News

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

New K-pop artists and producers added to Recording Academy membership

2025/07/11 19:41

More than 10 K-pop artists and producers have been added to the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences making them eligible to vote in the Grammy Awards. According to Korean entertainment company HYBE 16 of its artists and producers including Zico and Slow Rabbit will be able to cast their ballots starting from the 68th Grammys next February. Some of the current members with the right to vote include all members of BTS. The Recording Academy selects new members each year through evaluations by current members.

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

2025/07/11 19:40

We are looking ahead to the weekend and for those of you here seeking a meaningful indoor activity away from the scorching heat do consider a visit to the Seoul Calligraphy Art Museum that is hosting a special showcase of Hangeul in memory of a master Hangeul calligrapher. Our Byeon Ye-young was there. 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

[Features reporter] When Hangeul becomes art: the legacy of Pyeongbo Seo Hee-hwan

2025/07/11 16:38

So Ye-young, I heard you visited a quieter and calmer place this time, compared to the musical festival you reported on last week. Yes, I did. It was a retrospective on Seo Hee-hwan, also known as Pyeongbo, a master Hangeul calligrapher. The pieces were beautiful, and for me, the exhibition shed completely new light on Korean letters. Let's take a look together. 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 Hangeul 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 Hangeul 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 Hangul 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.

[K-enter] BLACKPINK comes back with "JUMP"

2025/07/11 16:37

Time for some K-entertainment news with Bella Kim. Let's "jump" into our first story, an exciting comeback that many of us have been waiting for. Just before our show, BLACKPINK released their new single "JUMP." This is the song that BLACKPINK performed for the very first time at their Goyang concert last weekend, as Walter reported earlier this week. "JUMP" is BLACKPINK's first new release as a complete group in almost three years and it also marks the start of their new world tour "DEADLINE." BLACKPINK is currently on that world tour, which spans across 16 cities, with a total of 31 shows. Following their successful kick off in Goyang, they are set to continue across major cities worldwide, including Los Angeles, Los Angeles, Toronto, Paris, London, Jakarta and Tokyo. They will definitely make their fans jump. The next story is also on K-pop, but in relation to the Grammies? Sixteen artists and producers from HYBE Music Group will join the Recording Academy as members. On Wednesday, the Recording Academy invited Seventeen's Woozi and Vernon, TOMORROW X TOGETHER's Yeonjun, LE SSERAFIM's Heo Yunjin, and a couple more from HYBE as new voting members. Notably, the entire group KATSEYE was invited. The Recording Academy is a prestigious organization of music professionals that represents the voices of artists, songwriters, producers, and engineers. It was established in 1957 and has been hosting the Grammy Awards since 1959. The voting members can participate in the selection of Grammy Award winners. Currently at HYBE, Chairman Bang Si-hyuk, all seven members of BTS, and producer Pdogg, have been selected as voting members. Great to see more K-pop artists' and producers' voices in the global music industry. And lastly, we'll end off with an upcoming film featuring one of your favorite actresses Bella? Singer-actor Lim Yoona will make a screen comeback with "PRETTY CRAZY." "PRETTY CRAZY" is a comedy film about Gil-gu, a young unemployed man who takes on an unusual part-time job -keeping an eye on his neighbor, Sun-ji (Yoona), who transforms into a demon every night. Yoona took on a dual role of Sun-ji, who runs a bakery during the day but unknowingly awakens as a demon at night. To portray the stark contrast, she underwent a complete transformation in her styling, voice and acting. Meanwhile, Gil-gu is played by Ahn Bo-hyun. It's also notable that Yoona worked with director Lee Sang-geun again, after their hit film "EXIT." "PRETTY CRAZY" will premiere in theaters on August 13th. I also love comedy acting by Yoona. Thank you Bella for today's stories.

K-wave AI News

2025/07/11 16:35

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. The government is ramping up safety measures ahead of a wave of large-scale events nationwide this summer. A pan-ministry meeting on Thursday reviewed safety protocols for festivals, concerts, sports events, and other gatherings, as well as crowded sites like subways, airports, and beaches. Key measures include intensified monitoring and safety officer deployment for events expecting over 20,000 attendees, and on-site inspections for performances drawing more than 5,000 people. Coastal safety personnel will be stationed at all 256 beaches to strengthen patrols, while crowd levels at the busiest train stations and rail lines will be closely watched. The 2025 KBO League, which kicked off in late March amid a record-breaking boom, wrapped up its first half with Thursday's games. The Hanwha Eagles shook up the league standings by clinching the top spot in the first half, a first for the team in 33 years. The league has entered a six-day All-Star break, with the marquee game slated for Saturday in Daejeon. The second half resumes on July 17, with teams set to intensify their push for the top, adding heat to the season's all-time high baseball fever. The KBO became Korea's first professional sports league to surpass 10 million in total attendance last year, and it's on pace to exceed 12 million this year if current trends hold. The Ron Mueck solo exhibition at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Seoul has attracted over 503,000 visitors in 90 days. According to the museum, the show recorded an average of 5,590 daily visitors, the highest for any single exhibition since the museum's opening. Visitors in their 20s and 30s made up 70% of the audience, with their reviews, widely shared on social media, helping to sustain the buzz for nearly three months. The exhibition is the largest retrospective of Mueck's work in Asia, featuring 24 pieces, including 10 sculptures, 12 studio photographs, and two documentary films. The show runs through this Sunday. That's all from me. Stay tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[Kulture Issue] Highlights of the 29th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival

2025/07/11 16:34

"Stay Strange" is what the 29th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival calls for and has been calling for for years with its slogan. Korea's representative summer film festival held in the city of Bucheon, halfway between Seoul and Incheon, is now approaching its end. This year's event, once again filled with imaginative works of horror, fantasy, science fiction and more. Let's talk about the highlights with our movie expert Jae Soh, professor and filmmaker at Seoul Institute of the Arts. Welcome Professor! Q1. Professor Soh, you just came back from BIFAN? Please tell us how it was. Q2. Known for its focus on unconventional imagination and experimentation with genres, BIFAN is now already in its 29th year. What role does the festival play in the Korean film industry? Q3. The opening film that kicked off the festival grabbed a lot of attention. It was made from a screenplay written by AI. Tell us about the movie and what having selected an AI-written film as the opening piece means for the film industry. Q4. There has also been a lot of buzz about a special program held at the event? Q5. Now the celebrations are coming to an end, with the closing ceremony being held today, Friday. How do you read into the trend of this year's works? And was there any film that stood out? Q6. And for those who cannot make it to Bucheon, there are a number of movies in the cinemas to look out for in July. Could you give us a preview Professor? Q7. A glimpse into these Korean movies makes me think that there is a broader range of movies and more experimental approaches in the K-movie scene. How do you see the current trend of Korean movies? Thank you very much Professor Soh for your insights. Thank you Bella, see you next week.

[NEWs GEN] Summer Cravings: What Korean foods are must-haves this season?

2025/07/11 12:33

[NEWs GEN] Summer Cravings: What Korean foods are must-haves this season? [뉴젠] 여름엔 역시 냉면, 삼계탕, 팥빙수... 외국인들이 좋아할 한국 여름 음식

Global baby pygmy hippo superstar Moo Deng celebrates first birthday at zoo in Thailand

2025/07/11 11:45

Finally, Thailand's beloved pygmy hippo, Moo Deng, turned one year old on Thursday, at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi, marking her first birthday with a four-day celebration. The festivities kicked off with over 12,000 visitors on day one, including fans who traveled from abroad, and free entry for children under 12. Activities included a 20-kilogram tropical fruit cake, a parade, and photo exhibitions of Moo Deng. Moo Deng, whose name translates to "bouncy pork," has sparked global social media fascination since her birth on July 10, 2024, drawing millions of views and boosting zoo visits.

Korea redefines global pop culture: From Squid Game 3 to broadway wins

2025/07/10 21:35

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon. From Netflix charts to Billboard rankings, K-culture is no longer riding a wave — it's shaping the current. Squid Game 3 just topped the world's biggest platform in 93 countries. K-pop is expanding into animation, arena tours, and soundtracks that dominate global charts. Rookie groups are breaking records in their first week, Korean musicals are winning on Broadway. And now, with government funding pouring into content-tech, Korea isn't just exporting culture — it's building the next phase of it. So today, we ask: where does Korea's cultural power stand now — and where is it headed next? For answers to this, we are joined by Jason Bechervaise, Assistant Professor of International Affairs at Hanyang University. Welcome. Also joining us online from New York is Entertainment Reporter Tamar Herman. (JASON) 1. So Jason let's start with the most visible milestone — Squid Game 3 has topped Netflix charts in 93 countries for two straight weeks. What does this kind of sustained global traction say-about the evolution of K-dramas into internationally recognized storytelling powerhouses? (TAMAR) 2. And shifting to K-pop — KPop Demon Hunters isn't just streaming well, it's topping Billboard and Spotify charts. Tamar, do you see this as a turning point, where K-pop identities are evolving into full-scale cross-media franchises? (TAMAR) 3. In a recent ArirangTV survey held across 94 countries on more than 800 participants, BTS V and IU have been named as the top K-pop artists, as of Thursday. Considering how long both artists have been in the spotlight, what does their staying power tell us about the global K-pop scene — and how it treats its icons? (JASON) 4. Shifting to Broadway, the Korean musical Maybe Happy Ending just swept six Tony Awards. Jason, how does this amazing breakthrough reflect Korea's ability to globalize its narratives beyond film and television? (TAMAR) 5. And turning from stage to stage debut — rookie boy group AHOF won a music show just one week after their debut. Tamar, could this kind of fast success show, that the timeline for making it in K-pop has completely changed? (TAMAR) 6. And looking at the sheer scale of live fandom — Blackpink's Goyang concert brought in 78,000 fans, and their current world tour is hitting over 15 major cities. Beyond the music itself, what do these stadium-sized performances tell us about how production, performance, and physical presence are shaping the global fan experience? (JASON) 7. Then, now let's take a look at how the talent pipeline is being built — Lately, Korea's Culture Ministry has doubled its investment in short-form dramas. Jason, how critical are these measures in discovering and launching globally competitive creators? (JASON) 8. Staying on investment, the Korean government plans to invest 5 trillion won into culture-tech by 2027. What does this reveal about Korea's long-term strategy for culture as a national growth engine? (JASON) 9. So it's not new that Korean content is being consumed everywhere from Paris to even Peru. In your view, what gives K-content that kind of cross-cultural resonance — despite the gap in language or distance? (TAMAR) 10. And finally, on the heart of it all — today's K-pop fandoms aren't just fanbases, they're ecosystems shaping platforms, narratives, even policy. Tamar, what do you think K-pop represents — to Korea and to the world in 2025?

[K-enter] "KPop Demon Hunters" soundtrack on Billboard charts

2025/07/10 16:37

Bella, the animation film "KPop Demon Hunters" is continuing to make headlines and it is doing impressively well on not only viewers' charts, but listeners' charts. A total of seven songs from the "KPop Demon Hunters" soundtrack are in the Billboard main single chart "Hot 100." According to the Billboard chart this week, "Golden" by HUNTR/X, a fictional girl group in the movie, soared to No.23, climbing 58 spots from its debut at No.81 last week. "Your Idol" by Saja Boys, a fictional boy group from the film, jumped 46 places to No.31 in its second week on the chart. Other soundtrack entries include "How It's Done," "Soda Pop," "What It Sounds Like," "Free," and "Takedown." The soundtrack album also climbed five steps up from last week, reaching No.3 on the main album chart "Billboard 200." Next, let's move onto a "real" boy group, ATEEZ, an exciting news for their fans? All the members of ATEEZ have renewed their contract with their agency, KQ Entertainment. KQ Entertainment announced on Thursday that they have successfully renewed their contract with all eight members of ATEEZ for another 7 years, after 7 years of working together. ATEEZ debuted back in October 2018 and have been loved globally as they topped the "Billboard 200" chart in 2023 and also performed at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival as a very first K-pop boy group. Meanwhile, ATEEZ will release their 12th mini album "GOLDEN HOUR : Part.3 'In Your Fantasy Edition'" on Friday and will continue with their tour "ATEEZ 2025 WORLD TOUR 'IN YOUR FANTASY'" in North America and Japan. Lots of exciting news for ATEEZ fans, or ATINYs We will end off with some sad news for CARATs, or Seventeen fans. Seventeen members Hoshi and Woozi will enlist and start serving their mandatory military service in September. According to their agency, Pledis Entertainment, Woozi will enlist on September 15th and Hoshi on September 16th, both as active-duty soldiers in the army. They will be the third and fourth members of the group to enlist, after Junghan and Wonwoo. The agency asked the fans to refrain from visiting the entrance ceremony site. Hoshi and Woozi have been active as representatives of the "96 line," as both were born on 1996, after showcasing their first unit song "Shoot Me" in 2017. Recently, they dominated music charts with their latest single "BEAM," released in March. The two will meet with their fans as they kick off their first fan concert tour, "WARNING," in Seoul this weekend. The fans still have a bit more time left to spend with the two. I'm sure they will have something in store for CARATs even during their military service, like male idol groups do these days. Thank you Bella for today's stories. Let's now go over to our AI anchor Ari, for more on the culture front. Ari!

K-wave AI News

2025/07/10 16:36

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Jeju Island will mark the inclusion of the April 3 Incident records in UNESCO's Memory of the World with a ceremony next Friday. Staged at the Jeju April 3 Peace Park, the event will feature a certificate presentation, a commemorative service, and a peace concert. A special exhibition displaying key archives related to the incident will also be open to the public. Records of the Jeju April 3 Incident were officially inscribed on the UNESCO list in April this year. Jeju Governor Oh Young-hun expressed hope that the event will raise awareness of the incident's historical significance both domestically and internationally. Busan's premier summer event, the Taejongdae Hydrangea Flower Culture Festival, is in full swing. Now in its 15th year, the festival returned after a six-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and drought, drawing renewed interest from residents and tourists alike. More than 4,000 hydrangea bushes across 30 varieties are in full bloom around Taejongsa Temple, creating a breathtaking scene. The festival also features diverse cultural performances, a flea market, free horseback riding, and various other programs. As an intense heatwave grips Korea, the 'Twin Tunnel' in Miryang City, Gyeongsangnam-do Province, is gaining attention as "nature's air conditioner," drawing a steady flow of tourists. Once abandoned for 13 years, the tunnel reopened as a tourist attraction in 2017. Its entire 1-kilometer stretch is illuminated with vibrant LED lights, transforming the space into a surreal and enchanting tunnel of light. The tunnel maintains a consistent temperature of 15 to 19 degrees Celsius year-round, providing cool relief in summer and warmth in winter. Miryang City says over 3,000 visitors come to the tunnel on weekends, seeking to experience its natural coolness. That's all from me. Stay tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[Kulture Issue] Mixed-gender K-pop groups back in the scene

2025/07/10 16:34

ALLDAY PROJECT, KARD, JAESSBEE. These groups have something in common. They not only have released new songs or debuted this summer season, but all of them are mixed-gender groups which is not something we see often in the K-pop world as in the past decade or so it's been deemed difficult to succeed in this format. Nevertheless, entertainment companies and producers have not given up and there might be a possibility that co-ed groups could become a trend again. For more on this, we connect to our K-pop expert Jeff Benjamin. Hello Jeff! Q1. Jeff, let's start with the rookie K-pop group that sings "we ain't even famous" but have become famous in the blink of an eye. It's ALLDAY PROJECT, made up of three female members and two male members. The group debuted less than three weeks ago and have been sweeping the charts. What's behind their successful debut? Q2. Before ALLDAY PROJECT, KARD were the representative mixed-gender group in the K-pop scene, and just a week ago, they released their 8th mini album. JAESSBEE, a mixed-gender music group created through entertainment contents on YouTube also dropped a digital single late last month. Are mixed-gender groups back in fashion? If yes, why do you think so? Q3. If we go back to the 1990s, mixed groups were much more common and also successful. Uptown, S#arp, Roo'ra, Cool, Koyote. Why did this format of K-pop group gradually disappear from the scene? Q4. How is it compared to overseas? Is it just Korea that's seeing fewer mixed-gender bands since the 2000s or is it similar worldwide? Q5. The members of KARD have mentioned numerous advantages of having a mix of female and male members in their group, with one of them being the diversity they have. They say no matter how you group the members together, you can create a variety of combinations within the group. Jeff, what do you think are the factors that make mixed-gender groups attractive? Q6. What about the disadvantages? There must be quite a number of them, given the fact that the K-pop industry lacks mixed-gender groups. What's your view on this? Q7. With ALLDAY PROJECT's arrival, for the first time in years, a newly debuted mixed-gender team is in the spotlight. Do you think this rookie group could spark a new boom in the K-pop industry and co-ed groups won't have to be a rarity anymore? Thank you very much for your insights Jeff, have a great rest of the week. Thank you Bella, see you back tomorrow.

"KPop Demon Hunters" soundtrack takes over Billboard Hot 100 with 7 tracks

2025/07/09 22:40

Netflix's animated film "KPop Demon Hunters" has become a global hit, and its soundtrack is gaining popularity too. Also, Rosé, from BLACKPINK, has two duet tracks on the chart, highlighting the growing global popularity of Korean culture. Shin Ha-young reports. K-culture is gaining more global recognition. Several songs from the soundtrack for Netflix's animated film, "KPop Demon Hunters," have entered the Billboard Hot 100 this week, boosted by the global popularity of the U.S.-produced movie centered on Korean pop music. According to the latest chart released on Tuesday, seven songs from the soundtrack entered the chart, with "Golden" ranking the highest at No. 23, jumping 58 spots in just one week after debuting at No. 81. The track, "Your Idol," also rose 46 spots to No. 31, staying on the chart for a second consecutive week. The film's soundtrack also climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, up from No. 8 last week. "KPop Demon Hunters" showcases various elements of Korean culture, including its folklore as well as traditional props. Elsewhere on the Hot 100, Rosé has two duet songs on the charts. "APT." entered week 37 on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 27. Released in a collaboration with American pop star Bruno Mars, "APT." went viral for its addictive hook and its clever nod to a popular Korean drinking game. Her new song "On My Mind," a new collaboration with American singer-songwriter Alex Warren, entered the chart, ranking in 60th place. Meanwhile, K-drama sensation Squid Game Season 3 has made Netflix history. According to Netflix's Top 10 website on Wednesday, for the second straight week, the final season ranked first among non-English shows in all 93 countries where the chart is tracked. This is the first time any Netflix series has held the top spot in every tracked country for two consecutive weeks, setting a new record. All three seasons of Squid Game currently occupy the top three spots on Netflix's list of most popular non-English shows of all time. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.

2025 Korea Season Part 2: A vibrant celebration of diverse Korean culture blossoming in Spain

2025/07/09 22:39

Over in Europe As the Korea Season, aimed at promoting Korean culture, is taking place in Spain, the country will host a vibrant lineup of K-content events throughout the year. Our Choi Soo-hyung reports from Spain on the current and future state of Korean soft power. Wearing a Virtual Reality headset, a participant swings her arms freely, learning a martial art from the Joseon Dynasty. "I think it's very beautiful to know how Korean culture is, all the temples, and it's funny, it's very fun. The second thing I did, I think, for people who live in Spain, it's a very good way to learn." Suwon Hwaseong, one of Korea's most iconic cultural heritage sites in Gyeonggi-do Province, comes vividly alive right before your eyes. "I think that it was quite similar to reality because it showed the colors, spaces in a very realistic way. Also, the explanation and the small details like the ceilings with those color combinations and the small animals looking through were really cute." At the Korean Cultural Center in Madrid, Korea's traditional culture has been fully digitized through a comprehensive database process, allowing visitors to experience it in digital format, without even setting foot in Korea. In other sites in the venue, unique reinterpretations of the Joseon Dynasty's white porcelain are on display, all created using "malchong," or horsehair. Jeong Da-hye became the first Korean artist to win the prestigious Loewe Craft Prize, a leading award in Spain's contemporary craft scene. "This work merged tradition and innovation. It's very important for Spain also to receive a very natural work like this. The Loewe Foundation was very happy to see this kind of artist, so they selected her in 2022." Right now, Spain is completely immersed in Korean Culture. Since 2022, South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has selected one country each year with a strong potential to spread Korean culture, offering a year-long series of cultural programs. This year's Korea Season takes place in Spain. In particular, the Korean Cultural Center here is set to host around 60 events throughout the year. "The center is carrying out this year's Korea Season under the key theme of "expansion." Beyond just popular areas like K-pop, we are working to highlight all things across K-culture, from fine arts and exhibitions to literature, webtoons, fashion, and beauty." Moreover, after Han Kang's Nobel win last year, Korean literature is gaining a lot of interest in Spain. That's why, in the second half of the year, Korean literature events will take center stage. "October has been designated as Literature Month, and we're promoting Korean literature as a focus country at Madrid's Liber International Book Fair. At the same time, we'll be the guest of honor at Barcelona's Kosmopolis International Festival of Literature." "Through the end of this year, a dynamic cultural journey will unfold across Spain, connecting the richness of Korean culture with the world. Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News, Madrid.

"Squid Game 3" ranks no.1 in 93 countries for two weeks straight

2025/07/09 19:39

On the entertainment front. Squid Game Season 3 has made Netflix history. According to Netflix's Top 10 website on this Wednesday the final season ranked number one among non-English shows in all 93 countries where the chart is tracked for the second straight week. It's the first time any Netflix series has held the top spot in every tracked country for two consecutive weeks. All three seasons of Squid Game currently occupy the top three spots on Netflix's list of the most popular non-English shows of all time.

2025 Korea Season Part 2: A vibrant celebration of diverse Korean culture blossoming in Spain

2025/07/09 19:39

In our second installment of stories from Spain which has become this year's overseas center stage for the Korean Wave my colleague Choi Soo-hyung touches upon the use of immersive technology to offer residents in Madrid the chance to experience K-culture from the comfort of their city. Do take a look. Wearing a Virtual Reality headset, a participant swings her arms freely, learning a martial art from the Joseon Dynasty. "I think it's very beautiful to know how Korean culture is, all the temples, and it's funny, it's very fun. The second thing I did, I think, for people who live in Spain, it's a very good way to learn." Suwon Hwaseong, one of Korea's most iconic cultural heritage sites in Gyeonggi-do Province, comes vividly alive right before your eyes. "I think that it was quite similar to reality because it showed the colors, spaces in a very realistic way. Also, the explanation and the small details like the ceilings with those color combinations and the small animals looking through were really cute." At the Korean Cultural Center in Madrid, Korea's traditional culture has been fully digitized through a comprehensive database process, allowing visitors to experience it in digital format, without even setting foot in Korea. In other sites in the venue, unique reinterpretations of the Joseon Dynasty's white porcelain are on display, all created using "malchong," or horsehair. Jeong Da-hye became the first Korean artist to win the prestigious Loewe Craft Prize, a leading award in Spain's contemporary craft scene. "This work merged tradition and innovation. It's very important for Spain also to receive a very natural work like this. The Loewe Foundation was very happy to see this kind of artist, so they selected her in 2022." Right now, Spain is completely immersed in Korean Culture. Since 2022, South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has selected one country each year with a strong potential to spread Korean culture, offering a year-long series of cultural programs. This year's Korea Season takes place in Spain. In particular, the Korean Cultural Center here is set to host around 60 events throughout the year. "The center is carrying out this year's Korea Season under the key theme of "expansion." Beyond just popular areas like K-pop, we are working to highlight all things across K-culture, from fine arts and exhibitions to literature, webtoons, fashion, and beauty." Moreover, after Han Kang's Nobel win last year, Korean literature is gaining a lot of interest in Spain. That's why, in the second half of the year, Korean literature events will take center stage. "October has been designated as Literature Month, and we're promoting Korean literature as a focus country at Madrid's Liber International Book Fair. At the same time, we'll be the guest of honor at Barcelona's Kosmopolis International Festival of Literature." "Through the end of this year, a dynamic cultural journey will unfold across Spain, connecting the richness of Korean culture with the world. Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News, Madrid."

[K-Enter] "Squid Game 3" Tops Rankings in 93 countries for 2 consecutive weeks A first for a Netflix series

2025/07/09 15:35

Time now for K-Enter with Walter Lee. Though the series has wrapped up for Squid Game the impact across the globe continues. What's the latest? According to Netflix Tudum's TOP 10 rankings released on Wednesday, Squid Game 3 recorded approximately 46.3 million views between June 30th and July 6th (past Sunday), maintaining the No. 1 position for two consecutive weeks in all 93 countries where the chart is tracked. This marks the first time in Netflix history that a series has claimed the top spot in every country for two straight weeks. Squid Game 3 also jumped to No. 3 on Netflix's list of most popular non-English series of all time. With this, all three seasons of Squid Game now hold the top three spots on Netflix's all-time most popular non-English series chart, a historic achievement. To see that each season broke some record must be a satisfying feeling for director Hwang Dong-hyuk . Next up, let's talk about a K-movie. According to distributor NEW on Wednesday, action comedy film "Hi-Five" which premiered in Hong Kong on June 19 became the biggest box office hit among all Korean films released there this year, achieving the feat in just four days, beating out titles like crime film "The Snitch" or "Yadang". Meanwhile, in Thailand, the film also claimed the top spot amongst Korean releases in 2025 following its debut on June 12. "Hi-Five" is a comedy action adventure that follows five individuals who, after receiving organ transplants, unexpectedly gain superpowers and find themselves entangled in a battle against those who want to exploit their abilities. Lastly let's move onto some K-pop news with a return of a solo artist. Jeon Somi has made her return with a new single after nearly a year. On Monday, Somi released her new digital single "EXTRA," marking her first release since August of last year, when she dropped "Ice Cream." "EXTRA" is a dance track that captures the feeling of being on the sidelines, moments spent unnoticed or lingering in the background. Inspired by the role of an extra in a film, the song expresses emotional confusion with a modern new-disco sound. Somi will also be connecting with fans at her upcoming fan meeting named "CHAOS", set to take place on July 19 at Hyundai Card Understage in Yongsan, Seoul. Thanks as always Walter, stick around as we take a look at what Ari our AI anchor has for us on the culture front. Ari, take it away!

K-wave AI News

2025/07/09 15:34

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. A Buddhist painting from the early Joseon Dynasty has been repatriated from Japan. The artwork, titled "Siwangdo," depicts the Ten Kings who judge the dead in the afterlife. It features intricate details in the characters' clothing, background, and patterns, showcasing the artistic techniques of the period. Also returned was a Goryeo Dynasty Buddhist scripture, believed to have been transcribed in 1334. The Avatamsaka Sutra, transcribed in gold powder on blue paper, features a delicately rendered sermon scene that showcases the refined artistry of Buddhist art at the time. "Siwangdo" was reclaimed through a formal auction in Japan, while the Goryeo scripture was purchased from a Japanese collector. Korea's celebrated pianist Lim Yun-chan and his mentor, Sohn Min-su, are set to hold a duo recital series this month. Describing Sohn as a profound influence on both his life and music, Lim said he doesn't so much want to "perform" with his teacher but rather wants to "sing together with him." The program features two-piano arrangements by Brahms, Rachmaninoff, and Strauss. The rare duo recital will begin this Saturday at the Art Center Incheon, followed by performances set for July 14 at Lotte Concert Hall in Seoul, and July 15 at the Seoul Arts Center. The Gangwon-Chuncheon 2025 World Taekwondo Cultural Festival kicked off at Songam Sports Town Air Dome Stadium, with the 'Dynamic Taekwondo Competition.' Dynamic Taekwondo combines traditional techniques with music and performance, featuring breaking, high-level kicks, and synchronized routines that highlight strength, agility, as well as grace. During the festival, over 1,500 participants from 35 countries will compete in a series of events, including the World Cup Team Championships and the World Para Taekwondo Open Challenge, co-hosted by Chuncheon City and the World Taekwondo Federation. Now in its third year, the festival has grown into a comprehensive cultural event linking local culture and industries. That's all from me. Stay tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[K-Correspondent] Korean bojagi art unwrapped in Switzerland

2025/07/09 15:34

Once used in daily life to wrap gifts or store objects, Korea's traditional 'bojagi' made from different types of fabrics with intricate techniques, has over many years evolved into a contemporary art form, that nowadays is even getting global recognition. One of the countries that's shown interest in bojagi art is Switzerland. We now connect to Son Bo-young, the founder of Swiss Bojagi, and a bojagi artist herself. Bo-young, (Ms. Son) hello! Q1. Please tell us how the bojagi art journey started in Switzerland. And what kind of programs or activities are being offered? Q2. What kind of people have shown their interest in these classes and events? Do you see any specific groups showing more interest than others? Q3. So, how has the response been so far? I mean it must have been a first-of-its-kind experience for most of them. Q4. Do you think there is a special reason for why bojagi is receiving this attention especially in Switzerland or Europe? (Is there anything similar to bojagi or is it the artistic aspect they like?) Q5. What do you think is the strength of bojagi art compared to other hallyu items like Korea's traditional attire hanbok, K-calligraphy or more widely known aspects of the Korean wave? Q6. We've heard that you also work with a variety of different local organizations to promote Korean culture in Switzerland. Please tell us more about that. Q7. Last but not least, as a pioneer in bojagi art in Switzerland who is creating a new trend of the K-wave, do you have any hopes or goals you would like to share? Thank you very much for connecting with us today Bo-young, (Ms. Son) and for spreading the beauty of Korea's bojagi art in Switzerland. Thank you Walter as always. We'll have you back next week.