "Rendezvous" is a two-person melodrama that uses cosmic imagination to depict the emotional distance between two wounded individuals who struggle to grow closer. Tae-seop , a rocket scientist who confines himself to his own set of rules to escape painful memories, is portrayed by a star-studded cast including Park Sung-woong , SHINee’s Choi Min-ho , and Park Geon-hyung . Ji-hee , the daughter of a Chinese restaurant owner who seeks freedom through dance, is portrayed by Lee Soo-kyung , Kim Ha-ri , and Beom Do-ha . Among them, Park Sung-woong reprises his role from the original production. "Rendezvous" will run from April 5 to May 11 at the Jayu Small Theater at Seoul Arts Center. It’s definitely a must-watch for theater lovers in Korea. Thank you very much Walter for today's stories. See you back next time!

[Features reporter] Spring bliss at Bucheon Azalea Festival

2025/04/02 14:00

As spring blossoms appear across Korea, flower festivals are welcoming visitors to enjoy the spring scenery to the fullest. Today we go to our News Features Reporter Lee Eun-hee , who is in the midst of breathtaking pink waves of azaleas in full bloom. Hello Eun-hee! Hello Eun-hee, tell us where you are! Hi Soa and Walter! I'm here at the Bucheon Azalea Festival, where vibrant pink azaleas are in full bloom, with people out here just soaking up the spring vibes. Bucheon City, not too far from Seoul, is hosting this beautiful festival at Bucheon Stadium and Wonmi Mountain or Wonmisan Azalea Hill. The trails around Wonmisan Azalea Hill offer a great opportunity to enjoy both the stunning azalea blossoms and the natural beauty of the landscape while hiking. It's the perfect way to soak in the scenery and get some fresh air. Let's hear from some people who are doing just that. "I visit every year. Taking in the scenery brings me a sense of peace. Now, at 72, I find myself reflecting on the beauty of life and the passing of time." "It was my first time to come and see these beautiful flowers, I came to see the azalea blossom. And then I roamed around and saw lots of beautiful flowers. And then I found out the market which was nearby and there I enjoyed the food. it was crowded but if you want to have beautiful photos for your Instagram or social media, I recommend that you visit here." It definitely looks beautiful. Hearing the interviews, there must be other special activities that can be enjoyed at the festival, what are they? Yes Soa. So of course, there are food trucks where you can try out delicious street food. The city is also hosting events to help boost the local economy. There's a flea market where you can explore unique crafts and handmade goods from local artists. Visitors can also enjoy hands-on experiences, like creating their own azalea-themed bags. Additionally, there's a marketplace zone to support local businesses and traditional market vendors. "The Azalea Festival is timed to coincide with the spring bloom, transforming open spaces at Bucheon Stadium into interactive attractions. To promote cultural tourism and support the local economy, the festival features a flea market with local artists, small business product sales, and a variety of food trucks." It's wonderful to see festivals that bring both entertainment and a boost to the local economy! Are there any other flower festivals you can introduce to us? Yes Walter. Besides azaleas, the city is hosting other spring flower festivals, celebrating cherry blossoms, peach blossoms, tulips, and roses from mid-April to early June, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of spring in stages. I would also like to introduce a few other major festivals across South Korea that you can visit. Most of them have already started and are still running. If you visit the city of Daegu, you can experience one of the best nighttime cherry blossom displays. Another must-see is the Tulip Festival in Taean, Chungcheongnam-do Province, where over 2 million colorful tulips bloom, marking the arrival of spring. Next is the Jinhae Gunhangjae Festival, one of South Korea's most famous cherry blossom festivals, held in the Jinhae-gu District of Gyeongsangnam-do Province. Last but not least, the rose festival in Jeollanam-do Province held at Gokseong County's landmark Train Village showcases over 1-thousand varieties of roses. This festival takes place in May, making it the perfect spring event to look forward to. Going back to the azalea festival, the weather is perfect, the energy is great, and it's definitely a must-visit festival. It will run until this Sunday, April 6th, so don't miss out! I do want to note that some festivals are being delayed or canceled due to various issues in the country, including the tragic wildfires in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. This festival in Bucheon also canceled its opening ceremony, which included music performances, as a mark of respect for those affected by the fires. Yes of course, Eun-hee. Spring is here, flowers are here but there are also tragic incidents that need our attention. We do however also hope that business owners, event planners or performers won't be affected too much by such cancellations. Thank you Eun-hee for being out there today! Thank you Eun-hee.

A rare crimson red diamond unveiled at Smithsonian Natural History Museum

2025/04/02 10:00

Finally, on Tuesday local time, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in the U.S. unveiled the Winston Red Diamond, a 2.33-carat gem recognized as one of the world's largest Fancy Red diamonds. Donated by Ronald Winston, son of renowned jeweler Harry Winston, the rare diamond is now on public display in the museum's Harry Winston Gallery alongside 40 other colorful diamonds. Fancy red diamonds are exceptionally rare, with researchers estimating their occurrence is fewer than one in 25 million diamonds. The deep crimson hue results from unique alterations in its crystal structure under extreme pressure and temperature conditions.

Paik Nam-june exhibitions to commemorate 20th anniversary of his death

2025/04/01 17:00

On the cultural front. Paik Nam-june was an influential artist of his time known for his pioneering video art using television sets. For those of you hoping to delve into his artistic depictions a gallery bearing his name is scheduled to start a relevant showcase this month. Lee Eun-jin reports. On New Year's Day of 1984, the first international "satellite art" installation was presented by Korean-American artist Paik Nam-june. Setting out to counter George Orwell's depressing portrayal of television in the novel "1984," the live broadcast of the satellite art production from New York was simultaneously aired in Korea, and the live broadcast from Paris was also aired in real-time to Germany. Featuring pop music videos, dance and video art, the piece, called "Good Morning, Mr. Orwell" combined live and taped segments, along with TV graphics designed by Paik himself. The breakthrough attempt of its time was an astounding success, reaching an audience of over 25 million viewers worldwide. Painting with his hair, or dragging a violin through the streets, then setting it on fire, Paik Nam-june broke stereotypes with his eccentricity. Paik's Robot K-456, first displayed in 1964, was his first work that took shape of a robot, which opened questions of humanity amid advancing technology. "He was an artist that suggested how new technology could change the world. Above all, he made such predictions from such a euphoric and optimistic perspective." Paik Nam-june shifted away from traditional ideas and pioneered a new genre called "video art" by breaking down the boundaries between technology and art. In the 1970s when black and white analogue TVs were still the norm, Paik was ahead of his time, as if he had an insight into the hyper-connected era we live in today. "The most internationally famous K-culture content before PSY was that of Paik Nam-june. As a future-thinking artist, he very insightfully showed how society would change with the development of technology and what the roles of artists and communication will be in that world." Efforts to display Paik Nam-june's journey have been underway for years. And for this year, the first was an exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art Busan that ended on March 16th. It was the largest exhibition since Paik's death, and was visited by 122-thousand visitors. The Nam June Paik Art Center continues to hold events and exhibitions to showcase the artist's experimental mindset. Many are interested to see how Paik Nam-june's ideas were realized with the help of his collaborators. "The role that Paik played was like the conductor of an orchestra. Under his direction were very, very talented collaborators who came together to produce these projects. And their passion and efforts have been documented." The 'Play it Again, Paik' exhibition will feature recordings of his past interviews. It will open on April 10th at the Nam June Paik Art Center, and run into next year. The 2023 film titled 'Nam June Paik: The Moon Is the Oldest TV' is screening at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art as part of its 'Moment of Creation -The Artist's Studio' a collection of eight films that show artists creating new works. This program will run until May 24th. Lee Eunjin, Arirang News.