News

Sharing the beauty of Korean calligraphy

2025/02/26 17:00

Korean calligraphy that is the art of writing hangeul is now a national treasure and my colleague Ahn Sung-jin shares its appeal in this following report. Do take a look. A delicate brush stroke lands on the paper. These single strokes come together to create characters from the Korean alphabet Hangeul. This is known as Hangeul seoye, or Hangeul calligraphy. 94-year-old Jung Joo-hwan has dedicated more than 60 years of his life to practicing calligraphy, and is one of the first to practice the artform. "Hangeul was easy to learn and memorize. It's also very scientifically made. Look at the beauty of these characters." Calligraphy in Korea has used both Hanja, which are Chinese characters, and the Korean alphabet Hangeul. But last month, Hangeul seoye was designated as a national intangible cultural heritage recognizing its unique writing style using Korea's own alphabet as well as its unique font and brushwork. Jung runs his own academy where he passes on his knowledge of calligraphy. "I like letters, but I also started learning calligraphy to control my mind more peacefully and cultivate a sense of virtue, which I think has been helping." "An old saying says that calligraphy helps grow patience and trains the mind. Not only does this calligraphy demonstrate the beauty of the written characters but it also can develop one's own character." And calligrapher Lee Jung-hwa feels Hangeul is a better medium to convey meaningful messages. "The reason why I like Hangeul seoye is because I can convey emotions through characters that really represent our sound since it is the Korean alphabet. That's why moving forward I want to try everything I can using Hangeul seoye and find what I really can accomplish." The Korea Heritage Service said it will provide support for scholarly studies and initiatives aimed at promoting the transmission of cultural heritage. Seoye is an age-old tradition, and with efforts like these to promote it further, this calligraphy could play a key role in sharing not only the Korean writing system, but also its culture. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.

K-wave AI News

2025/02/26 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. The culture ministry is stepping up efforts to promote inbound tourism by tapping into emerging markets. In partnership with the Korea Tourism Organization, it plans to expand global promotion centers from the current ten to twelve this year, adding one to serve Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, and another in Türkiye. Since last year, Korea has been actively exploring new markets through promotion centers in countries without KTO overseas offices, including Sweden, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia. According to the latest data, the number of tourists from these countries grew by nearly 23% year-on-year in 2024. The Sejong Center for the Performing Arts will host a concert series offering world-class classical performances for as little as 1,000 won, or just 70 U.S. cents. From April to December, the center will hold eight performances featuring a diverse range of classical music, including works by renowned composers such as Rachmaninoff and Rachmaninoff and Beethoven, as well as opera and classical film music. Ticket prices will range from 1,000 won to a maximum of 10,000 won. The series will kick off on April 1 with a concert titled "Meeting Young Artists." Korea's renowned Pianist Lim Yun-chan will hold a surprise recital next month at the Goyang Aram Nuri Music Hall. From March 23 to 25, he will perform Bach's Goldberg Variations, along with a new piece by Lee Hanurij titled "Round and Velvety-Smooth Blend." Lim's agency explained that the performance is a special gift for fans in Korea who have been eagerly awaiting his rendition of the Goldberg Variations. It is not part of a formal recital tour but rather a guerrilla-style performance. The proceeds from the concert will be donated to pediatric patients. That's all from me. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.

A look at Thailand's soft power and the status of hallyu

2025/02/26 14:00

Once a week we connect live to a correspondent overseas who fills us in on K-culture news in their country. Today, we go over to Thailand, a popular travel destination for Koreans as well as Korean stars with Thailand being at the center of hallyu in Southeast Asia. We are now connected to Aiyaphat Wankawisant , a Thai K-culture influencer. Hello Aiyaphat, good to see you! Q1. Please introduce yourself briefly to some of our viewers who might not be familiar with you and tell us how you have been. Any exciting updates? Q2. Today, we want to delve into Thailand’s soft power, based on which, the country’s tourism is being ramped up even more. Do you recognize such efforts around you? Q3. Thailand’s tourism sector has reportedly recovered to 90% of its pre-pandemic level, with more than 35.5 million tourists having visited the country last year. Among them, Korean tourists accounted for a high proportion. Do you see many Korean visitors around you, and I heard that hallyu-related tourist spots are popular among them as well? Q4. Thai people also like to visit Korea. What are the most popular places for them right now? Q5. The Korean wave also plays an important role in Thailand’s soft power, and at the center of it is Blackpink’s Thai member Lisa. How big of an influence does she have? Q6. Going back to K-pop. What’s the latest in terms of the popularity of K-pop in Thailand? Also, is it due to the Thai members in Korean groups that we’re seeing this big interest in K-pop in Thailand? Q7. In a bid to bolster Thailand’s soft power, the country also seems to be actively promoting the “Thai Wave”, or "T-Wave." Do you see similarities between the Thai Wave and the Korean Wave?

[K-enter] G-Dragon comes back with his 3rd full-length album 'ÜBERMENSCH'...tops charts upon release.

2025/02/26 14:00

Time for our daily dose of K-enter with Walter Lee. Walter, let's start off with news on the "Übermensch" G-Dragon! Yes, its the long awaited full return of the king of K-pop, and nothing is slowing him down. "ÜBERMENSCH", the artist's third solo album which dropped on Tuesday was his first in 11 years since "Coup d'Etat" . "ÜBERMENSCH" includes eight tracks, including "TOO BAD feat. Anderson.Paak", and the pre-released songs "POWER" and "HOME SWEET HOME". Upon its release, "TOO BAD" topped the real-time charts of major domestic music streaming platforms, receiving a positive response. Meanwhile that world tour we talked about earlier will kick off on March 29 and March 30 at Goyang Sports Complex. Positive response indeed. "TOO BAD" is just "TOO GOOD". It was my immediate favorite on the album. Also, can't wait to hear how the world tour will go Next up another K-pop super star has some BIG news. When you think of the biggest awards shows, more than likely the Oscars would be on most people's lists. Well, history will be made for the world of K-pop at the 97th Academy Awards in March as BlackPink member Lisa will be the first K-pop singer to perform at the ceremony. Earlier this month, Lisa released a new song, "Born Again feat. Doja Cat and RAYE". The three artists are expected to perform the song live for the first time at the ceremony. The 97th Academy Awards will be held on March 2 (local time) in Los Angeles. It might be the year of BlackPink, so much accomplished already and still yet more to come. Let's stay on the topic of music today and talk about Spotify's "Global Impact List". On Tuesday, Spotify, the world’s largest music streaming platform, released its "Global Impact List", featuring the 30 most-streamed Korean songs overseas from July to December 2024. This chart ranks the most-played songs by Korean artists among Spotify users outside of Korea during the second half of last year. According to the list, half of the top 10 songs are solo tracks from BTS members. The song "Who" from Jimin's solo album "Muse" took the No. 1 spot on the 2024 Global Impact List. A total of five songs from "Muse" made it onto the chart, with "Be Mine" ranking at No. 5. Jin secured two spots in the top 10 with "Running Wild" at no. 6, the title track from his first solo album Happy, and "I Will Be There" at no. 8. V and Park Hyo-shin’s collaboration "Winter Ahead" also made it to no. 9. Meanwhile, according to Spotify’s 2024 Wrapped year-end campaign released in December last year, BTS was named the most-streamed Korean artist globally, amassing 3.9 billion streams. BTS has held the title of Spotify’s Most-Streamed K-Pop Artist for seven consecutive years since 2018. Great achievement. Thanks for that news Walter, don't go anywhere.

2024 global 'Hallyu' trends: K-pop dominates in Asia, Europe, Latin America; Korean food leads in North America

2025/02/25 17:00

K-pop is the most popular South Korea-related content in Asia Europe and Latin America while K-food topped the list in North America Africa and Oceania. This is according to the Culture Ministry's 2024 global analysis of the Korean wave made public on this Tuesday. Here in Asia over 35 percent of media coverage related to the Korean wave was centered on K-pop while in North America Korean food garnered most interest. Notably in the U.S. and Canada there was a tangible rise in online searches and social media remarks about kimchi spicy ramyeon and tteokbokki which was included in the Oxford dictionary last December.

[K-wave] Retro trend bridging generations with timeless vintage charm

2025/02/25 14:00

From 1980s game arcades to Korea’s classic “dabang” cafes, these nostalgic spots are attracting both the young and old, bridging generations with their timeless vintage charm. Our Han Da-eun zooms in on the growing retro trend. A retro café featuring a live trot singer and "ssanghwa tea" topped with egg yolk. This isn’t a K-drama set—it's the real deal. From the decades-old cash register to the vintage-patterned sofas, this café preserves the classic charm of Korea’s old-school “dabang.” Yet, most of its visitors are teenagers and young adults, reliving the nostalgia of their parents' generation. “I discovered this retro café through Insta Reels and had to see it for myself. It feels just like a scene straight out of a drama or movie.” “This place offers not only classic teas but also various fusion drinks that blend tradition with modern flavors." This "dabang" has been passed down through generations as a part of “Sewoon Sangga,” Korea’s once iconic electronics market. The cafe’s guiding principle is to preserve its original charm while enhancing convenience. "I was considering getting rid of it, but I just couldn’t bring myself to. I thought maybe I could try reviving it. You know, today’s younger generation is into 'newtro,' while our generation is into retro." The café has become a "holy site" for certain K-pop fans, with their idols visiting for YouTube shoots. Its popularity is now playing a key role in revitalizing the nearby commercial area, which had been struggling due to redevelopment. An 80s-style sign reading "Computer Games" leads into a bustling arcade. Each game costs just 100 won, or about seven cents. Visitors dive into their favorite childhood games, reliving nostalgic memories. "These games bring back so many childhood memories. My favorite used to be Street Fighter, as you can see right here." From the classic dancing game, “DDR” to “Tekken,” players shake the joystick to unwind and unwind. The arcade also features a "lady boss" character to manage the store and assist with the games, also connecting with customers through social media. "Many parents bring their kids and share the games they loved in their childhood." The nostalgic scene, recreating the neighborhood arcade from back in the day, has gained word-of-mouth popularity drawing thousands of visitors on weekends. These retro charms are seamlessly linking the past with the present, creating a unique bridge that connects generations through shared memories and new discoveries. Han Da-eun, Arirang News.

K-wave AI News

2025/02/25 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Early registration for G-STAR 2025 is now open. Companies that apply early will receive a 10% discount on booth fees. Early registration is available on the official G-STAR website until April 30, but it may close sooner if all booths are booked before the deadline. General applications will begin in May. This year's exhibition will kick off on November 13 at BEXCO in Busan. G-STAR is one of the world's largest gaming exhibitions, drawing over 200,000 attendees annually. An exhibition offering a vivid glimpse into the lives of ancient Koreans who lived in harmony with nature is currently on display at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul. Co-hosted by the Sejong Center and the National Heritage Service, the exhibition brings the beauty of Korean traditional gardens to life through cutting-edge digital technology. Using data collected since 2021 through precise surveys, it recreates historical gardens and natural scenery with remarkable realism. A standout feature is a media art installation crafted from 3D scans of a rear garden of Changdeokgung Palace and Bogildo Garden of Yun Seon-do, a scenic site with historical significance. The exhibition runs through April 27, free of charge. From August to September, it will be showcased at the Korean Cultural Centre in London. How about immersing yourself in the world of geraniums this spring? The Sejong National Arboretum is showcasing over 300 varieties of geraniums from around the world, meticulously collected and researched by the Geranium Professional Association. Native to South Africa, geraniums are celebrated for their vibrant blooms and fragrant foliage. The exhibition also features diverse educational programs in geranium gardening, entrepreneurship, industry trends, and practical ways to incorporate geraniums into everyday life. You can register for the programs on the Sejong Arboretum's website. The exhibition will be open until April 27. That's all from me. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[Short-form] K-marine plant products captivate the world

2025/02/25 14:00

Discover Korea’s favorite marine plant foods and snacks that have taken the world by storm!

[K-enter] "It's going to be the future of SM"...Hearts2Hearts debut

2025/02/25 14:00

It's now time for our daily K-enter news with Walter Lee. And starting in the world of K-pop specifically with SM's new girl group. We have been patient here on the Kulture Wave, but finally, we have the next generation of SM Entertainment stars, It's taken five years, I'm talking about Hearts2Hearts. On Monday, Hearts2Hearts held their 데뷔 쇼케이스 at YES24 Live Hall in Seoul. The group's name represents their mission to connect hearts with global fans. The group consists of eight members: The leader Jiwoo , Carmen, Yuha , Stella, Jueun , A-na , Ian, and Ye-on . Hearts2Hearts is the first girl group SM Entertainment has introduced since aespa, five years ago. Their first single, "The Chase", marks Hearts2Hearts’ debut with the themes of "dreams" and "beginnings." The members have set goals such as securing first place on music shows and expressing their wish to be recognized as the best rookie group of 2025. If they follow in the footsteps of a group as big as aespa I am sure they will have no problem achieving great success. Moving onto boy bands now who are we talking about next? Yes, Monday was a busy day for K-pop groups and releases, as ZEROBASEONE have come out with their fifth mini-album, BLUE PARADISE, at Blue Square Mastercard Hall in Seoul. The album consists of six tracks, including the title track "BLUE", as well as "Devil Game", "Doctor! Doctor!", "Out of Love", "Step Back", and "Cruel". It also features three unit "sub-group" songs, marking the first time ZEROBASEONE has introduced unit tracks since their debut. From their debut album to their fifth mini-album, ZEROBASEONE has achieved an impressive milestone of five consecutive million-seller records. Following this success, they embarked on their first Asian tour last year, Timeless World, attracting a total of 140,000 fans. Congratulations to ZEROBASEONE on their recent album release, we wish them more success in the future. And finally we move onto K-movie news. Actor Ha Jung-woo’s film "Lobby", which he directs and stars in, has been confirmed to be released on April 2. A trailer was also recently uploaded on YouTube. "Lobby" follows the story of Chang-wook , a startup CEO who is a master of research in his field of tech but needs to secure a 4 trillion Korean won government project, and to do so, he figures the only way is to embark on his first-ever lobbying golf game, but he has some stiff competition in his way. "Lobby", is Ha Jung-woo’s third directorial work showing that his talent is not just in front of the camera but also behind it. Sounds like a fun movie and one to look out for. Thanks for the news Walter and like always stick around.

Killing Me Softly singer Roberta Flack dies at 88

2025/02/25 10:00

Renowned American singer Roberta Flack, celebrated for classics like "Killing Me Softly with His Song," passed away on Monday at the age of 88. Born in Black Mountain, North Carolina, she began her career as a classically trained pianist before transitioning to vocal performance. She earned multiple Grammy Awards recognized for her soulful performances, including consecutive Record of the Year honors in 1973 and 1974. Flack was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in 2022, eventually making it impossible for her to sing or speak. Nevertheless, her music continued to inspire and influence artists worldwide.

K-wave AI News

2025/02/24 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Poems by Korea's revered resistance poet Yun Dong-ju echoed through the chapel of Rikkyo University in Tokyo on Sunday, commemorating the 80th anniversary of his passing. Rikkyo University, the first institution Yun attended in Japan, hosted the event. Hideki Nakagawa, a chaplain at the university, highlighted Yun's legacy, noting that he penned numerous iconic poems amid Japanese colonial rule and remains an irreplaceable figure for the Korean people. Rikkyo University plans to erect a monument dedicated to Yun this year. Yun was arrested by Japanese authorities for his involvement in a student group discussing Korea's independence and died in prison in 1945, just six months before Korea's liberation from Japan. Miryang City in Gyeongsangnam-do Province has been named the "2024 Cultural City of the Year." The culture ministry recognized Miryang for presenting a model for sustainable cultural city development, placing the city on top among Korea's 24 designated cultural cities. Miryang initiated various cultural projects last year that generated an estimated 9.7 billion won, or around 6.8 million U.S. dollars in economic benefits. It has transformed old spaces into cultural hubs and significantly expanded support for local artists and young creators, laying the foundation for a sustainable cultural city. This year, Miryang plans to further strengthen its cultural city governance and focus on boosting the local economy through cultural initiatives. Injeongjeon Hall, the historic structure of the UNESCO World Heritage site, Changdeokgung Palace, will open its doors next month. The Korea Heritage Service will host a special tour program throughout March allowing visitors to explore the interior of Injeongjeon every Wednesday through Sunday. Designated as a National Treasure in 1985, Injeongjeon is the central building of Changdeokgung. Its name, meaning "Hall of Benevolent Rule," reflects its historical role as the site for significant state ceremonies, including royal coronations, weddings, and receptions for foreign envoys. That's all from me. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.

What's behind the popularity of "Cheongchun romance" remakes?

2025/02/24 14:00

“Cheongchun“ is a Korean word meaning “youth“. “Cheongchun romance“ films or dramas are love stories revolving around young people like high school students or those in their twenties. These youth melo-dramas are back on the screen, especially with remakes of Taiwanese works from the 2000s. that have been transformed into Korean-styled “cheongchun“ romance movies. Let’s talk more about this trend with culture critic Professor Chie Hye-won at Kyung Hee University’s Arts and Cultural Management Program. Welcome Professor Chie! Q1. We’ve got a number of “cheongchun romance“ remakes that hit the screens lately. Which ones are they? Q1-1. What do you think is behind these numerous remakes of Taiwanese movies? Q2. When comparing with the original work, which Korean remakes have been successful and which not so much? Q3. I think the biggest difference in remakes is not only the language or setting, but especially the actors. In the latest remakes, was there any actor that stood out or was perfect in their role? Q4. What are the characteristics of this “cheongchun romance“ genre that appeal to the Korean audience? Q5. Let’s also mention Korean “cheongchun romance“ movies that were remade in OTHER countries. Q6. Remakes are usually made when the original movie was successful, (or are there other cases?) meaning some amount of pressure probably always exists. Yet, they are continuously being released, due to which strengths would you say? Q7. On the other hand, are there concerns regarding the lack of new original romance movies in the Korean film industry? Q8. What kind of new original “cheongchun romance“ movie would capture audiences' hearts today? What kind of new attempts would you recommend?

[K-enter] Bong Joon-ho's filmmaking showcase exhibition to open in LA

2025/02/24 14:00

It's now time for our K-enter news with Walter Lee. And we start with some exciting news for filmmakers out there. That's right, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is opening an exhibition in Los Angeles next month that showcases director Bong Joon-ho’s creative filmmaking process. The special exhibition which opens on March 23rd is part of the "Director's Inspiration series," which provides an in-depth exploration of the chosen director's cinematic world. It will showcase more than 100 original items, including previously unseen archive materials, personal collections, storyboards, research documents, film posters, concept illustrations, models, props, and behind-the-scenes photographs from Bong’s filmmaking process. While the Academy Museum has previously held retrospectives featuring the works of Korean actors such as Song Kang-ho and Youn Yuh-jung, this marks the first long-term exhibition dedicated to a Korean director’s body of work. The exhibition runs until January 2027. That sounds like an exciting showcase. Anyone over in LA or anyone who plans a trip before Jan. 2027, it might be something for you. Okay, from talking about Korean movie directors to talking about Korean movies. The main trailer for the Netflix series "When Life Gives You Tangerines", starring IU and Park Bo-gum, has been released. The Netflix series tells the adventurous lives of Ae-soon and Gwan-sik, childhood friends born and raised on Jeju Island. It follows their family stories and friendship as the years pass until they become young adults. When Life Gives You Tangerines is set to premiere on Netflix on March 7. Any TV series with IU is worth waiting for. Lastly let us turn to K-pop. What do you have for us? Boy group ASTRO released the song "Twilight" on Sunday to celebrate their 9th debut anniversary and express their heartfelt gratitude to fans. "Twilight" is a track personally produced by leader JinJin, symbolising the group’s journey through difficult and dark times, now the feeling like a rising sun. If we sadly cast our minds back to 2023 former member Moonbin passed away. Since then, each ASTRO member has been actively pursuing individual projects. MJ showcased his talent in the musical Zorro: Actor-Musician last year. JinJin successfully held his first solo concert on February 16. Cha Eun-woo is currently filming for the new Netflix series "The WONDERfools" and Yoon San-ha is set to hold a small-theater concert on March 21.

'Ugliest dog' Deadpool star wins top prize at canine Oscars

2025/02/24 10:00

Finally, in the United Kingdom, Peggy, a five-year-old pug and Chinese crested mix, has won the Best Canine Newcomer award at the Fidos Awards, an Academy Award for dogs, in London. Peggy had been crowned Britain's Ugliest Dog in 2023 for her unique appearance, characterized by her sparse white hair and tongue sticking out. Those looks caught the attention of filmmakers, leading her to the role of "Dogpool" in the blockbuster "Deadpool and Wolverine." On set, Peggy charmed co-stars Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, mastering tricks like jumping into Reynolds' arms. Her journey from rescue dog to successful silver screen star has inspired many to consider adopting rescue dogs.

S. Korean hip-hop group "Suni and the Seven Princesses" offers hope to the elderly

2025/02/21 20:00

And on the subject of successful stories, a group of granny rappers in a remote Korean county is garnering quite a bit of attention for proving it's never too late to learn. Our Park Kun-woo met up with them. A community center in a small rural village of around 100 residents. This is where "Suni and the Seven Princesses," a hip-hop group of women with an average age of 85, was formed two years ago. Overhearing joyful voices, I peeked inside. Their life stories, woven into their lyrics, have brought fresh energy, thanks to their regular Korean classes. "When I was young, I had to walk several kilometers to school because of the war, so, I couldn't study. But, learning Korean has opened my eyes." They used fun methods like singing traditional Korean songs to improve. After class, they quickly transformed, donning hip-hop gear and rapping like pros -a striking contrast to their Korean lessons. "The granny rappers show us that it's never too late to challenge yourself and speak your truth through your honest lyrics. Inspired by them, I decided to try rapping today. Together with the grannies, we send a message to our viewers." This group has offered hope and inspiration in South Korea which turned into a 'super-aged' society last year, with over 20 percent of the population aged 65 or older. Their success has even led to the creation of other elderly hip-hop groups. And they're boosting the local economy, with merchandise featuring their faces, symbolizing the region. Their influence stretches beyond the local community, performing at venues nationwide, and even spreading globally. A documentary about them, directed by a Polish filmmaker, is set to be released later this year. The filmmaker shared her inspiration behind the project. "This project is to show to the other people that we are limitless that we can change our lives no matter in which age we are currently in. We shouldn't have any excuses for anything she started the rapping band in that age so that's really impressive." As the filmmaker hopes, Suni and the Seven Princesses will continue spreading their powerful message. "It's incredible we've come this far. If we can do it at this age, young people can too." Emphasizing that she's already very happy, she said her only wish is for her and the members to stay healthy. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News, Chilgok.

[Arts & Culture] The sweet story of Korean strawberries

2025/02/21 20:00

Time now for our Arts and Culture segment. Our culture correspondent Song Yoo-jin joins us in the studio. Welcome! Happy Friday! What do you have for us today? Here in Korea, it's not the cherry on top. It's the strawberry. This time of year, they're everywhere, piling up in markets, topping off desserts, and filling bakery shelves. But Korean strawberries aren't just a seasonal favorite anymore. They're making their way beyond our tables and into markets around the world. For this week, I looked into the story behind Korean strawberry's success. From cakes and tarts to canapes and salads and even sandwiches, strawberries dominate bakeries and restaurants across Korea this time of year. But their appeal isn't just local. While Southeast Asia has long been a key market, Korean strawberries are now expanding into new regions. Compared to 2021, exports to the Middle East jumped 40 times last year, while U.S. exports increased threefold. "Until the early 2000s, Japanese strawberries dominated exports to Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. But in 2002, Korea developed the Maehyang variety, which has firmer flesh, a longer shelf life, and a sweeter taste, ideal for export. That was the turning point." It all started here. "The Strawberry Research Institute in Nonsan City, Chungcheongnam-do Province, about a two-hour drive from Seoul is where Korea's signature strawberry varieties are developed. So far, researchers here have cultivated over a dozen unique varieties." This institute introduced the internationally popular Maehyang and then Seolhyang in 2005, which holds an 80-percent share of the domestic market. It's also home to trending varieties like King's Berry, as large as a fist, and Vita Berry, known for its high vitamin content. Developing new strains is a rigorous process, typically taking five to seven years. "We do it through selective breeding, with a focus on taste and yield. The flavor must stand out to attract consumers, and a high-yield variety ensures stable supply." This commitment has shaped the iconic flavor of Korean strawberries. "Korean strawberries offer a unique sweet-tart balance, which is different to many tropical fruits, for example. They also have a juicy texture and softer bite, which makes them especially popular among international consumers." But the journey doesn't stop here, with researchers working to develop the breakthrough variety. "We're developing new varieties with improved durability for the sake of distribution. At the same time, as climate conditions change, we're also focusing on breeding disease-resistant strawberries." It's a success story that's getting sweeter, and it looks like the best is yet to come. Seems like a "berry" good business indeed! Yoo-jin, while strawberries are in peak season here in Korea, they're typically known as a summer fruit in many other parts of the world. What makes Korea different? That's right. Strawberries used to peak in early summer here as well, around May. But thanks to advancements in farming technology, such as greenhouse cultivation with precise temperature control, farmers can now harvest strawberries even in the cold winter months. What's interesting is that winter strawberries take a little over two months from flowering to harvest, compared to just one to one-and-a-half months for summer varieties. This slower growth at lower temperatures allows the fruit to develop a denser, firmer texture and accumulate more nutrients, resulting in a sweeter, more flavorful berry. And there's also a strategic shift in marketing. With fewer fruit options available in winter, producers began focusing on the colder months to meet consumer demand. That's fascinating. And for our viewers who might want to try some, do you have any recommendations from the many K-strawberry varieties out there? Absolutely. According to the Strawberry Research Institute, Korea has developed around 60 to 70 varieties, though only about 10 are available in the market. For those looking for a classic favorite, researcher Yang, who appeared in my report, recommends Seolhyang, loved for their soft texture and sweetness. A newer variety to look out for is Joy Berry, which was introduced in 2023 They're firmer and even sweeter than Seolhyang. And for something unique, there's Doorihyang, known for its distinctive fragrance. They actually went viral after BTS member Jin posted about them on social media. So many varieties to explore. Thank you Yoo-jin for your report today. My pleasure.

S. Korean hip-hop group "Suni and the Seven Princesses" offers hope to the elderly

2025/02/21 17:00

And on the subject of successful stories a group of granny rappers in a remote Korean county is garnering quite a bit of attention for proving it's never too late to learn. Our Park Kun-woo met up with them. A community center in a small rural village of around 100 residents. This is where "Suni and the Seven Princesses," a hip-hop group of women with an average age of 85, was formed two years ago. Overhearing joyful voices, I peeked inside. Their life stories, woven into their lyrics, have brought fresh energy, thanks to their regular Korean classes. "When I was young, I had to walk several kilometers to school because of the war, so, I couldn't study. But, learning Korean has opened my eyes." They used fun methods like singing traditional Korean songs to improve. After class, they quickly transformed, donning hip-hop gear and rapping like pros -a striking contrast to their Korean lessons. "The granny rappers show us that it's never too late to challenge yourself and speak your truth through your honest lyrics. Inspired by them, I decided to try rapping today. Together with the grannies, we send a message to our viewers." This group has offered hope and inspiration in South Korea which turned into a 'super-aged' society last year, with over 20 percent of the population aged 65 or older. Their success has even led to the creation of other elderly hip-hop groups. And they're boosting the local economy, with merchandise featuring their faces, symbolizing the region. Their influence stretches beyond the local community, performing at venues nationwide, and even spreading globally. A documentary about them, directed by a Polish filmmaker, is set to be released later this year. The filmmaker shared her inspiration behind the project. "This project is to show to the other people that we are limitless that we can change our lives no matter in which age we are currently in. We shouldn't have any excuses for anything she started the rapping band in that age so that's really impressive." As the filmmaker hopes, Suni and the Seven Princesses will continue spreading their powerful message. "It's incredible we've come this far. If we can do it at this age, young people can too." Emphasizing that she's already very happy, she said her only wish is for her and the members to stay healthy. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News, Chilgok.

A look into Korea's presence at 75th Berlin International Film Festival

2025/02/21 14:00

The Berlin International Film Festival, or “Berlinale”, known as one of the “Big Three” film festivals alongside the Cannes and Venice film festivals, is underway. This year, seven Korean directors’ works have been invited to the prestigious film event. Let’s talk more about this with our movie expert Jae Soh, Professor and filmmaker at Seoul Institute of the Arts. Hello Professor Soh! Q1. The Berlin International Film Festival is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. A film festival with deep history and traditions, it is also known for its uniqueness. What sets it apart from other global film festivals and what kind of works are invited? Q2. A number of Korean films were given the honor of being invited to the event. Please introduce them to us. Q3. Korean director Bong Joon-ho's highly anticipated movie "Mickey 17" premiered at the Berlinale. How was it received? Q4. One name that may not be linked to famous blockbusters, but that‘s well-known at prestigious film festivals is Hong Sang-soo. The director is competing for the ‘Golden Bear‘ at this year‘s Berlinale with “What Does That Nature Say to You.“ Please tell us more. Q4-1. Director Hong has been invited to the film event for six consecutive years. What is it about his works that makes them so popular at top film festivals? Q5. Along with the directors, let‘s talk about the actors attending the event. Among Korean actors, who is receiving a lot of attention this year? Q6. As Korean films continue to demonstrate a big presence at International film festivals, how do you assess the current position of K-movies in the global film market?

[K-enter] "Mickey 17" actors visit Korea for press conference

2025/02/21 14:00

Time for some K-entertainment news with Bella Kim. Bella, today we start off with a story on an upcoming movie? Yes, we are going to start off with the movie “Mickey 17.” The actors of “Mickey 17” visited Korea for the film’s press conference. On Thursday, actors Steven Yeun, Mark Ruffalo, and Naomi Ackie gathered together, with director Bong Joon-ho, to attend the press conference for the movie “Mickey 17” at Megabox COEX in Seoul. Based on Edward Ashton’s novel “Mickey7,” the new movie tells the story of Mickey, an expendable sent on dangerous missions. “Mickey 17” comes six years after Bong Joon-ho’s big hit, “Parasite,” which won global praise including Academy Awards. One of the cast, Ruffalo, said during the press conference, “I’m honored to be here with Bong Joon-ho, who is one of the greatest living directors today, and to be able to work with him in this cast.” Another actor in the movie, Ackie, who plays Mickey’s girlfriend, said she enjoyed being able to portray her character in a liberating way in the film. Korean-American actor Yeun, who plays Mickey’s friend Timo, found his role very intriguing. He also had a great experience working with Bong for the second time, as he also starred in the director’s 2017 movie “Okja.” He said that the beauty of director Bong is that he appreciates and loves the character and the actor as they are in the moment that they are. “Mickey 17” is set to premiere in Korea on February 28th, followed by its North American release on March 7th. Moving onto our next topic for today, K-pop. What do you have for us Bella? Virtual idol group PLAVE proved their global power by successfully entering the Billboard Global 200 chart. According to Billboard, the song “Dash” from their mini-album “Caligo Pt.1,” entered the Billboard Global 200 at No.195. The Billboard Global Chart is a chart that compiles rankings based on online streaming and digital sales in more than 200 countries around the world, including the United States. PLAVE became the very first virtual idol group to hit the chart. On the day of their mini-album release, they topped domestic music site, Melon, and the number of monthly listeners on Spotify doubled in two weeks, showing their popularity both in Korea and globally. PLAVE’s third mini-album “Caligo Part 1” comes five months after their digital single “Pump Up the Volume!” And lastly, we move back to the topic of movies. We have another movie that’s coming out soon? That’s right. I don’t know if you’ve noticed Soa, but recently, we've seen many K-pop artists’ concerts being made into films. Well, we have another concert film that’s coming out. ZEROBASEONE’s first world tour concert has been made into a film and will premiere in theaters on March 12th, exclusively at CGV. The title of the film is “ZEROBASEONE THE FIRST TOUR IN CINEMAS,” titled after their world tour. According to their agency, WakeOne Entertainment, their first concert film will include live performances, along with scenes from backstage and interviews with the members. The trailer of the film shows lively scenes from their world tour concert in Seoul at KSPO Dome. ZEROBASESONE performed in eight cities in Asia last year for their first world tour, “2024 ZEROBASEONE THE FIRST TOUR ,” which gathered 140-thousand attendees. Thank you Bella for today’s stories.

[Features reporter] S. Korean hip-hop group "Suni and the Seven Princesses" offers hope to the elderly

2025/02/21 14:00

Kun-woo, I heard you had the chance to meet some celebrities this week. Can you tell us more about that? Of course! This week, I had the incredible opportunity to meet the coolest grannies on earth who know how to share their true stories through rap lyrics. They are famously known as "Suni and the Seven Princesses," named after their leader, "Jeom-sun." It took over four hours by car to reach Chilgok-gun county in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province where they live. Let me take you through my trip. A community center in a small rural village of around 100 residents. This is where "Suni and the Seven Princesses," a hip-hop group of women with an average age of 85, was formed two years ago. Overhearing joyful voices, I peeked inside. Their life stories, woven into their lyrics, have brought fresh energy, thanks to their regular Korean classes. "When I was young, I had to walk several kilometers to school because of the war, so, I couldn't study. But, learning Korean has opened my eyes." They used fun methods like singing traditional Korean songs to improve. After class, they quickly transformed, donning hip-hop gear and rapping like pros -a striking contrast to their Korean lessons. "The granny rappers show us that it’s never too late to challenge yourself and speak your truth through your honest lyrics. Inspired by them, I decided to try rapping today. Together with the grannies, we send a message to our viewers." This group has offered hope and inspiration in South Korea which turned into a 'super-aged' society last year, with over 20 percent of the population aged 65 or older. Their success has even led to the creation of other elderly hip-hop groups. And they're boosting the local economy, with merchandise featuring their faces, symbolizing the region. Their influence stretches beyond the local community, performing at venues nationwide, and even spreading globally. A documentary about them, directed by a Polish filmmaker, is set to be released later this year. The filmmaker shared her inspiration behind the project. "This project is to show to the other people that we are limitless that we can change our lives no matter in which age we are currently in. We shouldn't have any excuses for anything she started the rapping band in that age so that's really impressive." As the filmmaker hopes, Suni and the Seven Princesses will continue spreading their powerful message. "It's incredible we've come this far. If we can do it at this age, young people can too." Emphasizing that she's already very happy, she said her only wish is for her and the members to stay healthy. Can you share some rapping that you learned from the grannies? Of course. And Kun-woo, I heard that there is a hidden supporter helping the grannies perform so well. Yes, one popular Korean rapper "Sleepy" is behind all of that. One thing Sleepy said was that he was even influenced by the granny rappers. I had a chance to speak with him so take a listen. "It was truly moving when they shared their experiences of tough times they've been through, or are going through, and their hopes all through their lyrics. I realized trying to look cool, showing off, or any kind of arrogance that might exist in the hip-hop world isn't what truly matters." After teaching and seeing the grannies rap, he said he was deeply inspired and shared his hope that he could continue rapping even when he is older, with his children and even grandchildren. And I heard that the grannies are looking for an additional member? That's true. As one of the members unfortunately passed away last October, the group is planning to hold an audition next month at the community center I visited to fill the spot. There are some "strict" requirements for the audition. You must be a woman, at least 75 years old, and living in Chilgok-gun. Applicants will be tested on dictation, trot singing, free-style dancing, and self-introduction. So if anyone watching is interested, or knows someone who might be, feel free to apply or recommend them! Alright Kun-woo, thanks for all of that. We'll see you next time. Thank you Kun-woo. My pleasure.