News

FROM SQUID GAME 3 TO KPOP DEMON HUNTERS TO TRADITIONAL CULTURE

2025/07/04 18:34

Welcome to Press Perspective for this Friday July FOURTH here in Seoul. I'm Min Sunhee. It's that time of the week yet again during which we touch upon a series of stories related to South Korea that made international headlines in recent days and TODAY we shed light on screen productions and more. I have Thomas Maresca with American news agency UPI. Thomas it's good to have you here. I also have writer Colin Marshall with the pundit's take on today's topic. Colin welcome back. Thomas, let's start with news about Squid Game Season Three dominating global Netflix charts. Colin, another screen production making headlines is the animation "KPOP Demon Hunters" that showcases various elements of the Korean culture including its folklore as well as traditional props, if you will, like the gat. What impact does this inclusion have on the international audience? Thomas, do you suppose it's safe to say K-entertainment has found itself a strong fan base within the global arena? Thomas, findings for the first half of this year show over 2.7 million people visited the National Museum of Korea, the highest in 20 years. Is interest in the Korean Wave expanding to include Korean history? Colin, amid the growing interest in K-content overseas, some have begun to make false claims over Korean culture. Can the growing presence of K-content on the international stage serve to raise accurate awareness about Korea and its culture? Thomas, Parasite has been picked as the best film of the 21st century by the New York Times. What trait is keeping K-content above the test of time? Colin, some say the presence of streaming services like Netflix are both a blessing and burden on Korea's content market. What are your thoughts? Thomas, speaking as a foreign correspondent based here in South Korea, would you say there has been a rise in the number of requests for stories related to Korean content and its culture? And if so, in what direction do these reports tend to flow? Colin, what would you choose to highlight as an intriguing trait in the consumption of Korean content by the foreign media and audience? All right.

[Features reporter] Korean musical theater reaches the world:19th DIMF

2025/07/04 16:37

Ye-young, I heard you took a trip all the way to Daegu in this heat. Could you tell us why? Yes Soa, I did recently go to DAEGU. It was for the 19th Daegu International Musical Festival. The weather was really hot, but what I saw and experienced there made the trip completely worth it. Let's take a look together. This summer, Daegu once again transforms into a stage. Korea's largest musical festival, The Daegu International Musical Festival, or DIMF, brings creators and audiences together from all over. This year, showcasing 29 musicals from home and abroad. "The dress rehearsal for this year's closing performance, Panda, is about to begin. This Chinese production blends dazzling acrobatics with traditional martial arts, a real treat for the eyes." A visual and musical spectacle, Panda tells a heartfelt story about love, coexistence, and the care we owe to nature. It's a piece that's beloved by Korean audiences. This reading performance, part of DIMF's musical incubation program, offers young talents a rare chance to present their work. Some pieces even go on to become full-scale productions with funding and support. "I received a lot of overall support from DIMF throughout the production process. But what helped me the most was getting direct feedback from the mentor instructors. That was incredibly helpful in developing and improving the piece." "I think the best part of this program is getting to meet great creators, working alongside talented actors, and simply having opportunities like this. For actors like me, that's one of the most valuable aspects." Just weeks ago, the Korean musical "Maybe Happy Ending" swept the Tony Awards, winning in six categories, including Best Musical. And the roots of that triumph? They trace back to this very festival. "In 2008, a composer named Aronson had his work My Scary Girl selected for creative support through DIMF. The following year, we even staged it in New York as part of DIMF's outreach. Through that kind of process, Maybe Happy Ending was eventually born." And perhaps because of that legacy, this year's creative support productions are seeing reservation rates over 30% higher than in previous years. "As DIMF approaches its 20th anniversary next year, our hope is that musical fans from around the world will come to Daegu. To make that happen, we believe it's essential to connect the festival with tourism. Our goal, and also our challenge, is to grow DIMF into a truly global musical festival." With global success stories like Maybe Happy Ending, DIMF is more than just a festival. It's a symbol of what's possible for Korea's creative industry.

K-enter_TWS make Japan debut at no.1 on Oricon chart

2025/07/04 16:36

Time for some K-entertainment news with Bella Kim. Let's kick off with a boy group that made their debut in Japan. The first encounters are not hard for TWS as their first single in Japan headed straight to the top of Oricon's "Daily Single Ranking." According to the latest chart published on Wednesday, the group's debut single in Japan, "Nice to see you again," sold close to 120-thousand copies on the day of its release, which was Tuesday. Along with the title track "Nice to see you again," the new album also features "BLOOM" and "plot twist" Japanese version. The six members greeted fans at their debut showcase held on Wednesday in Tokyo, where they performed all three songs from the album. TWS will now embark on a tour of six cities in Japan, starting on July 11th. Congrats on their " " or first encounter with their fans in Japan. Our next story is on a movie that most of us are very familiar with --"Parasite." Director Bong Joon-ho's film "Parasite" has been selected as the "Best Movie of the 21st Century" by New York Times readers. According to the newspaper "Parasite" ranked first in this survey in which over 200-thousand readers participated. Earlier on Monday, Walter reported on the film ranking first on "The 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century," surveyed by 500 renowned directors, actors, and producers. Along with "Parasite," Director Bong's "Memories of Murder" also made the readers' list at No.49. So, basically the movie has satisfied both NYT readers, so the public, AND the experts. We will end off on another story related to films. The Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival, also called BIFAN, has officially opened its doors on Thursday. The opening film was "Finding Her," directed by Piotr Winiewicz, a Polish filmmaker based in Denmark. It explores the ethical and creative implications of AI in the world of art. Along with the opening film, this year's lineup features 217 films in total from across 41 countries. BIFAN will also host its special actor showcase focused on the actor Lee Byung-hun this year, titled "The Master: Lee Byung-hun." The showcase will offer a variety of programs to share his acting journey, including screenings of his signature films, press conferences, mega talks, and stage greetings. The festival will run until July 13th, so make sure to check it out if you're in the area. We're going to have an in-depth look at the film festival with an expert next week. Thank you Bella for today's stories. Our AI anchor Ari also has an exciting festival to report on, among other culture issues. Ari, over to you!

K-wave AI News

2025/07/04 16:35

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Seoul's outdoor libraries welcomed over one million visitors in the first half of this year. Launched in 2022, the libraries returned on April 23 this year, marking 'World Book Day' at three central locations—Seoul Plaza, Gwanghwamun, and Cheonggyecheon. The Seoul city government highlighted that user satisfaction reached an all-time high this year, according to its latest survey. Officials attribute the growing popularity to the so-called "text hip" trend, a cultural movement among younger generations that embraces reading as a stylish and social activity. The libraries will take a summer break during the peak heat of July and August and resume operations on September 5. Korea's central city of Daejeon is shaking off its long-held image as a "no-fun city" and gaining recognition as a rising tourist hotspot. Daejeon recently ranked 9th on online travel platform Agoda's list of "Best Budget-Friendly Destinations in Asia for 2025," making it the only Korean city to make the cut. With an average daily accommodation cost of 126,000 won, Daejeon attracted nearly 8.5 million visitors last year, up over 3% from 2023, according to the Korea Tourism Organization. Building on this momentum, the Daejeon city government plans to develop a diverse range of tourism programs aimed at encouraging longer stays and fostering a more sustainable tourism ecosystem. The 'Daegu Chimac Festival' is in full swing at Duryu Park in the southern city's Dalseo-gu District, with tens of thousands of visitors braving sizzling temperatures to enjoy the beloved chicken-and-beer combo on a whole new level. Attracting over one million visitors each year, it's Korea's biggest and most popular chimac festival. More than 250 booths offer a wide range of beers and snacks this year, with popular live performances, special events, and travel packages also adding to the festive atmosphere. The festival runs through this Sunday. That's all from me. Stay tuned to the Kulture Wave.

K-Correspondent_Korea, Spain celebrate 75th year of ties with cultural events

2025/07/04 16:34

It's "Korea Season" in Spain right now. Under the slogan "Dos culturas, un corazón" or "Two Cultures One Heart", special events are taking place in this European country, as Korea and Spain celebrate their 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year. As part of the program, a special dance performance event is set for this Friday. And we're going to hear more of that with someone at the site, and it's none other than our culture critic, Professor Chie Hye-won at Kyung Hee University who for today will be our K-Correspondent in Madrid. Hello Professor Chie! Hola Profesora! Q1. Professor Chie, it's still early morning in Madrid, but how is the atmosphere over there? (How's the weather, probably hotter than in Seoul right now?) Q2. It feels different connecting to you like this, as you usually join us in the studio, but there is a good reason for you to be in Madrid right now, please tell us about it. Q3. So later in the day, Korean dance teams will be getting onto the stage. Could you give us more details and what the audience can expect? Q4. How do you think will the response by visitors be? (And is there anything you are maybe a little nervous/concerned about?) Q5. As you are experiencing this event up close, do you feel the presence of the hallyu boom there? Q6. Apart from the dance performance, there are many other programs in store for visitors to check out I heard? Q7. Anything you want to mention or add ahead of today's performance, Professor Chie? Thank you very much Professor Chie for connecting with us despite your busy schedule over in Madrid. Enjoy tonight's performance and see you again in Seoul next time. Thank you Bella, have a great weekend.

Don’t Look Back in Anger: Oasis and the Cool Britannia comeback

2025/07/04 11:37

British band Oasis' highly anticipated reunion tour, Oasis Live '25, kicks off on Friday, July 4, in Cardiff, marking the first time Liam and Noel Gallagher have performed on the same stage in 16 years. Tickets for the UK and Ireland leg, featuring 17 stadium dates, sold out within ten hours. A wide range of merchandise, including keyrings, hoodies, and shirts, is on sale ahead of the gig. The tour will travel globally after the UK run, heading to North America, Asia, Australia, and South America, with projected revenue exceeding 200 million U.S. dollars. Oasis Live '25 will land in South Korea in October.

World News: Sean 'Diddy' Combs cleared of major charges, convicted on lesser offenses

2025/07/03 19:39

This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. In the United States, in the trial of music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs, the judge has upheld his convictions on lesser prostitution charges, while clearing him of charges on racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges that could have put the hip-hop figure behind bars for life. A Manhattan federal court jury found Combs guilty on two counts under the Mann Act, transporting individuals for prostitution. This comes after a seven-week trial involving testimony from former partners Cassie Ventura, known as "Cassie," and "Jane," as well as other witnesses. However, Combs was acquitted on the three most serious charges, including racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking, removing the threat of a potential life sentence. Combs bowed his head in the courtroom and said, "I'll be home soon," as supporters celebrated the partial verdict. However, he was denied bail ahead of sentencing, with the judge citing evidence of violence in personal relationships. Sentencing will take place later this year, but Combs likely faces several years behind bars. Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has announced during his 90th birthday week that there will indeed be a successor after his death, directly challenging Beijing's claim that only it can control the process. Speaking in Dha-ram-shala, India, on Wednesday, the Dalai Lama affirmed that "the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue" and that the Caden Phodrang Trust, alongside senior Tibetan Buddhist leaders, will hold sole authority to identify his reincarnation. He emphasized that his successor will likely be born outside China, underscoring his rejection of any candidate chosen under Beijing's system. The decision resolves long-standing uncertainty and safeguards against China's claims of authority over Tibetan spiritual succession. He outlined that the Trust, founded in 2011 and governed by Tibetan exiles, will consult senior monks and follow traditional procedures, possibly even nominating a "living" successor during his lifetime. However, China asserts its own legal right to oversee the Dalai Lama's reincarnation and asserts that it would need to be approved by Beijing. Tech giant Microsoft announced on Wednesday that it will cut nearly 4 percent of its workforce, approximately 9,000 jobs, as part of a strategic shift to accelerate investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure. In a statement to investors, the company confirmed the layoffs would span multiple divisions, including global sales and marketing teams. This is Microsoft's third major round of cuts this year, following approximately 6,000 layoffs in May and additional reductions in June, which have brought the total job losses for 2025 to more than 15,000. Microsoft plans an 80 billion U.S. dollar capital expenditure for the fiscal year in support of its AI ambitions. In the U.S. state of Arizona, members of the Tohono O'odham Nation have begun their annual sacred saguaro fruit harvest, known as "bahidaj," marking the start of the New Year. The ritual takes place over several weeks in late June to early July, when the ruby-red fruit ripens atop the towering saguaro cactus that can reach 12 meters tall. The fruits, once harvested, are boiled into syrup, and some are fermented into wine, which is used for a rain ceremony. These ceremonies affirm ancestral bonds, the relationship with natural resources, and the resilience of the Native Americans' identity. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

Visitor figures soar at National Museum of Korea amid Korean wave boom

2025/07/03 19:38

The National Museum of Korea welcomed more than 2-point-7 million visitors during the first half of this year its largest figure in two decades. It's also an on-year surge of over 64 percent. The number of foreign visitors also hit an all-time high during this period at almost 100-thousand. The museum is linking this trend to rising global interest in Korean culture fueled by Korean content such as K-pop and K-dramas.

Sean 'Diddy' Combs cleared of major charges, convicted on lesser offenses

2025/07/03 16:39

Good morning, I'm Choi Chi-hee, and this is the World Now. In the United States, in the trial of music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs, the judge has upheld his convictions on lesser prostitution charges, while clearing him of charges on racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking --charges that could have put the hip-hop figure behind bars for life. A Manhattan federal court jury found Combs guilty on two counts under the Mann Act, transporting individuals for prostitution. This comes after a seven-week trial involving testimony from former partners Cassie Ventura, known as "Cassie," and "Jane," as well as other witnesses. However, Combs was acquitted on the three most serious charges, including racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking, removing the threat of a potential life sentence. Combs bowed his head in the courtroom and said, "I'll be home soon," as supporters celebrated the partial verdict. However, he was denied bail ahead of sentencing, with the judge citing evidence of violence in personal relationships. Sentencing will take place later this year, but Combs likely faces several years behind bars.

[K-enter] "The King of Kings" premieres in Korea on July 16

2025/07/03 16:39

Right, it's "The King of Kings" that's waiting for its release in Korea, after its huge box office success in North America. You're going to give us a rundown of a press conference of the film? On Wednesday, "The King of Kings" held a press conference in Seoul, where the director and scriptwriter Jang Seong-ho talked about the overall making of the film. Jang planned to target the North American market, knowing it was the only way to recover the substantial budget needed for the high level of quality he envisioned. This film is actually Jang's debut film as a director. He explained that he chose life of Jesus Christ for his debut film because there had never been a major animated film dedicated to the story of Jesus. "The King of Kings" already set a new record in the U.S. as it became the highest-grossing Korean film, surpassing director Bong Joon-ho's Oscar-winning "Parasite," and is set to hit theaters in 90 nations by the end of this year. For people in Korea, you can catch it in theaters on July 16th. Very impressive to see his debut film do so well! We are going to talk about another film related to a K-pop group. Usually when K-pop artists release a film, we expect a concert film, but this time it's a bit different? DAY6 will make their screen debut with "6DAYS," a cinematic road movie that follows the band over six days in the United States. On Wednesday, DAY6 released a trailer for the film that begins with their hit song "Welcome to the Show." In the trailer, the members of DAY6 travel to the U.S., briefly experiencing joyful vacation vibes, before facing unpredictable events. The film reflects on youth, friendship and the group's 10-year journey. It will feature narrative storytelling with live performances, busking scenes and personal reflections. "6DAYS" is set to premiere in theaters in August. Please let us know when the exact premiere date comes out. Let's end off today's K-enter with a rookie boy group. K-pop boy group AHOF debuted and simultaneously topped the domestic music charts. Their debut song "Rendezvous," released on Tuesday, reached No.1 on the Bugs TOP 100 real-time chart, immediately after its release. On top of their debut song, all the other tracks in their first mini-album "WHO WE ARE" entered the chart as well. The nine-member group was formed through a reality competition show. AHOF, based on the Korean word for "nine," is an acronym for "All-time Hall of Famer," reflecting the group's ambition to reach the K-pop hall of fame. With a pleasant start, AHOF has officially launched their debut activities, including holding a commemorative pop-up store and performing on music programs. Excited to see them thrive in the future. Thank you Bella for today's stories. Now let's go over to our AI anchor Ari for other culture-related news. Ari!

K-wave AI News

2025/07/03 16:38

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. More than 2.7 million people visited the National Museum of Korea in the first half of this year, marking the highest turnout since it was relocated to Yongsan in 2005. The museum says the total number of visitors from January to June represents a whopping 64% increase compared to the same period last year. The number of foreign visitors also set a new record, reaching around 97,000, surpassing last year's figure and continuing an upward trend. In preparation for the APEC Summit set to be held in Gyeongju this October, Korea will expand its mobile QR payment system to 20,000 locations to enhance shopping convenience for foreign tourists. The rollout will be focused on key regional destinations, including Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, where the APEC Summit host city is located, and nearby southern cities of Daegu and Busan. The QR system, based on Korea's ZeroPay platform, is interoperable with 21 overseas mobile payment services, including Taiwan's PXPay and Malaysia's Touch 'n Go. Please note that a special promotion offering a 20% discount for users of Alipay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay will run through December 31. The Korea Railroad Corporation has launched a new travel package combining discounted rail fares with rural tourism experiences to boost regional tourism. The program offers 50% off train tickets, along with a rural tour pass priced at 17,900 won, which gives travelers 24-hour access to major tourist attractions and various hands-on activities. The package is available through December and covers Gimje and Iksan in the Jeolla region, as well as Mungyeong, Yeongju, and Andong in the Gyeongsang region. Additional packages covering the Gangwon and Chungcheong regions will be rolled out next month. For more information, visit KORAIL's official website www.korail.com or the mobile app KORAIL Talk. That's all from me. Stay tuned to the Kulture Wave.

Storytelling of K-literature expanding further in the global market

2025/07/03 16:37

Korean literature has been adapted into films dating back to the 1960s and '70s. But after author Han Kang was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature last year, Korean literary works have garnered even greater attention in the global content market. Lee Eun-jin tells us more. Korean author Cheon Seon-ran's heartwarming science fiction novel 'A Thousand Blues.' Set in the near future where humanoid robots are commonplace, it tells the story of a robot jockey named Collie and a horse named Today, with the plot revolving around emotional connections. Hubble Publishing signed a six-figure film adaptation deal with major film production company Warner Bros. Pictures. Though the exact value of the rights deal was not disclosed, it's reportedly 440-thousand to 510-thousand U.S. dollars. Published in 2020, A Thousand Blues was adapted into both a play and an original musical just last year in Korea, and is now set to meet audiences on global screens. "Usually, film deals are signed once the casting of actors and directors is confirmed. But in this case, an exception contract was signed, solely based on the storyline of the original novel. This suggests they have high expectations for the power of the story." Another work with growing popularity is author Kang Ji-young's female-led action novel 'Mrs. Shim is a Killer.' The "cult" bestseller tells the story of a woman in her 50s whose skills as a butcher lead her to become a cold-hearted assassin. Its compelling plot attracted significant film and drama production interest, leading to rights deals worth over 750 thousand U.S. dollars, including publishing deals with Doubleday in the UK, Harper in the U.S., and translation rights sold to over 10 countries. "We're receiving ongoing inquiries from Asia and South America, so we expect exports to expand even further. The story itself is engaging and relatable, rooted in universal themes while carrying a distinctly Korean sensibility. That's the book's greatest strength." We've already seen a book-to-screen adaptation of author Baek Hee-na's 'Magic Candies.' First published in Korean in 2017, a Japanese animation studio turned the picture book into a short animated film, which was even shortlisted for an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film. The film's success stemmed from its whimsical and heartwarming storytelling. "I really love fantasy, but not the kind that feels too far removed from reality. I prefer small, believable fantasies — the kind that make you think, 'This could actually happen.'" Other literary works making international strides include Jeong You-jeong's 'The Good Son,' which has sold film rights overseas, and Pyun Hye-young's 'The Hole,' which is already in Hollywood production and set for a North American release next year. Since the 2000s, as Hallyu took hold, the international expansion of K-literature into the film market has been accelerating, and has been fueled further by milestones like the success of director Bong Joon-ho's film 'Parasite' and Han Kang's Nobel Prize in Literature. Lee Eun-jin, Arirang News.

[NEWs GEN] Labubu Love: Inside Gen Z's obsession with bag charms

2025/07/03 13:33

[NEWs GEN] Labubu Love: Inside Gen Z's obsession with bag charms [뉴젠] 90만원에서 2억?...고가 인형 · 키링에 빠진 MZ세대

Seoul transforms into Squid Game set as K-Content Travel Week begins

2025/07/02 22:39

This week, Seoul isn't just Korea's capital city; it's a K-drama set. From filming spots to fan events, visitors are living out their favorite scenes. Park Hyo-been takes us there. Tourists are stepping into Squid Game. They're not just watching the show. They're playing the games, walking the sets, and reliving scenes in the very heart of Seoul. "The festival is excellent. I took part in this game and won a prize. I really enjoyed it." "One day she just found the tickets and we just said, 'hey, let's go'. We couldn't pass it up because it's such an iconic film from Netflix " "Here at Gwanghwamun square, tourists are diving into the world of Squid Game, playing games featured in the series." This interactive experience is part of the 2025 K-Content Seoul Travel Week, a collaborative event hosted by the city of Seoul and global streaming giant Netflix. Alongside the game zone, visitors can stop by the Soul Spot Travel Booth, which features exhibitions from 10 Netflix K-dramas and travel guides to nearby filming locations and restaurants. Also drawing crowds is the Soul Spot Docent Tour, a guided walk through real-life filming spots, led by actors themselves. They visited several filming locations from Squid Game, including Tapgol Park and Jonggak Station. "We had participants from so many countries, and some even understood the drama better than I did. But what impressed me most was their heartfelt love and passion for Korean culture." The event, which runs till July 6, kicked off with a bang last Saturday, featuring a massive Squid Game Season 3 finale celebration. Performers in the show's signature costumes marched from Gwanghwamun to Seoul Plaza, transforming the streets into a surreal K-drama parade. Fiction and reality blend together in the streets of Seoul, inviting fans not just to watch the story, but to step right into it. Park Hyo-been, Arirang News.

Seoul transforms into Squid Game set as K-Content Travel Week begins

2025/07/02 19:38

Downtown Seoul has been transformed into a K-drama set until this Sunday much to the delight of Squid Game fans amid the release of season three last Friday. Our Park Hyo-been files this report. Tourists are stepping into Squid Game. They're not just watching the show. They're playing the games, walking the sets, and reliving scenes in the very heart of Seoul. "The festival is excellent. I took part in this game and won a prize. I really enjoyed it." "One day she just found the tickets and we just said, 'hey, let's go'. We couldn't pass it up because it's such an iconic film from Netflix " "Here at Gwanghwamun square, tourists are diving into the world of Squid Game, playing games featured in the series." This interactive experience is part of the 2025 K-Content Seoul Travel Week, a collaborative event hosted by the city of Seoul and global streaming giant Netflix. Alongside the game zone, visitors can stop by the Soul Spot Travel Booth, which features exhibitions from 10 Netflix K-dramas and travel guides to nearby filming locations and restaurants. Also drawing crowds is the Soul Spot Docent Tour, a guided walk through real-life filming spots, led by actors themselves. They visited several filming locations from Squid Game, including Tapgol Park and Jonggak Station. "We had participants from so many countries, and some even understood the drama better than I did. But what impressed me most was their heartfelt love and passion for Korean culture." The event, which runs till July 6, kicked off with a bang last Saturday, featuring a massive Squid Game Season 3 finale celebration. Performers in the show's signature costumes marched from Gwanghwamun to Seoul Plaza, transforming the streets into a surreal K-drama parade. Fiction and reality blend together in the streets of Seoul, inviting fans not just to watch the story, but to step right into it. Park Hyo-been, Arirang News.

BTS to make full-group comeback next spring

2025/07/02 19:38

On the K-pop front. BTS is set to return with a new album and a world tour next spring. Intentions to this end were shared by BTS members during a live broadcast on the K-pop fan platform Weverse on Tuesday. All seven members of the group have completed their mandatory military service here in the country with Suga being the final member to be discharged late last month.

[Features reporter] Seoul transforms into Squid Game set as K-Content Travel Week begins

2025/07/02 16:36

We had an analysis on Squid Game 3 with our expert Professor Jae Soh yesterday, and today, we're taking you straight to the scene. So Hyobeen, I heard you were actually in Squid Game yesterday. How is that possible? That's right, Soa. I joined Squid Game, but no danger, no deaths, just fun! Central Seoul has turned into a real life set for Squid Game, as part of the 2025 K-Content Seoul Travel Week. Let's take a look. Tourists are stepping into Squid Game. They're not just watching the show. They're playing the games, walking the sets, and reliving scenes in the very heart of Seoul. "The festival is excellent. I took part in this game and won a prize. I really enjoyed it." "One day she just found the tickets and we just said, 'hey, let's go'. We couldn't pass it up because it's such an iconic film from Netflix " "Here at Gwanghwamun square, tourists are diving into the world of Squid Game, playing games featured in the series." This interactive experience is part of the 2025 K-Content Seoul Travel Week, a collaborative event hosted by the city of Seoul and global streaming giant Netflix. Alongside the game zone, visitors can stop by the Soul Spot Travel Booth, which features exhibitions from 10 Netflix K-dramas and travel guides to nearby filming locations and restaurants. Also drawing crowds is the Soul Spot Docent Tour, a guided walk through real-life filming spots, led by actors themselves. They visited several filming locations from Squid Game, including Tapgol Park and Jonggak Station. "We had participants from so many countries, and some even understood the drama better than I did. But what impressed me most was their heartfelt love and passion for Korean culture." The event, which runs till July 6, kicked off with a bang last Saturday, featuring a massive Squid Game Season 3 finale celebration. Performers in the show's signature costumes marched from Gwanghwamun to Seoul Plaza, transforming the streets into a surreal K-drama parade. Fiction and reality blend together in the streets of Seoul, inviting fans not just to watch the story, but to step right into it.

[K-enter] Seoul transforms into Squid Game set as K-Content Travel Week begins

2025/07/02 16:35

Wow the festival looks amazing! Everyone seemed so excited and full of energy. How was the atmosphere out there Hyobeen? Yes, Soa! Actually, it was scorching hot yesterday, about 33 degrees Celsius out at Gwanghwamun Square. But despite the heat, the square was filled with laughter and excitement. Not just locals, but people from all over the world joined in. And one fan told me he even met Director Hwang of "Squid Game" right there on site and got a photo with him. So if you're planning to visit, I recommend not only playing the games, but also paying attention to the people around you. It sounds so much fun. By the way, while watching your report, I noticed a very familiar spot from Squid Game Nice catch, Walter! As part of the Docent Tour, participants visited Tapgol Park. That's the place where Gong Yoo's character asked people to choose between some bread or a lottery ticket. And guess what? The tour recreated that moment! Participants were asked to choose as well, and mostly picked the bread. It was really special for the fans to step into those real-life locations they'd only seen on screen. And actor Nam Jung-woo, who served as a tour guide, shared a message for global fans. "Hi my name is Nam Jung-woo and I'm an actor. I really appreciate your love and support for Korean dramas. As an actor, I will keep doing my best and I promise I will be back with another great drama. Gamsahamnida, Thank you." Before we wrap up, how can people join the festival and the tour if they're interested? Great question, Soa. The event runs until July 6th at Gwanghwamun Square, and the Docent Tour is open to foreign visitors only. You can sign up on the official event website, and the tour is offered in multiple languages including English. So if you're visiting Korea, or already nearby, don't miss your chance to step into the world of K-dramas yourself! Alright Hyobeen, thank you for your exciting coverage today. My pleasure!

K-wave AI News

2025/07/02 16:34

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. From Jeju's lava tubes to Gochang's dolmens and tidal flats, a cultural event showcasing Korea's UNESCO World Heritage sites will kick off this week. The '2025 World Heritage Festival' opens Thursday in Jeju, with events in Gyeongju, Suncheon, and Gochang running through October. Now in its sixth year, the festival celebrates Korea's World Heritage sites through diverse hands-on programs and has drawn nearly two million participants to date. This year, a global delegation of 20 participants from 14 countries, including the U.S. and Indonesia, will join as international ambassadors for the first time, promoting Korea's World Heritage sites to a global audience. The exhibition "Art in Life, Life in Art" has returned with an expanded scope and deeper aesthetic sensibility, offering a richer look into the idea of living with art. Now open at D MUSEUM in Seoul, the show builds on the success of a similar exhibition last year, bringing together over 800 works. Highlights include iconic pieces by the father of video art, Paik Nam-June, and leading American pop artist Roy Lichtenstein, alongside selections from private collectors unveiled to the public for the first time. Blending works by world-renowned masters and rising talents, the exhibition invites visitors to explore how art can become part of everyday life. The show runs through February, next year. All CGV theaters nationwide will close temporarily on July 14 for a system upgrade. The new next-generation system aims to streamline movie ticket bookings and enable reservations for CGV's in-theater facilities like climbing gyms and comic cafes through an updated mobile app. Security measures will also be enhanced to better protect customer information. Users will need to download the updated CGV app, available from 8 a.m. on July 15, to access the new system. That's all from me. Stay tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[K-Correspondent] Jongmyo Jeryeak exhibition showcases Korea's tradition in Indonesia

2025/07/02 16:34

A UNESCO intangible cultural heritage, Korea's Jongmyo Jeryeak, the traditional music and dance performed at ceremonies to honor the spirits of the kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty, has been brought to life at an event in Indonesia's capital Jakarta. Let's connect to Jakarta to hear about this perhaps unfamiliar, yet deeply resonant experience that's unfolding there. We are now connected to Kyla Minerva Angelia at the Korean Cultural Center in Indonesia. Hello Kyla! Q1. Please introduce us to the Jongmyo Jeryeak exhibition that's currently running in Jakarta. Q2. So what kind of events and programs are being offered for visitors? How could they take part in those and what were locals impressed about the most? (Ex: the music, rites, costumes, etc.) Q3. When preparing for the exhibition, was there anything you paid special attention to so that it works well with the local culture? Q4. In a few days on July 8th, the exhibition will come to a close. How has the response been by local media or on social media so far? Q5 Apart from the popularity of K-pop and K-dramas, how much interest is there in Korea's traditional culture in Indonesia? Q6. Do you feel any similarities between traditional Korean and Indonesian culture? Q7. Finally, is there any important message you hope to convey through this exhibition? (Ex: the importance of raising awareness of cultural heritage like the jongmyo jeryeak, or a message to the Indonesian visitors, etc. ) Thank you Kyla for introducing us to this exhibition and for spreading Korean culture in Indonesia. Thank you Walter as always. See you next time.