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[K-Correspondent] Fostering cultural exchange between Korea and the Philippines through Hangeul exhibition

2025/02/12 14:00

Once a week we connect live to a correspondent overseas who fills us in on K-culture news in their respective country. Today, we go over to the Philippines where a special exhibition on Korean culture more specifically "Hangeul" is underway. Our correspondent Jellaine Buen-Melgar, Educational Administrative Officer at the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines is joining us online. Hello Jellaine! Q1. Jellaine, please introduce yourself, the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines, and your role there. Q2. As a person working at the Korean Cultural Center and experiencing the Korean wave up close, please share with us how big hallyu is right now in the Philippines and what's currently trending. Q3. Marking 75 years of diplomatic ties between South Korea and the Philippines last year, the two countries have been engaged in economic and cultural exchanges. As part of that, we want to delve into an exhibition that's currently taking place, about the Korean writing system Hangeul. Please introduce us to the event. Q3-1. Any stories behind the launching of such exhibition focused on Hangeul? Q4. What other events are running alongside the exhibition? Q5. Please tell us about the response by visitors. Q6. Jellaine, have your Hangeul skills gone up through the event by any chance? Q7. How long will this exhibition run for, and what else is planned this year or beyond? Jellaine, thank you very much for connecting with us today and please keep us updated on further exciting events coming up. Thank you Walter for your contribution this week, I'll see you back next week.

[K-Enter] G-Dragon to hold world tour starting in Korea on March 29-30

2025/02/12 14:00

Now it's time for our K-Entertainment news with Walter Lee. Starting off with some world tour news from a big star—a BigBang star, to be more specific. Yes, on Monday, G-Dragon announced on his social media pages that he will be holding a world tour, kicking off at Goyang Sports Complex in Goyang City, Gyeonggi-do Province, on March 29 and March 30. This marks his first solo concert in nearly eight years. The tour is titled 'G-DRAGON 2025 WORLD TOUR ', with "UBERMENSCH" also being the title of his upcoming third solo album, set for release on March 25. This will be his first solo studio album in 11 years and five months, following 'COUP D'ÉTAT' in September 2013. I'm sure this concert will be marked in many K-pop fans' diaries this year. Moving onto news about a member of BTS, who are we talking about this time? It seems that not even mandatory military service can slow down BTS's youngest member, Jungkook , as he continues his record-breaking streak with his solo single "Seven". The song currently ranks No. 77 on Billboard's Global Excl. U.S. chart and No. 122 on the Billboard Global 200. Jungkook has now spent 82 weeks on the Global Excl. U.S. chart and 81 weeks on the Global 200, making him the longest-charting K-pop solo artist on these rankings. Additionally, "Seven" has surpassed 2.2 billion streams on Spotify, making it the first song by an Asian artist to reach this milestone on the world's largest music streaming platform. And his group BTS have also surpassed 2 billion streams on Spotify with their hit song "Dynamite", further cementing their status as living legends in the K-pop industry. This just goes to show how loyal Jungkook and BTS fans are and how much they miss him while he is away on military duty. Ending off, we have a fan meeting from one of the most exciting K-dramas out right now. Yes, the cast of Korea's current No. 1 drama series, "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call," held what we could call a "Dopamine Recharge Emergency Fan Meeting" . on Monday at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul, responding to overwhelming love from fans. The application to take part in this event, conducted over two days via Netflix Korea's Instagram account, attracted an incredible 20,000 applicants, leading to a highly competitive 114:1 selection ratio for those lucky enough to attend. The event featured appearances from Joo Ji-hoon , Chu Young-woo , Ha Young , Yoon Kyung-ho , Jung Jae-kwang , and director Lee Do-yoon . Fans were treated to a special experience, including behind-the-scenes stories, games, and interactive activities with the cast. I'm sure that got fans' hearts beating! Thanks for the updates, Walter. Now, let's see what Ari has for us in other culture news. Take it away, Ari!

Rosé & Bruno Mars' 'APT.' sets record with 15th week at No. 1 on Billboard chart

2025/02/11 17:00

The global hit APT by BLACKPINK's Rosé and Bruno Mars has made new history on the Billboard Global Excluding U.S. chart. On Monday Billboard announced the song had topped this chart for 15 weeks breaking the previous record of 14 weeks set by Mariah Carey with her song "All I Want for Christmas Is You." Separately APT continues to maintain its 6th place standing on the Billboard Hot 100. Rosé also made history on this chart reaching number three to become the highest-ranking K-pop female artist in Hot 100 history.

K-wave AI News

2025/02/11 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Korea's iconic cherry blossom festival, 'Jinhae Gunhangje,' will kick off on March 28 in the southern city of Changwon in Gyeongsangnam-do Province. Visitors can immerse themselves in a picturesque floral wonderland while enjoying the festival's signature events such as a military band & honor guard performance, the Admiral Yi Sun-sin memorial ceremony, a multimedia fireworks show, and the Black Eagles air show. This year, it will also feature the 'Cherry Blossom Music Festival' for the first time. Changwon City is expanding its global outreach to accommodate more foreign visitors, securing TV broadcasts, 통역 부스, and cruise ship operations along the Jinhae coastline. Seoul City plans to host a range of cultural events this year at Bukchon Hanok Village. The Bukchon Cultural Center will feature a monthly program called 'Bukchon Dorak' offering immersive cultural experiences that reflect Korea's seasonal traditions, history, and heritage. Highlights include traditional crafts, pop-up libraries, yoga sessions, and year-round exhibitions showcasing K-living and hanok culture. In October, 'Bukchon Day' will be celebrated with hanok workshops, hanok camps, and guided alleyway tours led by local residents. On February 19, the musical "Once" will make its return to the domestic stage after a 10-year hiatus. Based on the beloved film known for hit songs like "Falling Slowly," the production will be a replica of the original musical, preserving the music, choreography, and other key elements. The musical first premiered in Korea in 2014, with a follow-up performance the following year. Co-director Conor Hanratty highlighted that, unlike the original film's quiet atmosphere, the stage version will feature more dynamic and energetic scenes. That's all from me. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[K-wave] A step towards K-pop choreography copyright protection

2025/02/11 14:00

The popularity of K-pop goes beyond just its songs, with its dance elements also a key factor. But the choreography generally does not have proper copyrights. Last year, prominent figures in the dance industry gathered to set up an association to protect these rights. Lee Eun-jin tells us more. Choreography in the K-pop scene ranges from the soft to sharply angled group dance movements. Recently, there was great popularity for dance cover performances by military soldiers on a K-Force Special Show TV program. They are no idols, and without singing a single verse, their dance cover has gained a high number of views. High interest in K-pop choreography is not a new phenomenon. There are fans from abroad who come to Korea to learn from Korean choreographers. "For instance, in France it's just about music. But here in Korea it's about music and dance. And I feel like it has so much. The whole performance is another level. I think it's super nice and fun." But even with the global K-dance craze, returns for the choreographers behind the dance sequences have not changed over many years. They are indeed the creators, but not copyright holders. A survey of some 90 choreographers in Korea showed that only around 2 percent of them have ever held a copyright. That's because there is a longstanding practice regarding this in the industry. It is common for choreographers to sign contracts that include a special agreement condition to hand over the rights of their choreography to the party using it, which is usually an entertainment agency. "Even for me, it's not easy to ask 'Can you take this clause out?'. It's been such a longstanding practice " For young choreographers, they are often not even given the chance to contemplate the conditions of copyright. "I myself can't be proud because the reality is that I've signed contracts without having such knowledge." This is why, last year, choreographers gathered to launch an association to protect copyright. Their first step was carrying out promotional activity to establish that choreography is also subject to copyright. In line with this, the government also began a system reorganization of legal concepts surrounding this issue. Based on research and case studies, the government plans to release copyright guidelines and standard contracts accordingly this year. "There is a hidden effort by choreographers behind the growth of K-pop. I hope that a social atmosphere is established where these choreographers' efforts and their value are recognized." Major Korean entertainment agencies have said they would follow the copyright guidelines and standard contracts set out by the government. And this gives hope to those that have worked hard for years for "an era of copyright in choreography." Lee Eunjin, Arirang News.

[K-enter] "Dark Nuns" sees global box office success

2025/02/11 14:00

And we will start off with a K-movie. And it seems that one film is doing very well overseas, which one will you be talking about? Today's film is "The Dark Nuns". A story of two nuns who perform a forbidden ritual to save a boy possessed by a powerful evil spirit, it stars Song Hye-kyo and Jeon Yeo-bin , and has seen global box office success. Released in Korea on January 24, the film has surpassed its break-even point of 1.6 million viewers domestically and has also exceeded 1 million viewers in Indonesia. Additionally, it has remained No. 1 at the box office in the Philippines for two consecutive weeks since its release. The film continues to spread across the world, having been released in North America, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Laos and Myanmar . It is set for further releases in Singapore and Malaysia on February 13, followed by Vietnam on February 21. It's great to see people are still heading to the theatres to see movies and even better that K-movies are at the top of some viewers' lists. Moving onto some news about NewJeans or should I say NJZ? I'm confused. I remember how Bella introduced us to this new name but what's new? Yes, you said it Soa, we are talking about NJZ or are we talking about NewJeans? Well that is the current dispute that is making waves in the K-pop world. The girl group are still embroiled in a law suit with record label ADOR over contractual issues. On Monday, ADOR issued a statement to the media, saying something to the effect of, "On February 7, the NewJeans members announced plans to promote under a group name that was not agreed upon with ADOR." ADOR urged media outlets to "use the official team name, 'NewJeans,' which is based on a legally valid contract." adding "The exclusive contracts between NewJeans members and ADOR remain legally valid." This is a big issue and I am sure we will keep a close eye on developments as they happen. Moving onto another girl group and that is the brand new group Hearts2Hearts. SM Entertainment's new girl group, Hearts2Hearts, has unveiled the teaser image for their debut single. On Monday, the teaser image for their first single, "The Chase", was released through the Hearts2Hearts' official social media accounts. You should be able to see the teaser images on screen now. "The Chase", set to be released on the 24th of February at 6pm, has a total of two tracks: the title track and debut song "The Chase", along with the B-side track "Butterflies". Only a couple of weeks left until their debut so I can't wait for that, and lastly a touching gesture by a member of Stray Kids. I.N, a member of the boy group Stray Kids, donated 100 million Korean won, roughly 68,000 U.S. dollars to Samsung Medical Center in celebration of his birthday, which was February 8th, Saturday. According to the hospital on Monday, the donation made by I.N will be used to cover medical expenses for pediatric cancer patients from underprivileged families receiving treatment at Samsung Medical Center. Known for his continuous philanthropic efforts, I.N was appointed as the youngest-ever member at age 23 last year, of the "Green Noble Club", an exclusive donor society of ChildFund Korea for individuals who have contributed donations exceeding 100 million won.

Squid Game 2 wins Best Foreign Language Series at 2025 Critics' Choice Awards

2025/02/10 17:00

Over in LA last Friday. "Squid Game" Season Two was awarded for Best Foreign Language Series at this year's Critics' Choice Awards. The show's first season claimed the honor at the 2022 edition of the awards becoming the first Korean TV drama to do so. Korean actor Lee Jung-jae also clinched Best Actor in a Drama Series in 2022. Other nominees in the same category this year included "Pachinko" Season Two. Meanwhile Season Three of Squid Game is set to be released on streaming platform Netflix in June.

Korean webtoon-based content captivates global viewers

2025/02/10 14:00

If you’re a K-drama watcher, you may already have become a fan of the Netflix series “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call”. But, have you also heard about “Trauma Center: Golden Hour”? That’s the title of the webtoon that “The Trauma Code” is based on. Today we want to explore the popularity of webtoon-based K-content that is captivating viewers around the world. For that, we are joined by culture critic Professor Chie Hye-won at Kyung Hee University’s Arts and Cultural Management Program. Welcome Professor Chie! Q1. Let’s begin with the success of the latest K-dramas that have been adapted from webtoons. Why don’t we start with the medical drama “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call”? Q2. What other K-webtoon adaptations have been at the center of attention lately? Q3. The reason why we’re seeing all these webtoons being turned into dramas is they have proven to be successful for some time now. (“Itaewon Class”, “All of Us Are Dead”, “True Beauty”, etc.) What aspects of Korean webtoons appeal to drama makers? Q4. (And speaking of such elements) We cannot leave out webtoon artist Kang Full’s works that have been successfully transformed into mystery and superhero series like “Light Shop“ and “Moving“. (The originally Disney+ series Moving was aired on public broadcaster MBC where the final episode of season 1 just ended on Sunday) What’s the key to these shows' popularity? Q5. What are the strengths of webtoon-based dramas and what are the elements needed to translate the unique charm of webtoons into dramas? Q6. Are there any challenges or side effects in terms of producing such shows based on webtoons or web novels? Q7. Also, there has been an increase in the production of overseas dramas based on Korean webtoons. What are the chances of success on the global stage?

[K-enter] "Squid Game 2" wins Best Foreign Language Series at the Critics Choice Awards in the U.S.

2025/02/10 14:00

Time for our daily dose of K-enter news with Walter Lee. Starting off with news on Squid Game season 2. The Netflix series Squid Game 2 has won the "Best Foreign Language Series" at the 30th Critics Choice Awards held in Los Angeles last Friday, a major ceremony in the U.S. film and television industry. Squid Game first made history in 2022 by becoming the first Korean drama to win at the Critics Choice Awards with its first season. At the time, Squid Game won "Best Foreign Language Series", while lead actor Lee Jung-jae received the award for "Best Actor." The awards are organised by the Critics Choice Association, a group of over 600 film and television critics from the U.S. and Canada. Meanwhile, Squid Game 3 is set to be released on June 27 and it will be interesting to see if the series can make it a hat trick in the "Best Foreign Language Series" category. Congratulations to Squid Game and we all can't wait for that third season to come out. Now, moving onto some news on Rosé. I feel like we should call this segment, K-enter and Rosé as she has to be one of our favourite people to report on. But our Rosé has once again claimed the top spot with her collaboration track "APT". feat. Bruno Mars on the "Billboard Global 200 chart" released on Saturday. "APT" climbed one spot from No. 2 last week to reclaim the No. 1 position. Meanwhile, Rosé’s "APT" continues to dominate the ranks of the "UK Official Singles Chart" currently sitting at the No. 2 position. Fellow BLACKPINK member Jennie also made her entry into the UK chart, debuting at No. 64 with "Love Hangover", the pre-release track from her solo album. It's such a proud moment for Korea to see K-pop doing well in the Western charts. Staying with news on K-pop we move now to boy group Stray Kids. On Sunday evening, boy group Stray Kids' music video "God’s Menu" became the first by a 4th-generation K-pop boy group to surpass 500 million views with a single music video. "God’s Menu" is on their first full-length album "GO LIVE", released in June 2020. Just two days before "God’s Menu" hit 500 million views, the music video for "Thunderous" from their second full-length album "NOEASY" surpassed 400 million views on Friday. .Stray Kids is also breaking records with their concerts. Stray Kids' world tour "dominATE", is set to draw a record-breaking 2.2 million attendees, making it the most attended K-pop tour in history for a single tour. Kicking off back in August 2024, dominATE includes 55 concerts across 34 cities worldwide. This is Stray Kids’ largest tour to date, with additional shows added due to overwhelming demand, including their first solo concerts in Latin America and Europe. Stray Kids don't show any signs of slowing down anytime soon! Thanks for the K-enter news Walter, don't go anywhere. And now we turn to our AI anchor Ari for more culture news.

K-wave AI News

2025/02/10 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Korea's Park Youn-jae has made history by winning the top prize at the 2025 Prix de Lausanne, becoming the first South Korean ballerino to claim the title in the prestigious competition. The 16-year-old secured the victory at the Beaulieu Theatre in Switzerland on Saturday, local time. Widely regarded as one of the most esteemed ballet competitions in the world, the Prix de Lausanne is open to dancers aged 15 to 18. Celebrated ballerina Kang Sue-jin was the first Korean to clinch a top spot at the competition in 1985. Seoul is expanding its traditional jang classes to celebrate the listing of Korea's jang-making culture on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The Seoul Agricultural Technology Center will open additional jang-making classes to include 'gochujang,' or red pepper paste, 'cheonggukjang,' or fermented soybean paste, and others to its existing courses. Open to Seoul residents, the program consists of seven sessions featuring hands-on demonstrations by master jang makers. Registration opens tomorrow via the Seoul Public Service Reservation website. The Jeonju International Film Festival Organizing Committee is recruiting volunteers to support festival operations. A total of 400 volunteers will be hired across 24 categories, including Korean film, international film and public relations. Adults aged 18 and older residing in Korea are eligible to apply through March 5. Foreign nationals proficient in Korean can apply under the "General Recruitment" category. The 26th Jeonju International Film Festival will take place from April 30 to May 9. That's all for now. Stay tuned for more cultural updates and insightful discussions ahead!

[Arts & Culture] Who are the guardians of Korea's cultural legacy?

2025/02/07 20:00

It's Friday and that means it's time for our Arts and Culture segment. We have our culture correspondent Song Yoo-jin in the studio. Welcome, Yoo-jin! Happy Friday! Indeed. What do you have for us today? Lately, I've been thinking a lot about how not all great and important work is given the spotlight. Take this very newscast, for example. While we're in front of the camera, there's a team of incredibly talented people working tirelessly behind it to bring this News Center to life every night. The same goes for art. While some dedicate their lives to creating it, others work tirelessly behind the scenes to restore and preserve it. This week, I have a story about a group of skilled technicians who ensure that our cultural treasures stand the test of time. Let's take a look. At a glance, these two paintings may seem identical. But look closer, and you'll start to spot differences. The one on the left has stains, areas where paint has peeled or faded; imperfections that are absent in the one on the right. This transformation is the work of future 'national heritage maintenance technicians.' National heritage maintenance technicians are certified professionals responsible for preserving Korea's cultural treasures, from paintings to historic buildings, as close to their original state as possible. "Every year, the Heritage Education Institute offers a training program to nurture experts in the conservation, repair, and restoration of national heritage. Here at the Insa Art Center in Seoul, the works by graduates of last year's program are on display." Since these students are not yet licensed, they have recreated existing pieces to showcase their craftsmanship. One such piece is this Joseon Dynasty-style checkerboard, crafted with a turtle shell top and a tiger design made from ox horn. And this is the original housed at the National Folk Museum of Korea. "I first crafted the wooden base, then applied hemp cloth, layered lacquer, and added decorative elements. What I loved most about this program was collaborating across different fields. This piece, for example, includes mineral pigments used in the dancheong traditional paintwork." The exhibition features 1-hundred-1 student works. Students can choose from 15 courses in the program, including lacquering, woodworking, paintwork and imitation. "We started with 40 students in 2012, and now have over 1-hundred-20 graduates each year. I can feel the growing public interest, which I think is due to more people recognizing the importance of cultural heritage." The steady rise in technicians reflects this growing awareness, with over 13-thousand now working in the field. Although they're called technicians they are, in fact, artists in their own right. "Restoring heritage requires highly specialized skills, using the same techniques as in the past. In this sense, these experts play a central role in preserving and protecting our cultural heritage." Though these technicians often work behind the spotlight, their hands keep history alive, preserving its timeless beauty. A craft rarely acknowledged, but absolutely essential. "I think preserving traditional crafts is key to protecting our national identity and history. That's why we need experts who safeguard not just the artistic value of artifacts, but also their cultural and historical significance. I really hope to be part of that work." They're the guardians of Korea's national heritage, ensuring that its beauty endures for generations to come. What a truly rewarding and noble profession. And it's so exciting that you had the chance to meet these future technicians and see their work, Yoo-jin. For those interested, can you tell us a bit more about the exhibition? I'd love to. The 1-hundred-1 pieces on display range from traditional decorative paintings, imitation works, lacquering, woodwork, metal fittings, and gold plating. With so many on display, it can be tough to know where to start. The Korea Heritage Service recommends four pieces: the checkerboard featured in my report, a replica of the Changdeokgung Palace Sangnyangjeong Pavilion ceiling, an imitation of a Buddhist painting from Daeheungsa Temple in Jeollanam-do Province, and a peony flower latticework door from Bulgapsa Temple, also in Jeollanam-do. You mentioned that these graduates don't yet have their licenses. What does it take to become a certified national heritage maintenance technician? To become certified, you need to sign up for the annual national certification exam. The registration period for this year is coming up, from February 17th to 21st. The exam has 24 categories, each involving an interview and a practical test, scheduled for early April. Once you pass, you become a certified technician and are qualified to work directly on national heritage sites. Best of luck to all those taking the exam this year. Thank you Yoo-jin, for sharing this with us today. Always a pleasure.

2025 F/W Seoul Fashion Week: Where innovation meets sustainability

2025/02/07 20:00

Up next, we share with you the fashion trends that will shape the fall and winter of this year as seen at the Seoul Fashion Week. Our Lee Eun-hee was there. Want an exclusive first look at the hottest fall and winter fashion trends? Whether you're a trendsetter or just curious about what's next in the world of fashion, this week, Dongdaemun Design Plaza in central Seoul is the place to be. The 2025 Fall-Winter Seoul Fashion Week kicked off on Wednesday, bringing together top designers, industry professionals, and fashion enthusiasts to showcase the boldest, most innovative styles of the season with the aim of elevating global interest in K-fashion. The opening show features HANNAH SHIN, a brand that says it constantly strives to balance glamor with sustainability. Technology is helping it do that. "One technology our brand has particularly embraced is 3D printing. The first dress you saw in the show, embellished with jewels, was created using the Fused Deposition Modeling method. Another dress, featuring stars, was created using PolyJet printing. By exploring how to integrate 3D printing into fashion, we've been able to create innovative and creative designs." These 3D printing technologies allow vivid prints to be attached directly to textures in a sustainable manner, such as precise material usage and reducing waste. Designer Shin also hinted that one of this year's fashion trends highlights the use of new technologies to create cruelty-free alternatives to traditional fur, with many brands leading the way. Also to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Seoul Fashion Week, the opening day featured the first-ever "Seoul Fashion Forum," bringing together global industry leaders. James Fallon, Chief Content Officer of Fairchild Media Group, a leading source of fashion news and analysis, shared insights on the global competitiveness of Korean designer brands. This year's Fall-Winter Seoul Fashion Week also hosts a trade show with over one hundred thirty fashion brands, offering a platform for interaction between brands and more than 300 domestic and international buyers, with the goal of securing contracts worth around 8-billion Korean Won or approximately over 6-million U.S. dollars. "The event highlights the latest trends with innovative presentations that mix fashion and the work of people from all around the world. Don't miss this exciting look at the future of fashion before it ends on February 9th. Lee Eun-hee, Arirang News."

K-pop girl group NewJeans changes its name to NJZ

2025/02/07 17:00

K-pop girl group NewJeans has changed its name to NJZ . Earlier on this Friday the group shared a new concept photo with the new team name on its social media platform. The group has been engaged in a contract dispute with its agency ADOR since last year. NJZ will perform at Hong Kong's "Complex Live" come next month for the first time under its new identity.

2025 F/W Seoul Fashion Week: Where innovation meets sustainability

2025/02/07 17:00

Up next we share with you the fashion trends that will shape the fall and winter of this year as seen at the Seoul Fashion Week. Our Lee Eun-hee was there. Want an exclusive first look at the hottest fall and winter fashion trends? Whether you're a trendsetter or just curious about what's next in the world of fashion, this week, Dongdaemun Design Plaza in central Seoul is the place to be. The 2025 Fall-Winter Seoul Fashion Week kicked off on Wednesday, bringing together top designers, industry professionals, and fashion enthusiasts to showcase the boldest, most innovative styles of the season with the aim of elevating global interest in K-fashion. The opening show features HANNAH SHIN, a brand that says it constantly strives to balance glamor with sustainability. Technology is helping it do that. "One technology our brand has particularly embraced is 3D printing. The first dress you saw in the show, embellished with jewels, was created using the Fused Deposition Modeling method. Another dress, featuring stars, was made using PolyJet printing. By exploring how to integrate 3D printing into fashion, we've been able to create innovative and creative designs." These 3D printing technologies allow vivid prints to be attached directly to textures in a sustainable manner, such as precise material usage and reducing waste. Designer Shin also hinted that one of this year's fashion trends highlights the use of new technologies to create cruelty-free alternatives to traditional fur, with many brands leading the way. Also to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Seoul Fashion Week, the opening day featured the first-ever "Seoul Fashion Forum," bringing together global industry leaders. James Fallon, Chief Content Officer of Fairchild Media Group, a leading source of fashion news and analysis, shared insights on the global competitiveness of Korean designer brands. This year's Fall-Winter Seoul Fashion Week also hosts a trade show with over one hundred thirty fashion brands, offering a platform for interaction between brands and more than 300 domestic and international buyers, with the goal of securing contracts worth around 8-billion Korean Won or approximately over 6-million U.S. dollars. "The event highlights the latest trends with innovative presentations that mix fashion and the work of people from all around the world. Don't miss this exciting look at the future of fashion before it ends on February 9th. Lee Eun-hee, Arirang News."

K-wave AI News

2025/02/07 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Asia’s premier winter sports event, the Asian Winter Games, kicks off today in Harbin, the capital of China’s Heilongjiang Province. Athletes from 34 countries will gather for the opening ceremony tonight, launching a week of intense competition leading up to next Friday. South Korea has sent a 222-member delegation, aiming for an overall second-place finish. The team is targeting six gold medals in short-track events, two in speed skating, and one each in alpine skiing, freestyle skiing, and curling. The Asian Winter Games returns after an eight-year hiatus. The Culture Ministry and the Korea Tourism Organization hosted a forum on AI and tourism in collaboration with the OECD on Thursday. Organized to mark Korea's appointment as this year’s chair of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, the forum was held in Gyeongju, the host city of the upcoming APEC Summit. Key participants included Second Vice Culture Minister Jang Mi-ran and OECD Tourism Committee Chair Sérgio Guerreiro. Discussions centered on the impact of AI on the tourism industry, strategies for adaptation, and ways to enhance Korea-OECD tourism cooperation. The Seoul International Sculpture Festa 2025 has officially opened. As Korea's largest sculpture exhibition and art fair, it showcases works by both emerging and established sculptors from Korea and around the world. Over 300 artists are participating this year presenting individual displays as well as group exhibitions. Highlights include sections dedicated to young artists, Chinese youth sculptors and corporate-sponsored works. The exhibition runs until this Sunday at COEX in Seoul. That’s all for now. Stay tuned for more cultural updates and insightful discussions ahead!

[K-enter] NewJeans Announces New Group Name: NJZ

2025/02/07 14:00

Time for some K-entertainment news with Bella Kim. Today we are going to start with a familiar group, but not so familiar name? We are going to talk about NewJeans, but they are no longer NewJeans. They have chosen a new name to represent them. It’s NJZ. The members have officially announced on their SNS as they uploaded a photo of them with NJZ written on the top. They also wrote, “Get ready for an exciting journey with NJZ in 2025!” Their first event as NJZ will be the ‘Complex Live’ concert at the ComplexCon Hong Kong festival that will take place from March 21st to 23rd at the Hong Kong Asia World-Expo. The specific date of NJZ’s performance has not been revealed yet. While we are on the topic of NJZ, are there any updates on their dispute with their agency ADOR? The first court hearing date for the on-going legal dispute between NJZ and ADOR has been scheduled for March 7th at the 50th civil division of the Seoul Central District Court. This is the first court hearing after NJZ members announced the termination of their exclusive contracts with ADOR on November 28th of last year. ADOR filed for the provisional injunction last month, accusing the members of severe breach of contract as they had attempted to carry out independent activities. On the other hand, NJZ members have announced that they will not go back to ADOR and will fight for the truth. Next we have some unfortunate news that just came in a few hours before the show? Korean trot singer Song Dae-kwan passed away this Friday at the age of 78. According to his family, he was transferred to the emergency room of Seoul National University Hospital at dawn on Friday as he complained about his poor condition. While getting treated, he suddenly died of a heart attack on Friday morning. It is known that Song had a chronic disease and had received surgery three times so far, but did not get better. Song Dae-kwan debuted in 1967 and has been called the trot king along with Tae Jin-ah, Hyun Cheol, and Seol Un-do. Our third story is on a singer/actress. Who are we going to talk about? Former Miss A member and actress Suzy is making her return as a singer with a new single. According to her agency, SOOP Management, Suzy will release a digital single titled “Come back” on February 17th. This marks Suzy’s first song in about two years, excluding OSTs, since the release of “Cape” in October 2022. Suzy also announced her return on her Instagram, revealing the release date along with concept photos from the album. She starred in the film “WONDERLAND” last year and recently showcased her busking performances on KBS music variety show “Moving Voices.” And lastly, we have a story on a new film coming out at the end of this month? The film “It’s Okay!” has confirmed its release date for February 26th. It was originally scheduled to be released on Christmas Eve of last year, but was delayed due to political turmoil here in Korea. The film “It’s Okay!,” starring Son Suk-ku, Jin Seo-yeon, and Lee, tells the story of individuals who struggle on their own, but find solace in each other’s company as they search for their own happiness. Thank you Bella for today’s stories.

[Features reporter] 2025 F/W Seoul Fashion Week: Where innovation meets sustainability

2025/02/07 14:00

Eun-hee, so this week, Seoul is all about fashion as the 2025 Fall-Winter Fashion Week brings new trends and creative designs to the forefront. How was the event? Yes Soa, the 2025 Fall-Winter Seoul Fashion Week is unveiling the latest trends, taking center stage at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in the heart of Seoul. I attended the opening day, which once again served as a platform to explore Seoul's influence as a global fashion hub and the growth of its fashion industry. Let's all take a look. Want an exclusive first look at the hottest fall and winter fashion trends? Whether you're a trendsetter or just curious about what's next in the world of fashion, this week, Dongdaemun Design Plaza in central Seoul is the place to be. The 2025 Fall-Winter Seoul Fashion Week kicked off on Wednesday, bringing together top designers, industry professionals, and fashion enthusiasts to showcase the boldest, most innovative styles of the season with the aim of elevating global interest in K-fashion. The opening show features HANNAH SHIN, a brand that says it constantly strives to balance glamor with sustainability. Technology is helping it do that. "One technology our brand has particularly embraced is 3D printing. The first dress you saw in the show, embellished with jewels, was created using the Fused Deposition Modeling method. Another dress, featuring stars, was made using PolyJet printing. By exploring how to integrate 3D printing into fashion, we've been able to create innovative and creative designs." These 3D printing technologies allow vivid prints to be attached directly to textures in a sustainable manner, such as precise material usage and reducing waste. Designer Shin also hinted that one of this year's fashion trends highlights the use of new technologies to create cruelty-free alternatives to traditional fur, with many brands leading the way. Also to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Seoul Fashion Week, the opening day featured the first-ever "Seoul Fashion Forum," bringing together global industry leaders. James Fallon, Chief Content Officer of Fairchild Media Group, a leading source of fashion news and analysis, shared insights on the global competitiveness of Korean designer brands. This year's Fall-Winter Seoul Fashion Week also hosts a trade show with over one hundred thirty fashion brands, offering a platform for interaction between brands and more than 300 domestic and international buyers, with the goal of securing contracts worth around 8-billion Korean Won or approximately over 6-million U.S. dollars. The event highlights the latest trends with innovative presentations that mix fashion and the work of people from all around the world. Don't miss this exciting look at the future of fashion before it ends on February 9th. How did you enjoy the fashion show? It was fascinating to see those glamorous and unique dresses. Fashion events also bring out stunning celebrities and influencers, and though my favorite star was right across from me, I managed to keep my focus on the beautiful designs. Can we still go and enjoy the fashion shows? Yes of course. Fashionistas who gather at DDP during the event can get tickets. But each show offers tickets on a first-come, first-served basis, starting one hour before the show. Between 10 and 20 tickets are available for each of the 16 fashion shows until Sunday, so it's pretty competitive. However all shows are being livestreamed on the official YouTube channel, giving fashion lovers worldwide the chance to experience everything from the blue carpet to the runway. So Seoul City is trying to make Seoul one of the top fashion capitals in the world. Any more details about the event that you can give us? Yes, Soa. In addition to the trade show, this season features a showroom tour with 50 brands, giving international buyers a closer look at the designs. Since last season, the event has expanded to include areas like Hongdae and Bukchon, offering a wider experience of Seoul’s fashion scene. For 25 years, Seoul Fashion Week has promoted Korean fashion globally through strategic business initiatives and collaborations, helping the event grow into a key player in the global fashion industry. Absolutely, the future of the fashion industry is really exciting, as every season brings new trends and innovative designs. And of course, we can soon look forward to news about the 2026 spring/summer season as well, right? Yes of course. Thank you Eun-hee for sharing. Thank you Eun-hee. Thank you, it was my pleasure.

G-Dragon, BLACKPINK reveal music activities, schedules for 2025

2025/02/06 17:00

On the entertainment front. A host of K-pop artists are scheduled to take the global stage this year as well to meet. with their overseas fans. G-Dragon is set to headline the opening day of this year's Head in the Clouds which kicks off for two days on May 31st in Los Angeles. He's also poised to release his newest solo album in over a decade later this month. Meanwhile K-pop girl group BLACKPINK will soon embark on a world tour as revealed in a teaser video. This will be the group's first global road trip in well over a year.

K-wave AI News

2025/02/06 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Culture Minister Yu In-chon has reaffirmed the government's commitment to turning last year's pledges into tangible results. During a New Year's gathering on Wednesday, he pledged to bolster support for young artists and regional cultural ecosystems while revitalizing everyday cultural experiences for citizens. In the sports sector, he reiterated plans to reform outdated practices and strengthen fairness and transparency. In tourism, he vowed full support for the swift recovery of the domestic market. Seoul's Jung-gu District will launch a mobile tourism ticket, the "Jung-gu Tour Pass," to allure more tourists and enhance their convenience. The pass offers free admission and discounts at major attractions, restaurants, and cultural experience facilities within Jung-gu for a set period, offering a cost-effective way to enjoy various benefits with a single ticket. The basic pass covers key tourist sites, restaurants, and cafes, while the package pass expands the experience by including admission to attractions like the Namsan Cable Car. Set to launch in March, the Jung-gu Tour Pass will be available on major travel platforms, including Naver, Coupang and Yanolja. Netflix Korea has confirmed that it has no immediate plans to raise subscription fees in Korea. Vice President of Netflix Korea, Kang Dong-han made clear that there are no price hikes to announce at this time, though he did not rule out future adjustments. His remarks were made at the "Next of Netflix 2025 Korea" event, where the platform unveiled its upcoming lineup of original movies, dramas, and entertainment shows filled with Korean-made shows. That's all for now. Stay tuned for more cultural updates and insightful discussions ahead!

Discovering hidden K-music gems with French record shop owner in Seoul

2025/02/06 14:00

Korean experimental music, electronic music and music from the 70s and 80s. These music genres might be less “popular” or rather less known to the average K-pop music listener. In today’s “Hallyu People” we will have a chat with someone who IS familiar with these We are now connected to Curtis Cambou a record shop owner in Seoul, Korea. Hello Curtis/ Mr. Cambou! 1) Curtis, your record shop, Mosaic Seoul, has been running for five years now since 2020 and Mosaic West since 2023. They are home to thousands of vinyl records. Tell us a bit about the stores. 2) What kind of people visit your shop for what reasons? (The retro trend in recent years must have contributed to the interest in vinyl records?) 3) Also tell us about your record label that you run alongside your record shops? 4) Curtis, you are from France. What got you into Korean music, especially genres that are even unfamiliar to many Koreans? 4-1) Please tell us more about the characteristics of these genres and what differentiates them from similar music in France or other countries? 5) Do you have any singers or albums that you would recommend to international music lovers who are interested in Korean experimental or electronic music (or old K-pop music)? 6) Is there any singer that you wish was better known to the world?   7) Is there any music you'd like to work on in the future? And what are your plans for this year or beyond?