News

Squid Game 2 wins Best Foreign Language Series at 2025 Critics' Choice Awards

2025/02/10 17:00

Over in LA last Friday. "Squid Game" Season Two was awarded for Best Foreign Language Series at this year's Critics' Choice Awards. The show's first season claimed the honor at the 2022 edition of the awards becoming the first Korean TV drama to do so. Korean actor Lee Jung-jae also clinched Best Actor in a Drama Series in 2022. Other nominees in the same category this year included "Pachinko" Season Two. Meanwhile Season Three of Squid Game is set to be released on streaming platform Netflix in June.

Korean webtoon-based content captivates global viewers

2025/02/10 14:00

If you’re a K-drama watcher, you may already have become a fan of the Netflix series “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call”. But, have you also heard about “Trauma Center: Golden Hour”? That’s the title of the webtoon that “The Trauma Code” is based on. Today we want to explore the popularity of webtoon-based K-content that is captivating viewers around the world. For that, we are joined by culture critic Professor Chie Hye-won at Kyung Hee University’s Arts and Cultural Management Program. Welcome Professor Chie! Q1. Let’s begin with the success of the latest K-dramas that have been adapted from webtoons. Why don’t we start with the medical drama “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call”? Q2. What other K-webtoon adaptations have been at the center of attention lately? Q3. The reason why we’re seeing all these webtoons being turned into dramas is they have proven to be successful for some time now. (“Itaewon Class”, “All of Us Are Dead”, “True Beauty”, etc.) What aspects of Korean webtoons appeal to drama makers? Q4. (And speaking of such elements) We cannot leave out webtoon artist Kang Full’s works that have been successfully transformed into mystery and superhero series like “Light Shop“ and “Moving“. (The originally Disney+ series Moving was aired on public broadcaster MBC where the final episode of season 1 just ended on Sunday) What’s the key to these shows' popularity? Q5. What are the strengths of webtoon-based dramas and what are the elements needed to translate the unique charm of webtoons into dramas? Q6. Are there any challenges or side effects in terms of producing such shows based on webtoons or web novels? Q7. Also, there has been an increase in the production of overseas dramas based on Korean webtoons. What are the chances of success on the global stage?

[K-enter] "Squid Game 2" wins Best Foreign Language Series at the Critics Choice Awards in the U.S.

2025/02/10 14:00

Time for our daily dose of K-enter news with Walter Lee. Starting off with news on Squid Game season 2. The Netflix series Squid Game 2 has won the "Best Foreign Language Series" at the 30th Critics Choice Awards held in Los Angeles last Friday, a major ceremony in the U.S. film and television industry. Squid Game first made history in 2022 by becoming the first Korean drama to win at the Critics Choice Awards with its first season. At the time, Squid Game won "Best Foreign Language Series", while lead actor Lee Jung-jae received the award for "Best Actor." The awards are organised by the Critics Choice Association, a group of over 600 film and television critics from the U.S. and Canada. Meanwhile, Squid Game 3 is set to be released on June 27 and it will be interesting to see if the series can make it a hat trick in the "Best Foreign Language Series" category. Congratulations to Squid Game and we all can't wait for that third season to come out. Now, moving onto some news on Rosé. I feel like we should call this segment, K-enter and Rosé as she has to be one of our favourite people to report on. But our Rosé has once again claimed the top spot with her collaboration track "APT". feat. Bruno Mars on the "Billboard Global 200 chart" released on Saturday. "APT" climbed one spot from No. 2 last week to reclaim the No. 1 position. Meanwhile, Rosé’s "APT" continues to dominate the ranks of the "UK Official Singles Chart" currently sitting at the No. 2 position. Fellow BLACKPINK member Jennie also made her entry into the UK chart, debuting at No. 64 with "Love Hangover", the pre-release track from her solo album. It's such a proud moment for Korea to see K-pop doing well in the Western charts. Staying with news on K-pop we move now to boy group Stray Kids. On Sunday evening, boy group Stray Kids' music video "God’s Menu" became the first by a 4th-generation K-pop boy group to surpass 500 million views with a single music video. "God’s Menu" is on their first full-length album "GO LIVE", released in June 2020. Just two days before "God’s Menu" hit 500 million views, the music video for "Thunderous" from their second full-length album "NOEASY" surpassed 400 million views on Friday. .Stray Kids is also breaking records with their concerts. Stray Kids' world tour "dominATE", is set to draw a record-breaking 2.2 million attendees, making it the most attended K-pop tour in history for a single tour. Kicking off back in August 2024, dominATE includes 55 concerts across 34 cities worldwide. This is Stray Kids’ largest tour to date, with additional shows added due to overwhelming demand, including their first solo concerts in Latin America and Europe. Stray Kids don't show any signs of slowing down anytime soon! Thanks for the K-enter news Walter, don't go anywhere. And now we turn to our AI anchor Ari for more culture news.

K-wave AI News

2025/02/10 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Korea's Park Youn-jae has made history by winning the top prize at the 2025 Prix de Lausanne, becoming the first South Korean ballerino to claim the title in the prestigious competition. The 16-year-old secured the victory at the Beaulieu Theatre in Switzerland on Saturday, local time. Widely regarded as one of the most esteemed ballet competitions in the world, the Prix de Lausanne is open to dancers aged 15 to 18. Celebrated ballerina Kang Sue-jin was the first Korean to clinch a top spot at the competition in 1985. Seoul is expanding its traditional jang classes to celebrate the listing of Korea's jang-making culture on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The Seoul Agricultural Technology Center will open additional jang-making classes to include 'gochujang,' or red pepper paste, 'cheonggukjang,' or fermented soybean paste, and others to its existing courses. Open to Seoul residents, the program consists of seven sessions featuring hands-on demonstrations by master jang makers. Registration opens tomorrow via the Seoul Public Service Reservation website. The Jeonju International Film Festival Organizing Committee is recruiting volunteers to support festival operations. A total of 400 volunteers will be hired across 24 categories, including Korean film, international film and public relations. Adults aged 18 and older residing in Korea are eligible to apply through March 5. Foreign nationals proficient in Korean can apply under the "General Recruitment" category. The 26th Jeonju International Film Festival will take place from April 30 to May 9. That's all for now. Stay tuned for more cultural updates and insightful discussions ahead!

[Arts & Culture] Who are the guardians of Korea's cultural legacy?

2025/02/07 20:00

It's Friday and that means it's time for our Arts and Culture segment. We have our culture correspondent Song Yoo-jin in the studio. Welcome, Yoo-jin! Happy Friday! Indeed. What do you have for us today? Lately, I've been thinking a lot about how not all great and important work is given the spotlight. Take this very newscast, for example. While we're in front of the camera, there's a team of incredibly talented people working tirelessly behind it to bring this News Center to life every night. The same goes for art. While some dedicate their lives to creating it, others work tirelessly behind the scenes to restore and preserve it. This week, I have a story about a group of skilled technicians who ensure that our cultural treasures stand the test of time. Let's take a look. At a glance, these two paintings may seem identical. But look closer, and you'll start to spot differences. The one on the left has stains, areas where paint has peeled or faded; imperfections that are absent in the one on the right. This transformation is the work of future 'national heritage maintenance technicians.' National heritage maintenance technicians are certified professionals responsible for preserving Korea's cultural treasures, from paintings to historic buildings, as close to their original state as possible. "Every year, the Heritage Education Institute offers a training program to nurture experts in the conservation, repair, and restoration of national heritage. Here at the Insa Art Center in Seoul, the works by graduates of last year's program are on display." Since these students are not yet licensed, they have recreated existing pieces to showcase their craftsmanship. One such piece is this Joseon Dynasty-style checkerboard, crafted with a turtle shell top and a tiger design made from ox horn. And this is the original housed at the National Folk Museum of Korea. "I first crafted the wooden base, then applied hemp cloth, layered lacquer, and added decorative elements. What I loved most about this program was collaborating across different fields. This piece, for example, includes mineral pigments used in the dancheong traditional paintwork." The exhibition features 1-hundred-1 student works. Students can choose from 15 courses in the program, including lacquering, woodworking, paintwork and imitation. "We started with 40 students in 2012, and now have over 1-hundred-20 graduates each year. I can feel the growing public interest, which I think is due to more people recognizing the importance of cultural heritage." The steady rise in technicians reflects this growing awareness, with over 13-thousand now working in the field. Although they're called technicians they are, in fact, artists in their own right. "Restoring heritage requires highly specialized skills, using the same techniques as in the past. In this sense, these experts play a central role in preserving and protecting our cultural heritage." Though these technicians often work behind the spotlight, their hands keep history alive, preserving its timeless beauty. A craft rarely acknowledged, but absolutely essential. "I think preserving traditional crafts is key to protecting our national identity and history. That's why we need experts who safeguard not just the artistic value of artifacts, but also their cultural and historical significance. I really hope to be part of that work." They're the guardians of Korea's national heritage, ensuring that its beauty endures for generations to come. What a truly rewarding and noble profession. And it's so exciting that you had the chance to meet these future technicians and see their work, Yoo-jin. For those interested, can you tell us a bit more about the exhibition? I'd love to. The 1-hundred-1 pieces on display range from traditional decorative paintings, imitation works, lacquering, woodwork, metal fittings, and gold plating. With so many on display, it can be tough to know where to start. The Korea Heritage Service recommends four pieces: the checkerboard featured in my report, a replica of the Changdeokgung Palace Sangnyangjeong Pavilion ceiling, an imitation of a Buddhist painting from Daeheungsa Temple in Jeollanam-do Province, and a peony flower latticework door from Bulgapsa Temple, also in Jeollanam-do. You mentioned that these graduates don't yet have their licenses. What does it take to become a certified national heritage maintenance technician? To become certified, you need to sign up for the annual national certification exam. The registration period for this year is coming up, from February 17th to 21st. The exam has 24 categories, each involving an interview and a practical test, scheduled for early April. Once you pass, you become a certified technician and are qualified to work directly on national heritage sites. Best of luck to all those taking the exam this year. Thank you Yoo-jin, for sharing this with us today. Always a pleasure.

2025 F/W Seoul Fashion Week: Where innovation meets sustainability

2025/02/07 20:00

Up next, we share with you the fashion trends that will shape the fall and winter of this year as seen at the Seoul Fashion Week. Our Lee Eun-hee was there. Want an exclusive first look at the hottest fall and winter fashion trends? Whether you're a trendsetter or just curious about what's next in the world of fashion, this week, Dongdaemun Design Plaza in central Seoul is the place to be. The 2025 Fall-Winter Seoul Fashion Week kicked off on Wednesday, bringing together top designers, industry professionals, and fashion enthusiasts to showcase the boldest, most innovative styles of the season with the aim of elevating global interest in K-fashion. The opening show features HANNAH SHIN, a brand that says it constantly strives to balance glamor with sustainability. Technology is helping it do that. "One technology our brand has particularly embraced is 3D printing. The first dress you saw in the show, embellished with jewels, was created using the Fused Deposition Modeling method. Another dress, featuring stars, was created using PolyJet printing. By exploring how to integrate 3D printing into fashion, we've been able to create innovative and creative designs." These 3D printing technologies allow vivid prints to be attached directly to textures in a sustainable manner, such as precise material usage and reducing waste. Designer Shin also hinted that one of this year's fashion trends highlights the use of new technologies to create cruelty-free alternatives to traditional fur, with many brands leading the way. Also to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Seoul Fashion Week, the opening day featured the first-ever "Seoul Fashion Forum," bringing together global industry leaders. James Fallon, Chief Content Officer of Fairchild Media Group, a leading source of fashion news and analysis, shared insights on the global competitiveness of Korean designer brands. This year's Fall-Winter Seoul Fashion Week also hosts a trade show with over one hundred thirty fashion brands, offering a platform for interaction between brands and more than 300 domestic and international buyers, with the goal of securing contracts worth around 8-billion Korean Won or approximately over 6-million U.S. dollars. "The event highlights the latest trends with innovative presentations that mix fashion and the work of people from all around the world. Don't miss this exciting look at the future of fashion before it ends on February 9th. Lee Eun-hee, Arirang News."

K-pop girl group NewJeans changes its name to NJZ

2025/02/07 17:00

K-pop girl group NewJeans has changed its name to NJZ . Earlier on this Friday the group shared a new concept photo with the new team name on its social media platform. The group has been engaged in a contract dispute with its agency ADOR since last year. NJZ will perform at Hong Kong's "Complex Live" come next month for the first time under its new identity.

2025 F/W Seoul Fashion Week: Where innovation meets sustainability

2025/02/07 17:00

Up next we share with you the fashion trends that will shape the fall and winter of this year as seen at the Seoul Fashion Week. Our Lee Eun-hee was there. Want an exclusive first look at the hottest fall and winter fashion trends? Whether you're a trendsetter or just curious about what's next in the world of fashion, this week, Dongdaemun Design Plaza in central Seoul is the place to be. The 2025 Fall-Winter Seoul Fashion Week kicked off on Wednesday, bringing together top designers, industry professionals, and fashion enthusiasts to showcase the boldest, most innovative styles of the season with the aim of elevating global interest in K-fashion. The opening show features HANNAH SHIN, a brand that says it constantly strives to balance glamor with sustainability. Technology is helping it do that. "One technology our brand has particularly embraced is 3D printing. The first dress you saw in the show, embellished with jewels, was created using the Fused Deposition Modeling method. Another dress, featuring stars, was made using PolyJet printing. By exploring how to integrate 3D printing into fashion, we've been able to create innovative and creative designs." These 3D printing technologies allow vivid prints to be attached directly to textures in a sustainable manner, such as precise material usage and reducing waste. Designer Shin also hinted that one of this year's fashion trends highlights the use of new technologies to create cruelty-free alternatives to traditional fur, with many brands leading the way. Also to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Seoul Fashion Week, the opening day featured the first-ever "Seoul Fashion Forum," bringing together global industry leaders. James Fallon, Chief Content Officer of Fairchild Media Group, a leading source of fashion news and analysis, shared insights on the global competitiveness of Korean designer brands. This year's Fall-Winter Seoul Fashion Week also hosts a trade show with over one hundred thirty fashion brands, offering a platform for interaction between brands and more than 300 domestic and international buyers, with the goal of securing contracts worth around 8-billion Korean Won or approximately over 6-million U.S. dollars. "The event highlights the latest trends with innovative presentations that mix fashion and the work of people from all around the world. Don't miss this exciting look at the future of fashion before it ends on February 9th. Lee Eun-hee, Arirang News."

K-wave AI News

2025/02/07 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Asia’s premier winter sports event, the Asian Winter Games, kicks off today in Harbin, the capital of China’s Heilongjiang Province. Athletes from 34 countries will gather for the opening ceremony tonight, launching a week of intense competition leading up to next Friday. South Korea has sent a 222-member delegation, aiming for an overall second-place finish. The team is targeting six gold medals in short-track events, two in speed skating, and one each in alpine skiing, freestyle skiing, and curling. The Asian Winter Games returns after an eight-year hiatus. The Culture Ministry and the Korea Tourism Organization hosted a forum on AI and tourism in collaboration with the OECD on Thursday. Organized to mark Korea's appointment as this year’s chair of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, the forum was held in Gyeongju, the host city of the upcoming APEC Summit. Key participants included Second Vice Culture Minister Jang Mi-ran and OECD Tourism Committee Chair Sérgio Guerreiro. Discussions centered on the impact of AI on the tourism industry, strategies for adaptation, and ways to enhance Korea-OECD tourism cooperation. The Seoul International Sculpture Festa 2025 has officially opened. As Korea's largest sculpture exhibition and art fair, it showcases works by both emerging and established sculptors from Korea and around the world. Over 300 artists are participating this year presenting individual displays as well as group exhibitions. Highlights include sections dedicated to young artists, Chinese youth sculptors and corporate-sponsored works. The exhibition runs until this Sunday at COEX in Seoul. That’s all for now. Stay tuned for more cultural updates and insightful discussions ahead!

[K-enter] NewJeans Announces New Group Name: NJZ

2025/02/07 14:00

Time for some K-entertainment news with Bella Kim. Today we are going to start with a familiar group, but not so familiar name? We are going to talk about NewJeans, but they are no longer NewJeans. They have chosen a new name to represent them. It’s NJZ. The members have officially announced on their SNS as they uploaded a photo of them with NJZ written on the top. They also wrote, “Get ready for an exciting journey with NJZ in 2025!” Their first event as NJZ will be the ‘Complex Live’ concert at the ComplexCon Hong Kong festival that will take place from March 21st to 23rd at the Hong Kong Asia World-Expo. The specific date of NJZ’s performance has not been revealed yet. While we are on the topic of NJZ, are there any updates on their dispute with their agency ADOR? The first court hearing date for the on-going legal dispute between NJZ and ADOR has been scheduled for March 7th at the 50th civil division of the Seoul Central District Court. This is the first court hearing after NJZ members announced the termination of their exclusive contracts with ADOR on November 28th of last year. ADOR filed for the provisional injunction last month, accusing the members of severe breach of contract as they had attempted to carry out independent activities. On the other hand, NJZ members have announced that they will not go back to ADOR and will fight for the truth. Next we have some unfortunate news that just came in a few hours before the show? Korean trot singer Song Dae-kwan passed away this Friday at the age of 78. According to his family, he was transferred to the emergency room of Seoul National University Hospital at dawn on Friday as he complained about his poor condition. While getting treated, he suddenly died of a heart attack on Friday morning. It is known that Song had a chronic disease and had received surgery three times so far, but did not get better. Song Dae-kwan debuted in 1967 and has been called the trot king along with Tae Jin-ah, Hyun Cheol, and Seol Un-do. Our third story is on a singer/actress. Who are we going to talk about? Former Miss A member and actress Suzy is making her return as a singer with a new single. According to her agency, SOOP Management, Suzy will release a digital single titled “Come back” on February 17th. This marks Suzy’s first song in about two years, excluding OSTs, since the release of “Cape” in October 2022. Suzy also announced her return on her Instagram, revealing the release date along with concept photos from the album. She starred in the film “WONDERLAND” last year and recently showcased her busking performances on KBS music variety show “Moving Voices.” And lastly, we have a story on a new film coming out at the end of this month? The film “It’s Okay!” has confirmed its release date for February 26th. It was originally scheduled to be released on Christmas Eve of last year, but was delayed due to political turmoil here in Korea. The film “It’s Okay!,” starring Son Suk-ku, Jin Seo-yeon, and Lee, tells the story of individuals who struggle on their own, but find solace in each other’s company as they search for their own happiness. Thank you Bella for today’s stories.

[Features reporter] 2025 F/W Seoul Fashion Week: Where innovation meets sustainability

2025/02/07 14:00

Eun-hee, so this week, Seoul is all about fashion as the 2025 Fall-Winter Fashion Week brings new trends and creative designs to the forefront. How was the event? Yes Soa, the 2025 Fall-Winter Seoul Fashion Week is unveiling the latest trends, taking center stage at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in the heart of Seoul. I attended the opening day, which once again served as a platform to explore Seoul's influence as a global fashion hub and the growth of its fashion industry. Let's all take a look. Want an exclusive first look at the hottest fall and winter fashion trends? Whether you're a trendsetter or just curious about what's next in the world of fashion, this week, Dongdaemun Design Plaza in central Seoul is the place to be. The 2025 Fall-Winter Seoul Fashion Week kicked off on Wednesday, bringing together top designers, industry professionals, and fashion enthusiasts to showcase the boldest, most innovative styles of the season with the aim of elevating global interest in K-fashion. The opening show features HANNAH SHIN, a brand that says it constantly strives to balance glamor with sustainability. Technology is helping it do that. "One technology our brand has particularly embraced is 3D printing. The first dress you saw in the show, embellished with jewels, was created using the Fused Deposition Modeling method. Another dress, featuring stars, was made using PolyJet printing. By exploring how to integrate 3D printing into fashion, we've been able to create innovative and creative designs." These 3D printing technologies allow vivid prints to be attached directly to textures in a sustainable manner, such as precise material usage and reducing waste. Designer Shin also hinted that one of this year's fashion trends highlights the use of new technologies to create cruelty-free alternatives to traditional fur, with many brands leading the way. Also to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Seoul Fashion Week, the opening day featured the first-ever "Seoul Fashion Forum," bringing together global industry leaders. James Fallon, Chief Content Officer of Fairchild Media Group, a leading source of fashion news and analysis, shared insights on the global competitiveness of Korean designer brands. This year's Fall-Winter Seoul Fashion Week also hosts a trade show with over one hundred thirty fashion brands, offering a platform for interaction between brands and more than 300 domestic and international buyers, with the goal of securing contracts worth around 8-billion Korean Won or approximately over 6-million U.S. dollars. The event highlights the latest trends with innovative presentations that mix fashion and the work of people from all around the world. Don't miss this exciting look at the future of fashion before it ends on February 9th. How did you enjoy the fashion show? It was fascinating to see those glamorous and unique dresses. Fashion events also bring out stunning celebrities and influencers, and though my favorite star was right across from me, I managed to keep my focus on the beautiful designs. Can we still go and enjoy the fashion shows? Yes of course. Fashionistas who gather at DDP during the event can get tickets. But each show offers tickets on a first-come, first-served basis, starting one hour before the show. Between 10 and 20 tickets are available for each of the 16 fashion shows until Sunday, so it's pretty competitive. However all shows are being livestreamed on the official YouTube channel, giving fashion lovers worldwide the chance to experience everything from the blue carpet to the runway. So Seoul City is trying to make Seoul one of the top fashion capitals in the world. Any more details about the event that you can give us? Yes, Soa. In addition to the trade show, this season features a showroom tour with 50 brands, giving international buyers a closer look at the designs. Since last season, the event has expanded to include areas like Hongdae and Bukchon, offering a wider experience of Seoul’s fashion scene. For 25 years, Seoul Fashion Week has promoted Korean fashion globally through strategic business initiatives and collaborations, helping the event grow into a key player in the global fashion industry. Absolutely, the future of the fashion industry is really exciting, as every season brings new trends and innovative designs. And of course, we can soon look forward to news about the 2026 spring/summer season as well, right? Yes of course. Thank you Eun-hee for sharing. Thank you Eun-hee. Thank you, it was my pleasure.

G-Dragon, BLACKPINK reveal music activities, schedules for 2025

2025/02/06 17:00

On the entertainment front. A host of K-pop artists are scheduled to take the global stage this year as well to meet. with their overseas fans. G-Dragon is set to headline the opening day of this year's Head in the Clouds which kicks off for two days on May 31st in Los Angeles. He's also poised to release his newest solo album in over a decade later this month. Meanwhile K-pop girl group BLACKPINK will soon embark on a world tour as revealed in a teaser video. This will be the group's first global road trip in well over a year.

K-wave AI News

2025/02/06 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Culture Minister Yu In-chon has reaffirmed the government's commitment to turning last year's pledges into tangible results. During a New Year's gathering on Wednesday, he pledged to bolster support for young artists and regional cultural ecosystems while revitalizing everyday cultural experiences for citizens. In the sports sector, he reiterated plans to reform outdated practices and strengthen fairness and transparency. In tourism, he vowed full support for the swift recovery of the domestic market. Seoul's Jung-gu District will launch a mobile tourism ticket, the "Jung-gu Tour Pass," to allure more tourists and enhance their convenience. The pass offers free admission and discounts at major attractions, restaurants, and cultural experience facilities within Jung-gu for a set period, offering a cost-effective way to enjoy various benefits with a single ticket. The basic pass covers key tourist sites, restaurants, and cafes, while the package pass expands the experience by including admission to attractions like the Namsan Cable Car. Set to launch in March, the Jung-gu Tour Pass will be available on major travel platforms, including Naver, Coupang and Yanolja. Netflix Korea has confirmed that it has no immediate plans to raise subscription fees in Korea. Vice President of Netflix Korea, Kang Dong-han made clear that there are no price hikes to announce at this time, though he did not rule out future adjustments. His remarks were made at the "Next of Netflix 2025 Korea" event, where the platform unveiled its upcoming lineup of original movies, dramas, and entertainment shows filled with Korean-made shows. That's all for now. Stay tuned for more cultural updates and insightful discussions ahead!

Discovering hidden K-music gems with French record shop owner in Seoul

2025/02/06 14:00

Korean experimental music, electronic music and music from the 70s and 80s. These music genres might be less “popular” or rather less known to the average K-pop music listener. In today’s “Hallyu People” we will have a chat with someone who IS familiar with these We are now connected to Curtis Cambou a record shop owner in Seoul, Korea. Hello Curtis/ Mr. Cambou! 1) Curtis, your record shop, Mosaic Seoul, has been running for five years now since 2020 and Mosaic West since 2023. They are home to thousands of vinyl records. Tell us a bit about the stores. 2) What kind of people visit your shop for what reasons? (The retro trend in recent years must have contributed to the interest in vinyl records?) 3) Also tell us about your record label that you run alongside your record shops? 4) Curtis, you are from France. What got you into Korean music, especially genres that are even unfamiliar to many Koreans? 4-1) Please tell us more about the characteristics of these genres and what differentiates them from similar music in France or other countries? 5) Do you have any singers or albums that you would recommend to international music lovers who are interested in Korean experimental or electronic music (or old K-pop music)? 6) Is there any singer that you wish was better known to the world?   7) Is there any music you'd like to work on in the future? And what are your plans for this year or beyond?

[K-enter] BLACKPINK Officially Confirms 2025 World Tour

2025/02/06 14:00

Time for our daily dose of K-entertainment news with Bella Kim. Bella, as you mentioned, today's K-enter segment is filled with K-pop stories. What’s first on our list? We are going to start off with girl group BLACKPINK. On Thursday, their agency, YG Entertainment, officially announced BLACKPINK's 2025 world tour. The announcement was made on the company’s official blog as they uploaded a teaser video for the world tour. The video did not contain any details of the tour date or location, but plans are being put together. The last time we saw BLACKPINK all together for an official activity was a year and a half ago during their last world tour, “Born Pink,” back in September 2023. This tour was described as the “largest world tour in the history of a K-pop girl group,” as they performed to 1.8 million fans in 66 shows held in 34 cities around the world over the course of a year. And speaking of BLACKPINK, we have some more exciting news on one of the members? Jisoo will meet her fans in Asia for her solo fan tour. As Walter reported yesterday, Jisoo will release her new EP, “Amortage,” on February 14th. And to celebrate her new album, she will hold a special fan meet-up, “SOO IN LOVE,” at CGV Cheongdam Cinecity in Seoul on the day of her album release. Jisoo will then begin her Asian fan tour titled, “LIGHTS, LOVE, ACTION!.” This is her first solo Asian tour since her debut. During the tour, she will visit seven Asian cities-Manila, Bangkok, Tokyo, Macau, Taipei, Hong Kong and Hanoi. I will keep you all updated with both BLACKPINK and Jisoo’s tour details when they come out. Next we’ll talk about another artist who also has plans to perform for global fans? Yes, it’s G-Dragon. He will be the headliner at the ‘Head in the Clouds Los Angeles 2025,’ taking place in Los Angeles on May 31st and June 1st. ‘Head in the Clouds Los Angeles’ is a global music festival organized by the Asian-American entertainment company 88Rising, aimed at introducing Asian artists to American audiences. G-Dragon will take the stage on May 31st for the first day of the two-day event. The lineup also includes 2NE1, Dean, DPR Ian and more. G-Dragon is set to release “Ubermensch,” his first solo album in 11 years and 5 months, on February 25th. And finally we have our last story on a virtual idol group? PLAVE has set a new record! Their new mini-album, “Caligo Pt.1,” surpassed 11 million streams in just 24 hours after its release on Korean music streaming platform, Melon. With this new record, they hold the highest streams in 24 hours among Korean streaming platforms. The new album was released this Monday and it features five tracks in total. The title song “Dash” was the first song released this year to top the ‘TOP 100’ chart. The other four tracks are also near the top of the charts. PLAVE also holds the record for entering Melon’s Hall of Fame, ‘Billions Club,’ in the shortest time by reaching 1 billion cumulative streams based on all their releases. Thank you Bella for today’s stories.

Reigning for 30 years, The Last Empress returns to stage

2025/02/06 14:00

"The Last Empress" is marking a remarkable milestone this year as it has been on stage for the past three decades. Our culture correspondent Song Yoo-jin gives us a glimpse into this historical musical. "I am the queen of Joseon!" It's one of the most iconic lines in Korean musical history, bringing the final moment of Queen Min to life on stage. "The Last Empress" tells the story of Queen Min, also known as Empress Myeongseong, the wife of Gojong, the 26th king of the Joseon Dynasty and the first emperor of the short-lived Korean Empire. She was assassinated in 1895 by Japanese forces, who saw her as a threat to their growing influence in Korea. This homegrown musical premiered in 1995, exactly a century after her death. "When I was creating this production, I was searching for a story that could teach history while also being moving and entertaining. Later, when we took the production abroad, people were amazed that we had transformed such a painful chapter of our history into art." Over the past 30 years, "The Last Empress" has earned its reputation as a "living legend," of Korean musicals. It was the first Asian musical to be staged on Broadway and the West End. Even in its 22nd season now, the production continues to evolve. "The show was mostly sung-through, but we've gradually incorporated more spoken dialogue to enhance storytelling. We've also revived key musical numbers and restructured some scenes to make historical events and information clearer for audiences." This season boasts its most star-studded lineup to date. Renowned musical actresses Kim So-hyun, Shin Young-sook, and Cha Ji-yeon take turns portraying Queen Min. The cast includes both returning veterans and fresh faces, bringing new energy to the production. "I think this musical stays alive because it never settles, always pushing forward. Being part of it pushes me too. Just when I think I've given my all, I discover new emotions, new ways to interpret the role. That's the beauty of this show. It grows with time, just like we do." "Even before I entered musical theater, I knew 'The Last Empress' was legendary, as even my mother had seen it before. It's also one of the few historical musicals in Korea. Now, being part of it, I realize just how special and timeless this production is. It's an honor to carry on its legacy." And the show isn't resting on its legacy, setting its sights on a future spanning over a century. That effort continues, live on stage, night after night. "The current season of the musical 'The Last Empress' is on stage at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts' Sejong Grand Theater until March 30th. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News."

People make Korean rice cakes, develop new recipes amid global popularity

2025/02/05 20:00

In other news. Korea's tteok is a versatile staple that serves as both a casual street food and a ceremonial dish. In recent times, it's also been garnering a global fan base whose members have been sharing their own creative twists to it. Our Park Kun-woo shows us. Chewy, bouncy Korean rice cakes are gaining global popularity. And it's not just on their own, but also in dishes made with them, including "tteokbokki" or spicy stir-fried rice cakes, along with a growing presence of Korean content. Tteokbokki was even added to the Oxford English Dictionary last year. As interest in rice cake grows, foreigners are finding ways to make their own. One way for visitors to Korea is by taking one-day cooking classes. "I've seen many "tteok" related videos with always these kind of platforms, TikTok, Instagram and I always wanted to try them. They're becoming a boom right now because everybody wants to know more." These classes are getting even more popular than before, to the point where they fill up within a day of opening. "Foreign visitors (they) are really huge fan of Korean staple food of rice cake. So we decided to hold this class regularly. Korean food has always been like a big trend and I think also in the rice cake they added more of the global potentials." Back at their homes, people are getting more creative, inventing their own recipes instead of just following the originals. One example is the viral "kkultteok" cereal that even made its way back to Korea. "So this is the popular "kkultteok" cereal that started going viral on social media outside Korea. All you need to do is pour milk on the rice cakes. Now, I'm going to try it myself to see why this has gained such popularity." Along with this trend, rice cake exports have grown rapidly. According to South Korea's Food Ministry, exports exceeded 91 million U.S. dollars in 2024, around triple the figure from five years ago. An expert expects continued growth, citing specific factors. "Rice cakes tailored to local tastes, easy preparation, and a shelf life of over a year have boosted exports. The global market will continue to trend toward convenience and health-conscious foods as they are now." He also said establishing local distribution networks globally will be key to maintaining the momentum. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.

Reigning for 30 years, The Last Empress returns to stage

2025/02/05 17:00

And on the local theatrical front Korea's homegrown musical "The Last Empress" is marking a remarkable milestone this year as it has been on stage for the past three decades. Our culture correspondent Song Yoo-jin reports. "I am the queen of Joseon!" It's one of the most iconic lines in Korean musical history, bringing the final moment of Queen Min to life on stage. "The Last Empress" tells the story of Queen Min, also known as Empress Myeongseong, the wife of Gojong, the 26th king of the Joseon Dynasty and the first emperor of the short-lived Korean Empire. She was assassinated in 1895 by Japanese forces, who saw her as a threat to their growing influence in Korea. This homegrown musical premiered in 1995, exactly a century after her death. "When I was creating this production, I was searching for a story that could teach history while also being moving and entertaining. Later, when we took the production abroad, people were amazed that we had transformed such a painful chapter of our history into art." Over the past 30 years, "The Last Empress" has earned its reputation as a "living legend," of Korean musicals. It was the first Asian musical to be staged on Broadway and the West End. Even in its 22nd season now, the production continues to evolve. "The show was mostly sung-through, but we've gradually incorporated more spoken dialogue to enhance storytelling. We've also revived key musical numbers and restructured some scenes to make historical events and information clearer for audiences." This season boasts its most star-studded lineup to date. Renowned musical actresses Kim So-hyun, Shin Young-sook, and Cha Ji-yeon take turns portraying Queen Min. The cast includes both returning veterans and fresh faces, bringing new energy to the production. "I think this musical stays alive because it never settles, always pushing forward. Being part of it pushes me too. Just when I think I've given my all, I discover new emotions, new ways to interpret the role. That's the beauty of this show. It grows with time, just like we do." "Even before I entered musical theater, I knew 'The Last Empress' was legendary, as even my mother had seen it before. It's also one of the few historical musicals in Korea. Now, being part of it, I realize just how special and timeless this production is. It's an honor to carry on its legacy." And the show isn't resting on its legacy, setting its sights on a future spanning over a century. That effort continues, live on stage, night after night. "The current season of the musical 'The Last Empress' is on stage at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts' Sejong Grand Theater until March 30th. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News."

People make Korean rice cakes, develop new recipes amid global popularity

2025/02/05 17:00

In other news. Korea's tteok is a versatile staple that serves as both a casual street food and a ceremonial dish. Well in recent times it's also been garnering a global fan base whose members have been sharing their own creative twists to tteok . Our Park Kun-woo shows us. Chewy, bouncy Korean rice cakes are gaining global popularity. And it's not just on their own, but also in dishes made with them, including "tteokbokki" or spicy stir-fried rice cakes, along with a growing presence of Korean content. Tteokbokki was even added to the Oxford English Dictionary last year. As interest in rice cake grows, foreigners are finding ways to make their own. One way for visitors to Korea is by taking one-day cooking classes. "I've seen many "tteok" related videos with always these kind of platforms, TikTok, Instagram and I always wanted to try them. They're becoming a boom right now because everybody wants to know more." These classes are getting even more popular than before, to the point where they fill up within a day of opening. "Foreign visitors (they) are really huge fan of Korean staple food of rice cake. So we decided to hold this class regularly. Korean food has always been like a big trend and I think also in the rice cake they added more of the global potentials." Back at their homes, people are getting more creative, inventing their own recipes instead of just following the originals. One example is the viral "kkultteok" cereal that even made its way back to Korea. "So this is the popular "kkultteok" cereal that started going viral on social media outside Korea. All you need to do is pour milk on the rice cakes. Now, I'm going to try it myself to see why this has gained such popularity." Along with this trend, rice cake exports have grown rapidly. According to South Korea's Food Ministry, exports exceeded 91 million U.S. dollars in 2024, around triple the figure from five years ago. An expert expects continued growth, citing specific factors. "Rice cakes tailored to local tastes, easy preparation, and a shelf life of over a year have boosted exports. The global market will continue to trend toward convenience and health-conscious foods as they are now." He also said establishing local distribution networks globally will be key to maintaining the momentum. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.

K-wave AI News

2025/02/05 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. The culture ministry will establish a "K-content fund' worth around 600 billion won, or roughly 413 million U.S. dollars this year to attract domestic and foreign investment in the content industry. This initiative includes a 345 million-dollar K-Content & Media Fund to drive large-scale domestic investment, and a 69 million-dollar "Global League Fund" to attract foreign capital. As part of efforts to further support K-content exports, the ministry will expand the number of overseas business centers from the current 25 to 30. Nearly 70% of the ministry's annual budget will be allocated in the first half of the year to ensure swift policy implementation. Korea's art auction market saw an overall downturn last year, with increased polarization. According to the Korea Art Authentication & Appraisal Research Center, total sales from nine major domestic auction houses reached roughly 113 billion won, or around 78 million U.S. dollars, a 25% drop from the previous year. High-value pieces accounted for about 22% of total sales. The center attributed the market slowdown to the global economic downturn and political uncertainties, highlighting a widening gap between high-end and mid-to-lower-priced artwork transactions. Chungju City in Chungcheongbuk-do Province is now inviting applications for an extended-stay tourism program, 'Only Stay Our Chungju.' The program will offer partial travel support for five selected teams, covering accommodation and activity costs for a seven-day trip in the city. Individuals can receive up to 370,000 won, or roughly 255 U.S. dollars, while groups of four can apply for up to one million won, or nearly 690 dollars. People living outside Chungju who are passionate about promoting Chungju's tourist attractions on social media are eligible to apply. Don't miss out—applications close next Monday! For more details, visit the city's website. That's all for now. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.