News

‘Captain America: Brave New World’ soars toward US$ 100 mil. holiday weekend opening

2025/02/17 10:00

Finally in the United States, Marvel Studios' latest release, "Captain America: Brave New World," has delivered box office success during its opening weekend with the highest-ranking domestic debut of the year. The film garnered 88.5 million U.S. dollars domestically over the three-day period, with projections estimating a total of 100 million dollars by the end of the four-day President's Day holiday on Monday. Internationally, it accumulated an additional 92.4 million dollars. This performance also marks the fourth-best President's Day holiday opening on record.

How K-pop is going classic

2025/02/17 10:00

The art of blending genres is redefining the music scene. K-pop is now moving to a whole new level by going classic. Our Song Yoo-jin shows us what happens when K-pop meets classical music. This 2007 hit by SM Entertainment's girl group Girls' Generation, "Into the New World," has jumped into a new world -the world of classical music. Since 2020, SM Entertainment and the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra have teamed up, with eight classical renditions of songs by artists such as SHINee, 레드벨벳, and aespa. Now, they've brought the world's first-ever K-pop orchestra live concert to Seoul. "It's the first of a kind in that the entire setlist performed by the orchestra is K-pop songs. So we're very proud of that." Performing over a dozen K-pop songs, is a new experience for everyone, starting with arranging the music. The key was to keep the original while adding originality. "When arranging, we sample works by famous classical music composers. We looked for pieces that would blend well with the original K-pop track to stay true to the original and highlight the classical elements." Then, it was practice, practice, and more practice until every note hit the mark. "We watched the original performance videos and compared them to the sheet music. Our goal was to bring the lyrics, rhythms, melodies, and emotional depth of the K-pop tracks into our orchestral performance." Finding this new groove wasn't easy. The orchestra's associate concertmaster compares it to learning a new language. "Because we're so used to playing all the you know normal classics Beethoven, Mahler, Brahms you know, and then now you know all these K-pop songs, so it's been a little bit challenging in a way." But in the end, they discovered the beauty of crossing genres and unlocking new potential. "We're taking K-pop's flashy performance and transforming it into something you can appreciate with just your ears. We're not just playing melodies. We're reimagining K-pop as 21st-century orchestral music. Even if you're not familiar with the original songs, you'll find something to enjoy." Two genres, worlds apart, have come together to strike a chord, creating something groundbreaking, making classics trendy, and turning trends into timeless classics. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.

[Arts & Culture] What happens when K-pop gets a classic makeover?

2025/02/14 20:00

Friday means it's time for our Arts and Culture segment. We're joined by our culture correspondent Song Yoo-jin in the studio. Welcome! Great to be here! What do you have for us today? There's a saying: 'Don't be afraid to try something new. It might just become the best thing you ever do.' And here in Korea, a concert taking place today and tomorrow is proof of that. Today, I have a sneak peek of a bold fusion of two very different musical worlds. Take a look. This 2007 hit by SM Entertainment's girl group Girls' Generation, "Into the New World," has jumped into a new world -the world of classical music. Since 2020, SM Entertainment and the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra have teamed up, with eight classical renditions of songs by artists such as SHINee, Red Velvet, and aespa. Now, they've brought the world's first-ever K-pop orchestra live concert to Seoul. "It's the first of a kind in that the entire setlist performed by the orchestra is K-pop songs. So we're very proud of that." Performing over a dozen K-pop songs, is a new experience for everyone, starting with arranging the music. The key was to keep the original while adding originality. "When arranging, we sample works by famous classical music composers. We looked for pieces that would blend well with the original K-pop track to stay true to the original and highlight the classical elements." Then, it was practice, practice, and more practice until every note hit the mark. "We watched the original performance videos and compared them to the sheet music. Our goal was to bring the lyrics, rhythms, melodies, and emotional depth of the K-pop tracks into our orchestral performance." Finding this new groove wasn't easy. The orchestra's associate concertmaster compares it to learning a new language. "Because we're so used to playing all the you know normal classics Beethoven, Mahler, Brahms you know, and then now you know all these K-pop songs, so it's been a little bit challenging in a way." But in the end, they discovered the beauty of crossing genres and unlocking new potential. "We're taking K-pop's flashy performance and transforming it into something you can appreciate with just your ears. We're not just playing melodies. We're reimagining K-pop as 21st-century orchestral music. Even if you're not familiar with the original songs, you'll find something to enjoy." Two genres, worlds apart, have come together to strike a chord, creating something groundbreaking, making classics trendy, and turning trends into timeless classics. It really sounds like the audience will get the best of both worlds. As you mentioned in your report, this concert is taking place today and tomorrow. Can you tell us a bit more about what the audience can expect? Of course! The first concert is happening right now. It started at 8 PM Korea time at the Seoul Arts Center, which is just about a 10-minute walk from our station. Tomorrow's concert will be held at Lotte Concert Hall in Seoul's Songpa-gu District, starting at 5 PM. Tickets are available both online and at the venue. SPO will be performing 16 to 17 songs by SM artists. What's notable is that SHINee's Minho will host both concerts and Red Velvet's Wendy will join the orchestra to perform her solo songs during Saturday's show. But for those who can't make it, is there any way they can still experience this collaboration? Luckily, there is. Last month, SM Classics released its first full album, "Across the World." It's available on major music platforms like Spotify, iTunes, and Apple Music. The album features 14 songs, including some that are being performed at these concerts. When asked which songs stood out, Conductor Kim mentioned aespa's "Black Mamba" and SHINee's "Sherlock," while the arrangers picked Red Velvet's "Feel My Rhythm." All three are on the album, and you can hear them live at the concerts as well. And there's more to come. This September, Seoul Philharmonic will collaborate with Jung Jae-il, the composer behind the Squid Game soundtrack, to perform his latest works. It'll be fascinating to see how the orchestra reinterprets contemporary music once again. That sounds like something to mark on the calendar. Thank you for your report today, Yoo-jin. Always a pleasure.

Enjoying Dasik, traditional Korean sweets

2025/02/14 20:00

It's Valentine's Day today, and for those of you here in South Korea seeking perhaps a sweet traditional twist for this day, our Ahn Sung-jin was out and about. Do take a look. “On Valentine’s Day, February 14th, it’s common to see stores with large displays of chocolate and candy. But for those that are looking for something different, Korean traditional sweets can be the answer.” Boxes of colorful, visually appealing sweets these are known as Dasik. A popular snack during the Joseon dynasty, Dasik was also one of King Jeongjo's favorites. The cookie is made by kneading grain powder with honey. Most of the ingredients consist of all-natural ingredients. For example, grain powder can be made with grains, beans, sesame seeds and Barbary fig. These powders are beaten into finer particles and mixed with honey to create a dense dough texture. Once the consistency is there, they’re put into shaping tools to create delicate patterns of flowers, the Taegeuk emblem from the national flag or other traditional images. These days, shapes can be formed through a simple version of stamps. Nowadays these Korean traditional sweets can be overshadowed by modern desserts. That’s why Lee Yoon-sook works on keeping these alive. “I teach these classes with the hope that not only can people these days easily access our traditions, but also to blend aspects of Korean tradition and modernity in harmony.” So for those who aren’t familiar with these traditional sweets yet, why not give them a try. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.

How K-pop is going classic

2025/02/14 17:00

Meanwhile the art of blending genres is REDEFINING the MUSIC scene. In fact our culture correspondent Song Yoo-jin highlights the efforts here to offer audiences the chance to indulge in beautiful classical renditions of popular K-pop songs. Do take a listen. This 2007 hit by SM Entertainment's girl group Girls' Generation, "Into the New World," has jumped into a new world -the world of classical music. Since 2020, SM Entertainment and the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra have teamed up, with eight classical renditions of songs by artists such as SHINee, Red Velvet, and aespa. Now, they've brought the world's first-ever K-pop orchestra live concert to Seoul. "It's the first of a kind in that the entire setlist performed by the orchestra is K-pop songs. So we're very proud of that." Performing over a dozen K-pop songs, is a new experience for everyone, starting with arranging the music. The key was to keep the original while adding originality. "When arranging, we sample works by famous classical music composers. We looked for pieces that would blend well with the original K-pop track to stay true to the original and highlight the classical elements." Then, it was practice, practice, and more practice until every note hit the mark. "We watched the original performance videos and compared them to the sheet music. Our goal was to bring the lyrics, rhythms, melodies, and emotional depth of the K-pop tracks into our orchestral performance." Finding this new groove wasn't easy. The orchestra's associate concertmaster compares it to learning a new language. "Because we're so used to playing all the you know normal classics Beethoven, Mahler, Brahms you know, and then now you know all these K-pop songs, so it's been a little bit challenging in a way." But in the end, they discovered the beauty of crossing genres and unlocking new potential. "We're taking K-pop's flashy performance and transforming it into something you can appreciate with just your ears. We're not just playing melodies. We're reimagining K-pop as 21st-century orchestral music. Even if you're not familiar with the original songs, you'll find something to enjoy." Two genres, worlds apart, have come together to strike a chord, creating something groundbreaking, making classics trendy, and turning trends into timeless classics. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.

Enjoying Dasik, traditional Korean sweets

2025/02/14 17:00

And it's Valentine's Day today and for those of you here in South Korea seeking perhaps a sweet traditional twist to celebrate this day of love my colleague Ahn Sung-jin was out and about. Do take a look. "On Valentine's Day, February 14th, it's common to see stores with large displays of chocolate and candy. But for those that are looking for something different, Korean traditional sweets can be the answer." Boxes of colorful, visually appealing sweets --these are known as Dasik. A popular snack during the Joseon dynasty, Dasik was also one of King Jeongjo's favorites. The cookie is made by kneading grain powder with honey. Most of the ingredients consist of all-natural ingredients. For example, grain powder can be made with grains, beans, sesame seeds and Barbary fig. These powders are beaten into finer particles and mixed with honey to create a dense dough texture. Once the consistency is there, they're put into shaping tools to create delicate patterns of flowers, the Taegeuk emblem from the national flag or other traditional images. These days, shapes can be formed through a simple version of stamps. Nowadays these Korean traditional sweets can be overshadowed by modern desserts. That's why Lee Yoon-sook works on keeping these alive. "I teach these classes with the hope that not only can people these days easily access our traditions, but also to blend aspects of Korean tradition and modernity in harmony." So for those who aren't familiar with these traditional sweets yet, why not give them a try. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.

[Features reporter] Enjoying dasik, traditional Korean sweets

2025/02/14 14:00

Sung-jin, I can already sense a sort of sweetness in the air for today’s topic because I heard you got the chance to taste something great! Absolutely, but first of all, happy Valentine’s Day! I’m sure you’re all familiar with what day it is. Have you guys gotten anything for today? Well today I want to introduce you guys to a gift that's an alternative to chocolate. “On Valentine’s Day, February 14th, it’s common to see stores with large displays of chocolate and candy. But for those that are looking for something different, Korean traditional sweets can be the answer.” Boxes of colorful, visually appealing sweets these are known as dasik. A popular snack during the Joseon dynasty, dasik was also one of King Jeongjo's favorites. The cookie is made by kneading grain powder with honey. Most of the ingredients consist of all-natural ingredients. For example, grain powder can be made with grains, beans, sesame seeds and Barbary fig. These powders are beaten into finer particles and mixed with honey to create a dense dough texture. Once the consistency is there, they’re put into shaping tools to create delicate patterns of flowers, the Taegeuk emblem from the national flag or other traditional images. These days, shapes can be formed through a simple version of stamps. Nowadays these Korean traditional sweets can be overshadowed by modern desserts. That’s why Lee Yoon-sook works on keeping these alive. “I teach these classes with the hope that not only can people these days easily access our traditions, but also to blend aspects of Korean tradition and modernity in harmony.” So for those who aren’t familiar with these traditional sweets yet, why not give them a try. I would love to give it a try. My mouth was watering while watching your report. And that is why I have brought a box for you guys to have a taste. As you saw from the report, they’re very colorful and very nicely made. Now, as I mentioned, it's common to give chocolate to each other on Valentine's Day but why not something tasty and Korean? Could you introduce some other examples of traditional Korean sweets? Absolutely, more than excited to. Something similar to Dasik is Yakgwa which is also a traditional type of Korean cookie made from flour, honey, sesame oil and ginger. These small treats are deep-fried and then soaked in syrup to make a sticky but chewy dessert. Now this one used to be eaten during ancestral rites or celebrations, but nowadays it’s common to see it being served as a dessert. Gaeseong juak which is my current go-to snack is a traditional Korean rice donut that is deep fried and coated in syrup. They’re very chewy and sweet. Since you also went to a studio to make these, I’m sure these are a great ways to become familiar with Korean traditions as well. Right Soa! Not only is the dessert itself a good way to expose yourself to the tradition, but studios like the one I went to provide opportunities for both foreigners and locals to try making them. Thanks for introducing another traditional and tasty Korean sweet for us to enjoy today! Had so much fun myself! See you guys soon.

[K-enter] Jisoo is back with solo mini-album "AMORTAGE"

2025/02/14 14:00

Time for some K-entertainment news with Bella Kim. Today we start off with a story on BLACKPINK member Jisoo! Yes, we talked several times on our show about Jisoo’s comeback. Well, the day is finally here! She released her solo mini-album “AMORTAGE” on Friday. This album marks Jisoo’s first solo release in nearly two years after her last single “ME” in 2023. It’s also the first album released under her own label, BLISSOO, where she is the only artist. The album title combines the Spanish word for love, “Amor,” with “Montage,” a film editing technique that stitches together different scenes. The album features four tracks in total. Two Korean songs: “earthquake” and “TEARS” and two English songs: “Your Love” and “Hugs & Kisses.” The track “earthquake” captures the excitement of new love and intense emotions for a partner. It’s also notable that Jisoo participated in the production of all tracks on the album. To celebrate the release, Jisoo hosts a fan event, “SOO IN LOVE,” at CGV Cheongdam Cinecity in Seoul this evening. She will also embark on a fan meeting tour across seven Asian cities, including Manila, Bangkok and Tokyo. Can't wait to hear her mini album, which should be out now as the release time is 2 p.m. Korea time. Next, we have an impressive record by a Korean movie? The film “Bogota: City of the Lost” topped Netflix’s Non-English Language Film category. According to its distributor, Plus M Entertainment, on Thursday, “Bogota” recorded 13 million views on the first week of February, ranking first in Netflix’s non-English language film category, and second in the combined ranking of English-speaking and non-English-speaking films. It ranked first in 10 countries, including Korea and Colombia, which is the background of the movie, and also made the top 10 in 73 countries. “Bogota” is a crime story about a boy, Kook-hee, played by Song Joong-ki, who headed to Bogota, Colombia, immediately after the 1997 financial crisis. It actually did not do so good in theaters as it only collected 420-thousand audience views in total, far below its break-even point of 3 million. But it’s great to see it doing well on Netflix. And we stay on the topic of film for our last story as well and this one IS doing well at the cinemas? The hit movie, “Hitman 2” will premiere in 54 countries around the globe. The film already premiered in the U.S and Canada, and will continue with its release in Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam and other countries. The sequel to the 2020 movie “Hitman” is a story of Jun, a secret agent-turned-cartoonist, who is framed for a terrorist attack that mimics his newly released online comic. It stars Kwon Sang-woo, Jung Jun-ho, Lee Yi-kyung and more. “Hitman 2” succeeded in breaking the break-even point last week and is currently in second place at the Korean Box Office. I was able to catch it in theaters, and it’s hilarious, so if it premieres in your own country, make sure to watch it! Thank you Bella for today’s stories.

75th Berlin Film Festival opens on Thursday

2025/02/13 17:00

And in Germany. Curtains went up for this year's 11-day Berlin Film Festival back on Thursday with seven Korean productions on the invitation list. Among them director Bong Joon-ho's latest sci-fi film "Mickey 17" starring Robert Pattinson has been invited.. for the non-competitive special gala section and will be screened this coming Saturday. Meanwhile director Hong Sang-soo's 33rd film "What does that nature say to you?" is scheduled under the competitive section with its screening to be take place next Thursday that is February 20th.

K-wave AI News

2025/02/13 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Let's dive into the first story. Korean ballerino Park Youn-jae held a press conference after his historic win at the prestigious Prix de Lausanne in Switzerland, sharing his thoughts on the achievement. He said that he believes individuality, a unique style, and the courage to believe in oneself and move forward were key factors in the competition's scoring. He also expressed his desire to dance freely around the world without being tied to one place. Culture Minister Yu In-chon congratulated Park on his victory, calling it a "great step in showcasing the strength and prestige of Korean ballet on the global stage." The 75th Berlin International Film Festival kicks off on Thursday, local time, with a lineup of Korean films set to captivate audiences. The most anticipated film is director Bong Joon-ho's Hollywood sci-fi movie "Mickey 17," which has been invited to the Special Gala section to be screened on Saturday. The festival described Bong as the "writer and director of Parasite, once again delivering a dazzling cinematic experience." Director Hong Sang-soo, a regular at Berlinale, enters the competition section with his 33rd feature film, "What Does That Nature Say to You," which will premiere next Thursday. Meanwhile, director Min Kyu-dong's vengeance-thriller "The Old Woman With The Knife" will have its world premiere as a late-night Berlinale Special. The 13th Diaspora Film Festival will take place across Incheon in May. Organized by the Incheon Film Commission, the festival has been held annually since 2013 to promote the values of diversity and tolerance, spotlighting the experiences of migrants and refugees facing discrimination. The commission says the number of domestic and international submissions hit a record high this year. In addition to the festival's regular venues, such as Korea's first indoor theater, Aekwan Multiplex Cinema, and Incheon Art Platform, this year's event will also include screenings at Incheon Milim Theater, a beloved local cinema with deep ties to the community. The full lineup and special programs will be unveiled on the festival's official website in early May. That's all from me. Keep it tuned to Arirang.

[Hallyu People] Sijo celebrated in U.S. to mark "World Sijo Poetry Day"

2025/02/13 14:00

1) The Sejong Cultural Society hosted a celebration marking "World Sijo Poetry Day" last Friday. Please tell us a bit about this event, as well as your organization. 2) For our global viewers, what defines "sijo"? Also, there is a specific reason for why "Sijo Poetry Day" falls on February 7th? 3) What's behind the idea of bringing sijo (among many other Korean cultural aspects) to America? (Was there a specific incident?) 4) A variety of sijo events have been held so far. One of the most interesting is the sending of sijo poems into space? What's that about? 5) You've been involved in raising awareness of sijo for close to two decades now. During that time, the Korean wave has become a global phenomenon. Has that helped in raising further interest in sijo in the U.S.? 6) I can imagine it's not easy to teach Korean sijo to Americans due to the unique rhythm. How do you teach it? 7) Would it be possible if we could hear a sijo from you? 8) What do you ultimately hope to accomplish by bringing sijo into American society and could you also share some of your future plans of the Sejong Cultural Society in terms of spreading awareness of Korean culture?

[K-enter] NJZ Hanni Secures A New South Korean Visa

2025/02/13 14:00

Time for some K-entertainment news with Bella Kim. Our first story for today is about one of the members of NJZ, or still known to many as NewJeans? Hanni has received a new visa to stay in South Korea. According to the Instagram account managed by NJZ members' parents, Hanni, a Vietnamese-Australian, received a new visa this Tuesday after her previous visa reportedly expired earlier this month. Foreigners wishing to work in the local entertainment industry are required to obtain an E-6 visa, which typically allows for a stay of up to two years. The Instagram post did not state the type of visa Hanni received. The parents also mentioned that the group's agency, ADOR, pressured Hanni and the parents to sign a visa extension agreement that stated ADOR as Hanni's agency, saying that she is at risk of becoming an illegal resident. Meanwhile, NJZ rebranded itself last week after a dispute with ADOR although ADOR had expressed its discontent towards that rebranding as Walter reported earlier this week. Their first performance under the new name will be at the music festival "ComplexCon" in Hong Kong next month. Next we have another story on some other female artists? That's right. On Wednesday it was revealed that girl group aespa and Jennie from BLACKPINK are set to be honored at the 2025 Billboard Women in Music awards. Jennie will receive the 'Global Force Award.' According to Billboard, Jennie has taken over the charts and stages across the world, both as a member of BLACKPINK and as a solo artist. She is gearing up to release her debut solo album, "Ruby," on March 7th. Another winner, aespa, will receive the 'Group of the Year' award as they were recognized for expanding their global tour and releasing their album, "Armageddon," in May 2024. Billboard Women in Music celebrates the incredible women who continue to drive innovation, inspire change, and reshape the future of music. Girl group Twice and NJZ are previous winners. The 2025 Billboard Women in Music award ceremony will take place on March 29th at YouTube Theater in Hollywood Park, California. Our last story for today is on a new movie or should I say concert? "Lee Chan-won Concert Changa: Dear My Chance," a concert film about trot singer Lee Chan-won, will premiere on the 26th of this month. The film will show Lee Chan-won's energetic and passionate performances along with his life stories. His first concert film will also include behind-the-scenes of his concert tour. Lee Chan-won's 2024 nationwide tour, "Changa," was held in 8 different cities, including Seoul, Incheon, Busan, and Daegu. The film, "Lee Chan-won Concert Changa: Dear My Chance," will premiere on February 26th, exclusively at CGV theaters. Thank you Bella for today's stories. Now let's find out what our AI anchor Ari has in store for other culture-related news.

Taiwan lantern festivals begin celebrating Year of the Snake

2025/02/13 10:00

Finally, to Taiwan, where the 2025 Taiwan Lantern Festival for the Year of the Snake officially began on Wednesday, with an opening ceremony held in Taoyuan City. Daily light shows and a variety of lantern displays will be held across Taoyuan's 13 districts from 6 to 10 PM until February 23. The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival in New Taipei City also attracted thousands of visitors who participated in the release of illuminated lanterns into the night sky. The tradition symbolizes peace and prosperity for the new year.

Private jets collide at airport in Arizona, killing at least 1 person

2025/02/12 10:00

Now to the U.S. state of Arizona, where one person died and at least three others were injured on Monday afternoon local time when a private jet collided with another aircraft. The private jet, owned by Vince Neil the lead singer of rock band Motley Crue, collided with a parked plane as it was landing at Scottsdale Municipal Airport. The arriving jet reportedly veered off the runway before crashing. Two pilots and two passengers were onboard Neil's jet, and one person was in the parked jet. Three people were taken to hospital for treatment. Neil was not on the plane.

[K-Correspondent] Fostering cultural exchange between Korea and the Philippines through Hangeul exhibition

2025/02/12 14:00

Once a week we connect live to a correspondent overseas who fills us in on K-culture news in their respective country. Today, we go over to the Philippines where a special exhibition on Korean culture more specifically "Hangeul" is underway. Our correspondent Jellaine Buen-Melgar, Educational Administrative Officer at the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines is joining us online. Hello Jellaine! Q1. Jellaine, please introduce yourself, the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines, and your role there. Q2. As a person working at the Korean Cultural Center and experiencing the Korean wave up close, please share with us how big hallyu is right now in the Philippines and what's currently trending. Q3. Marking 75 years of diplomatic ties between South Korea and the Philippines last year, the two countries have been engaged in economic and cultural exchanges. As part of that, we want to delve into an exhibition that's currently taking place, about the Korean writing system Hangeul. Please introduce us to the event. Q3-1. Any stories behind the launching of such exhibition focused on Hangeul? Q4. What other events are running alongside the exhibition? Q5. Please tell us about the response by visitors. Q6. Jellaine, have your Hangeul skills gone up through the event by any chance? Q7. How long will this exhibition run for, and what else is planned this year or beyond? Jellaine, thank you very much for connecting with us today and please keep us updated on further exciting events coming up. Thank you Walter for your contribution this week, I'll see you back next week.

[K-Enter] G-Dragon to hold world tour starting in Korea on March 29-30

2025/02/12 14:00

Now it's time for our K-Entertainment news with Walter Lee. Starting off with some world tour news from a big star—a BigBang star, to be more specific. Yes, on Monday, G-Dragon announced on his social media pages that he will be holding a world tour, kicking off at Goyang Sports Complex in Goyang City, Gyeonggi-do Province, on March 29 and March 30. This marks his first solo concert in nearly eight years. The tour is titled 'G-DRAGON 2025 WORLD TOUR ', with "UBERMENSCH" also being the title of his upcoming third solo album, set for release on March 25. This will be his first solo studio album in 11 years and five months, following 'COUP D'ÉTAT' in September 2013. I'm sure this concert will be marked in many K-pop fans' diaries this year. Moving onto news about a member of BTS, who are we talking about this time? It seems that not even mandatory military service can slow down BTS's youngest member, Jungkook , as he continues his record-breaking streak with his solo single "Seven". The song currently ranks No. 77 on Billboard's Global Excl. U.S. chart and No. 122 on the Billboard Global 200. Jungkook has now spent 82 weeks on the Global Excl. U.S. chart and 81 weeks on the Global 200, making him the longest-charting K-pop solo artist on these rankings. Additionally, "Seven" has surpassed 2.2 billion streams on Spotify, making it the first song by an Asian artist to reach this milestone on the world's largest music streaming platform. And his group BTS have also surpassed 2 billion streams on Spotify with their hit song "Dynamite", further cementing their status as living legends in the K-pop industry. This just goes to show how loyal Jungkook and BTS fans are and how much they miss him while he is away on military duty. Ending off, we have a fan meeting from one of the most exciting K-dramas out right now. Yes, the cast of Korea's current No. 1 drama series, "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call," held what we could call a "Dopamine Recharge Emergency Fan Meeting" . on Monday at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul, responding to overwhelming love from fans. The application to take part in this event, conducted over two days via Netflix Korea's Instagram account, attracted an incredible 20,000 applicants, leading to a highly competitive 114:1 selection ratio for those lucky enough to attend. The event featured appearances from Joo Ji-hoon , Chu Young-woo , Ha Young , Yoon Kyung-ho , Jung Jae-kwang , and director Lee Do-yoon . Fans were treated to a special experience, including behind-the-scenes stories, games, and interactive activities with the cast. I'm sure that got fans' hearts beating! Thanks for the updates, Walter. Now, let's see what Ari has for us in other culture news. Take it away, Ari!

Rosé & Bruno Mars' 'APT.' sets record with 15th week at No. 1 on Billboard chart

2025/02/11 17:00

The global hit APT by BLACKPINK's Rosé and Bruno Mars has made new history on the Billboard Global Excluding U.S. chart. On Monday Billboard announced the song had topped this chart for 15 weeks breaking the previous record of 14 weeks set by Mariah Carey with her song "All I Want for Christmas Is You." Separately APT continues to maintain its 6th place standing on the Billboard Hot 100. Rosé also made history on this chart reaching number three to become the highest-ranking K-pop female artist in Hot 100 history.

K-wave AI News

2025/02/11 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Korea's iconic cherry blossom festival, 'Jinhae Gunhangje,' will kick off on March 28 in the southern city of Changwon in Gyeongsangnam-do Province. Visitors can immerse themselves in a picturesque floral wonderland while enjoying the festival's signature events such as a military band & honor guard performance, the Admiral Yi Sun-sin memorial ceremony, a multimedia fireworks show, and the Black Eagles air show. This year, it will also feature the 'Cherry Blossom Music Festival' for the first time. Changwon City is expanding its global outreach to accommodate more foreign visitors, securing TV broadcasts, 통역 부스, and cruise ship operations along the Jinhae coastline. Seoul City plans to host a range of cultural events this year at Bukchon Hanok Village. The Bukchon Cultural Center will feature a monthly program called 'Bukchon Dorak' offering immersive cultural experiences that reflect Korea's seasonal traditions, history, and heritage. Highlights include traditional crafts, pop-up libraries, yoga sessions, and year-round exhibitions showcasing K-living and hanok culture. In October, 'Bukchon Day' will be celebrated with hanok workshops, hanok camps, and guided alleyway tours led by local residents. On February 19, the musical "Once" will make its return to the domestic stage after a 10-year hiatus. Based on the beloved film known for hit songs like "Falling Slowly," the production will be a replica of the original musical, preserving the music, choreography, and other key elements. The musical first premiered in Korea in 2014, with a follow-up performance the following year. Co-director Conor Hanratty highlighted that, unlike the original film's quiet atmosphere, the stage version will feature more dynamic and energetic scenes. That's all from me. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[K-wave] A step towards K-pop choreography copyright protection

2025/02/11 14:00

The popularity of K-pop goes beyond just its songs, with its dance elements also a key factor. But the choreography generally does not have proper copyrights. Last year, prominent figures in the dance industry gathered to set up an association to protect these rights. Lee Eun-jin tells us more. Choreography in the K-pop scene ranges from the soft to sharply angled group dance movements. Recently, there was great popularity for dance cover performances by military soldiers on a K-Force Special Show TV program. They are no idols, and without singing a single verse, their dance cover has gained a high number of views. High interest in K-pop choreography is not a new phenomenon. There are fans from abroad who come to Korea to learn from Korean choreographers. "For instance, in France it's just about music. But here in Korea it's about music and dance. And I feel like it has so much. The whole performance is another level. I think it's super nice and fun." But even with the global K-dance craze, returns for the choreographers behind the dance sequences have not changed over many years. They are indeed the creators, but not copyright holders. A survey of some 90 choreographers in Korea showed that only around 2 percent of them have ever held a copyright. That's because there is a longstanding practice regarding this in the industry. It is common for choreographers to sign contracts that include a special agreement condition to hand over the rights of their choreography to the party using it, which is usually an entertainment agency. "Even for me, it's not easy to ask 'Can you take this clause out?'. It's been such a longstanding practice " For young choreographers, they are often not even given the chance to contemplate the conditions of copyright. "I myself can't be proud because the reality is that I've signed contracts without having such knowledge." This is why, last year, choreographers gathered to launch an association to protect copyright. Their first step was carrying out promotional activity to establish that choreography is also subject to copyright. In line with this, the government also began a system reorganization of legal concepts surrounding this issue. Based on research and case studies, the government plans to release copyright guidelines and standard contracts accordingly this year. "There is a hidden effort by choreographers behind the growth of K-pop. I hope that a social atmosphere is established where these choreographers' efforts and their value are recognized." Major Korean entertainment agencies have said they would follow the copyright guidelines and standard contracts set out by the government. And this gives hope to those that have worked hard for years for "an era of copyright in choreography." Lee Eunjin, Arirang News.

[K-enter] "Dark Nuns" sees global box office success

2025/02/11 14:00

And we will start off with a K-movie. And it seems that one film is doing very well overseas, which one will you be talking about? Today's film is "The Dark Nuns". A story of two nuns who perform a forbidden ritual to save a boy possessed by a powerful evil spirit, it stars Song Hye-kyo and Jeon Yeo-bin , and has seen global box office success. Released in Korea on January 24, the film has surpassed its break-even point of 1.6 million viewers domestically and has also exceeded 1 million viewers in Indonesia. Additionally, it has remained No. 1 at the box office in the Philippines for two consecutive weeks since its release. The film continues to spread across the world, having been released in North America, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Laos and Myanmar . It is set for further releases in Singapore and Malaysia on February 13, followed by Vietnam on February 21. It's great to see people are still heading to the theatres to see movies and even better that K-movies are at the top of some viewers' lists. Moving onto some news about NewJeans or should I say NJZ? I'm confused. I remember how Bella introduced us to this new name but what's new? Yes, you said it Soa, we are talking about NJZ or are we talking about NewJeans? Well that is the current dispute that is making waves in the K-pop world. The girl group are still embroiled in a law suit with record label ADOR over contractual issues. On Monday, ADOR issued a statement to the media, saying something to the effect of, "On February 7, the NewJeans members announced plans to promote under a group name that was not agreed upon with ADOR." ADOR urged media outlets to "use the official team name, 'NewJeans,' which is based on a legally valid contract." adding "The exclusive contracts between NewJeans members and ADOR remain legally valid." This is a big issue and I am sure we will keep a close eye on developments as they happen. Moving onto another girl group and that is the brand new group Hearts2Hearts. SM Entertainment's new girl group, Hearts2Hearts, has unveiled the teaser image for their debut single. On Monday, the teaser image for their first single, "The Chase", was released through the Hearts2Hearts' official social media accounts. You should be able to see the teaser images on screen now. "The Chase", set to be released on the 24th of February at 6pm, has a total of two tracks: the title track and debut song "The Chase", along with the B-side track "Butterflies". Only a couple of weeks left until their debut so I can't wait for that, and lastly a touching gesture by a member of Stray Kids. I.N, a member of the boy group Stray Kids, donated 100 million Korean won, roughly 68,000 U.S. dollars to Samsung Medical Center in celebration of his birthday, which was February 8th, Saturday. According to the hospital on Monday, the donation made by I.N will be used to cover medical expenses for pediatric cancer patients from underprivileged families receiving treatment at Samsung Medical Center. Known for his continuous philanthropic efforts, I.N was appointed as the youngest-ever member at age 23 last year, of the "Green Noble Club", an exclusive donor society of ChildFund Korea for individuals who have contributed donations exceeding 100 million won.