News

[K-wave] Spring happiness brought by "Happy Donut Man" and "Happygraphers" exhibitions

2025/03/25 14:00

As we welcome spring, our hearts and minds could also use a little brightening up. Here are two happiness-themed exhibitions that are sure to make you smile. A solo exhibition by an artist dubbed the "Happy Donut Man" and a photo exhibition by a Spanish duo of "happygraphers." Lee Eun-jin tells us more. Large colorful donuts collectively show off their individuality. It took ceramic artist Kim Jae-yong 4 years to bake, grind, color and add sparkle to these donuts that fill the wall of this exhibition. In the center of the exhibition hall, there is a "study" of donuts. Inspired by the painting chaekgado, which depicts a scholar's books and belongings of the Joseon Dynasty, the artist put donuts of different sizes and colors together on a shelf, portraying people exhausted from daily life, leaning on each other. But of all things, why such sweet delightful donuts? "Why not chase the dream? Why do we eat something sweet just because we crave it? It's not healthy. Thinking of this metaphor, the donut concept was born." The kinds of donuts vary there are tall trophy-like chrome donuts, and the donut at the entrance that depicts our busy lives running restlessly. "I wanted to tell myself and society that just running mindlessly may lead to losing more." This deliciously healing exhibition 'Run Donut Run' at Hakgojae Gallery is free to visit, and will run until April 5th. Another happy exhibition There is a hat hidden on the outer walls of buildings in this section, and sometimes it's the keys of a piano. These are photographic works by Spanish "happygraphers" Anna and Daniel. They took a creative and imaginative approach to capturing moments of happiness. For a single cut, they've traveled long harsh roads, climbed sand mountains, and waited endlessly for sunrises and sunsets. "They will paint walls, or cut paper to make shapes, and become the prop to the artwork, or to the natural scenery. They plan it meticulously." The "happygrapher" duo use props and interplay with the human body to convey images of joy and positivity. The interactive photo exhibition at the Hangaram Art Museum, located in the Seoul Arts Center, will run until the end of the month. Lee Eunjin, Arirang News.

Londoners use app to spot large Easter egg artwork around the city

2025/03/25 10:00

Finally, in the UK, London has turned into an open-air gallery with the launch of The Big Egg Hunt 2025 which runs from March 24 to April 27 ahead of Easter. The event features over 100 artist-designed egg sculptures, each standing about 60 centimeters tall, scattered across iconic locations within the city. Organized by the wildlife charity Elephant Family, the initiative, launched in 2021, aims to raise awareness and funds for Asian wildlife conservation projects. Participants can download The Big Egg Hunt app to track eggs they've discovered through QR code scans and unlock rewards along the way.

[Short-form] Trending K-food Among Foreign Tourists

2025/03/24 14:00

Explore some of the most popular Korean cuisines as foreign tourists go beyond bibimbap and galbi to uncover a broader array of authentic Korean flavors

[Kulture Issue] Implications of rising global video streaming platform production fees

2025/03/24 14:00

Recently, global video streaming platforms have been raising their production costs dramatically, affecting the content industry around the world, including Korea. Will these higher costs lead to significantly improved content quality or just become a bigger burden to content makers and users? Let’s discuss this issue with culture critic Professor Chie Hye-won at Kyung Hee University’s Arts and Cultural Management Program. Welcome Professor Chie! Q1. Let’s start with an example of a recent high-cost Korean drama, “When Life Gives You Tangerines“ on video streaming giant Netflix. How big of a budget are we talking about? Q2. What other Korean dramas were big budget productions? How did they turn out? (Were they all successful?) Q3. What’s the reason behind the rising production costs and how is the growing investment in Korean content by global producers affecting the domestic content production landscape? Q4. Spending more money on a production surely contributes to higher quality. but is it really necessary? What's your assessment Professor Chie? Q5. Skyrocketing actor salaries are also a major part of production costs. How are big budgets for superstars affecting production companies' budget allocations as well as staff pay levels? Q6. What about underfunded video streaming services or production companies? How do they keep their competitiveness in the Korean drama industry?

[K-enter] NewJeans (NJZ) temporarily suspend activities

2025/03/24 14:00

It's time for our daily dose of K-enter news with Walter Lee. Starting off with some big news on NJZ or NewJeans. NewJeans or NJZ have come back into the spotlight again, performing at a concert in Hong Kong. However, it might not have been the ending that fans wanted. On Sunday, after their set at the AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong, NewJeans announced to the crowd that the performance might be their last for a while, adding that they have decided to suspend all activities in compliance with a court ruling in South Korea. In a controversial move by the group, the venue displayed the name "NJZ" instead of NewJeans on stage, and official merchandise was sold under the NJZ name. Also ADOR had sent staff to Hong콩 in an attempt to support the members as their agency, but they reportedly could not meet with the NewJeans members on-site. Sounds like an uncomfortable situation indeed, now going back to what's happening here in Korea with the court case. What exactly has the court ruled on? And did the group have anything to say about the matter? On Friday, the Seoul Central District Court accepted ADOR’s injunction request against all five members of NewJeans, preventing them from engaging in independent activities such as signing advertising contracts without the agency’s consent. As a result, NewJeans cannot operate independently until the first trial of the main lawsuit is concluded. As a protest against this lawsuit, all members have expressed their determination not to return to ADOR, even if it means suspending their activities scheduled under the agency. On Saturday, the group shared their disappointment over the court’s decision in an interview with Time magazine, making remarks that seemed to criticize the ruling. Their comments, which included references to Korean society and implied they were being portrayed as revolutionaries, sparked online controversy. A court hearing is scheduled for April 3. for the members to appeal their injunction. We have been keeping a close eye on this story so I am sure we will see more developments. Let's move on to something a little lighter with the boy group NCT Wish. Over the weekend, NCT Wish, the Japanese sub group of NCT, wrapped up their Seoul leg of their Asian tour titled "2025 NCT WISH ASIA TOUR LOG in SEOUL" which was held at the Olympic Handball Gymnasium in Seoul, with all three shows completely sold out. The concerts were also live-streamed, allowing fans from around the world to join in with the experience. Following this, at midnight on Monday, they released some additional teaser content on their official social media channels, revealing a detailed promotion schedule and further building anticipation for their new music. NCT Wish will continue their Asia tour with stops in Macau, Manila, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taipei, Jakarta, and Bangkok.

[Features reporter] How a journey through Korean history landed in Germany

2025/03/24 14:00

What do you have for us today? I recently found out that Korean cultural treasures are making a surprise appearance in Germany, with happiness at the heart of the story. They're currently on display in Dresden, also known as the cultural center of Germany. First, take a look. This gold crown and belt from Korea's 5th century Silla Dynasty, are making a rare visit to Germany, for the first time in over 60 years. These national treasures are part of the "100 Ideas of Happiness. Art Treasures from Korea," an exhibition at Dresden Royal Palace, a result of years of collaboration between the National Museum of Korea and Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, one of the most prestigious museum networks in the world. The partnership began in 2017 when SKD showcased its prized collections to Korea. Now, the favor is being returned, with over 1-hundred-80 objects spanning from the Three Kingdoms Period to the Joseon Dynasty, making their way to Germany. Claudia Brink and Baik So-jin are the curators. "We start with works coming from the fifth and sixth century and up to the 19th and 20th century. And also, lots of genres, so we have sculpture, we have metal work, goldsmith work, precious objects, paintings, calligraphy." "From my field, that this opportunity to present the Korean heritage in this volume, really it's impossible. We had like this kind of like a comparable size of exhibition in 1999 in Essen and that was kind of like the last biggest exhibition in Germany." Though these artifacts differ in shape, size, and era, they share a common theme: happiness. "Figurative earthenware from the Three Kingdoms period reflects wishes for a good afterlife. The Korean folding screen from the GRASSI Museum of Ethnology in Leipzig, '100 Signs of Happiness and Long Life,' captures traditional Korean ideas of joy and fortune. We wanted to introduce Korean cultural heritage and also share a message of hope and resilience." This isn't just East meets West. It's a bridge between cultures, told through a story that never gets old. And in times like these, who couldn't use a little extra happiness? An exhibition with happiness at its heart is something we could all use more of these days. Yoo-jin, your report mentioned that this is the largest Korean culture exhibition to take place in Germany in well over two decades. Tell us more about its significance. Sure. One thing I'd like to highlight is the significance of the venue itself: the Dresden Royal Palace. The palace was nearly destroyed during World War II but has since been beautifully restored. According to Curator Kim from the National Museum of Korea, the fact that Korean culture is now being showcased in a space so cherished across Europe is a sign of just how far Korean culture has come. It's truly spreading its wings across the continent. As for the exhibition itself, it runs until August 10th, and several events are planned along the way. One highlight is Korean Week, from May 26th to June 1st, where visitors can try on hanbok, Korea's traditional attire, and experience a modern art performance inspired by Korean themes. More details will be announced soon. And just a quick note for anyone planning a visit. It's open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, except Tuesdays. And Yoo-jin, I hear this exhibition isn't the only cultural moment where Silla's golden crown is making an impression. That's right. If you found Silla's gold crown and belt featured in my report intriguing, you might want to check out BLACKPINK Jennie's music video for her recent track, "ZEN." Released in late January, it features a dazzling costume inspired by the Silla gold crown, which is what you're seeing on the screen right now. The designer says the outfit includes over one-thousand handcrafted metal embellishments, which is a bold fusion of heritage and modern style meant to highlight Jennie's unique charisma and connect past and present through fashion. It is a stunning reinterpretation of tradition. Yoo-jin, thank you for your report today.

K-pop girl group NewJeans temporarily halt entertainment activities

2025/03/24 10:00

The K-pop girl group NewJeans who recently renamed themselves as NJZ have announced the temporary suspension of all entertainment activities. NewJeans announced during their Sunday night performance at Hong Kong's 'ComplexCon' that they would pause all activities for a while, saying it a necessary decision. Their agency, ADOR, which is in a contract dispute with the group expressed regret and hopes to communicate with the members soon. On Friday, Seoul Central District Court accepted an injunction request filed by ADOR, and blocked the group from acting independently.

Seoul District Court bans NewJeans from acting independently

2025/03/21 20:00

K-pop girl group NewJeans, can not engage in independent activities under its new name NJZ. On Friday, the Seoul Central District Court accepted an injunction request filed by ADOR, its contractual agency, and blocked the group from acting independently. The group has been in a contract dispute with ADOR, since November last year and began charting an independent path under the new name NJZ. In response, ADOR filed the injunction request in January, to stop the group from signing its own advertising deals, and from performing live and engaging in other entertainment activities.

[Arts & Culture] How a journey through Korean history landed in Germany

2025/03/21 20:00

Time now for our Arts and Culture segment. Joining me in the studio is our culture correspondent Song Yoo-jin. Welcome! Good evening. What do you have for us today? I recently found out that Korean cultural treasures are making a surprise appearance in Germany, with happiness at the heart of the story. They're currently on display in Dresden, also known as the cultural center of Germany. First, take a look. This gold crown and belt from Korea's 5th century Silla Dynasty, are making a rare visit to Germany, for the first time in over 60 years. These national treasures are part of the "100 Ideas of Happiness. Art Treasures from Korea," an exhibition at Dresden Royal Palace, a result of years of collaboration between the National Museum of Korea and Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, one of the most prestigious museum networks in the world. The partnership began in 2017 when SKD showcased its prized collections to Korea. Now, the favor is being returned, with over 1-hundred-80 objects spanning from the Three Kingdoms Period to the Joseon Dynasty, making their way to Germany. Claudia Brink and Baik So-jin are the curators. "We start with works coming from the fifth and sixth century and up to the 19th and 20th century. And also, lots of genres, so we have sculpture, we have metal work, goldsmith work, precious objects, paintings, calligraphy." "From my field, that this opportunity to present the Korean heritage in this volume, really it's impossible. We had like this kind of like a comparable size of exhibition in 1999 in Essen and that was kind of like the last biggest exhibition in Germany." Though these artifacts differ in shape, size, and era, they share a common theme: happiness. "Figurative earthenware from the Three Kingdoms period reflects wishes for a good afterlife. The Korean folding screen from the GRASSI Museum of Ethnology in Leipzig, '100 Signs of Happiness and Long Life,' captures traditional Korean ideas of joy and fortune. We wanted to introduce Korean cultural heritage and also share a message of hope and resilience." This isn't just East meets West. It's a bridge between cultures, told through a story that never gets old. And in times like these, who couldn't use a little extra happiness? An exhibition with happiness at its heart is something we could all use more of these days. Yoo-jin, your report mentioned that this is the largest Korean culture exhibition to take place in Germany in well over two decades. Tell us more about its significance. Sure. One thing I'd like to highlight is the significance of the venue itself: the Dresden Royal Palace. The palace was nearly destroyed during World War II but has since been beautifully restored. According to Curator Kim from the National Museum of Korea, the fact that Korean culture is now being showcased in a space so cherished across Europe is a sign of just how far Korean culture has come. It's truly spreading its wings across the continent. As for the exhibition itself, it runs until August 10th, and several events are planned along the way. One highlight is Korean Week, from May 26th to June 1st, where visitors can try on hanbok, Korea's traditional attire, and experience a modern art performance inspired by Korean themes. More details will be announced soon. And just a quick note for anyone planning a visit. It's open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, except Tuesdays. And Yoo-jin, I hear this exhibition isn't the only cultural moment where Silla's golden crown is making an impression. That's right. If you found Silla's gold crown and belt featured in my report intriguing, you might want to check out BLACKPINK Jennie's music video for her recent track, "ZEN." Released in late January, it features a dazzling costume inspired by the Silla gold crown, which is what you're seeing on the screen right now. The designer says the outfit includes over one-thousand handcrafted metal embellishments, which is a bold fusion of heritage and modern style meant to highlight Jennie's unique charisma and connect past and present through fashion. It is a stunning reinterpretation of tradition. Yoo-jin, thank you for your report today. My pleasure.

How Korea’s story of happiness is being told in Germany

2025/03/21 17:00

Korea's cultural treasures are making an unprecedented appearance in Germany with happiness at the heart of their show. Our correspondent Song Yoo-jin reports. This gold crown and belt from Korea's 5th century Silla Dynasty, are making a rare visit to Germany, for the first time in over 60 years. These national treasures are part of the "100 Ideas of Happiness. Art Treasures from Korea," an exhibition at Dresden Royal Palace, a result of years of collaboration between the National Museum of Korea and Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, one of the most prestigious museum networks in the world. The partnership began in 2017 when SKD showcased its prized collections to Korea. Now, the favor is being returned, with over 1-hundred-80 objects spanning from the Three Kingdoms Period to the Joseon Dynasty, making their way to Germany. Claudia Brink and Baik So-jin are the curators. "We start with works coming from the fifth and sixth century and up to the 19th and 20th century. And also, lots of genres, so we have sculpture, we have metal work, goldsmith work, precious objects, paintings, calligraphy." "From my field, that this opportunity to present the Korean heritage in this volume, really it's impossible. We had like this kind of like a comparable size of exhibition in 1999 in Essen and that was kind of like the last biggest exhibition in Germany." Though these artifacts differ in shape, size, and era, they share a common theme: happiness. "Figurative earthenware from the Three Kingdoms period reflects wishes for a good afterlife. The Korean folding screen from the GRASSI Museum of Ethnology in Leipzig, '100 Signs of Happiness and Long Life,' captures traditional Korean ideas of joy and fortune. We wanted to introduce Korean cultural heritage and also share a message of hope and resilience." This isn't just East meets West. It's a bridge between cultures, told through a story that never gets old. And in times like these, who couldn't use a little extra happiness? Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.

Aespa takes home four awards at MTV VMAs Japan, setting record for female artists

2025/03/21 17:00

Meanwhile over in YOKOHAMA this past Wednesday. K-pop girl group Aespa clinched four awards at the MTV Video Music Awards Japan. The four-member group was named "Artist of the Year" and also won "Best Group Video" for their track "Whiplash". The group also received "Best Dance Video" for "Supernova" and "Best K-pop Video" for "Armageddon". This marks the first time in the award's history that a female artist has claimed four awards.

[Short-form] The Golden Bat Statue in Hampyeong

2025/03/21 14:00

Explore how the dazzling golden bat statue in Hampyeong went from being a major headache to a major tourist spot!

[K-enter] G-Dragon announces 2025 world tour details

2025/03/21 14:00

Time for the latest K-entertainment news with Bella Kim. Bella, let's kick off with an event that many K-pop fans have been eagerly waiting for! G-DRAGON has revealed the details of his 2025 world tour. He posted a poster containing the first part of the schedule for the “G-DRAGON 2025 WORLD TOUR (Übermensch)” on his official fan social media. According to the poster, after his concerts in Korea at the end of this month, G-DRAGON will head to Tokyo, Japan, on May 10th and 11th. The tour poster shows concerts in eight cities across Asia, including the Philippines, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. There is also a growing anticipation for additional tour dates and locations to be announced later on. Meanwhile, the tickets for G-Dragon’s concerts in Korea, set to take place at Goyang Stadium on March 29th and 30th, were sold out as soon as ticket sales opened. Fans who successfully bought the tickets will have a blast. Next up, a K-pop girl group that's doing amazing in a neighboring country? We are talking about K-pop girl group aespa, who proved their worth as a ‘global hitmaker’ by taking home a series of awards in Japan. On Wednesday, aespa attended the MTV “Video Music Awards Japan 2025” held at K Arena Yokohama. They won a total of four awards, which is a first for a female artist. The awards include ‘Artist of the Year,’ ‘Best Group Video,’ ‘Best Dance Video’ and ‘Best K-pop Video.’ Aespa made their official debut in Japan with the single “Hot Mess” last July and have proved their popularity in Japan with two arena tours. They also set a record as a first overseas female artist to perform at Tokyo Dome for two consecutive years. Meanwhile, in August, aespa will perform on Tokyo stage of “Summer Sonic 2025,” a large-scale urban music festival in Japan that attracts more than 200-thousand people every year. Aespa keeps taking it to the "Next Level"! Our last story for today is on an occult animation film that's been doing amazing in Korea, (450,000 viewers) and is now ready to meet more viewers overseas? The occult animated film “Exorcism Chronicles: The Beginning,” will be released in Southeast Asia. The film will first premiere in Vietnam on March 21st, followed by Indonesia on March 26th and Thailand on April 24th. On top of Southeast Asia, the film has also been sold to 12 other countries overseas, including countries in North and South America, Germany, Turkey and Switzerland. The movie is based on the 1994 hit novel of the same name, which depicts the start of an epic battle between exorcists and an ultimate evil. Can't wait for the global response. Thank you Bella for today’s stories.

Cartoon dog Snoopy dons Chanel and Balenciaga for 75th birthday

2025/03/21 10:00

Paris is hosting a unique exhibition titled "Snoopy In Style: A History of Peanuts and Fashion" to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Peanuts comic strip. The exhibition runs from March 22 to April 5 showcasing Snoopy's influence on fashion over the decades. Ahead of the exhibition, dozens of dolls of the cartoon beagle dog wearing designer clothes were on display in Paris on Thursday. Visitors can explore original comic strips, designer collaborations, and fashion items featuring Snoopy and his sister Belle in the exhibition. The exhibition highlights partnerships with renowned designers such as Karl Lagerfeld and Giorgio Armani.

Korean Cultural Center Library in New York wins 2025 iF Design Award

2025/03/20 17:00

The Korean Cultural Center Library in New York has clinched one of the world's top three design awards. According to the Culture Ministry the library has won the "2025 iF Design Award" in the public interiors category for its unique structure inspired by Korea's traditional wooden architecture the hanok. The library's bookshelves feature dancheong, the colorful decorative patterns of hanok, highlighting the beauty of Korean heritage. The library, which opened last June, houses some 10,000 books about Korea.

[Hallyu People] Promoting Seoul's charms through "Global Seoul Mates"

2025/03/20 14:00

Seoul is the most visited city by foreigners making trips to South Korea. Last year alone, 13.14 million international tourists visited South Korea’s capital. For today’s ‘Hallyu People’ segment, we are joined by two “Global Seoul Mates” who have experienced Seoul’s tourism infrastructure and resources firsthand and are promoting the city to the world through social media. They are Diana Durante and Noopur Baghel, joining me in the studio. Welcome! 1-1) (Diana) I introduced both of you as “Global Seoul Mates”, but let’s hear more from you one by one. First, Diana tell us a little bit about yourself please. 1-2) (Noopur) And Noopur, please introduce yourself to our viewers as well. 2) (Diana) Diana, you fell in love with Korea when you first came here to study? What was it that fascinated you? 3) (Noopur) Noopur, we heard your interest in Korea started with K-pop and K-dramas before you came to Korea. How well known and popular is the Korean wave in India? 4) (Diana) How much has the popularity of hallyu changed in Mexico compared to a decade ago when you were still living there? 5) (Noopur) Noopur, you are pursuing a PhD in architecture here in Korea. So, from the perspective of an architecture major, could you recommend some of the must-see locations or buildings in Korea? 6-1) (Diana) Both of you have been given the role of “Global Seoul Mate.” Diana, what is it that you want to share with the world by showing the attractive sides of Seoul? 6-2) (Noopur) Noopur, what about you? 7-1) (Noopur) And as “Global Seoul Mate” what place would you recommend to people who are planning a trip to Seoul? First Noopur please. 7-2) (Diana) Same question goes to you Diana! 8) I’ve heard that 8 out of 10 “Global Seoul Mates” are women and the average age is 30. So, generally, there is a high proportion of young females active in this role. Why do you think that is?

[K-enter] Seventeen's concert film to premiere globally in April

2025/03/20 14:00

And we are going to kick off with K-enter news with you Bella. We recently introduced various concert films by Korean singers and groups. We have another one coming up soon? Seventeen’s concert film is set to premiere on April 2nd. The film titled “Seventeen (Right Here) World Tour In Cinemas” will showcase the group’s performances from their Goyang concerts in Korea, held last October. Seventeen kicked off their “Right Here” world tour in Korea last year and performed in 14 cities around Asia and North America, holding 30 concerts in total. “Seventeen (Right Here) World Tour In Cinemas” will feature the entire set list from the concert, which is a first for any concert film by a Korean artist. The film will be released exclusively at CGV and will be screened in a range of theater formats, including 4DX and ScreenX. Meanwhile, Seventeen will meet with the fans at their 9th fan meeting “SEVENTEEN in CARAT LAND” at Incheon Munhak Stadium on Thursday, which is actually today, and also on Friday. In April and May, they will also hold fan meetings in Japan. April 2nd-Seventeen fans should mark their calendars. Next, let's talk about a new drama coming up and I'll give a hint to what it's about. "What goes around comes around" We are going to talk about an upcoming Korean Netflix series “Karma.” It has unveiled its official trailer. Based on a webtoon, “Karma” is a crime thriller depicting the intertwined stories of six individuals trapped in a karma they cannot escape. The newly released teaser introduces the six individuals, each captured in a cycle of misfortune brought on by their own dark choices. Park Hae-soo will play a character who witnesses a mysterious accident and accepts a dangerous proposal to cover it up, while Shin Min-a will play a trauma surgeon, who faces an inner pain and a desire for revenge. The series will also star Lee Hee-joon, Kim Sung-kyun and Lee Kwang-soo. “Karma” is set to premiere on Netflix on April 4th. Will look out for that as well in April. Our last story is on another upcoming film that will catch people's eyes just by the title. Please give us the details. Another film coming up is “The Old Woman with the Knife.” It’s an action film that depicts an intense showdown between Hornclaw, a veteran killer in her 60s, and Bullfight, a promising young killer who wants to work by her side. Based on the bestselling novel of the same title by author Gu Byeong-mo, its original Korean title “Pagua” carries a dual meaning-“Even though its flawed, it becomes perfect as it ripens.” “The Old Woman with the Knife” stars Lee Hye-young, known for “Walk Up” and “A traveler’s needs” and Kim Sung-cheol, who starred in the second season of Netflix’s thriller series “Hellbound.” The film is directed by Min Kyu-dong, known for “On the Line” and “Herstory.” The film has already been recognized globally as it was invited to this year’s Berlin International Film Festival. “The Old Woman with the Knife” is set to hit theaters on May 1st. Lots to watch in April and May. Thank you Bella for today’s stories.

Stray Kids, Jimin, other K-pop acts win 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards

2025/03/19 20:00

On the entertainment front. K-pop boy band Stray Kids and Jimin from BTS were among those celebrated at the annual iHeartRadio Music Awards 2025 in Los Angeles on Tuesday local time. Stray Kids won K-pop Album of the Year for the second year in a row with its album "ATE" released last July. Meanwhile ATEEZ was named K-pop Artist of the Year while BTS's Jimin won K-pop Song of the Year with his track "Who". Girl group ILLIT clinched Best New Artist for K-pop. The awards also introduced a new category this year Favorite K-pop Dance Challenge which went to Yeonjun from Tomorrow x Together.

Stray Kids, Jimin, other K-pop acts win 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards

2025/03/19 17:00

On the entertainment front. K-pop boy band Stray Kids and Jimin from BTS were among those celebrated at the annual iHeartRadio Music Awards 2025 in Los Angeles on Tuesday local time. Stray Kids won K-pop Album of the Year for the second year in a row with its album "ATE" released last July. Meanwhile ATEEZ was named K-pop Artist of the Year while BTS's Jimin won K-pop Song of the Year with his track "Who". Girl group ILLIT clinched Best New Artist for K-pop. The awards also introduced a new category this year, Favorite K-pop Dance Challenge, which went to Yeonjun from Tomorrow x Together.

K-wave AI News

2025/03/19 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. To mark the 60th anniversary of the normalization of bilateral relations between Korea and Japan, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in collaboration with the Korea Craft and Design Foundation and the Korean Cultural Center has launched an event in Tokyo, Japan, promoting the exchange of traditional culture between the two countries. The event will have exhibitions, seminars and activities for visitors, featuring food, clothing and games, as well as deeply cultural aspects of both countries. Its opening ceremony on March 19th will have a solo gayageum performance of "Sonamu" written by Japanese composer Minoru Miki and a traditional Korean court dance and Hanbok fashion show. The event will run for two weeks until April 2nd. Welcoming the season of spring, Jeju Island will be launching a special travel week campaign for 10 days from March 28th to April 6th, promoting the island's scenic locations of spring flowers and various cultural events highlighting must-visit spots. This comes amid the global popularity of the recently released Netflix original series "When Life Gives You Tangerines," to spark a rebound in the stagnant tourism industry of the island. Visitors participating in a stamp tour exploring the island's famous tangerines, Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins and camellia flowers at the on-location spots from the K-drama will have the chance to win a flight ticket to Jeju through a lottery. Various interactive and social networking activities as well as discount offers will be available. The annual Boseong Tea Festival will be held at the hub of the domestic tea industry, the Korea Tea Culture Park and the Boseong Green Tea Field in Boseong-gun, Jeollanam-do Province. With 120-thousand visitors in 2024, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has designated the Boseong Tea Festival a major cultural tourism festival representative of the region. This year's festival returns from May 2nd to 6th to attract visitors, but also to boost the tea industry. There will be various tasting and interactive events, including a tea party, green tea therapy and even a tea-based beverage developing competition. That's all from me. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.