News

[Econ & Biz] K-Beauty’s beautiful glow: Behind its recent record-breaking success

2025/07/17 22:42

South Korean cosmetics, widely known as K-Beauty products, have been topping the to-buy lists of foreign tourists visiting the country. And newly released figures underscore the growing global appeal of Korean beauty brands. For more, we turn to our correspondent Park Jun-han here in the studio. It's good to have you, Jun-han. Thanks for having me, Dami. 1. Jun-han, Korean beauty products have been popular for quite some time. But how popular are they really? That's right, Dami. Just yesterday, I went to Myeongdong, one of the most popular areas for foreign visitors. There, I could spot people from all over the world shopping for Korean beauty products. They told me that K-Beauty products are well-known in their countries, and they're happy to buy them at a lower price than they would at home. Let's take a listen to what tourists had to say about their K-Beauty shopping experience in Korea. "I heard about it through social media in France. We have a lot of channels in France that talk about it, so every French person wants to try it because it works — so yeah. It's my first time; I've never tried it, so I'll try and see." "We found out through TV. I think it's well known that Korean beauty products are very good. Also, friends and family asked us, 'Are you going to Korea? Can you bring me this or that?' because they know Korean products are very famous for that." 2. I see, Jun-han. Now we know that K-Beauty products are famous all over the world, what makes them stand out among many others around the world? What makes them so special? You actually made a great point there, Dami. When asked about what makes Korean cosmetics so special, one of the industry experts told me that they are technologically advanced for their price and are creative in product development. Let's take a listen. "Cosmetics companies in South Korea are so technologically advanced and cost-effective that last year we became the third-largest exporter in the world. They're incredibly creative and great at coming up with new products, which is why they're receiving this kind of attention around the world." Another claim made by the same industry expert is that cultural exposure and influence — such as through K-pop and K-Drama figures — are attracting potential consumers to buy K-Beauty products. "As K-Dramas and K-pop have become more popular, people around the world are seeing more of Korean people's skin. I think that has contributed to a perception that Koreans have great skin because they use Korean cosmetics. Most of the products are now vegan, and there are also many functional patents behind them." 3. No wonder that K-Beauty exports hit a new record in the first half of this year. Jun-han, can you walk us through the latest figures? Sure Dami. The growth of South Korea's beauty product exports is surging at a dramatic pace, backed by record figures. According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, South Korea exported cosmetics to 176 countries in the first half of 2025, reaching a total of 5.51 billion U.S. dollars — a 14.8 percent increase from the same period last year. By country, China, the United States and Japan were the top three importers, accounting for 48.1 percent of total exports. Although China saw an over 10 percent year-on-year decrease in export value, it still ranked as the number one importer. The United States and Japan, however, saw remarkable increases of over 17 percent and 15 percent, respectively. From 2012 to 2024, South Korea's cosmetics exports surged by over 850%, showing a strong annual year-on-year growth trend. And if the current pace continues, 2025 could mark yet another historic high, hopefully surpassing the 11 billion dollar mark. 4. K-Beauty is doing remarkably well, but I'm sure there's still room for improvement and even concerns within the industry about future challenges. Tell us. That's right, Dami. Although our cosmetics industry is performing very well, there are some concerns that remain, such as regulatory challenges and a possible increase in prices due to the 25% U.S. "reciprocal" tariffs. Now, let's take a listen to what a professor of the beauty industry had to say. "The government's R&D expenditure is too small compared to the increasing sales and exports of the cosmetics industry. All industries in Korea face difficulties without government support, and I think the industry can grow much more if it is supported. Also, another industry expert raised concerns about factors that might increase product prices. "Concerns over tariffs essentially come down to pricing. Since each individual ingredient must undergo safety testing, the overall cost naturally increases. As a result, cosmetic prices inevitably rise. Rather than simply easing regulations, I believe we need to explore ways to simplify the safety assessment process while still ensuring product safety." With rising demand from all over the world, K-Beauty is now not just a trend — it's a new culture. Alright, Jun-han, Thanks for sharing your thoughtful insights today. Thank you, Dami, I hope to see you again soon.

[K-enter] "Omniscient Reader : The Prophet" sold to 113 countries

2025/07/17 15:37

Time for some K-entertainment news with Bella Kim. Let’s kick off with a Korean film that is about to meet global viewers. “Omniscient Reader: The Prophet” has achieved pre-sales in 113 countries, signaling a promising global box office. The film is a fantasy action piece that follows Kim Dok-Ja, an ordinary man who unexpectedly finds himself transported into the fantasy world of a novel he was reading. It stars Lee Min-ho, Ahn Hyo-seop, Nana from Afterschool and Jisoo from BLACKPINK. “Omniscient Reader: The Prophet” will kick off in Korean and Taiwanese theaters on July 23rd, followed by theaters in Indonesia, Hong Kong, Australia, the United States, and many more around the globe. So July 23rd in Korea, will mark my calendar! Now, on the side of K-pop, we have a boy group celebrating their 10 year anniversary? MONSTA X celebrates their 10th anniversary of debut this year. They held a press conference on Wednesday in Seoul to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of their debut. The group attributed their decade-long run to the family-like bond and shared sense of purpose among the members. MONSTA X debuted in 2015 and has since built a global fanbase with their hit songs, including “Trespass,” “Dramarama,” and “Shoot Out.” In 2021, the group paused their activities, as members began their mandatory military service, and has resumed their activity as a group last May. The group is set to meet their fans through their 10th anniversary concert, “2025 MONSTA X CONNECT X,” at KSPO DOME in Seoul from July 18th to 20th. Congratulations MONSTA X on such a meaningful anniversary! And let’s end with another K-pop artist, Hyoyeon from Girls Generation. Hyoyeon has returned with a powerful sound that will heat up this summer. She released her new digital single “YES” on Wednesday, which comes about nine months after her latest single “Retro Romance” released last September. The new single, a sped-up house genre, is catching the ears of the listeners with the repetitive keyword “YES” in its chorus. Hyoyeon also debuted as a DJ in 2018, and she is currently on her fourth North American DJ tour “2025 SUMMER USA TOUR” held in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and Denver. Looking forward to DJ and singer Hyoyeon dominating global stages this summer. Thank you Bella for today’s stories.

K-wave AI News

2025/07/17 15:36

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. The Korea Tourism Organization has rolled out a special summer tourism feature on its integrated travel platform VISITKOREA, targeting international tourists. It offers personalized travel recommendations and tour programs based on six travel styles: active adventurer, cultural explorer, culinary seeker, nature lover, nightscape collector, and indoor enthusiast. Users can take a brief travel personality quiz to discover their ideal travel style. The organization plans to further expand tailored travel content and marketing for global travelers based on user data collected through the VISITKOREA platform. World-renowned soprano Hwang Su-mi will take on the role of host and artistic director for the "2025 Lotte Concert Hall Matinee Concert" series this fall, presented by the Lotte Foundation for Arts. Speaking at a press event, Hwang said the unfamiliar matinee format posed a new challenge, but she is excited to expand her horizons as a vocalist and connect musically with other performers. The concerts will take place at Lotte Concert Hall in Seoul on September 18, October 16, and November 20. Hwang gained global recognition after winning the prestigious 2014 Queen Elisabeth Competition and further drew spotlight as the soloist for the Olympic Anthem at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Games. "The Cherry Orchard," marking Cannes-winning actress Jeon Do-yeon's return to theater after 30 years, launches its international tour this fall with performances in Hong Kong and Singapore. The production is a contemporary adaptation of Anton Chekhov's classic by director Simon Stone, set in modern-day Seoul. The tour opens at the 2025 Hong Kong Asia+ Festival in late September, followed by a November show in Singapore celebrating 50 years of Korea-Singapore diplomatic ties. LG Arts Center, the production company, plans to extend the tour to Australia and New York next year. "The Cherry Orchard" has attracted around 40,000 theater-goers since its Korean premiere last June. That's all from me. Stay tuned to the Kulture Wave.

Global K-pop audition held in New York; K-pop fans to become K-pop artists

2025/07/17 15:35

With K-pop going viral worldwide, global auditions to discover aspiring artists for the genre are gaining attention. A global K-pop audition was held in New York as part of the biggest annual dancing festival, "K-FAN 2025." Global wannabe K-pop artists showed their talent in front of Korean entertainment agents during a global K-pop audition at the dancing festival “K-FAN 2025” held in New York at the end of June. Thirteen teams and solo participants were on stage after passing the preliminaries, which involved around 100 teams. "K-Pop is something where you can express yourself and try out different concepts with other group members. I will keep working hard and keep taking opportunities, such as performing in festivals like these." "I wanna try new things and I get stage fright really badly but I wanna put myself out there." Participants who were K-pop fans were thrilled to be part of the global K-pop artist debut project. Several agents from famous Korean agencies, such as "STARSHIP Entertainment" and "ADOR," participated as judges. "As K-pop is going viral all over the world, we also need prominent global members. It was worth it to meet lots of potential trainees." More global potential trainees are expected to participate in K-pop auditions which will also be held again in the U.S., as well as Europe, and Asia. Cha Yun-kyung, Arirang News.

Webtoon companies set out to catch pirates themselves

2025/07/17 15:34

The increase in popularity of Korean webtoons and novels has not only led to the release of other webtoon-and webnovel-based content, like the movie "Omniscient Reader", that Bella reported on earlier, but it has also resulted in a surge of illegal online reproduction and distribution cases leaving creators disheartened. Webtoon companies are now actively tracking down the individuals behind these acts. Lee Eun-jin tells us more. K-webtoons often feature uniquely Korean superheroes, with the characters ranging from being cute to quirky. And many of the beloved K-dramas on various OTT platforms are actually based on webtoons. But illegal distribution has become a serious issue, with new episodes often uploaded to piracy sites just 10 minutes after release. This has forced webtoon companies to go after the pirates themselves, which led to the formation of an illegal distribution response team four years ago, the first in the industry. They monitor for illegal content around the world with a hawk's eye. They have since identified the operators behind more than 80% of targeted piracy sites. They infiltrate illicit channels and use proprietary technology to gather scattered data online and determine the identities of those responsible. "When we send a warning email with the message, 'We know who you are,' it's not long before they shut down the site or take down our content." To date, over 800 million pieces of illegal content have been removed, and nearly 30 global distribution sites have been shut down. The number of shutdown sites has increased significantly since the team's launch, but the process hasn't been easy. "It's personally tough at times, especially when we receive insults from users of these illegal sites, sometimes bordering on defamation." Last year alone, more than 400 million cases of illegal K-content distribution were reported overseas, with over 70% involving webtoons. According to the most recent data collected for 2023, the estimated financial damage to the webtoon industry exceeds 440 billion won, that's approximately 320 million U.S. dollars. This is not a problem that can be solved by industry efforts alone. Such violations leave webtoon creators disheartened as others profit from their work. This has led to growing calls for harsher penalties and for the establishment of a profit recovery system that redirects illicit gains back to the victims. "Even when a webtoon is successful, it's not easy to just celebrate. It's heartbreaking—those who work hard get nothing, while others make money off their efforts." With the new government aiming for a cultural market worth some 211 billion U.S. dollars. .and the value of cultural exports to reach 35-point-2 billion U.S. dollars by 2030, illegal K-content distribution is expected to be a key issue moving forward. Lee Eunjin, Arirang News.

[K-Correspondent] How K-beauty is expanding in India

2025/07/16 16:38

Korean cosmetics exports hit a record high in the first half of this year. And its market is expanding around the world, be it in the Americas, Europe or Asia. Today, we want to take a look at how K-beauty has established itself as a trend in India. More and more consumers from the most populous country in the world are seeking out K-beauty products. We connect to our K-Correspondent in India, who herself is active in spreading the K-beauty vibe to Indians and her followers. It's social media creator and actress Bandgee Kallra! Hello! Q1. Please introduce yourself to our viewers and tell us what you do on the K-beauty front. Q2. How big of a presence does hallyu, the Korean wave, have in India right now? Q3. So, how did your interest in K-beauty start? (If you remember, what was the first ever Korean beauty product you used?) What is the response from your friends and other Indian consumers towards K-beauty? Q4. What's been your number one K-beauty item so far and why? Q5. Are there any new trends or phenomena that have emerged as K-beauty becomes more widespread in India? Q6. Why do you think K-beauty products are successful in the Indian beauty market? And based on that, what are the differences and similarities between Korean and Indian beauty culture? Q7. How do you see the K-beauty trend developing in India from hereon? Thank you very much Bandgee for connecting with us today. Thank you Walter, as always. Have a great rest of the week.

Cooling off for less: the cup bingsu boom

2025/07/16 16:37

Ye-young, I hear you've got a story for us today about a sweet treat that's taking over. That's right. Quick question first, are you a dessert person, Soa? What about you, Walter? Then you'll love this. Today's report is all about bingsu, Korea's iconic shaved ice dessert. It's a summer staple but this year, it's the single-serving "cup bingsu" that everyone's talking about. Let's take a look. This summer, a simple cup of shaved ice is emerging as the hottest item on café menus across South Korea. It's in high demand in cafés across the nation, especially during the hottest hours of the day, when lines form quickly and items sell out fast. "With the weather so hot and humid lately, I wanted something to cool down. I looked for some bingsu I could enjoy alone, but cup bingsu was so popular I had to search all over. I'm just really glad I finally found one." "As you can see, there are several flavors to choose from, from the classic red bean flavor to mango and chocolate. A cup of bingsu costs around 4,000 won, much cheaper than many other summer desserts. This kind of affordable indulgence is exactly what many are looking for in the middle of this scorching summer." Sold in individual portions and priced at around 4,000 to 6,000 won, "cup bingsu" has quickly become a seasonal sensation. In many stores, it sells out every day, causing customers to check several locations or share tips online about where to find it. What was once a dessert associated with sharing is now being tailored to solo consumption, reflecting a wider shift in Korean consumer habits. Behind the boom are three key factors: the rise of people living by themselves, the rising cost of living, and the extreme heat. All three have helped redefine what people look for in a summer treat. "Consumers today prefer cup bingsu from franchise cafés because it's cost-effective and perfectly portioned for one person. These factors together make it a highly attractive choice." The popularity of cup bingsu has also been amplified by social media. Viral posts from café workers joking about the overwhelming number of bingsu orders have turned into memes, driving even more public curiosity. Café staff say demand peaks between noon and mid-afternoon, especially on hotter days. "Our customers truly range across all age groups. Men and women, young and old. After lunchtime, we often get group orders of ten or more at once, and many people come looking for different flavors." As Korea continues to battle scorching temperatures, this single-serving frozen treat is proving that the smallest indulgences can leave the biggest mark.

[K-Enter] Min Hee-jin cleared of breach of trust charge HYBE to file an objection

2025/07/16 16:35

Now time for K-enter with Walter Lee. Starting off with updates on the HYBE vs. Min Hee-jin situation. Former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin , who had been under police investigation following a breach of trust complaint from ADOR's parent company HYBE, has been cleared of the charge. On Tuesday, Min's legal team announced through a press release that the breach of trust case, which stemmed from HYBE's complaint in April of last year, concluded with a decision not to pursue prosecution after over a year of investigation. HYBE had accused Min of making an attempt to gain control of ADOR and the K-pop girl group NewJeans in April last year. Following escalating tensions with HYBE, Min was dismissed from her position in August 2023. In November, the members of NewJeans notified ADOR of their intention to terminate their exclusive contracts, calling for Min's reinstatement. Following the prosecution's decision, HYBE said it would file an objection with prosecutors regarding the decision not to indict Min for breach of trust. We at the Kulture Wave will be continuing to keep you up to date with this case. Next moving on to some unfortunate and sad news. Legendary K-pop artist BoA has called off her upcoming concert due to health concerns. Marking the 25th anniversary of her debut this year, BoA was set to hold a special concert on August 30–31 in Seoul. According to SM Entertainment, "BoA was recently diagnosed with acute osteonecrosis after visiting the hospital for worsening knee pain. Based on medical advice, she has decided to undergo surgery." Acute osteonecrosis is a condition in which the blood supply to the bone is disrupted, leading to the death of bone tissue. BoA's condition reportedly requires surgery. SM has said the rescheduling of the concert will depend on the singer's recovery, however, her album scheduled for release in the third quarter will go ahead as planned. We all hope for a speedy recovery. Finally, let's talk Onew from SHINee. Onew of SHINee has released his second full-length album, PERCENT. On Tuesday, Onew held a showcase in Seoul, where he premiered the music video and live performance of the main track "ANIMALS". This marks his first new release in six months, following his fourth mini-album CONNECTION which dropped in January. The album features 11 tracks in total, including "ANIMALS," "Silky," "Caffeine,"and "MAD". Alongside the album release, Onew will kick off his world tour, "2025 ONEW WORLD TOUR 'ONEW THE LIVE: PERCENT (%)'." Beginning in Seoul on August 2–3, the tour will span 16 cities worldwide. Thanks for the news Walter. Now let's go to our AI anchor Ari for more culture news. Ari!

K-wave AI News

2025/07/16 16:34

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Korea's southern port city of Busan has been selected to host next year's UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting. The decision was announced on Tuesday at the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. The World Heritage Committee is a key international body responsible for the inscription and preservation of World Heritage Sites, often described as "treasures of humanity." Choi Eung-chon, head of the Korea Heritage Service, highlighted Korea's consistent support for world heritage preservation, vowing full preparations for the upcoming session in Busan, next July. The Broadway musical "The Great Gatsby," produced by a Korean production company, is set to be staged in Seoul following acclaimed runs on Broadway and in London's West End. The show will kick off with preview performances on August 1 and run through November 9 at the GS Art Center in Seoul. At a press conference, producer Shin Chun-soo described the Seoul run as marked by "nervous fear," adding that the key challenge is ensuring the production resonates universally with global audiences. The production received widespread praise for elevating the profile of Korean musicals, winning Best Costume Design at the Tony Awards, often referred to as the Oscars of theater. The Pinkfong Company, globally renowned for "Baby Shark," is striking a chord again with its musical "Udangtangtang Family," based on its next-generation character "Bebefinn." The production has surpassed 100,000 cumulative attendees and, riding on its success, will hold encore performances. Since its debut last year, the Bebefinn musical has toured 25 cities nationwide, consistently selling out and establishing itself as a hit in the kids' family musical market. The story centers on the Bebefinn family as they face an unexpected adventure amid their peaceful daily lives. Encore shows will run from July 29 to August 24 at the Gwacheon National Science Museum, with additional performances planned in major cities including Cheonan, Gwangju, and Pyeongtaek during the summer vacation period. That's all from me. Stay tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[K-Enter] BLACKPINK, first K-pop group to top global Spotify chart for third time

2025/07/15 17:38

So, let's kick off with K-Enter! First off, we have more BLACKPINK news carried over from yesterday! Yesterday, we talked about BLACKPINK's global success on the global iTunes chart with their new single "JUMP." Today, Tuesday, "JUMP" has soared to No. 1 on Spotify's Daily Top Songs Global chart. What makes this special? This marks the group's third time topping the chart, following "Pink Venom" and "Shut Down" in 2022. That's the most chart-toppers for any K-pop group. BLACKPINK recently sold out the North American shows of their world tour "DEADLINE," kicking off over the weekend at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, the girls are the first girl group ever to sell out two nights at SoFi Stadium, drawing a record-breaking crowd of 100,000 over the two days according to YG Entertainment. I heard Bruno Mars even made an appearance on Sunday to sing with Rosé on their song "APT." it must have been quite the show. Next up, let's talk about time travel. with NCT DREAM. NCT DREAM are back with their fifth studio album "Go Back To The Future", centered around a time-travel theme. They held a press conference for the album on Monday in Seoul. "Go Back To The Future" follows the members as they travel through time and space in search of their most radiant selves. Drawing inspiration from the film "Back to the Future", the concept features a hoverboard time machine that lets them explore the past, present, and future. Haechan shared, "2016, the year we debuted, represents the past, while 2025 is set as the present. The future is imagined as a surreal world where a quirky version of NCT DREAM exists, complete with superpowers and everyday interactions with AI companions." The album features nine tracks, including dual title tracks: "BTTF (Back To The Future)" and "CHILLER." Walter, we haven't been doing the show for even a year but have you noticed the increase in the number of virtual idols we have been reporting on? To me it's fascinating, I have to say I thought it would never catch on. The virtual idol group PLAVE have a concert coming soon called "2025 PLAVE Asia Tour " in Seoul. This marks PLAVE's first-ever Asia tour since their debut, with concerts scheduled from August 15 to 17 at the KSPO Dome in Seoul. The final show on August 17 will be screened at around 10 Lotte Cinemas and 20 CGV theatres. I should be specific, although this is billed as an Asia tour, all shows will take place in Seoul BUT on August 17 this will be screened across certain locations in Asia. PLAVE, Huntrix, Saja Boys, who else. maybe Ari one day ? But, before she joins a virtual K-pop group, she will continue to give us the latest news on the culture front. Ari, over to you!

K-wave AI News

2025/07/15 17:36

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Korea's southeastern city of Ulsan will launch new tour programs and revamp existing ones to mark the inscription of the Petroglyphs along Bangucheon Stream on UNESCO's World Heritage list. Ulsan will add a new daytime program dubbed "Time Tour" to complement the existing "Beautiful Moonlight Tour" on Saturdays, and rebrand the Sunday "Family Tour" as the "World Heritage Tour." Both programs include visits to the Bangucheon Petroglyphs and the Petroglyph Museum, with a focus on immersive cultural heritage experiences and education. Bookings are available through the city's AI-powered tourism platform, "What a Ulsan," accessible on both its website and mobile app. Gyeongju City is stepping up efforts to enhance convenience for international visitors ahead of the APEC Summit set for this fall. In its latest efforts, the city has collaborated with the non-profit organization 'bbb Korea' to provide real-time phone interpretation services in anticipation of a potential surge in foreign tourists. bbb Korea connects users with thousands of volunteer interpreters who offer 24/7 support in 20 languages over the phone. The service can be accessed instantly through a mobile app. Gyeongju plans to promote the service at key locations frequented by foreign visitors, including APEC venues, restaurants, and hotels. Are you a fan of Korean instant noodles? Then you don't want to miss this. Nongshim, Korea's top ramyeon maker, has launched K-ramyeon experience stores called "Neoguri's Ramyun Shop" at the Yeouido and Jamsil docks of Seoul's Hangang River Bus Ferry Service. Visitors can buy Nongshim products at CU convenience stores at the docks, then head upstairs to cook their own ramyeon using instant cooking machines. The shops are decked out with a Neoguri character photo zone and quirky cup-noodle-shaped tables, bringing a fun, hands-on twist to enjoying Korea's ramyeon. The Hangang bus ferry, connecting seven docks from Magok to Jamsil, is currently running a trial service ahead of its official launch this September. That's all from me. Stay tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[K-Travel] Where to travel in Korea this summer? Part 2: Haeundae Beach in Busan

2025/07/15 17:34

During the month of July, "The Kulture Wave" is introducing Korea's top summer travel destinations. Last week we talked about a place in the heart of Seoul. For our second K-travel spot, we go down south, to the country's second largest city Busan, and to be exact to the beach: Haeundae Beach! We now connect to someone who knows the charm of the vibrant coastal city better than anyone else, it's Christopher Boyd Tressler, a writer and editor for 'Busan Beat Magazine'! Hello Christopher! Q1. Christopher, please tell us a little bit about yourself, including what brought you to Busan. How long has it been, and what do you do there? Q2-1. Today's focus is 'Haeundae Beach'. What was it like the first time you went there? (maybe from a foreigner's perspective) And how would you describe summer season at Haeundae? Q2-2. Busan is seeing an increase in exchange students from overseas as well as foreign residents. Do you feel that change around you? Q3. Are there any locations you would recommend to foreign tourists visiting Haeundae in the summer? (It could be related to something you discovered while writing for the magazine.) Q4. Was there any moment when you felt "right, so this is summer in Korea"? Q5. Busan is establishing itself as a global city that hosts various international events. What are some venues near Haeundae where you can feel that happening? Q6. We cannot leave out food, when talking about Busan. Do you have any must-try summer dishes in Haeundae you'd like to recommend? Q7. Let's say a friend from abroad wants to visit Busan this summer. If you had to set up a one-day course for them around Haeundae, how would that day look like? Q8. Any additional tips you would like to share, for people who want to travel to Busan and Haeundae? Thank you Christopher for those great tips and sharing the Haeundae vibe with us today. Thank you Walter, for always sharing the good Kulture Wave vibes with us. See you tomorrow!

New 'Harry Potter' in costume as series begins filming

2025/07/15 11:43

Finally, the first image from HBO's Harry Potter TV adaptation was unveiled on Monday, marking the start of production at Warner Bros Studios Leavesden in the United Kingdom. The photo shows actor Dominic McLaughlin, playing the iconic role of 11-year-old Harry Potter, characterized by the round glasses, forehead scar and the Hogwarts uniform. Crews have already constructed a replica of Privet Drive, where the story begins, to faithfully accommodate the setting of the book for the seven-season saga. The actors who will play Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley have also been confirmed. The new TV series is expected to take 10 years to complete.

BLACKPINK draws over 100,000 fans in LA on world tour

2025/07/14 22:33

K-pop girl group BLACKPINK performed before a total audience of 100-thousand fans over the weekend at LA's SoFi Stadium, kicking of the U.S. portion of its ongoing "DEADLINE" world tour. According to YG Entertainment on Monday, BLACKPINK sold out both Saturday and Sunday shows, becoming the first girl group in the world to attract such a crowd at the venue. The group will continue their North American tour with upcoming stops, including Chicago, before heading to other continents. YG also said BLACKPINK's new digital single "Jump" has topped global streaming charts, including Spotify's "Daily Top Songs Global" as of Saturday.

Soundtrack for "KPop Demon Hunters" shows continuing popularity in charts

2025/07/14 19:42

The original soundtrack of Netflix animation "KPop Demon Hunters" continues to soar on the Billboard 200 chart. The soundtrack ranked second according to the latest findings having entered the chart. at eighth place upon its release. According to the U.S. music chart the soundtrack has also secured 96-point-3 million streams in its third week the highest weekly streaming for a film soundtrack since "Encanto" in 2022. "Golden" one of the songs in the "KPop Demon Hunters" has also topped domestic charts including Melon's Top 10 one of Korea's leading music charts.

[K-Enter] BLACKPINK's new song "JUMP" tops iTunes charts in 47 countries Music video also making people jump

2025/07/14 15:36

Time for K-enter with Walter Lee. Let's start off with BLACKPINK. They made us wait for 2 years and 10 months but BLACKPINK are back with their new single "JUMP," and I can happily announce, the song has topped the iTunes "Top Songs" chart in 56 countries. Released last Friday, the track quickly climbed to No. 1 across regions including South America, Europe and Asia. It also ranked No. 3 in the U.S., No. 4 in the UK, and claimed the No. 1 spot on the Worldwide iTunes Song Chart. The music video became the most viewed video on YouTube within 24 hours of its release, surpassing 40 million views in less than two days. The girls are currently on their "DEADLINE" tour which spans 16 cities, with stops in Los Angeles, Toronto, New York, Paris, and more. From one powerhouse girl group to another well kind of, let's talk about Huntr/x from the Netflix movie "KPop Demon Hunters." The soundtrack for Netflix's animated film Kpop Demon Hunters is enjoying a lot of popularity. On Sunday, Billboard announced that the "Kpop Demon Hunters" soundtrack climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard 200, the main U.S. album chart, marking its highest position yet, up one spot from the previous week. After debuting at No. 8, the album surged to No. 3 in its second week and rose again to No. 2 in its third week. In the 2020s, only four soundtracks have reached the Top 2 on the Billboard 200: "Wicked", "Barbie", "Encanto", and now "K-pop Demon Hunters". Meanwhile, "Golden," performed by Huntr/x the girl group in the film, has taken the No. 1 spot on Melon's "Top 100," Korea's leading music chart. Lastly, we move over to BTS fandom. What's the news? The documentary "BTS ARMY: FOREVER WE ARE YOUNG", which highlights "ARMY", the global fandom of BTS, is set to be released worldwide on July 30. The feature-length film explores the passion, creativity, and unity of BTS's official fanbase, ARMY, which now numbers over 9 million. The film premiered at the "2025 South by Southwest (SXSW) festival", where it received overwhelming praise, earning a standing ovation. The directors shared, "There is no ARMY without BTS, and no BTS without ARMY," expressing their hope that the film offers fans a heartfelt experience where they can laugh, cry, and celebrate the strength of their community. Thank you for that Walter. Let's move onto more culture news with our AI anchor Ari. Ari!

K-wave AI News

2025/07/14 15:35

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. The 2025 Gangneung Cultural Heritage Night Tour will run from August 14 to 16, centered around the city's historic Daedohobu Government Office. Marking its 10th anniversary, this year's event features an expanded lineup, including a grander opening parade and drone show, along with new programs that incorporate vibrant local culture. Blending Gangneung's history and culture through immersive experiences, the tour has been designated as Korea's flagship tourism program for showcasing and utilizing national heritage. As the peak summer vacation season begins, thousands flocked to Gangwon-do Province's major beaches last weekend to beat the heat. Over 80 beaches across six coastal cities and counties in the province welcomed a combined total of roughly 187,000 visitors during the weekend. The cumulative number of visitors to Gangwon beaches this summer season reached over 670,000, up nearly 10% compared to the same period last year. World-renowned sound artist Ryoji Ikeda is presenting a solo exhibition at the Asia Culture Center in the southwestern city of Gwangju, marking the center's 10th anniversary. Running through December 28, the exhibition showcases seven of his works, including four new pieces. The show highlights a decade of Ikeda's creative innovation and explores the evolving role of art in an era where technology and artistry increasingly converge. Ikeda, who participated in ACC's opening in 2015, is recognized as a key figure representing the center's spirit of interdisciplinary experimentation. That's all from me. Stay tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[Hallyu People] A pansori singer from France on traditional Korean music and "Sustainable K-Style"

2025/07/14 15:34

In our "Hallyu People" segment today we meet with a Sorikkun from France and of Cameroonian descent. She is one of the winners of a presentation contest of the "2025 Cultural Communication Forum", an annual event held by the Corea Image Communication Institute, which is affiliated with the Foreign Ministry. It's pansori singer Laure Mafo, who is joining us in the studio. Welcome Laure! 1) First and foremost, congratulations on your achievement at the contest! How did you participate in this event and how do you feel? 2) Foreigners residing in Korea took part in this contest under the theme "Sustainable K-Style." The keyword of your presentation was Pansori. Please tell us more about the competition and also what your presentation was about. 3) How did your journey as a Pansori performer begin? 4) Back in 2018, on the occasion of a South Korea-France bilateral summit, you had the opportunity to perform at the Élysée Palace, which must have been an unforgettable experience. Tell us about that and any other performances that mean a lot to you. 5) Do you have any other interesting episodes to share while learning this traditional Korean performance art? 6) Laure, the Cultural Communication Forum was an event aimed at hearing foreigners' views on Korean culture. Do you think your thoughts on K-culture or your foreign friends' thoughts have changed compared to when you first encountered Korea? And what do you say is the charm of Korean culture? 7) What are you currently working on, and what are your future plans or goals as a pansori singer? Thank you very much Laure for sharing your story with us today and for sharing your beautiful pansori music in and outside of Korea. Thank you Walter as always.

[Arts & Culture] 2025 Korea Season part 3: A cultural taste of Korea in Spain

2025/07/11 23:41

It's Friday, which means it's time for Arts and Culture. We have our culture correspondent Choi Soo-hyung in the studio. Welcome back, Soo-hyung! Happy to be back here! Soo-hyung, I know you have some exciting stories from abroad. You went to Spain, right? That's right, Dami. I went to Spain where this year's "Korea Season" has been taking place. In 2022, the South Korean Culture Ministry launched the Korea Season project, aiming to promote a vivid richness of Korean culture to the world. One country is selected each year that has strong potential to spread Korean culture, offering a year-long series of cultural programs. This year, Spain was chosen following the United Kingdom in 2023 and France in 2024 in hopes of making this year a more meaningful one for cultural exchanges, especially as South Korea and Spain mark the seventy fifth anniversary of diplomatic relations. Indeed, and Soo-hyung, I've seen the dance performance in your previous articles that you covered earlier this week. How was the main performance? Yes, Dami. I covered a performance that represents this season. In the capital, Madrid, there is a cultural landmark named Matadero Art Theater. It was once used as a slaughterhouse and market, but now it has changed into a cultural site. You know, Spain is a country renowned for its dance and passion and Korean also loves dance and music as well sharing many similarities. There was a special dance performance, blending traditional and modern Korean dance. Three Korean teams recognized both at home and internationally in festivals like the Edinburgh Fringe, took part. The theme was "Two Cultures, One Heart," showcasing Korean traditional and contemporary dance with Spanish artistry, marking a powerful highlight of this year's Korea Season. And for the encore, the highlight of the performance, the entire audience danced together to the Korean folk song, "Ganggangsullae," a circle dance, as one a true moment of cultural harmony. Away from the stage, displays introducing Korean musicals and traditional desserts representing the taste and styles of Korea a treat for the eyes and taste buds. Local media outlets responded very positively, and visitors also really enjoyed it. ( 8 !!! !} "The performance was amazing. It was a mix between what you can know about contemporary dance and things you didn't know about Korea, but you can interpret or think about. I want to see more. I want to go to home and searching to YouTube and see more performances." "It's very funny, we are so far but we have the same system to protect our identity through the culture, through the tradition, through the idea to move the tradition to another way to be, to express. So the past and the future always together, always dancing together." The reactions were exactly what the Artistic Director of the 2025 Korea Season, Kim Shin-ah, had hoped for. She wanted to create a show people would want to see again, even years later, with an open and positive mindset, and she clearly succeeded. Wow, what a magical performance. Then, Soo-hyung, you said the Korea Season will offer a year-long series of cultural programs. What else can Spain enjoy? Through the end of this year, a dynamic cultural journey will unfold across Spain not just in Madrid. In particular, the Korean Cultural Center in Spain is set to host around 60 events throughout the year. The center is carrying out efforts to expand Korean culture, from fine arts, literature, webtoon, fashion beyond just K-pop. These are the key events remaining in the 2025 Korea Season. In September, K-Webtoon Festival, K-Content Expo, and K-Beauty Festival are awaiting visitors to showcase the country's cultural range. Also, the Center has designated October as Literature Month, promoting Korean literature as a focus country at Madrid's Liber International Book Fair and the guest country at Barcelona's Kosmopolis International Festival of Literature. All right, Soo-hyung. Let's hope this year's Korea Season ends on a high note. Thank you for sharing your reports. My pleasure.

When Hangeul becomes art: the legacy of Pyeongbo Seo Hee-hwan

2025/07/11 23:39

For those of you in Seoul looking for things to do indoors away from the heat wave this weekend, there's a new exhibition that portrays Hangeul as more than just a language but as a powerful form of visual art. Byeon Ye-young tells us more. Geometric beauty and fluid structure, materialized in black ink. Korean Calligraphy, or Hangeul Seoye, is an art form rooted in rhythm, balance, and the expressive power of the written line. Hangeul offers a unique aesthetic language of its own, one that is now being rediscovered as a distinct art form. A new retrospective at the Seoul Arts Center shines a spotlight on this very tradition through the work of a master who dedicated his entire career to breaking away from the better-known Chinese characters and elevating Hangul calligraphy into high art: 'Pyeongbo' Seo Hee-hwan. "Master Seo Hee-hwan's artist pseudonym, Pyeongbo, meaning 'to walk steadily without rest,' was given by his teacher, Son Jae-hyeong. It reflects the idea that even slow progress leads to mastery, as long as you don't stop." Although he was the first artist to receive the Presidential Prize for a work of Hangul calligraphy, his work also drew criticism for resembling his teacher's style. Seo accepted the critique and embarked on a journey to find his own voice. That journey began with a return to the roots of Hangeul. In a section titled "Deep-Rooted Tree," we see how Seo turned to early printed texts from the time of King Sejong. "This is Seo Hee-hwan's interpretation of , or Songs of the Moon's Reflection on a Thousand Rivers. Originally compiled by King Sejong, the creator of Hangul, it's a Buddhist hymn book dedicated to his late wife, Queen Soheon. The interpretation by Seo Hee-hwan shows around 10,000 Hangeul characters on a single folding screen." By studying the typeface-like panbonche styles from early Joseon, Seo grounded himself in the fundamentals of Hangeul and gradually shaped a calligraphic language that was uniquely his own. He explored more artistic styles as well, like this piece where the brush naturally flows into the next character. Commemorating 30 years since Seo's passing, the exhibition runs until mid-October at the Seoul Calligraphy Art Museum Gallery, and there are also programs where visitors can try their hand at Hangeul Calligraphy. This retrospective gives visitors the chance to see upfront that Hangeul seoye is more than just writing. It's visual art where each stroke carries emotion and history. Byeon Ye-young, Arirang News