News

Koreans splash the heat away at Gimpo Aramarine Festival

2025/06/17 17:00

Today that is June 17th is the final day of a relatively early summer festival in the city of Gimpo just ahead of the heavy rain forecast for this coming weekend here in the greater Seoul area. Our Byeon Ye-young was there. This summer is forecast to be hotter than usual. Heavy rainfall is expected to start in June. And what better way to make most of the sweltering heat and rain than water sports? "Here at the Gimpo Aramarine festival, visitors can kayak, kayak, slide down water slides, and splash the heat away." Following its roaring success over the past years, the Gimpo Aramarine festival came back this year, this time running for four days. The festival centers on the theme of connecting water and the environment with culture. "This year marks the 9th edition of the Gimpo Aramarine Festival. Our main programs include the Pori Race, various water leisure activities, and a yacht competition. We're doing our best to offer fun and exciting experiences not only for Gimpo residents but for visitors from all over." Running from June 14th to 17th, the event offers more than just water sports. A dance competition and live performances by popular artists add to the energy and excitement. Visitors can also explore community partnership booths offering hands-on experiences linked to water and sustainability. "Oh, we heard there are lots of fun activities for kids to enjoy here, so we decided to come." At the Carbon-Neutral Wooden Play Experience booth, children play with eco-friendly wooden toys while learning about carbon neutrality. And one charming star stole the show: the festival's duck mascot, Pory. Gimpo has a unique tradition of using ducks in rice farming to control pests an eco-friendly practice that inspired the city's lovable duck mascot. On Sunday, the ducks made a splashy return in the annual rubber duck race, now with a brand-new name: Pori Race. The name "Pory" is a playful blend of "Gimpo" and ori , the Korean word for duck, and was selected through a public naming contest. With rubber ducks raining from the sky, the Pori Race once again filled the city with smiles and laughter. According to officials, an estimated 80,000 visitors attended the festival over the weekend. Byeon Ye-young, Arirang News.

[K-Enter] G-Dragon donates to treat adolescents' alcoholism

2025/06/17 14:00

Okay, let's get straight into it, we are starting off with G-dragon. King of K-pop G-Dragon has donated 880 million Korean won, roughly 646 thousand U.S. dollars to help treat young people suffering from alcohol addiction. Last Friday, he contributed the amount to the JUSPEACE Foundation, where he serves as honorary chairman. The 880 million won donation carries symbolic meaning, with the number 8 representing infinity turned on its side but quite interestingly, there is more behind the number "8" as well. This year, G-Dragon entered the alcoholic beverage business by creating an art-themed highball with an alcohol content of 8.8%. A total of 8.8 million cans were sold, and by saving 100 won per can, he was able to donate 880 million won, he was also born in 1988. The JUSPEACE Foundation is a nonprofit organisation G-Dragon founded in August of last year. At the time of its launch, he pledged to donate 1% of his music earnings to support music therapy for young people affected by drug and alcohol addiction and to nurture emerging talent in the arts. A donation that will hopefully create the next generation of Korean talent. Okay moving on to girl group ILLIT ! ILLIT made their entry into this summer's intense K-pop scene with the release of their new mini album "bomb" starting with a showcase on Monday. The main track, "Do the Dance" captures the fluttering excitement and awkward charm of a first date that doesn't quite go as expected. It compares the flustered, mistake-prone protagonist to a "Do the Dance" symbolising its uneasy yet endearing moments. "bomb" is currently available on all major streaming platforms, so get streaming! And lastly, we have been talking about a number of boy group members discharged from the military but we have news of a K-pop star about to enlist, who is it? On Monday, at a media event to celebrate the release of his sixth mini album, "Glow to Haze", Kang Daniel made some additional news that surprised fans. Kang revealed that he is set to enlist in the military in the latter half of this year. Speaking to fans, he said, "Before I go, I want to make the most of my time as a singer by delivering meaningful performances. I'm also preparing follow-up activities after this album, so please stay tuned." "Glow to Haze" portrays a journey of emotions starting with bright, radiant moments expressed through lively sounds in the first half, and gradually transitioning into a hazier, more introspective mood in the second. The main track "Episode" captures the thrill of new love through a blend of Latin rhythms and R&B. The album features five tracks in total, designed to flow like a short film. Thank you for the K-enter news Walter. Now it's time to go over to our AI anchor for other culture-related news.

K-wave AI News

2025/06/17 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Renowned soprano Sumi Jo, recipient of France's highest cultural honor, the Commandeur of the Order of Arts and Letters, will launch a new opera concert series in Korea on Thursday. Titled "The Magic, Sumi Jo & Winners," the performance will bring together Jo and promising young vocalists who earned top honors at the inaugural Sumi Jo International Singing Competition held in Paris last year. The tour will begin this Thursday at the Sori Arts Center of Jeonbuk State and conclude at the Chuncheon Culture & Arts Center next Tuesday. Meanwhile, conductor Chung Myung-Whun, who recently became the first Asian appointed as Artistic Director of Italy's famed La Scala Opera House, will also return to the Korean stage. He will lead performances on July 27 and 28, celebrating the grand opening of the new Busan Concert Hall, conducting Beethoven's "Fidelio." The number of foreign tourists visiting Korea's southern port city of Busan surpassed one million in the first four months of this year, marking the fastest growth since official records began in 2014. This figure represents a nearly 24% increase compared to April last year, when visitor numbers had fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels. Taiwan topped the list of foreign visitors with over 192,200 tourists, followed by China and Japan. Busan City officials credited the surge in foreign arrivals to the rising popularity of gourmet tourism and cruise travel. More than 3,000 people visited Jeju Island's iconic Hallasan Mountain without reservations over the past month, following a significant reduction in reservation-only sections. According to a recent survey, nearly 3,500 visitors accessed the mountain without prior booking after the system was eased. While reservations are still required to reach the famous Baekrokdam summit, parts of other popular trails have been open to unrestricted access since last month. Based on monitoring results, Jeju Island plans to continue refining the system to enhance visitor convenience while protecting the mountain's natural environment. That's all from me. Stay tuned to the Kulture Wave.

Koreans splash the heat away at Gimpo Aramarine Festival

2025/06/17 14:00

Before monsoon season officially hits us in just a matter of days here in South Korea, a summer festival in Gimpo, Gyeonggi-do Province is helping people beat the summer heat, blending water fun with music, culture and eco-friendly experiences. Byeon Ye-young was there. This summer is forecast to be hotter than usual. Heavy rainfall is expected to start in June. And what better way to make most of the sweltering heat and rain than water sports? "Here at the Gimpo Aramarine festival, visitors can kayak, kayak, slide down water slides, and splash the heat away." Following its roaring success over the past years, the Gimpo Aramarine festival came back this year, this time running for four days. The festival centers on the theme of connecting water and the environment with culture. "This year marks the 9th edition of the Gimpo Aramarine Festival. Our main programs include the Pori Race, various water leisure activities, and a yacht competition. We're doing our best to offer fun and exciting experiences not only for Gimpo residents but for visitors from all over." Running from June 14th to 17th, the event offers more than just water sports. A dance competition and live performances by popular artists add to the energy and excitement. Visitors can also explore community partnership booths offering hands-on experiences linked to water and sustainability. "Oh, we heard there are lots of fun activities for kids to enjoy here, so we decided to come." At the Carbon-Neutral Wooden Play Experience booth, children play with eco-friendly wooden toys while learning about carbon neutrality. And one charming star stole the show: the festival's duck mascot, Pory. Gimpo has a unique tradition of using ducks in rice farming to control pests --an eco-friendly practice that inspired the city's lovable duck mascot. On Sunday, the ducks made a splashy return in the annual rubber duck race, now with a brand-new name: Pory Race. The name "Pory" is a playful blend of "Gimpo" and ori , the Korean word for duck, and was selected through a public naming contest. With rubber ducks raining from the sky, the Pori Race once again filled the city with smiles and laughter. According to officials, an estimated 80,000 visitors attended the festival over the weekend. Byeon Ye-young, Arirang News.

Hallyu People_Meet ‘No.1 Foreign DJ in Korea’ DJ Fenner, a pioneer in creating new sounds with K-pop and EDM

2025/06/17 14:00

While K-pop is steadily growing in both quantity and quality, the spectrum of K-pop is expanding through several trends and genres. For today's Hallyu People, we meet a DJ originally from the UK, who is a pioneer in the extension of the K-pop realm. Let's welcome DJ Fenner, also CEO and Founder of "On The Pulse Records" who's joining us today in the studio. Hello DJ Fenner! 1) DJ Fenner, you have been named among the best 25 DJs in Asia, as well as NO.1 Foreign DJ in Korea. How did your DJing career start? 2) Was it your interest in K-pop that brought you to Korea? How long has it been now? 3) What do you think is it about K-pop that mesmerizes fans worldwide? 4) Let's talk about your music now. Please introduce us to your work, including a new project called 'KPOP KRACKED'? 5) Is there any K-pop artist or producer in the K-pop field you'd like to collaborate with? 6) You are from London, which boasts a rich culture. What are some cultural differences (or even similarities) between the UK and Korea that you have experienced or that you find interesting? 7) What's next on your list of things to do in music? Thank you very much DJ Fenner for sharing your story with us and for being a pioneer in the creative expansion of K-pop and beyond. Thank you Walter as always, see you tomorrow.

Koreans splash the heat away at Gimpo Aramarine Festival

2025/06/16 20:00

Before monsoon season officially hits us in just a matter of days here in South Korea, a summer festival in Gimpo is helping people beat the summer heat, blending water fun with music, culture and eco-friendly experiences. Byeon Ye-young was there. This summer is forecast to be hotter than usual. Heavy rainfall is expected to start in June. And what better way to make most of the sweltering heat and rain than water sports? "Here at the Gimpo Aramarine festival, visitors can kayak, kayak, slide down water slides, and splash the heat away." Following its roaring success over the past years, the Gimpo Aramarine festival came back this year, this time running for four days. The festival centers on the theme of connecting water and the environment with culture. "This year marks the 9th edition of the Gimpo Aramarine Festival. Our main programs include the Pori Race, various water leisure activities, and a yacht competition. We're doing our best to offer fun and exciting experiences not only for Gimpo residents but for visitors from all over." Running from June 14th to 17th, the event offers more than just water sports. A dance competition and live performances by popular artists add to the energy and excitement. Visitors can also explore community partnership booths offering hands-on experiences linked to water and sustainability. "Oh, we heard there are lots of fun activities for kids to enjoy here, so we decided to come." At the Carbon-Neutral Wooden Play Experience booth, children play with eco-friendly wooden toys while learning about carbon neutrality. And one charming star stole the show: the festival's duck mascot, Pory. Gimpo has a unique tradition of using ducks in rice farming to control pests an eco-friendly practice that inspired the city's lovable duck mascot. On Sunday, the ducks made a splashy return in the annual rubber duck race, now with a brand-new name: Pory Race. The name "Pory" is a playful blend of "Gimpo" and ori , the Korean word for duck, and was selected through a public naming contest. With rubber ducks raining from the sky, the Pori Race once again filled the city with smiles and laughter. According to officials, an estimated 80,000 visitors attended the festival over the weekend. Byeon Ye-young, Arirang News.

[K-Enter] BTS’s J-Hope tops iTunes 'Top Songs' chart in 61 countries

2025/06/16 14:00

Time for our daily K-enter news with Walter Lee. J-Hope of BTS has again achieved global success with his latest single "Killin' It Girl", which topped the iTunes "Top Songs" chart in 61 countries following its release on Friday, according to his agency BigHit Music on Saturday. The track claimed the No. 1 spot in several countries, including Australia, Brazil, Denmark, and France. On both the "Worldwide iTunes Song Chart" and the "European iTunes Song Chart", the original and solo versions ranked No. 1 and No. 2, respectively. The music video also made it into the Top 10 on YouTube's "Trending Music Videos" chart in 38 countries, including the U.S., U.K., Germany, and Canada. Congratulations to J-Hope, but the news doesn't stop there does it Walter? On the same day as the release of "Killin' It Girl", J-Hope wrapped up his world tour with an encore concert titled 'HOPE ON THE STAGE' FINAL, held on Friday and Saturday at the Goyang Sports Complex Main Stadium. This event marked the conclusion of his tour, which began in February at the KSPO Dome in Seoul Olympic Park. The Friday show coincided with the anniversary of BTS's debut and featured surprise guest appearances by Jin and Jungkook . It was the first time in 2 years and 8 months that BTS members shared the stage for a group performance. RM, Jimin, V and SUGA, were also present in the audience to support the show. J-Hope's world tour has spanned 33 shows across 16 cities, drawing a total audience of 524,000. The countdown is on soon we'll be able to see all the boys under one roof, or one stage again, when Suga officially completes his mandatory military service in less than a weeek. Let's now talk about another countdown to the final season of Squid Game. What's the news? The final trailer for Squid Game Season 3 has officially been unveiled and this season follows Seong Gi-hun , who returns to the deadly games with a personal agenda. The story also delves into the journey of the Front Man , who reenters the game while concealing his true identity and of course there are challenges along the way. This final trailer ties together the overarching storyline of Squid Game, from Season 1 through Season 2 and into the much-anticipated Season 3. As the internationally acclaimed series approaches its conclusion, Squid Game Season 3 will premiere globally on Netflix on June 27. Thanks for the news Walter, now it's time for our AI anchor Ari for more culture news. Ari take it away.

K-wave AI News

2025/06/16 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Illegal distribution of Korean webtoons is spreading rapidly through open chat rooms and closed social media networks, raising alarm across the industry. Fueled by the Korean Wave, demand for K-webtoons has surged, leading to a sharp rise in unauthorized foreign-language translations. The Korea Copyright Protection Agency says over 70% of illegally shared K-content last year were webtoons, resulting in industry losses amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars. While calls are growing for tougher punishment, tracking down the elusive distributors remains a significant challenge. James Turrell, the American artist known as the "Magician of Light," has opened his first solo exhibition in Korea in 17 years. Titled "The Return," the show features five large-scale installations, including "The Wedge", a new piece from his LED series Wedgework. Also on view are prints, sculptures, and photographs documenting his monumental project "Roden Crater," which observes celestial movements. Speaking at a press event in Seoul, Turrell said the purpose of the exhibition is "to offer a piece of light" and to convey the experience of light itself. It runs through September 27 at Pace Gallery in Hannam-dong, Seoul. The '2025 Daegu Chimac Festival' invites chicken and beer lovers to Duryu Park from July 2 to 6. Beyond enjoying Korea's beloved chicken-and-beer combo on a whole new level, this year's event features a "water concert," blending music with water-themed entertainment. A dome will be installed at the outdoor concert venue to ensure the festivities continue rain or shine, with performances by popular K-pop artists. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of other programs designed to elevate the 'chimac' experience--so if you're a fan, don't miss out! That's all from me. Stay tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[Arts & Culture] From Seoul to Broadway: How “Maybe Happy Ending” made Tony history

2025/06/13 20:00

It's Friday, which means it's time for Arts and Culture. We have our culture correspondent Choi Soo-hyung in the studio. Welcome Soo-hyung! Thank you for having me! I'm excited to see what your first feature report is all about. You lead the way. You and I already knew that earlier this week, the Korean original musical, "Maybe Happy Ending," swept this year's Tony Awards. This is one of the most prestigious musical theater awards, and its wins prove the strength of Korean musicals. So I asked an expert about the factors behind its success, and what this could mean for the future of Korean musicals. Here's the full story. On June 9th, in New York City, the Korean original musical "Maybe Happy Ending" became the star of the 78th Tony Awards. The musical won in 6 of the 10 categories it received nominations for, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Original Score. "So many people worked hard with us for a long time. Seeing how happy they are now makes me feel incredibly proud. A lot of us poured our hearts into this project and gave it everything. That's one thing I can say with confidence." Experts say the wins were significant, as the musical succeeded without being a Hollywood-style blockbuster or based on a classic original story, both typical Broadway favorites. "'Maybe Happy Ending' isn't a typical Broadway show; it's not based on a classic story, nor is it a big-budget blockbuster. It's an original, unique, low-budget, and new direction for a Korean musical, especially as it is set in a future Seoul. That's why its success is so meaningful, it took major honors like Best Musical, Best Direction, and Best Book, winning 6 Tonys." The professor also noted that the musical's focus on the love between Artificial Intelligence robots reflects a philosophical advancement, adding significant value to its writing. "Hollywood usually focuses on AI and robots in terms of identity, like 'Am I human?' But Maybe Happy Ending goes further by exploring love between AI robots, which is a more advanced philosophical theme. It blends universal emotions with Korean originality, creating a fresh musical model. By breaking away from familiar formulas, it showed that bold, emotional storytelling can succeed globally." He stressed that what makes Korean content globally recognized is its deep cultural receptivity, not as a melting pot nor a salad bowl, but through a unique stage of fermentation. "1995 was the year Windows 95 launched, and soon after, Korea's high-speed internet network opened the door to global content, which today's creators grew up with. No other East Asian country absorbed global trends and universal values through content as freely as Korea did. Now, 30 years later, K-culture is in its fermentation stage and bursting out, creating something truly unique." He said current hits are fine, but Korean content should focus on diversity rooted in humanism, rather than simply following Western formulas for success. Looks fascinating. From what I'm hearing, it seems like the usual formulas for renowned global award winners are starting to break down these days. Do you think the trends in award selections are changing? And does Broadway need to embrace this kind of change? I wouldn't say the entire trend has changed, but in more depth, the professor said even Broadway itself is hitting a wall. Most of the major classics have already been used, so they're running out of material. In that sense, "Maybe Happy Ending" is significant because it presents a new breakthrough, bringing a brand-new, fresh model for Broadway to follow. And this doesn't just apply to this show. Think about Bong Joon-ho's "Parasite" or Han Kang's "Human Acts." It's not so much that the awards' standards have changed, it's more that Korean trends have already become global trends. With the Oscars, Nobel Prize in Literature, and now the Tony Awards, it seems Korea is setting major milestones across diverse cultural fields. Is the 30-year "fermentation stage" that the professor mentioned the key to Korean content's success? South Korea is very audience-friendly with a strong bottom-up approach putting people first. Creators listen carefully to what people want and follow the tastes and trends of their audience. The professor said that if "Maybe Happy Ending" had been too full of heavy philosophical messages, it probably wouldn't have won the awards. In places like Broadway or Hollywood, they prefer even if the theme is deep, about 95 percent of the content to still be fun and entertaining. Because in the end, it has to be chosen by the audience. "Maybe Happy Ending" also started gaining attention through word of mouth via social media. And many other Korean content creators naturally follow that balance. All right, Soo-hyung, thanks for coming in today. I'll be looking forward to every Friday for the culture segment with you. My pleasure.

From Seoul to Broadway: How “Maybe Happy Ending” made Tony history

2025/06/13 17:00

News of a South Korean production winning this year's Tony Award for Best Musical has re-ignited much interest in the local theater industry. My colleague Choi Soo-hyung takes a look at the success of the K-musical "Maybe Happy Ending" and the prospects ahead. On June 9th, in New York City, the Korean original musical "Maybe Happy Ending" became the star of the 78th Tony Awards. The musical won in 6 of the 10 categories it received nominations for, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Original Score. "So many people worked hard with us for a long time. Seeing how happy they are now makes me feel incredibly proud. A lot of us poured our hearts into this project and gave it everything. That's one thing I can say with confidence." Experts say the wins were significant, as the musical succeeded without being a Hollywood-style blockbuster or based on a classic original story, both typical Broadway favorites. "'Maybe Happy Ending' isn't a typical Broadway show; it's not based on a classic story, nor is it a big-budget blockbuster. It's an original, unique, low-budget, and new way for a Korean musical, especially as it is set in a future Seoul. That's why its success is so meaningful, it took major honors like Best Musical, Best Direction, and Best Book, winning 6 Tonys." The professor also noted that the musical's focus on the love between Artificial Intelligence robots reflects a philosophical advancement, adding significant value to its writing. "Hollywood usually focuses on AI and robots in terms of identity, like 'Am I human?' But Maybe Happy Ending goes further by exploring love between AI robots, which is a more advanced philosophical theme. It blends universal emotions with Korean originality, creating a fresh musical model. By breaking away from familiar formulas, it showed that bold, emotional storytelling can succeed globally." He stressed that what makes Korean content globally recognized is its deep cultural receptivity, not as a melting pot nor a salad bowl, but through a unique stage of fermentation. "1995 was the year Windows 95 launched, and soon after, Korea's high-speed internet network opened the door to global content, which today's creators grew up with. No other East Asian country absorbed global trends and universal values through content as freely as Korea did. Now, 30 years later, K-culture is in its fermentation stage and bursting out, creating something truly unique." He said current hits are fine, but Korean content should focus on diversity rooted in humanism, rather than simply following Western formulas for success. Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News.

K-Classical music shines at LA Phil’s ‘Seoul Festival’ with composer Chin Un-suk

2025/06/13 17:00

Earlier this month Korean classical music artists were on stage at the Walt Disney Concert Hall much to the delight of audiences there at the invitation of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Our Lee Eun-hee has more. Perhaps it's the dawn of a new era in K-Classical music. A new generation of composers is making its mark, not just in Korea, but on the world's most prestigious stages. Recognized as one of the world's outstanding orchestras, the Los Angeles Philharmonic presented a week-long "Seoul Festival" at the Walt Disney Concert Hall from June 3rd through the 10th. This is the first time the orchestra has dedicated an entire week of performances to a single country. The entire program, featuring concerts that highlight rising Korean performers, was curated and directed by South Korean composer Chin Un-suk. She is a Siemens Prize winner, often called the 'Nobel Prize of Music,' and currently serves as the artistic director of South Korea's Tongyeong International Music Festival. "The opening concert at Disney Hall played to a near-full house and received an overwhelmingly positive response. The orchestra concerts that followed also received great applause and strong support from the audience." The Seoul Festival included a collaboration between South Korea's Tongyeong International Music Festival Ensemble and the LA Phil New Music Group, under the theme "New Voices from Korea." South Korea's young composers, including Lee Sung-hyun, a prize-winner at the Geneva International Music Competition, premiered works, all conducted by rising talent Yoon Hankyeol, the winner of the Herbert von Karajan Young Conductors Award at the 2023 Salzburg Festival. A university lecturer in composition, notes that while Korean composers once felt the need to emphasize 'Korean-ness' to appeal globally, they now naturally carry that identity, and are expressing themselves in more universal musical languages that resonate internationally. "Korean performers have already shown their talent through many international competitions, and now it seems natural that this spotlight is extending to Korean composers as well. They bring unique ideas, creative materials, and fascinating sound worlds that resonate with classical audiences worldwide. In the past, Korean composers had fewer chances to be heard, but the global rise of Korean culture is now inviting the world to discover the depth and originality of their music." Evenings highlighting Korean composers and artists who are shaping musical culture and building connections from Seoul to Los Angeles have shown just how strong Korea's classical music scene is. "I love working with young Korean musicians, so I had high hopes for this festival, and it went beyond my expectations. Every performance was world-class." After Chin Un-suk, the future of Korean classical music holds exciting promise. Lee Eun-hee, Arirang News.

K-CULTURE AND THE POWER OF SOFT DIPLOMACY

2025/06/13 17:00

Welcome to Press Perspective. It's Friday June 13th here in Seoul. I'm Min Sunhee. It's been called soft power soft diplomacy cultural diplomacy and more. Well regardless of its name quite a number of countries are investing in creative industries fully aware that movies music and food can work wonders in building connections across borders. For more on South Korea's efforts on this front I have Marianna Baroli with Italian weekly news magazine Panorama. Marianna it's lovely to have you back. I also have writer Colin Marshall with the pundit's take on today's topic. 1) Marianna, let's begin with some remarkable news for Korean musicals on Broadway. The production "Maybe Happy Ending" won this year's Tony Award for Best Musical, which was one of the six awards this Korean musical garnered. What do you believe is behind the rave reviews, and what is the relevance of this recognition? 2) Colin, a recent article by the New York Times highlights the role of creative productions in advancing soft diplomacy and points to the "cultural reach" of K-pop. What are your thoughts? I mean, what has been the impact of K-pop in promoting Korea in the international arena? 3) Marianna, the article claims investments in creative industries by countries have risen over the past ten years. What more can you add? 4) Marianna, in the case of K-pop, geopolitical circumstances also reportedly have a big impact on its activities and profits. Do tell us more. 5) Colin, to what extent have policies by administrations affected the initiatives of the K-culture industry? 6) Marianna, President Lee Jae-myung has pledged to promote South Korea's soft diplomacy competitiveness to number five from the current 12, and to raise revenue to 300 trillion won from K-culture including its entertainment, food and beauty products. What are your takeaways from his ambitious plan? 7) And Colin, if you had the opportunity to share your thoughts on achieving this ambitious K-culture plan of the new Lee Jae-myung administration, what would be some of your suggestions? 8) Marianna, one final question. News of BTS members completing their military service have made international headlines as well this week, and Suga will be the final member to end his duty next weekend. What has been the focus of the foreign media with regard to their coverage of BTS lately? All right.

K-Classical music shines at LA Phil’s 'Seoul Festival' with composer Chin Un-suk

2025/06/13 14:00

Eun-hee, I heard you have a story on the new wave in South Korea's classical music scene. What is it about? Yes Soa. Over in Los Angeles, the week-long "Seoul Festival" took place at Walt Disney Concert Hall, presented by the prestigious Los Angeles Philharmonic and curated and directed by South Korean composer Chin Un-suk. The event marked a significant milestone as it was the first time the LA Phil dedicated an entire week to a single country. Let's take a look. Perhaps it's the dawn of a new era in K-Classical music. A new generation of composers is making its mark, not just in Korea, but on the world's most prestigious stages. Recognized as one of the world's outstanding orchestras, the Los Angeles Philharmonic presented a week-long "Seoul Festival" at the Walt Disney Concert Hall from June 3rd. This is the first time the orchestra has dedicated an entire week of performances to a single country. The entire program, featuring concerts that highlight rising Korean performers, was curated and directed by South Korean composer Chin Un-suk. She is a Siemens Prize winner, often called the 'Nobel Prize of Music,' and currently serves as the artistic director of South Korea's Tongyeong International Music Festival. "The opening concert at Disney Hall played to a near-full house and received an overwhelmingly positive response. The orchestra concerts that followed also received great applause and strong support from the audience." The Seoul Festival included a collaboration between South Korea's Tongyeong International Music Festival Ensemble and the LA Phil New Music Group, under the theme "New Voices from Korea." South Korea's young composers, including Lee Sung-hyun, a prize-winner at the Geneva International Music Competition, premiered works, all conducted by rising talent Yoon Hankyeol, the winner of the Herbert von Karajan Young Conductors Award at the 2023 Salzburg Festival. A university lecturer in composition, notes that while Korean composers once felt the need to emphasize 'Korean-ness' to appeal globally, they now naturally carry that identity, and are expressing themselves in more universal musical languages that resonate internationally. "Korean performers have already shown their talent through many international competitions, and now it seems natural that this spotlight is extending to Korean composers as well. They bring unique ideas, creative materials, and fascinating sound worlds that resonate with classical audiences worldwide. In the past, Korean composers had fewer chances to be heard, but the global rise of Korean culture is now inviting the world to discover the depth and originality of their music." Evenings highlighting Korean composers and artists who are shaping musical culture and building connections from Seoul to Los Angeles have shown just how strong Korea's classical music scene is. "I love working with young Korean musicians, so I had high hopes for this festival, and it went beyond my expectations. Every performance was world-class." After Chin Un-suk, the future of Korean classical music holds exciting promise. Lee Eun-hee, Arirang News.

K-enter_BTS celebrate 12 year anniversary with "2025 BTS FESTA"

2025/06/13 14:00

Time for some K-entertainment news with Bella Kim. So, this week, we can basically call it "BTS week" with four of the members discharged from their military service, and today, they are celebrating something big. BTS celebrate their 12th anniversary of debut today, which is June 13th. Congratulations to the members and the fans! To commemorate their anniversary, the "2025 BTS FESTA" is being held at KINTEX Exhibition Center in Goyang on Friday and Saturday local time. Fans can immerse themselves in interactive zones such as the 'VOICE ZONE' featuring members' voice messages, and the 'TROPHY ZONE' showcasing some of BTS's most iconic awards. In addition, a 'Signature Light Show' synchronized with the ARMY Bomb light stick will take place every hour on the hour starting at noon. The "2025 BTS Festa" is free to attend and will run from 10am to 7pm on both days. The festival will go on until tomorrow, so if you're an ARMY in the area, make sure to check it out! Great to have almost all members out of the military to celebrate together with the ARMY. We will continue with another story on BTS one of the members is releasing a single today? J-Hope released his digital single "Killin' It Girl" just before our show today. This release marks the end of his solo single project after "Sweet Dreams" and "MONA LISA," both released in March. "Killin' It Girl" is a hip-hop genre song that captures the thrill of falling in love at first sight. J-hope participated in making this single, just like he did with his last single "MONA LISA." Adding to the excitement is the collaboration with American rapper GloRilla, as she features in the new single. J-Hope will perform "Killin' It Girl" for the very first time at the final performances of his solo world tour, "J-Hope Tour 'HOPE ON THE STAGE' FINAL" at Goyang Stadium tonight and tomorrow. Wow, BTS Festa and j-hope's concert. Goyang will be colored purple as it will be filled with ARMYs this weekend. For our last story today, we will end off with an upcoming series. The crime thriller "Hunter with a Scalpel" held a press conference on Thursday in Ramada Sindorim Hotel in Seoul. Actors Park Joo-hyun, Park Yong-woo, Kang Hoon, and director Lee Jeong-hoon attended the conference. Based on the novel of the same name, the new series follows the story of a forensic scientist, Se-hyun, discovering the familiar murder methods of her father, a serial killer known as "the tailor," who she thought died 20 years ago. She embarks on a race against time to catch her father before the police do. The main actress Park Joo-hyun said at the press conference that as soon as she read the script, she thought it's a genre that she has never encountered in Korea. Each episode of "Hunter with a Scalpel" will be a 30-minute midform with a total of 16 episodes. It is set to be released on U+tv, U+mobile tv, and Disney+ starting on June 16th. Always excited to see new Korean series come out. Thank you Bella for today's stories. Now, let's go over to our AI anchor Ari, for other culture-related news! Ari, take it away!

K-wave AI News

2025/06/13 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Ulsan is ramping up efforts to position itself as the world's leading hub for "gungdo," or Korean traditional archery. The city adopted the "Republic of Korea Ulsan Declaration" at a ceremony on Thursday, attended by more than 200 archery officials and dignitaries from Korea and abroad. The declaration outlines five key initiatives aimed at the sustainable development and global promotion of gungdo. Among them are the establishment of a World Gungdo Federation and the launch of a World Gungdo Center headquartered in Ulsan. Home to the Bangudae Petroglyphs depicting prehistoric hunting and archery, Ulsan has long been regarded as the birthplace of Korean archery. Anticipation is high for the upcoming Seoul International Book Fair 2025, with all tickets completely sold out ahead of next week's opening. As a result, no on-site ticket purchases will be available. But admission remains open and free for preschool children, people with disabilities, and visitors aged 65 and older. The fair will take place from June 18 to 22 at COEX in Seoul, bringing together over 530 publishers and publishing organizations from 17 countries. The Seoul International Book Fair continues to grow in popularity, drawing a record-breaking 150,000 visitors last year. A pioneer of Korean contemporary art, Lee Kang-so is presenting his first solo exhibition in Seoul since signing an exclusive contract with the prestigious international gallery Thaddaeus Ropac. The exhibition showcases over 20 works spanning installation, painting, sculpture, and prints. Titled "Dwelling in Mist and Glow," the artworks reflect Lee's belief that art is a dynamic force, continuously evolving in harmony with the world's changing flow. It runs through August 2 at Thaddaeus Ropac Seoul located in Itaewon. That's all from me. Stay tuned to the Kulture Wave.

World News 4: Kronberg zoo introduces newborn elephant

2025/06/13 10:00

A zoo in the German city of Kronberg, near Frankfurt, welcomed a two-week-old African elephant, Kaja , on Thursday. Kaja, born 16 days ago, is the first baby elephant to be born in 57 years at the Opel Zoo. Meanwhile, Cologne zoo also welcomed visitors with a group of elephants enjoying the warm summer heat, among which was a young elephant calf, Taro, who was born in March. The zoo also revealed the birth of two rare horses: a female and a male of the rare Przewalski species.

Living legend author and illustrator, Anthony Browne's exhibition to showcase in Seoul

2025/06/13 10:00

For those of you here in Seoul, who have yet to make weekend plans do consider a visit to an exhibition that shares the works of a renowned British children's author, Anthony Browne, whose stories continue to delight readers of all ages. Our Cha Yun-kyung has more. The British author and illustrator Anthony Browne has dedicated his work "A Boy, His Dog and the Sea" to his late brother. The work illustrates the village where the artist is currently living. Browne has often shown the notion of opposites, such as "big" and "small," by, for example, showing various primates in "Big Gorilla: A Book of Opposites." He has also shared a warm look at the relationship between a grandfather and grandchild through "My Grandad." Browne, who is 78, has been illustrating daily life in his new picture books. Anthony Browne leads a step into a world of imagination and warmth for readers through the beautiful picture books with familiar characters and pastel colors. "Hidden clues and whimsical details in his illustrations invite visitors to discover references to famous artwork. The essence of Browne's storytelling is the combination of observation, dialogue, and imagination." Browne's stories explore a wide range of themes resonating with readers of all ages. Family members can enjoy his original artwork, including his latest unpublished creations. "It was so much fun to see the pictures that I had already seen from his book. It seemed like the characters came to life." Anthony Browne Exhibition: A Master of the Storytelling will be showcased at Hangaram Art Museum Gallery 3 and 4 of Seoul Arts Center until the end of September. Cha Yun-kyung, Arirang News.

Living legend author and illustrator, Anthony Browne's exhibition to showcase in Seoul

2025/06/12 17:00

For those of you here in Seoul who have yet to make weekend plans do consider a visit to an exhibition that shares the works of a renowned British children's author whose stories continue to delight readers of all ages. Our CHA Yun-kyung has more. The British author and illustrator Anthony Browne has dedicated his work "A Boy, His Dog and the Sea" to his late brother. The work illustrates the village where the artist is currently living. Browne has often shown the notion of opposites, such as "big" and "small," by, for example, showing various primates in "Big Gorilla: A Book of Opposites." He has also shared a warm look at the relationship between a grandfather and grandchild through "My Grandad." Browne, who is 78, has been illustrating daily life in his new picture books. Anthony Browne leads a step into a world of imagination and warmth for readers through the beautiful picture books with familiar characters and pastel colors. "Hidden clues and whimsical details in his illustrations invite visitors to discover references to famous artwork. The essence of Browne's storytelling is the combination of observation, dialogue, and imagination." Browne's stories explore a wide range of themes resonating with readers of all ages. Family members can enjoy his original artwork, including his latest unpublished creations. "It was so much fun to see the pictures that I had already seen from his book. It seemed like the characters came to life." Anthony Browne Exhibition: A Master of the Storytelling will be showcased at Hangaram Art Museum Gallery 3 and 4 of Seoul Arts Center until the end of September. Cha Yun-kyung, Arirang News.

[K-enter] SEVENTEEN's SEUNGKWAN donates 20 mil. won to Jeju Island

2025/06/12 14:00

But actually Bella, K-enter also starts with a story on Jeju. What do we have? SEVENTEEN member SEUNGKWAN has shown his warm heart by making a donation to Jeju Island. On Wednesday, his agency, PLEDIS Entertainment announced that SEUNGKWAN donated 20 million won, that's about 15-thousand U.S. dollars, to the Korea Heritage Service and the National Trust for Cultural Heritage to help preserve and protect the cultural heritage of Jeju Island, especially for the preservation of the Jeju 4.3 archives. SEUNGKWAN is well-known for his exceptional love for his home island of Jeju. He was appointed as an ambassador for Jeju last November, and also contributed to the protection of the endangered Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins through the Jeju Provincial Office. Additionally, at the 13th UNESCO Youth Forum held back in 2023, SEUNGKWAN shared that Jeju is the first region in the world to be designated by UNESCO in three categories of natural environment simultaneously. I remember how we reported on his appointment as ambassador back then. Great to see his continuous gestures of love for Jeju. Our next story is on an exciting announcement for fans of a girl group. Fill us in. LE SSERAFIM will tour North America for the very first time since their debut. According to their agency, Source Music, the group will embark on a North American tour starting in September, as part of their "Easy Crazy Hot" world tour. LE SSERAFIM will start in Newark on September 3rd, followed by concerts in places such as Chicago, San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Mexico City. "Easy Crazy Hot" is the group's first world tour since their debut in May 2022. The tour kicked off in Korea in April, followed by concerts in Japan. After they wrap up the Japan leg of the tour this week, they will head over to Taipei, Hong Kong, Manila, Bangkok and Singapore in July. Let's end off today's K-enter with a story on the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival and a showcase on one of Korea's renowned actors. Actor Lee Byung-hun has been chosen as the focus of this year's Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival's special actor showcase, 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, 그의 대표작 상영, 기자회견, 메가토크, 무대인사 등 다양한 프로그램을 통해 그의 연기 인생을 공유할 예정입니다. 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. Anticipation is also high for Lee Byung-hun's appearance on the red carpet at the festival's opening ceremony on July 3rd. Since 2017, BIFAN has been selecting leading contemporary actors to feature in its special actor showcases, previously highlighting stars such as Jeon Do-yeon, Jung Woo-sung, and Kim Hye-soo. The 29th edition of the film festival, set to run from July 3rd to 13th, will screen 217 films from 41 countries. Lee Byung-hun has worked on so many amazing films.. I'm sure many fans are looking forward to his showcase. Thank you Bella for today's stories. Let's now go over to our AI anchor Ari, for other culture-related news. Ari, take it away!

K-Wave AI News

2025/06/12 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. A special Korea-Japan joint performance is set to be staged on Friday at the National Gugak Center in Seoul, marking the 60th anniversary of the two countries' diplomatic normalization. Co-organized by the Gugak Center and the Japan Arts Council, the event is part of an ongoing series of Korea-Japan cultural exchanges celebrating the special year. The Korean program will present the royal court music "Sujecheon" and "Hagyeonhwadaecheoyongmuhapseol," a composite performance that brings together prominent royal dances from the Joseon Dynasty. From Japan, performers from Okinawa will stage Ryukyu Dance and Kumi Odori, a traditional musical drama originally created to welcome Chinese imperial envoys. Kumi Odori is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The National Theater of Korea's flagship summer music event, the 'Yeowoorak Festival,' will kick off on July 4. This year's festival is poised to capture audiences with a fresh take on the charm of traditional Korean folk songs. Featuring Korea's beloved singers In Sooni and Choi Baek-ho, as well as jazz vocalists and indie bands, the festival will reinterpret folk songs through various musical genres. Artistic director Lee Hee-moon invited audiences to come and explore a "whimsical land of folk music." Since its debut in 2010, Yeowoorak has presented innovative performances rooted in Korean music, attracting over 82,000 spectators to date. Have you ever seen Korea's east coast transformed into a vibrant sea of purple lavender? Donghae City is set to host its annual Lavender Festival at 'Mureung Byeolyucheonji,' a renowned tourist spot celebrated for its emerald-green lake and stunning natural scenery. From June 14 to 22, visitors can immerse themselves in breathtaking views as 12,000 lavender plants bloom across a sprawling 20,000-square-meter field. This year, the festival introduces nightscape lighting with extended visiting hours until 10 PM, creating a captivating and enchanting atmosphere after dark. Visitors can also enjoy a unique nighttime boating excursion on the lake, so don't miss it! That's all from me. Stay tuned to the Kulture Wave.