News

Baby panda cub twins capture hearts at their public debut in Hong Kong

2025/02/18 10:00

Finally, to Hong Kong, where its first locally born giant panda twins were revealed to the public for the first time. The six-month-old cubs, born in August 2024, were introduced to large crowds at Hong Kong's Ocean Park over the weekend. The two baby pandas are currently referred to as "Elder Sister" and "Little Brother," but a public contest to name them has been launched, and the submissions will open until March 7. The so-called "panda economy" is expected to boost tourism and local businesses in the city.

"Squid Game" production designer Chae Kyoung-sun wins ADG Award for season 2

2025/02/17 17:00

On the entertainment front. Squid Game Season Two's production designer has been honored with an Art Directors Guild award. Chae Kyoung-sun won the award in the "One-Hour Contemporary Single-Camera Series" category at a ceremony on Saturday in LA. The Art Directors Guild Awards acknowledges excellence in production design for both small and big screens. Chae also clinched an Art Directors Guild award for exceptional visuals in Squid Game Season One.

K-wave AI News

2025/02/17 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Sales of MUDS, museum merchandise inspired by cultural heritage, have surpassed 20 billion won, or roughly 14 million U.S. dollars for the first time. The name "MUDS" combines the words "museum" and "goods." The National Museum Foundation of Korea says MUDS generated over 21 billion won in revenue last year, marking a 42% increase from the previous year. Interest from international visitors is also growing, with foreign customers accounting for nearly 17% of total MUDS sales at museums last year, up from just 6% in 2020. To cater to global demand, the foundation has launched an international online shop, offering 50 flagship products to customers in over 220 countries. Explore the collection at www.muds.kr. The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art has named Yang Jung-uk the winner of the Korea Artist Prize 2024. His kinetic sculptures weave storytelling with warmth, reflecting his vision of an ideal life. The judging panel described his work as "a powerful reminder of art's ability to provide comfort" and highlighted "the deeply moving interplay between large-scale and intimate pieces." Each year, the museum selects four visual artists, offering them opportunities to exhibit their works before choosing a final winner. The exhibition, featuring works by Yang Jung-uk, along with fellow nominees Yoon Ji-young, Kwon Ha-yoon, and Jane Jin Kaisen, runs at MMCA Seoul through March 23. Poetry by Korean grandmothers from a small rural town has come to life on stage, captivating audiences with warm humor and heartfelt reflections on life. The musical, "Ojige Jaemitneun Gasinadeul," follows elderly women attending a literacy school in Chilgok, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, as they rediscover their voices through poetry. It reimagines their remarkable journey of learning to read and write for the first time at the age of over 70, radiating a sense of empowerment. Adapted from the documentary "Chilgok Gasinadeul," the production had a showcase in 2023 before making its full-stage debut this week, after three years in the making. Director Oh Kyung-taek noted that while creating a show that resonates across generations is challenging, he firmly believes this one succeeds. The performance runs through February 27. That's all from me. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.

K-pop album sales analysis

2025/02/17 14:00

K-pop fever hasn't cooled off. Global demand is still growing with K-pop-related sales generally doing well. BUT, lately, there’s been a decrease in sales of music ALBUMS. Today, we want to analyze this shift with Jeff Benjamin, a K-pop expert and contributor to Billboard, Forbes, Rolling Stone, and more. Hello Jeff! Q1. Figures released earlier this month showed that K-pop album sales last year declined (There was a slight rise in album exports by 0.5%) What caused this drop? Q2. What’s your assessment of this change? Q3. Last year, K-pop idols were more active overseas than ever before, resulting in a surge in K-pop concert sales. So, can we say the K-pop market is still growing and what’s the connection between increased performances and the decrease in album sales? Q4. So, could we say fans' perception of album purchases is changing? Q5. Some also attribute the downward trend in album sales to the hiatus of K-pop giants like BTS and BLACKPINK. BUT BTS and BLACKPINK are set to RETURN in the second half of the year. So how much of an impact do they have on these sales of albums? Q6. It looks like it’s difficult to draw a correlation between K-pop growth and record sales from hereon. Are we expecting changes in the K-pop industry based on that?

[K-enter] Korean actor Kim Sae-ron dies aged 24

2025/02/17 14:00

It's now time for K-enter news with Walter Lee. The first story is one we wish we didn't have to report on. Yes, Korea is mourning the loss of Korean star Kim Sae-ron , as the 24-year-old actor was found dead at her residence in Seungsu-dong by a friend at around 4:50 PM on Sunday. As of now, police are still investigating Kim's death however they have said that there appears to be no forced entry into the house or signs of foul play. Kim first debuted as a child model in 2001 and later made her acting debut at the age of 9 in "A Brand New Life", however it wasn't until 2010 when she gained massive notoriety in the popular Korean movie "The Man from Nowhere" alongside Won Bin . However, in May 2022, she was heavily criticized after causing an accident while driving under the influence near Cheongdam-dong , Gangnam-gu, Seoul. She crashed into a roadside electrical transformer and a tree before fleeing the scene. Following the incident, she was bombarded with malicious comments from the public regarding her actions. Kim attempted to return to the spotlight with a stage performance but had to withdraw from projects due to health concerns. We here at the Kulture Wave and Arirang send our deepest condolences to Kim Sae-ron's family and friends. Moving onto an act of kindness from a veteran K-star. It was recently revealed that Korean actor and businessman Bae Yong-joon , donated 3 billion KRW, just over 2 million U.S. dollars, to the Yonsei University Health System. According to a report on Sunday, Yonsei University Health System announced in a newsletter, published in December last year, that Bae had donated the money for the development of its medical center. Bae stated, "Despite the challenging circumstances in the medical field, I decided to contribute in hopes that the medical center will continue to develop and grow into a leading institution in future medicine." Yonsei University Health System plans to use the donation for the center's development and to cover medical expenses for teenagers and infants from low-income backgrounds. Bae debuted as an actor in 1994 and gained immense popularity in 2002 with the KBS drama "Winter Sonata", which was said to be a key factor in the rise of Hallyu . And moving onto our last K-enter news of the day and we are going to K-pop. Girl group LE SSERAFIM is set to release their fifth mini-album, HOT, at 1 PM on March 14. This marks a return seven months after their previous release, CRAZY. At midnight on Monday, LE SSERAFIM announced their upcoming album through the fan interaction site Weverse. The new album embodies the group’s passionate attitude of giving their all to what they love. LE SSERAFIM is a five-member girl group that debuted in May 2022. They have released hit songs such as ANTIFRAGILE, UNFORGIVEN, EASY, and Perfect Night. Another HOT group's album to look forward to soon and easy to remember, as it's White Day in Korea. Thank you for today's K-enter news Walter, stick around.

[Features reporter] What happens when K-pop gets a classic makeover?

2025/02/17 14:00

Yoo-jin, what do you have for us today? There's a saying: 'Don't be afraid to try something new. It might just become the best thing you ever do.' And here in Korea, a concert that took place last Friday and Saturday is proof of that. To give you a sneak peek, it was a bold fusion of two very different musical worlds. Take a look. This 2007 hit by SM Entertainment's girl group Girls' Generation, "Into the New World," has jumped into a new world -the world of classical music. Since 2020, SM Entertainment and the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra have teamed up, with eight classical renditions of songs by artists such as SHINee, Red Velvet, and aespa. Now, they've brought the world's first-ever K-pop orchestra live concert to Seoul. "It's the first of a kind in that the entire setlist performed by the orchestra is K-pop songs. So we're very proud of that." Performing over a dozen K-pop songs, is a new experience for everyone, starting with arranging the music. The key was to keep the original while adding originality. "When arranging, we sample works by famous classical music composers. We looked for pieces that would blend well with the original K-pop track to stay true to the original and highlight the classical elements." Then, it was practice, practice, and more practice until every note hit the mark. "We watched the original performance videos and compared them to the sheet music. Our goal was to bring the lyrics, rhythms, melodies, and emotional depth of the K-pop tracks into our orchestral performance." Finding this new groove wasn't easy. The orchestra's associate concertmaster compares it to learning a new language. "Because we're so used to playing all the you know normal classics Beethoven, Mahler, Brahms you know, and then now you know all these K-pop songs, so it's been a little bit challenging in a way." But in the end, they discovered the beauty of crossing genres and unlocking new potential. "We're taking K-pop's flashy performance and transforming it into something you can appreciate with just your ears. We're not just playing melodies. We're reimagining K-pop as 21st-century orchestral music. Even if you're not familiar with the original songs, you'll find something to enjoy." Two genres, worlds apart, have come together to strike a chord, creating something groundbreaking, making classics trendy, and turning trends into timeless classics. What a unique experience. We did report on the SM Town concert marking SM Entertainment's 30th anniversary before but this was totally different. It really sounds like the audience would have gotten the best of both worlds. But for those who didn't make it, is there any way they can still experience this collaboration? Luckily, there is. Last month, SM Classics released its first full album, "Across the World." It's available on major music platforms like Spotify, iTunes, and Apple Music. The album features 14 songs, including some were performed at these concerts. When asked which songs stood out, Conductor Kim mentioned aespa's "Black Mamba" and SHINee's "Sherlock," while the arrangers picked Red Velvet's "Feel My Rhythm." All three are on the album. And is there anything more we can look forward to in the near future? There's more to come. This September, Seoul Philharmonic will collaborate with Jung Jae-il, the composer behind the Squid Game soundtrack, to perform his latest works. It’ll be fascinating to see how the orchestra reinterprets contemporary music once again. That sounds like something to mark on the calendar. Thank you for your report today, Yoo-jin. Always a pleasure.

‘Captain America: Brave New World’ soars toward US$ 100 mil. holiday weekend opening

2025/02/17 10:00

Finally in the United States, Marvel Studios' latest release, "Captain America: Brave New World," has delivered box office success during its opening weekend with the highest-ranking domestic debut of the year. The film garnered 88.5 million U.S. dollars domestically over the three-day period, with projections estimating a total of 100 million dollars by the end of the four-day President's Day holiday on Monday. Internationally, it accumulated an additional 92.4 million dollars. This performance also marks the fourth-best President's Day holiday opening on record.

How K-pop is going classic

2025/02/17 10:00

The art of blending genres is redefining the music scene. K-pop is now moving to a whole new level by going classic. Our Song Yoo-jin shows us what happens when K-pop meets classical music. This 2007 hit by SM Entertainment's girl group Girls' Generation, "Into the New World," has jumped into a new world -the world of classical music. Since 2020, SM Entertainment and the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra have teamed up, with eight classical renditions of songs by artists such as SHINee, 레드벨벳, and aespa. Now, they've brought the world's first-ever K-pop orchestra live concert to Seoul. "It's the first of a kind in that the entire setlist performed by the orchestra is K-pop songs. So we're very proud of that." Performing over a dozen K-pop songs, is a new experience for everyone, starting with arranging the music. The key was to keep the original while adding originality. "When arranging, we sample works by famous classical music composers. We looked for pieces that would blend well with the original K-pop track to stay true to the original and highlight the classical elements." Then, it was practice, practice, and more practice until every note hit the mark. "We watched the original performance videos and compared them to the sheet music. Our goal was to bring the lyrics, rhythms, melodies, and emotional depth of the K-pop tracks into our orchestral performance." Finding this new groove wasn't easy. The orchestra's associate concertmaster compares it to learning a new language. "Because we're so used to playing all the you know normal classics Beethoven, Mahler, Brahms you know, and then now you know all these K-pop songs, so it's been a little bit challenging in a way." But in the end, they discovered the beauty of crossing genres and unlocking new potential. "We're taking K-pop's flashy performance and transforming it into something you can appreciate with just your ears. We're not just playing melodies. We're reimagining K-pop as 21st-century orchestral music. Even if you're not familiar with the original songs, you'll find something to enjoy." Two genres, worlds apart, have come together to strike a chord, creating something groundbreaking, making classics trendy, and turning trends into timeless classics. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.

[Arts & Culture] What happens when K-pop gets a classic makeover?

2025/02/14 20:00

Friday means it's time for our Arts and Culture segment. We're joined by our culture correspondent Song Yoo-jin in the studio. Welcome! Great to be here! What do you have for us today? There's a saying: 'Don't be afraid to try something new. It might just become the best thing you ever do.' And here in Korea, a concert taking place today and tomorrow is proof of that. Today, I have a sneak peek of a bold fusion of two very different musical worlds. Take a look. This 2007 hit by SM Entertainment's girl group Girls' Generation, "Into the New World," has jumped into a new world -the world of classical music. Since 2020, SM Entertainment and the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra have teamed up, with eight classical renditions of songs by artists such as SHINee, Red Velvet, and aespa. Now, they've brought the world's first-ever K-pop orchestra live concert to Seoul. "It's the first of a kind in that the entire setlist performed by the orchestra is K-pop songs. So we're very proud of that." Performing over a dozen K-pop songs, is a new experience for everyone, starting with arranging the music. The key was to keep the original while adding originality. "When arranging, we sample works by famous classical music composers. We looked for pieces that would blend well with the original K-pop track to stay true to the original and highlight the classical elements." Then, it was practice, practice, and more practice until every note hit the mark. "We watched the original performance videos and compared them to the sheet music. Our goal was to bring the lyrics, rhythms, melodies, and emotional depth of the K-pop tracks into our orchestral performance." Finding this new groove wasn't easy. The orchestra's associate concertmaster compares it to learning a new language. "Because we're so used to playing all the you know normal classics Beethoven, Mahler, Brahms you know, and then now you know all these K-pop songs, so it's been a little bit challenging in a way." But in the end, they discovered the beauty of crossing genres and unlocking new potential. "We're taking K-pop's flashy performance and transforming it into something you can appreciate with just your ears. We're not just playing melodies. We're reimagining K-pop as 21st-century orchestral music. Even if you're not familiar with the original songs, you'll find something to enjoy." Two genres, worlds apart, have come together to strike a chord, creating something groundbreaking, making classics trendy, and turning trends into timeless classics. It really sounds like the audience will get the best of both worlds. As you mentioned in your report, this concert is taking place today and tomorrow. Can you tell us a bit more about what the audience can expect? Of course! The first concert is happening right now. It started at 8 PM Korea time at the Seoul Arts Center, which is just about a 10-minute walk from our station. Tomorrow's concert will be held at Lotte Concert Hall in Seoul's Songpa-gu District, starting at 5 PM. Tickets are available both online and at the venue. SPO will be performing 16 to 17 songs by SM artists. What's notable is that SHINee's Minho will host both concerts and Red Velvet's Wendy will join the orchestra to perform her solo songs during Saturday's show. But for those who can't make it, is there any way they can still experience this collaboration? Luckily, there is. Last month, SM Classics released its first full album, "Across the World." It's available on major music platforms like Spotify, iTunes, and Apple Music. The album features 14 songs, including some that are being performed at these concerts. When asked which songs stood out, Conductor Kim mentioned aespa's "Black Mamba" and SHINee's "Sherlock," while the arrangers picked Red Velvet's "Feel My Rhythm." All three are on the album, and you can hear them live at the concerts as well. And there's more to come. This September, Seoul Philharmonic will collaborate with Jung Jae-il, the composer behind the Squid Game soundtrack, to perform his latest works. It'll be fascinating to see how the orchestra reinterprets contemporary music once again. That sounds like something to mark on the calendar. Thank you for your report today, Yoo-jin. Always a pleasure.

Enjoying Dasik, traditional Korean sweets

2025/02/14 20:00

It's Valentine's Day today, and for those of you here in South Korea seeking perhaps a sweet traditional twist for this day, our Ahn Sung-jin was out and about. Do take a look. “On Valentine’s Day, February 14th, it’s common to see stores with large displays of chocolate and candy. But for those that are looking for something different, Korean traditional sweets can be the answer.” Boxes of colorful, visually appealing sweets these are known as Dasik. A popular snack during the Joseon dynasty, Dasik was also one of King Jeongjo's favorites. The cookie is made by kneading grain powder with honey. Most of the ingredients consist of all-natural ingredients. For example, grain powder can be made with grains, beans, sesame seeds and Barbary fig. These powders are beaten into finer particles and mixed with honey to create a dense dough texture. Once the consistency is there, they’re put into shaping tools to create delicate patterns of flowers, the Taegeuk emblem from the national flag or other traditional images. These days, shapes can be formed through a simple version of stamps. Nowadays these Korean traditional sweets can be overshadowed by modern desserts. That’s why Lee Yoon-sook works on keeping these alive. “I teach these classes with the hope that not only can people these days easily access our traditions, but also to blend aspects of Korean tradition and modernity in harmony.” So for those who aren’t familiar with these traditional sweets yet, why not give them a try. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.

How K-pop is going classic

2025/02/14 17:00

Meanwhile the art of blending genres is REDEFINING the MUSIC scene. In fact our culture correspondent Song Yoo-jin highlights the efforts here to offer audiences the chance to indulge in beautiful classical renditions of popular K-pop songs. Do take a listen. This 2007 hit by SM Entertainment's girl group Girls' Generation, "Into the New World," has jumped into a new world -the world of classical music. Since 2020, SM Entertainment and the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra have teamed up, with eight classical renditions of songs by artists such as SHINee, Red Velvet, and aespa. Now, they've brought the world's first-ever K-pop orchestra live concert to Seoul. "It's the first of a kind in that the entire setlist performed by the orchestra is K-pop songs. So we're very proud of that." Performing over a dozen K-pop songs, is a new experience for everyone, starting with arranging the music. The key was to keep the original while adding originality. "When arranging, we sample works by famous classical music composers. We looked for pieces that would blend well with the original K-pop track to stay true to the original and highlight the classical elements." Then, it was practice, practice, and more practice until every note hit the mark. "We watched the original performance videos and compared them to the sheet music. Our goal was to bring the lyrics, rhythms, melodies, and emotional depth of the K-pop tracks into our orchestral performance." Finding this new groove wasn't easy. The orchestra's associate concertmaster compares it to learning a new language. "Because we're so used to playing all the you know normal classics Beethoven, Mahler, Brahms you know, and then now you know all these K-pop songs, so it's been a little bit challenging in a way." But in the end, they discovered the beauty of crossing genres and unlocking new potential. "We're taking K-pop's flashy performance and transforming it into something you can appreciate with just your ears. We're not just playing melodies. We're reimagining K-pop as 21st-century orchestral music. Even if you're not familiar with the original songs, you'll find something to enjoy." Two genres, worlds apart, have come together to strike a chord, creating something groundbreaking, making classics trendy, and turning trends into timeless classics. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.

Enjoying Dasik, traditional Korean sweets

2025/02/14 17:00

And it's Valentine's Day today and for those of you here in South Korea seeking perhaps a sweet traditional twist to celebrate this day of love my colleague Ahn Sung-jin was out and about. Do take a look. "On Valentine's Day, February 14th, it's common to see stores with large displays of chocolate and candy. But for those that are looking for something different, Korean traditional sweets can be the answer." Boxes of colorful, visually appealing sweets --these are known as Dasik. A popular snack during the Joseon dynasty, Dasik was also one of King Jeongjo's favorites. The cookie is made by kneading grain powder with honey. Most of the ingredients consist of all-natural ingredients. For example, grain powder can be made with grains, beans, sesame seeds and Barbary fig. These powders are beaten into finer particles and mixed with honey to create a dense dough texture. Once the consistency is there, they're put into shaping tools to create delicate patterns of flowers, the Taegeuk emblem from the national flag or other traditional images. These days, shapes can be formed through a simple version of stamps. Nowadays these Korean traditional sweets can be overshadowed by modern desserts. That's why Lee Yoon-sook works on keeping these alive. "I teach these classes with the hope that not only can people these days easily access our traditions, but also to blend aspects of Korean tradition and modernity in harmony." So for those who aren't familiar with these traditional sweets yet, why not give them a try. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.

[Features reporter] Enjoying dasik, traditional Korean sweets

2025/02/14 14:00

Sung-jin, I can already sense a sort of sweetness in the air for today’s topic because I heard you got the chance to taste something great! Absolutely, but first of all, happy Valentine’s Day! I’m sure you’re all familiar with what day it is. Have you guys gotten anything for today? Well today I want to introduce you guys to a gift that's an alternative to chocolate. “On Valentine’s Day, February 14th, it’s common to see stores with large displays of chocolate and candy. But for those that are looking for something different, Korean traditional sweets can be the answer.” Boxes of colorful, visually appealing sweets these are known as dasik. A popular snack during the Joseon dynasty, dasik was also one of King Jeongjo's favorites. The cookie is made by kneading grain powder with honey. Most of the ingredients consist of all-natural ingredients. For example, grain powder can be made with grains, beans, sesame seeds and Barbary fig. These powders are beaten into finer particles and mixed with honey to create a dense dough texture. Once the consistency is there, they’re put into shaping tools to create delicate patterns of flowers, the Taegeuk emblem from the national flag or other traditional images. These days, shapes can be formed through a simple version of stamps. Nowadays these Korean traditional sweets can be overshadowed by modern desserts. That’s why Lee Yoon-sook works on keeping these alive. “I teach these classes with the hope that not only can people these days easily access our traditions, but also to blend aspects of Korean tradition and modernity in harmony.” So for those who aren’t familiar with these traditional sweets yet, why not give them a try. I would love to give it a try. My mouth was watering while watching your report. And that is why I have brought a box for you guys to have a taste. As you saw from the report, they’re very colorful and very nicely made. Now, as I mentioned, it's common to give chocolate to each other on Valentine's Day but why not something tasty and Korean? Could you introduce some other examples of traditional Korean sweets? Absolutely, more than excited to. Something similar to Dasik is Yakgwa which is also a traditional type of Korean cookie made from flour, honey, sesame oil and ginger. These small treats are deep-fried and then soaked in syrup to make a sticky but chewy dessert. Now this one used to be eaten during ancestral rites or celebrations, but nowadays it’s common to see it being served as a dessert. Gaeseong juak which is my current go-to snack is a traditional Korean rice donut that is deep fried and coated in syrup. They’re very chewy and sweet. Since you also went to a studio to make these, I’m sure these are a great ways to become familiar with Korean traditions as well. Right Soa! Not only is the dessert itself a good way to expose yourself to the tradition, but studios like the one I went to provide opportunities for both foreigners and locals to try making them. Thanks for introducing another traditional and tasty Korean sweet for us to enjoy today! Had so much fun myself! See you guys soon.

[K-enter] Jisoo is back with solo mini-album "AMORTAGE"

2025/02/14 14:00

Time for some K-entertainment news with Bella Kim. Today we start off with a story on BLACKPINK member Jisoo! Yes, we talked several times on our show about Jisoo’s comeback. Well, the day is finally here! She released her solo mini-album “AMORTAGE” on Friday. This album marks Jisoo’s first solo release in nearly two years after her last single “ME” in 2023. It’s also the first album released under her own label, BLISSOO, where she is the only artist. The album title combines the Spanish word for love, “Amor,” with “Montage,” a film editing technique that stitches together different scenes. The album features four tracks in total. Two Korean songs: “earthquake” and “TEARS” and two English songs: “Your Love” and “Hugs & Kisses.” The track “earthquake” captures the excitement of new love and intense emotions for a partner. It’s also notable that Jisoo participated in the production of all tracks on the album. To celebrate the release, Jisoo hosts a fan event, “SOO IN LOVE,” at CGV Cheongdam Cinecity in Seoul this evening. She will also embark on a fan meeting tour across seven Asian cities, including Manila, Bangkok and Tokyo. Can't wait to hear her mini album, which should be out now as the release time is 2 p.m. Korea time. Next, we have an impressive record by a Korean movie? The film “Bogota: City of the Lost” topped Netflix’s Non-English Language Film category. According to its distributor, Plus M Entertainment, on Thursday, “Bogota” recorded 13 million views on the first week of February, ranking first in Netflix’s non-English language film category, and second in the combined ranking of English-speaking and non-English-speaking films. It ranked first in 10 countries, including Korea and Colombia, which is the background of the movie, and also made the top 10 in 73 countries. “Bogota” is a crime story about a boy, Kook-hee, played by Song Joong-ki, who headed to Bogota, Colombia, immediately after the 1997 financial crisis. It actually did not do so good in theaters as it only collected 420-thousand audience views in total, far below its break-even point of 3 million. But it’s great to see it doing well on Netflix. And we stay on the topic of film for our last story as well and this one IS doing well at the cinemas? The hit movie, “Hitman 2” will premiere in 54 countries around the globe. The film already premiered in the U.S and Canada, and will continue with its release in Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam and other countries. The sequel to the 2020 movie “Hitman” is a story of Jun, a secret agent-turned-cartoonist, who is framed for a terrorist attack that mimics his newly released online comic. It stars Kwon Sang-woo, Jung Jun-ho, Lee Yi-kyung and more. “Hitman 2” succeeded in breaking the break-even point last week and is currently in second place at the Korean Box Office. I was able to catch it in theaters, and it’s hilarious, so if it premieres in your own country, make sure to watch it! Thank you Bella for today’s stories.

75th Berlin Film Festival opens on Thursday

2025/02/13 17:00

And in Germany. Curtains went up for this year's 11-day Berlin Film Festival back on Thursday with seven Korean productions on the invitation list. Among them director Bong Joon-ho's latest sci-fi film "Mickey 17" starring Robert Pattinson has been invited.. for the non-competitive special gala section and will be screened this coming Saturday. Meanwhile director Hong Sang-soo's 33rd film "What does that nature say to you?" is scheduled under the competitive section with its screening to be take place next Thursday that is February 20th.

K-wave AI News

2025/02/13 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Let's dive into the first story. Korean ballerino Park Youn-jae held a press conference after his historic win at the prestigious Prix de Lausanne in Switzerland, sharing his thoughts on the achievement. He said that he believes individuality, a unique style, and the courage to believe in oneself and move forward were key factors in the competition's scoring. He also expressed his desire to dance freely around the world without being tied to one place. Culture Minister Yu In-chon congratulated Park on his victory, calling it a "great step in showcasing the strength and prestige of Korean ballet on the global stage." The 75th Berlin International Film Festival kicks off on Thursday, local time, with a lineup of Korean films set to captivate audiences. The most anticipated film is director Bong Joon-ho's Hollywood sci-fi movie "Mickey 17," which has been invited to the Special Gala section to be screened on Saturday. The festival described Bong as the "writer and director of Parasite, once again delivering a dazzling cinematic experience." Director Hong Sang-soo, a regular at Berlinale, enters the competition section with his 33rd feature film, "What Does That Nature Say to You," which will premiere next Thursday. Meanwhile, director Min Kyu-dong's vengeance-thriller "The Old Woman With The Knife" will have its world premiere as a late-night Berlinale Special. The 13th Diaspora Film Festival will take place across Incheon in May. Organized by the Incheon Film Commission, the festival has been held annually since 2013 to promote the values of diversity and tolerance, spotlighting the experiences of migrants and refugees facing discrimination. The commission says the number of domestic and international submissions hit a record high this year. In addition to the festival's regular venues, such as Korea's first indoor theater, Aekwan Multiplex Cinema, and Incheon Art Platform, this year's event will also include screenings at Incheon Milim Theater, a beloved local cinema with deep ties to the community. The full lineup and special programs will be unveiled on the festival's official website in early May. That's all from me. Keep it tuned to Arirang.

[Hallyu People] Sijo celebrated in U.S. to mark "World Sijo Poetry Day"

2025/02/13 14:00

1) The Sejong Cultural Society hosted a celebration marking "World Sijo Poetry Day" last Friday. Please tell us a bit about this event, as well as your organization. 2) For our global viewers, what defines "sijo"? Also, there is a specific reason for why "Sijo Poetry Day" falls on February 7th? 3) What's behind the idea of bringing sijo (among many other Korean cultural aspects) to America? (Was there a specific incident?) 4) A variety of sijo events have been held so far. One of the most interesting is the sending of sijo poems into space? What's that about? 5) You've been involved in raising awareness of sijo for close to two decades now. During that time, the Korean wave has become a global phenomenon. Has that helped in raising further interest in sijo in the U.S.? 6) I can imagine it's not easy to teach Korean sijo to Americans due to the unique rhythm. How do you teach it? 7) Would it be possible if we could hear a sijo from you? 8) What do you ultimately hope to accomplish by bringing sijo into American society and could you also share some of your future plans of the Sejong Cultural Society in terms of spreading awareness of Korean culture?

[K-enter] NJZ Hanni Secures A New South Korean Visa

2025/02/13 14:00

Time for some K-entertainment news with Bella Kim. Our first story for today is about one of the members of NJZ, or still known to many as NewJeans? Hanni has received a new visa to stay in South Korea. According to the Instagram account managed by NJZ members' parents, Hanni, a Vietnamese-Australian, received a new visa this Tuesday after her previous visa reportedly expired earlier this month. Foreigners wishing to work in the local entertainment industry are required to obtain an E-6 visa, which typically allows for a stay of up to two years. The Instagram post did not state the type of visa Hanni received. The parents also mentioned that the group's agency, ADOR, pressured Hanni and the parents to sign a visa extension agreement that stated ADOR as Hanni's agency, saying that she is at risk of becoming an illegal resident. Meanwhile, NJZ rebranded itself last week after a dispute with ADOR although ADOR had expressed its discontent towards that rebranding as Walter reported earlier this week. Their first performance under the new name will be at the music festival "ComplexCon" in Hong Kong next month. Next we have another story on some other female artists? That's right. On Wednesday it was revealed that girl group aespa and Jennie from BLACKPINK are set to be honored at the 2025 Billboard Women in Music awards. Jennie will receive the 'Global Force Award.' According to Billboard, Jennie has taken over the charts and stages across the world, both as a member of BLACKPINK and as a solo artist. She is gearing up to release her debut solo album, "Ruby," on March 7th. Another winner, aespa, will receive the 'Group of the Year' award as they were recognized for expanding their global tour and releasing their album, "Armageddon," in May 2024. Billboard Women in Music celebrates the incredible women who continue to drive innovation, inspire change, and reshape the future of music. Girl group Twice and NJZ are previous winners. The 2025 Billboard Women in Music award ceremony will take place on March 29th at YouTube Theater in Hollywood Park, California. Our last story for today is on a new movie or should I say concert? "Lee Chan-won Concert Changa: Dear My Chance," a concert film about trot singer Lee Chan-won, will premiere on the 26th of this month. The film will show Lee Chan-won's energetic and passionate performances along with his life stories. His first concert film will also include behind-the-scenes of his concert tour. Lee Chan-won's 2024 nationwide tour, "Changa," was held in 8 different cities, including Seoul, Incheon, Busan, and Daegu. The film, "Lee Chan-won Concert Changa: Dear My Chance," will premiere on February 26th, exclusively at CGV theaters. Thank you Bella for today's stories. Now let's find out what our AI anchor Ari has in store for other culture-related news.

Taiwan lantern festivals begin celebrating Year of the Snake

2025/02/13 10:00

Finally, to Taiwan, where the 2025 Taiwan Lantern Festival for the Year of the Snake officially began on Wednesday, with an opening ceremony held in Taoyuan City. Daily light shows and a variety of lantern displays will be held across Taoyuan's 13 districts from 6 to 10 PM until February 23. The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival in New Taipei City also attracted thousands of visitors who participated in the release of illuminated lanterns into the night sky. The tradition symbolizes peace and prosperity for the new year.

Private jets collide at airport in Arizona, killing at least 1 person

2025/02/12 10:00

Now to the U.S. state of Arizona, where one person died and at least three others were injured on Monday afternoon local time when a private jet collided with another aircraft. The private jet, owned by Vince Neil the lead singer of rock band Motley Crue, collided with a parked plane as it was landing at Scottsdale Municipal Airport. The arriving jet reportedly veered off the runway before crashing. Two pilots and two passengers were onboard Neil's jet, and one person was in the parked jet. Three people were taken to hospital for treatment. Neil was not on the plane.