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K-wave AI News

2025/04/08 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. How about getting a glimpse of Korean royal culture as you stroll through the palaces on a beautiful spring day? The 2025 Spring K-Royal Culture Festival will be held from April 26 to May 4 across Seoul's five major palaces—Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung, and Gyeonghuigung—as well as Jongmyo Shrine. Gyeongbokgung offers immersive experiences—from exploring the legacy of King Sejong and making traditional sweets to evening music concerts and royal court dance lessons. At Changdeokgung, visitors can enjoy tranquil forest walks and hanbok photo sessions, while Gyeonghuigung opens its gates for rare nighttime tours. Reservations for key events are available via Ticketlink. For the first time in 25 years, the National Gugak Center will showcase "Jongmyo Jeryeak" in Japan. Jongmyo Jeryeak is a Joseon-era royal ceremonial performance combining music and dance presented during ancestral rites at Jongmyo Shrine to honor the late kings and queens. The performance will be held on April 19 at Bunkyo Civic Hall in Tokyo as part of a cultural exchange marking the 60th anniversary of normalizing Seoul-Tokyo ties. In return, Japan will showcase "Kumi Odori," a traditional musical drama from Okinawa, this June in Korea, highlighting each nation's UNESCO-listed cultural heritage. The Gugak Center earned wide acclaim for its Jongmyo Jeryeak performance in Singapore last week and is set to bring the royal ritual music to audiences in Hong Kong this November. The Kansong Art Museum will open a rare exhibition tomorrow showcasing Joseon-era paintings and calligraphy rendered on fans. Titled "Seonwoo Pungwol"—which translates to "Good Friends, Wind, and Moon"—the exhibition features 55 fan artworks carefully curated from the museum's collection. Among them, over 20 pieces will be unveiled to the public for the first time. Highlights include exquisite fan paintings and calligraphy by renowned late Joseon figures such as Chusa Kim Jeong-hui and Danwon Kim Hong-do. The exhibition, the first to be held by the Kansong Art Museum in half a century, runs through May 25. That's all from me. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.

K-pop tops global association with S. Korea for 8th straight year

2025/04/07 17:00

For the eighth year in a row K-pop remains the first thing that comes to the minds of foreigners when asked about Korean culture. This is according to the latest annual survey by the Culture Ministry whose results were released on this Monday showing almost 18 percent with exposure to Korean culture highlighting K-pop as the top item on the list of Korean culture. This was followed by Korean food and K-dramas. The most favored K-pop artist in the survey was BTS which has held the top spot for seven straight years.

[Kulture Issue] Popularity of sports-themed K-content

2025/04/07 14:00

Recent movies revolving around sports have been captivating domestic audiences. Let's take a look at what’s behind the popularity of sports-themed content with culture critic Professor Chie Hye-won at Kyung Hee University’s Arts and Cultural Management Program. Welcome Professor Chie! Q1-1. “The Match“ (“Seungbu“), which deals with the board game Go, or “baduk“ in Korean, (and is considered a sport), and the golf film “Lobby“ are ranked first and second at the domestic box office, respectively. Please, tell us first what the movies are about. Let’s start with “The Match.“ Q1-2. What’s “Lobby” about? The title seems to tell us it’s not just about golf? Q2. So, let’s talk more about Go or “baduk“. It’s a very interesting topic, but also a challenging game that requires lots of brain. Are there any other Go-themed movies? Go does seem to appear quite frequently (in many cases casually) in scenes of various K-content. Why is that? Q3. When it comes to golf, this sport has been tremendously popular in Korea in recent years, even being a major theme on variety of entertainment programs on TV. What’s behind the popularity of golf as a means of content? Q4. Sports was once considered an unpopular topic in Korea in TV and movies, so why has it gained so much traction in recent years? Q5. So, which Korean dramas and movies revolving around sports have stood out and received praise? Q6. What are some of the things to keep in mind when using sports as a main theme in content? Q7. What are the strengths of combining Korean content with the sports genre, and how can we make it more appealing to a wider audience?

[K-wave] Small library in Gyeongbokgung Palace, welcoming spring

2025/04/07 14:00

The delights of spring are coming from all around including Gyeongbokgung Palace, a royal palace in the center of Seoul. Along with taking a tour around the historic place visitors can now indulge in reading in the innermost part of the palace thanks to the opening of a small library. Our Choi Soo-hyung takes us around. Spring has arrived in Gyeongbokgung Palace. This part of the palace.. is called 'Jibokjae', which means "Collecting precious jewels such as jade." It is connected with Palujeong, an octagonal two-story pavilion, and Hyeopgildang Hall, showcasing a distinctive traditional architectural beauty. Inside the buildings, over a thousand books fill the walls, and people look around and read. From April 2nd, the 'Jibokjae' has been opened as a small library. Here, visitors can read books, relax, and enjoy a moment of peace. The low ceiling gives visitors a cozy feeling and lets them see the beautiful Dancheong, traditional Korean patterns, up close. "I think it's yeah peaceful, quiet, so yeah, I feel lucky to be here actually. I choose other books like poem just to see how it's like writing." "We came here to enjoy the nice weather and also to learn more about our culture. The atmosphere is very calm and peaceful and it feels like the perfect place to relax. We are having a really great time." Since 2016, the Korea Heritage Service has opened this space for free to allow visitors to experience the palace more closely. This building was built in 1881 and was used by King Gojong as a study and to receive foreign envoys. It closed during the COVID-19 pandemic but reopened in 2022. Currently, this place has over 1,700 books related to the history of the Joseon Dynasty and royal family. "It also offers books for children, foreign language translations and, and rare resources such as the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, which are not easily found elsewhere." The office plans to hold programs such as meet-the-author events and book talks at the library. The Jibokjae small library will be open until October 31, except in July and August. Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News.

[K-Enter] Jimin the chart landlord tops Spotify's list for 90 weeks

2025/04/07 14:00

So, for our daily dose of K-enter news with you Walter, we start off with BTS's Jimin setting more records on the largest music streaming platform Spotify. How do you become one of the most popular 'Weekly Top Artists' on Spotify's South Korean charts for 90 weeks? Call yourself Jimin, release a couple of hit songs and just sit back and watch. According to Spotify's announcement on Friday, this marks the first and only time in the chart's history that any artist has accomplished this milestone. Jimin first entered the "Korea Weekly Top Artist" chart in April 2022 with the original soundtrack "With You" from the tvN drama "Our Blues". As of April 3, 2025, he has charted for a total of 139 weeks, holding the No. 1 position for 90 of those weeks. Jimin has also seen success with his title track "Who" from his second album "Muse" on Spotify Korea's 'Daily Top Songs' chart. Congratulations to Jimin, let's see if he can make it to 100 weeks! Moving onto boy group SEVENTEEN also becoming the first to achieve a milestone in the name of K-pop. On Friday, K-pop boy group SEVENTEEN took to the stage as a headliner at the major music festival "Tecate Pa'l Norte 2025" held at Fundidora Park in Monterrey, Mexico. They are the first K-pop artists to ever perform at this festival. During their approximately one-hour performance, they showcased hit songs such as "LOVE, MONEY, FAME," "Left & Right," "HOT" and "God of Music." Pa'l Norte is one of the largest music festivals in Latin America. This year, SEVENTEEN shared the headliner lineup with global stars including Olivia Rodrigo, Green Day and Fall Out Boy. Let's hope to see more and more K-pop artists being invited to new and exciting music festivals in the future. Next up we have a 10th anniversary celebration concert for one group. Last week we actually touched upon how this year was the 10th anniversary for many groups, but who are you going to mention? I am talking about DAY6, who will be performing at the KSPO Dome for the first time, 10 years after their debut. Their agency, JYP Entertainment, announced the finale of "DAY6's 3RD World Tour Forever Young" will take place right here in Seoul. The concerts will be held over the span of six days from May 9 through 11 and May 16 through 18. This will be DAY6’s first time performing at the KSPO Dome, so the group is making thorough preparations to make sure the crowd leave amazed. They plan to open the entire venue in a 360-degree format so fans can enjoy the performance from every angle. The concert is set to be a grand finale to their large-scale world tour, they are currently touring in Australia. And last but certainly not least, we have some news of a K-pop star with his first solo album. On Monday, NCT member Mark is releasing his first solo album titled "The Firstfruit", officially marking his debut as a solo artist. The full album will be available on major music platforms at 6 p.m. Korea time and the music video for the title track “1999” will be released simultaneously on the SMTOWN YouTube channel and other platforms. The album features 13 tracks themed around four cities that have shaped Mark’s life: his hometown Toronto, the first city he moved to, New York, the place where he spent his school years, Vancouver, and Seoul, where he’s pursuing his dream as an artist. Mark will hold a showcase event for The Firstfruit at 8 p.m. on Monday at the Seongsu Cultural and Arts Center.

K-wave AI News

2025/04/07 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Gangneung City in Gangwon-do Province was bustling with visitors over the weekend, drawn to its popular cherry blossom spots. Gyeongpodae Pavilion and Gyeongpoho Lake were filled with tourists exploring the 'Gyeongpo Cherry Blossom Festival'—one of the city's signature spring events known for its stunning floral scenery. Although official performances and celebratory events were canceled in light of recent large-scale wildfires, the festival drew large crowds eager to embrace the spring atmosphere. The festival runs through April 9, with diverse programs like a 'hanbok outing' and a flea market also in store. To further boost tourism, Gangneung City has released a map of the cherry blossom hotspots, featuring not only well-known locations but also hidden points throughout the region. Gimhae City in Gyeongsangnam-do Province will kick off its largest annual event, the '2025 Gaya Culture Festival,' this Thursday. It will be held at the UNESCO-listed Daeseong-dong Tombs and the surrounding Sulleungwon area. Festival highlights include "Gaya Fantasia," a dynamic fusion performance that blends traditional Korean music with modern vocals, belly dancing, hanbok showcases, and more. A media façade installation will illuminate the historic tomb complex at night, vividly bringing to life the rich legends of the ancient Gaya Kingdom through cutting-edge technology. Gimhae City has canceled fireworks displays out of respect for recent wildfire victims. Korea's southern port city of Busan welcomed a record 30,165 foreign medical tourists last year, the highest level to date. The figure marks a 134% increase from 2023 and is the third highest nationwide, following Seoul and Gyeonggi-do Province. According to the Korea Health Industry Development Institute, the majority of medical tourists to Busan came from Japan, Taiwan, and China. Notably, the number of Taiwanese visitors soared by a whopping 1,840% on-year. That's all from me. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[Short-form] “Sanggwabang,” where royal desserts are made

2025/04/07 14:00

Step into Sanggwabang and savor the sophisticated tastes of the Joseon royal court!

Jinhae Gunhangjae: A city filled with cherry blossoms

2025/04/07 10:00

Cherry blossoms are in full bloom here in South Korea, with the country's biggest cherry blossom festival having taken place this past week. Our Ahn Sung-jin takes us down to Changwon city. Spring has returned. Streets filled with cherry blossoms greet those who have made their way to Jinhae-gu district in the south coast city of Changwon. The 63rd Jinhae Gunhangjae, which lasts for 9 days, is the mecca of spring cherry blossoms, with more than 2 million visitors every year. "The cherry blossom, a symbol of spring, is already approaching its peak here. People are out with their family and friends to enjoy the beautiful colors." "We're so happy to be back in Jinhae. We were here in 2013, the two of us, and now we are here with our three kids. Beautiful weather and cherry blossoms are in full bloom. It's beautiful." "I'm so proud that in our country, and here in Jinhae, there is such a beautiful spring blossom path." "We are in our last year of high school so we originally came out here for graduation photos, but it feels so refreshing to see all these pretty blossoms." The town's top cherry blossom spots including Gyeonghwa Station, an old, closed-down railway station and its train tracks, as well as the Yeojwacheon stream. Most areas in the south of the country have seen cherry blossoms bloom, yet with the sudden colder breeze in some areas, especially up north, they still need some time to fully bloom. Following the recent devastating wildfires in Gyeongsangbuk-do province, the festival has been reduced in scale. However, the festival still offers ample scenery while promoting local culture and boosting business in the small town. So for those who missed out this time around, make sure to be ready for next year. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News, Jinhae.

Jinhae Gunhangjae: A city filled with cherry blossoms

2025/04/04 20:00

Earlier this week we covered the colorful sights and sounds of spring. Well we have more related coverage today as our Ahn Sung-jin made her way to a cherry blossom festival. Do take a look. Spring has returned. Streets filled with cherry blossoms greet those who have made their way to Jinhae-gu district in the south coast city of Changwon. The 63rd Jinhae Gunhangjae, which lasts for 9 days, is the mecca of spring cherry blossoms, with more than 2 million visitors every year. "The cherry blossom, a symbol of spring, is already approaching its peak here. People are out with their family and friends to enjoy the beautiful colors." "We're so happy to be back in Jinhae. We were here in 2013, the two of us, and now we are here with our three kids. Beautiful weather and cherry blossoms are in full bloom. It's beautiful." "I'm so proud that in our country, and here in Jinhae, there is such a beautiful spring blossom path." "We are in our last year of high school so we originally came out here for graduation photos,but it feels so refreshing to see all these pretty blossoms." The town's top cherry blossom spots including Gyeonghwa Station, an old, closed-down railway station and its train tracks, as well as the Yeojwacheon stream. Most areas in the south of the country have seen cherry blossoms bloom, yet with the sudden colder breeze in some areas, especially up north, they still need some time to fully bloom. Following the recent devastating wildfires in Gyeongsangbuk-do province, the festival has been reduced in scale. However, the festival still offers ample scenery while promoting local culture and boosting business in the small town. So for those who missed out this time around, make sure to be ready for next year. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News, Jinhae.

Jinhae Gunhangjae: A city filled with cherry blossoms

2025/04/04 17:00

Earlier this week we covered the colorful sights and sounds of spring. Well we have more related coverage today as our Ahn Sung-jin made her way to a cherry blossom festival. Do take a look. Spring has returned. Streets filled with cherry blossoms greet those who have made their way to Jinhae-gu district in the south coast city of Changwon. The 63rd Jinhae Gunhangjae, which lasts for 9 days, is the mecca of spring cherry blossoms, with more than 2 million visitors every year. "The cherry blossom, a symbol of spring, is already approaching its peak here. People are out with their family and friends to enjoy the beautiful colors." "We're so happy to be back in Jinhae. We were here in 2013, the two of us, and now we are here with our three kids. Beautiful weather and cherry blossoms are in full bloom. It's beautiful." "I'm so proud that in our country, and here in Jinhae, there is such a beautiful spring blossom path." "We are in our last year of high school so we originally came out here for graduation photos,but it feels so refreshing to see all these pretty blossoms." The town's top cherry blossom spots including Gyeonghwa Station, an old, closed-down railway station and its train tracks, as well as the Yeojwacheon stream. Most areas in the south of the country have seen cherry blossoms bloom, yet with the sudden colder breeze in some areas, especially up north, they still need some time to fully bloom. Following the recent devastating wildfires in Gyeongsangbuk-do province, the festival has been reduced in scale. However, the festival still offers ample scenery while promoting local culture and boosting business in the small town. So for those who missed out this time around, make sure to be ready for next year. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News, Jinhae.

[K-enter] NewJeans and ADOR's first court hearing ended without progress

2025/04/04 14:00

Time for some K-entertainment news with Bella Kim. We will start off with an update on a court hearing for the dispute between NewJeans (or NJZ) and ADOR. Please provide us with the details. The first court hearing, held on Thursday, for the dispute between NewJeans and their agency ADOR ended without progress as the two sides remained far apart on the possibility of reaching a settlement. The Seoul Central District Court held the initial hearing for ADOR’s lawsuit seeking confirmation of the validity of its exclusive contract with NewJeans. On the day of the hearing, only legal representatives were present, as none of the members attended. ADOR argued that the group’s unilateral termination of contract in November 2024 lacked both procedural and legal grounds and that their deal signed in April 2022 remains valid. In contrast, NewJeans’ side asserted that trust between the parties had irreparably collapsed, particularly after the removal of former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, a key figure credited with the group’s success. The judge asked whether the parties were open to a settlement. While Ador expressed a willingness to pursue an agreement, NewJeans replied that the group was not in a mental state to consider a settlement at this time. Back on March 21st, the court granted ADOR’s injunction to preserve its status as the group’s agency and to block any external advertising contracts until the final judgement. NewJeans has also decided to halt all activities for now. The next court hearing is scheduled for June 5th. Please keep us updated on the next hearing. Next, we will talk about some news that will excite NCT Dream fans. Please fill us in. NCT Dream will hold “2025 NCT Dream Fan Meeting Dream Quest” at Inspire Arena in Yeongjong-do, Incheon from May 24th to 25th, the first time in almost two years. The fan meeting will have the concept of exploration, where NCT Dream and their fans NCTzen go on a quest together. The members will perform, play games, and chat with the fans to pass the ‘huge quest.’ The pre-sales of the fan meeting tickets will open on April 8th, and the general ticket sales will open on April 10th. Meanwhile, NCT Dream will attend “SM Town Live 2025” in Mexico City on May 10th and in Los Angeles on May 12th. So NCTzens in Korea, Mexico and the U.S. can all look forward to meeting NCT Dream. Our last story for today is also on a boy group, but this time a new release? TWS released group and unit photos from their upcoming mini-album “TRY WITH US.” The group photos give off the free-spirited twenty-year-olds' vibes, while the unit photos capture the members’ daily lives more closely. “TRY WITH US” is an album depicting how TWS lives at the age of twenty. Their agency, Pledis Entertainment said, “You will be able to witness TWS’s growth as they race toward their twenties.” Their 3rd mini album “TRY WITH US” will be released on April 21st. Can't wait for their young spirited songs. Thank you Bella for today’s stories.

[K-wave] Jinhae Gunhangjae: A city filled with cherry blossoms

2025/04/04 14:00

South Korea is known for its spring celebrations, earlier this week, we had our reporter cover the Azalea festival in Bucheon now it's time for the cherry blossoms to shine. Our news features reporter Ahn Sung-jin was at one of the country's major cherry blossom sites down south. Let's take a look. Spring has returned. Streets filled with cherry blossoms greet those who have made their way to Jinhae-gu district in the south coast city of Changwon. The 63rd Jinhae Gunhangjae, which lasts for 9 days, is the mecca of spring cherry blossoms, with more than 2 million visitors every year. "The cherry blossom, a symbol of spring, is already approaching its peak here. People are out with their family and friends to enjoy the beautiful colors." "We're so happy to be back in Jinhae. We were here in 2013, the two of us, and now we are here with our three kids. Beautiful weather and cherry blossoms are in full bloom. It's beautiful." "I'm so proud that in our country, and here in Jinhae, there is such a beautiful spring blossom path." "We are in our last year of high school so we originally came out here for graduation photos,but it feels so refreshing to see all these pretty blossoms." The town's top cherry blossom spots including Gyeonghwa Station, an old, closed-down railway station and its train tracks, as well as the Yeojwacheon stream. Most areas in the south of the country have seen cherry blossoms bloom, yet with the sudden colder breeze in some areas, especially up north, they still need some time to fully bloom. Following the recent devastating wildfires in Gyeongsangbuk-do province, the festival has been reduced in scale. However, the festival still offers ample scenery while promoting local culture and boosting business in the small town. So for those who missed out this time around, make sure to be ready for next year. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News, Jinhae.

K-wave AI News

2025/04/04 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Jongmyo, Korea's foremost royal shrine, will come alive with the majestic music and graceful choreography of the Joseon royal court—a tradition that has endured for over 600년 years. The National Heritage Service and Korea Heritage Agency will showcase evening performances of "Jongmyo Jeryeak" at the Main Hall of Jongmyo Shrine from April 24 to May 2. Jongmyo Jeryeak is a traditional Korean court ritual performance that combines music, dances, and songs as part of the ancestral rites held at the Jongmyo Shrine. It was added to the list of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2001. Tickets will be available for reservation starting at 2 PM on April 7 via Ticketlink. The 14th Busan Annual Market of Art, the port city's premier art fair, has kicked off a four-day run at BEXCO. This year's theme focuses on sustainability, highlighting a commitment to fostering a sustainable art ecosystem by embracing environmental and social values through art. Over 130 galleries, including 15 international galleries, are participating, showcasing around 4,000 artworks. The fair features a diverse range of works, from AI-generated pieces and interactive media art to a special spotlight exhibition on French painter Michel Delacroix and emerging new talents. Meanwhile, at COEX in Seoul, the 2025 Seoul International Buddhism Expo and 13th Buddha Art Fair are underway, offering a one-stop glance at Korea's traditional Buddhist cultural industry. Nearly 370 exhibitors are showcasing a rich array of Buddhist content, including Buddhist architecture, tea culture, and traditional crafts, that blend Korean heritage with Buddhist aesthetics. Participants from seven other Asian countries, including China and India, are also presenting various Buddhist cultural products, such as agarwood and meditation-related items. The event runs through this Sunday. That's all from me. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[Hallyu People] Korea and France connect through K-pop

2025/04/03 14:00

France is widely recognized as a country of art and a cultural powerhouse. It is also a nation with which South Korea has close to 140-years of diplomatic relations. No wonder France and Korea also cooperate in the music sector. Recently, French and Korean music industry professionals got together for a conference in Seoul to discuss the future of K-pop and explore ways to collaborate. Today, we connect to Leslie Dubest, CEO of a French independent music label who was one of the participants at that conference. Hello (Leslie / ) Mr. Dubest! 1) (Leslie/) Mr. Dubest, let’s start with your impression of your recent visit to the home of K-pop. How was it? 2) “The Atelier K-pop Conference” was held in Seoul late last month. What was this event about? 3) What were the outcomes of the conference? We also heard that four French songwriters wrote songs aimed at the K-pop market during their stay in Seoul. How did that turn out? 4) During the conference, you mentioned that the K-pop industry is where it is today thanks to various industries having been integrated during the growth of K-pop. Could you elaborate on that? 5) Please tell us about the presence of K-pop in France right now. (Who are the most popular K-pop acts, which are the most loved songs and why?) 6) As the CEO of an independent music label, are there any specific musicians that grab your attention or is there anyone in the Korean music industry you’d like to work with? (singer, songwriter, entertainment company, etc.) 7) How would you like to see the Korean and French music scenes collaborate in the future through K-pop?

[K-enter] TVXQ! renews contract with SM

2025/04/03 14:00

Time for some exciting K-entertainment news with Bella Kim. Bella, we will start with news on a K-pop artist? We are going to talk about BTS member J-hope. J-hope has once again made his mark on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. According to the latest chart released by Billboard on Tuesday, J-hope’s digital single “MONA LISA” debuted at No.65 on the Billboard Hot 100. This marks J-hope’s 7th entry on the Hot 100 chart as a solo artist, tying with fellow BTS member Jungkook for the most entries by a K-pop solo artist. J-hope first entered the Hot 100 in 2019 with “Chicken Noodle Soup” at No.81. And in this year alone, J-hope has achieved the remarkable feat of having three songs enter the Hot 100 -“LV Bag,” “Sweet Dreams,” and now “MONA LISA.” Always so proud to see K-pop artists thrive globally. For our next story, we will move from HYBE to SM who've renewed a deal with one of their top groups. TVXQ! has renewed their contract with SM Entertainment. On Wednesday, SM announced that they have renewed their contract with TVXQ!’s U-KNOW Yunho and MAX Changmin. SM and TVXQ! are continuing a partnership that began from their debut in 2003, marking 22 years together. Yunho said “It’s a nostalgic feeling to continue our journey with SM Entertainment, who has been with us since our debut. We will always strive to show our best to give back the love and support we receive from our fans.” Changmin also shared, “It’s incredibly meaningful to have been with SM Entertainment for over 20 years. We will continue to create an even more impressive future for TVXQ! with the support and strength that SM Entertainment provides us.” Meanwhile, TVXQ! will meet the fans at Tokyo Dome for their concerts from April 25th to 27th. TVXQ! is one of the representative 2nd generation K-pop boy groups who helped in spreading the hallyu wave. And for our last story, we are going to talk about an upcoming film with a "punch?" ‘One Punch Man’ Ma Dong-seok will hunt down demons in the upcoming film “Holy Night: Demon Hunters.” On Wednesday, a press conference for the film was held at Lotte Cinema’s Konguk University branch in Seoul, where the film’s lead actors Ma Dong-seok, Jung Ji-so, Kyung Soo-jin, Seo-hyun, Lee Da-wit, and director Lim Dae-hee attended. “Holy Night” is an occult action film where the ‘Holy Night’ team of dark fixers take on the forces of evil in a city plunged into chaos by a cult that worships evil. We will be able to see Ma Dong-seok throwing his signature ‘nuclear punch’ but this time at demons, instead of humans. Ma didn't just participate in the film as an actor, but also contributed to film making. He said at the press conference that he watched thousands of horror films from all around the world until he got sick of them. One of the main actors, Seo-hyun, a member of Girls’ Generation, will make her screen debut with this film. “Holy Night: Demon Hunters” will hit theaters on April 30th. I feel already bad for the demons that will have to deal with Ma Dong-seok's hard punch. Thank you Bella for today’s stories.

Val Kilmer, Top Gun and Batman star, dies at 65

2025/04/03 10:00

In the United States, renowned actor Val Kilmer passed away on Tuesday night at the age of 65. The cause of death was complications from pneumonia. Kilmer had previously battled throat cancer, diagnosed in 2014, which significantly impacted his health and career. He was celebrated for his performances in iconic films, including Top Gun, in which he played the character "Iceman." He also played the role of the Caped Crusader in Batman Forever. Kilmer is survived by two children, Mercedes and Jack Kilmer, who continue his artistic legacy in the acting industry.

Spring bliss at Bucheon Azalea Festival

2025/04/03 10:00

Spring is finally upon us, meaning more outdoor activities and festivals for us to enjoy. And that being said, our Lee Eun-hee introduces us to a flower festival to check out this weekend. The Bucheon Azalea Festival is blooming. The vibrant pink azaleas have people soaking up the spring vibes. Bucheon City, not too far from Seoul, is hosting this beautiful festival at Bucheon Stadium and Wonmisan Mountain or Wonmisan Azalea Hill. "The trails around Wonmisan Azalea Hill offer a great opportunity to enjoy both the stunning azalea blossoms and the natural beauty of the landscape while hiking. It's the perfect way to soak in the scenery and get some fresh air." "I visit every year. Taking in the scenery brings me a sense of peace. Now, at 72, I find myself reflecting on the beauty of life and the passing of time." "It was my first time to come and see these beautiful flowers, I came to see the azalea blossom. And then I roamed around and saw lots of beautiful flowers. And then I found out the market which was nearby and there I enjoyed the food. It was crowded, but if you want to have beautiful photos for your Instagram or social media, I recommend that you visit here." A key goal of the festival is to boost the local economy by hosting a variety of events and activities, such as making custom azalea-themed bags. "The Azalea Festival is timed to coincide with the spring bloom, transforming open spaces at Bucheon Stadium into interactive attractions. To promote cultural tourism and support the local economy, the festival features a flea market with local artists, small business product sales, and a variety of food trucks." Many other spring blossom festivals across South Korea are still running. Other major festivals include the Daegu E-World Blossom Picnic, Taean Tulip Festival, Jinhae Gunhangjae Festival, and Gokseong World Rose Festival. The Bucheon Azalea Festival will run until April 6th. However, music performances have been canceled as a mark of respect for those affected by the recent tragic wildfires in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. Spring is here, but so are heartbreaking losses. Lee Eun-hee Arirang News.

Spring bliss at Bucheon Azalea Festival

2025/04/02 20:00

Korea is ushering in the sights and sounds of spring. That being said, our Lee Eun-hee sheds light on a flower festival to celebrate this particular season. The Bucheon Azalea Festival is blooming. The vibrant pink azaleas have people soaking up the spring vibes. Bucheon City, not too far from Seoul, is hosting this beautiful festival at Bucheon Stadium and Wonmisan Mountain or Wonmisan Azalea Hill. "The trails around Wonmisan Azalea Hill offer a great opportunity to enjoy both the stunning azalea blossoms and the natural beauty of the landscape while hiking. It's the perfect way to soak in the scenery and get some fresh air." "I visit every year. Taking in the scenery brings me a sense of peace. Now, at 72, I find myself reflecting on the beauty of life and the passing of time." "It was my first time to come and see these beautiful flowers, I came to see the azalea blossom. And then I roamed around and saw lots of beautiful flowers. And then I found out the market which was nearby and there I enjoyed the food. It was crowded, but if you want to have beautiful photos for your Instagram or social media, I recommend that you visit here." A key goal of the festival is to boost the local economy by hosting a variety of events and activities, such as making custom azalea-themed bags. "The Azalea Festival is timed to coincide with the spring bloom, transforming open spaces at Bucheon Stadium into interactive attractions. To promote cultural tourism and support the local economy, the festival features a flea market with local artists, small business product sales, and a variety of food trucks." Many other spring blossom festivals across South Korea are still running. Other major festivals include the Daegu E-World Blossom Picnic, Taean Tulip Festival, Jinhae Gunhangjae Festival, and Gokseong World Rose Festival. The Bucheon Azalea Festival will run until April 6th. However, music performances have been canceled as a mark of respect for those affected by the recent tragic wildfires in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. Spring is here, but so are heartbreaking losses. Lee Eun-hee Arirang News.

Spring bliss at Bucheon Azalea Festival

2025/04/02 17:00

On a light note now. Korea is ushering in the sights and sounds of spring. That being said Lee Eun-hee sheds light on a flower festival to celebrate this particular season. The Bucheon Azalea Festival is blooming. The vibrant pink azaleas have people soaking up the spring vibes. Bucheon City, not too far from Seoul, is hosting this beautiful festival at Bucheon Stadium and Wonmisan Mountain or Wonmisan Azalea Hill. "The trails around Wonmisan Azalea Hill offer a great opportunity to enjoy both the stunning azalea blossoms and the natural beauty of the landscape while hiking. It's the perfect way to soak in the scenery and get some fresh air." "I visit every year. Taking in the scenery brings me a sense of peace. Now, at 72, I find myself reflecting on the beauty of life and the passing of time." "It was my first time to come and see these beautiful flowers, I came to see the azalea blossom. And then I roamed around and saw lots of beautiful flowers. And then I found out the market which was nearby and there I enjoyed the food. It was crowded, but if you want to have beautiful photos for your Instagram or social media, I recommend that you visit here." A key goal of the festival is to boost the local economy by hosting a variety of events and activities, such as making custom azalea-themed bags. "The Azalea Festival is timed to coincide with the spring bloom, transforming open spaces at Bucheon Stadium into interactive attractions. To promote cultural tourism and support the local economy, the festival features a flea market with local artists, small business product sales, and a variety of food trucks." Many other spring blossom festivals across South Korea are still running. Other major festivals include the Daegu E-World Blossom Picnic, Taean Tulip Festival, Jinhae Gunhangjae Festival, and Gokseong World Rose Festival. The Bucheon Azalea Festival will run until April 6th. However, music performances have been canceled as a mark of respect for those affected by the recent tragic wildfires in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. Spring is here, but so are heartbreaking losses. Lee Eun-hee Arirang News.

K-wave AI News

2025/04/02 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Palaces and museums near the Constitutional Court will be closed this Friday, the day of the court's ruling on President Yoon's impeachment. Police plan to enforce the highest-level emergency alert level on that day, completely sealing off the areas surrounding the Constitutional Court to prevent any external access. Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Deoksugung Palace will be closed for the day, with cultural events either postponed or canceled. The royal guard-changing ceremony at Heungnyemun Gate will not take place, while the Starlight Tour at Gyeongbokgung Palace has been rescheduled from April 4th to the 14th. Major museums around Gyeongbokgung Palace and Gwanghwamun Square, including the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History, will also be closed on Friday. Renowned Korean pianist Lim Yun-chan will continue his domestic appearances this summer, following his successful performance at the Tongyeong International Music Festival last week. Lim will collaborate with the Orchestre de Paris under the baton of Klaus Mäkelä this June. According to concert organizer Vincero, Lim will perform with the orchestra at the Seoul Arts Center on June 11, presenting Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 4. That will be reprised at the LG Arts Center on June 13 and at the Lotte Concert Hall on June 15. Known for his technical brilliance and emotional depth, Lim rose to stardom after winning the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition at the age of 18. The musical "Phantom" will mark its 10th anniversary with a special performance at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts this May. Produced by EMK Musical Company, the show will run from May 31 to August 11, featuring Park Hyo-shin, Kai, and Jeon Dong-seok in leading roles. Celebrated singer and musical theater actor Park Hyo-shin returns as the Phantom for the first time in nine years. The role of Christine Daaé, who is guided by the Phantom to become an opera diva, will be played by Lee Ji-hye, Song Eun-hye, and Jang Hye-rin. Premiered in 2015, "Phantom" tells the story of a musical genius with a disfigured appearance, living in hiding beneath the Paris Opera House. Chung Mong-gyu, president of the Korea Football Association, has been appointed as the interim president of the East Asian Football Federation. According to the KFA on Tuesday, Chung was selected to replace former president Kozo Tajima, following his resignation, in a meeting of the EAFF Executive Committee in Tokyo. Chung will serve as interim president until receiving formal approval at the East Asian football body's General Assembly in July and will officially hold the position until March, next year. The KFA explained that it is EAFF policy for the host country of the biennial East Asian Football Tournament to assume the presidency. The association pledged full preparations for this year's tournament, set to be held in Korea this July. That's all from me. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.