News

Taiwan's oldest panda, Yuanyuan, celebrates her 21st birthday

2025/09/01 11:39

In Taiwan, Taipei Zoo celebrated its female panda, Yuan-yuan's, 21st birthday on Saturday, with hundreds of visitors watching as she enjoyed a special ice cake decorated with a Winnie-the-Pooh carrot figure. Born in 2004, Yuan-yuan arrived in Taiwan in 2008 alongside male panda Tuan-tuan, under China's panda diplomacy initiative. At 21, she has far exceeded the average wild panda lifespan of 14 to 20 years. Her companion, Tuan-tuan, passed away in 2022 after 18 years, but their legacy lives on through their two female cubs, Yuan Zai, who is 12 years old, and Yuan Bao, who is 5 years old.

Oldboy director, Park Chan-wook's new film, 'No Other Choice,' has 100% on Rotten Tomatoes

2025/09/01 11:35

A much anticipated film by a star Korean director Park Chan-wook No Other Choice has achieved a 100 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. According to the film-rating website so far 17 critics have reviewed the film as of Monday, and it is as fresh as it gets. BBC's Nicholas Barber says "No Other Choice isn't just Park's funniest film, but his most humane, too, and that's quite something for a comedy as violent as this one." The film was unveiled at Venice Film Festival last week and received a lengthy standing ovation heightening anticipation ahead of Saturday's announcement of the festival's top prize, the Golden Lion. Park's filmography boasts Oldboy, The Handmaiden, Decision to Leave, and Lady Vengeance.

[NEWs GEN] Underwear as Outerwear: Should intimates be everday fashion?

2025/09/01 11:33

[NEWs GEN] Underwear as Outerwear: Should intimates be everyday fashion?

[Arts & Culture] What cultural events can Gyeongju offer APEC 2025

2025/08/29 23:41

It's Friday, which means it's time for Arts and Culture. We have our culture correspondent, Park Kun-woo, in the studio. Welcome Kun-woo! Great to be here, Dami! So what do you have for us today? This time, I visited Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, in the southeastern part of Korea, which is the host city of the upcoming APEC 2025 Leaders Meeting. As the event is now just two months away, I got to see how Gyeongju is gearing up to welcome delegates with cultural offerings. And earlier this week, a kind of preview took place, as culture ministers and representatives gathered in the city. So, let's first take a closer look at the city's cultural vibe. A city alive with millennia of history, Gyeongju is set to light up APEC 2025 with its vibrant cultural scene. From ancient treasures to modern innovations, the city prepares to showcase how culture fuels creativity and drives economic growth. "We are preparing a variety of cultural programs so that everyone can enjoy Korea's past and present, showcasing the power of our culture, especially as the event takes place in Gyeongju." One highlight is a special exhibition at the Gyeongju National Museum, featuring artifacts from the Silla Dynasty, including six golden crowns, all displayed together for the first time. The museum will also hold the APEC banquet. "The banquet hall in the middle court of the Gyeongju National Museum is now entering its final stage of construction. Built in a traditional style using wood, the venue will soon be ready to welcome and fascinate APEC leaders." Work will be completed by September so that it can host events, including K-pop and traditional performances, during APEC. The museum's merchandise has also been selling out, especially after the global hit "KPop Demon Hunters." Inspired by Gyeongju's heritage, these goods are especially popular with foreign visitors. The museum has already welcomed 1 million visitors this year, including many people from abroad. "Compared to the past, when most visitors were from China or Japan, now even Europeans are visiting. Many purchase goods after learning the cultural significance behind them." Earlier this week, Gyeongju hosted the first-ever High Level Dialogue on Cultural and Creative Industries under APEC, attracting culture representatives who seemed already impressed by the city's richness. "The host is going to impress me much more with the cultural sites that you have. Your temples, your ancestral heritage, in order to also export talent. It would be super valid and super interesting to have, for example, cross-business expectations, synergies, cross-cultural ideas." With expectations high, Gyeongju continues preparing to welcome the delegations when they return in late October. "A city where a brilliant ancient history and culture stay alive. I prefer to mention it as an ancient future city embracing digital innovation and creative industry to pave the way where the past and the future move forward together." Gyeongju officials added that more efforts would be made to ensure APEC 2025 is also a success. Kun-woo, you've mentioned it's the very first high-level dialogue within APEC regarding the cultural field. Tell us more about what happened on site? Yes, there were delegates from several different countries, including the culture ministers of Indonesia and Peru, attending the dialogue held from Tuesday through Thursday this week. The event was significant as perceptions of the culture industry have shifted. Countries now see culture as a major driving force of the economy to the point where this dialogue was held for the first time. South Korea's culture minister said that culture carries universal sentiment, which enables countries to connect and cooperate more. Under the three main topics for this year's APEC, which are "Connect, Innovate, and Prosper," key sectors, including AI, were discussed. "We recognized that the development of digital technologies, including AI, will drive innovation across cultural industries. We also acknowledged that AI could affect jobs and creator rights, and together agreed on the need for collective efforts to protect them." He added they will continue working with countries, including China the next host of APEC so that these discussions and agreements persist. Everyone knows that AI is now a key factor. How does the government plan to foster the culture sector connected with AI? Well, today the government revealed its budget plans, which also include measures for culture. The administration said it will provide nearly double the funding to strengthen K-culture competitiveness and boost exports. And one of the key points of the plan was greater support for AI-based content production. The government also plans to create training programs to foster AI content creators as well. Alright, Kun-woo, thanks for all of that. We'll see you next week. Thank you.

Seoul Beauty Week turns DDP into a global beauty festival

2025/08/29 23:37

K-beauty takes the stage at massive event right in the heart of Seoul. Beauty-lovers and business-representatives alike joined Seoul Beauty Week to see and experience the latest in K-beauty. Byeon Ye-young was there. A machine scans the face. AI technology then analyzes skin tone and condition, recommending products from a vast database. It's one of the many innovative K-beauty products visitors can try at Seoul Beauty Week. "Seoul Beauty Week is not just an exhibition, it's a beauty festival that the general public can also enjoy. For businesses, it provides opportunities to expand their networks, while for the public, it offers a chance to truly experience and enjoy K-beauty. That's the purpose of our event." On opening day, a special Biz Preview tour gave industry buyers and decision-makers a first look at K-beauty before the event opened to the public. From global bestsellers to emerging brands, visitors can test products, participate in fun events, and take home samples or full-sized products that reflect the very best in the industry. "This is the Trend Zone, where nearly 120 companies are showcasing the latest in K-beauty. From skincare and body care to beauty tech and lifestyle products." Here, visitors can design their own facial mist, picking a serum to match their skin type and a fragrance to fit their style, and they can even add a personalized label on the spot. Many booths also highlight eco-friendly concepts and natural ingredients Others show the science behind the skincare, from AI-powered tools to the latest in beauty tech. In keeping with its goal of globalizing K-beauty, the event is geared up for foreign visitors. "I really appreciate. They also speak English when they introduce the new product so we can understand better" Away from the stalls, there is a whole range of exciting programs, from global marketing seminars to makeup shows, and influencer talks featuring fan-favorite beauty gurus. Seoul Beauty Week runs until August 30th at Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Byeon Ye-young, Arirang News.

Seoul Beauty Week turns DDP into a global beauty festival

2025/08/29 19:44

For those of you here interested in Korean beauty products and trends there's a related event taking place right in the heart of Seoul. Our Byeon Ye-young took a look. A machine scans the face. AI technology then analyzes skin tone and condition, recommending products from a vast database. It's one of the many innovative K-beauty products visitors can try at Seoul Beauty Week. "Seoul Beauty Week is not just an exhibition, it's a beauty festival that the general public can also enjoy. For businesses, it provides opportunities to expand their networks, while for the public, it offers a chance to truly experience and enjoy K-beauty. That's the purpose of our event." On opening day, a special Biz Preview tour gave industry buyers and decision-makers a first look at K-beauty before the event opened to the public. From global bestsellers to emerging brands, visitors can test products, participate in fun events, and take home samples or full-sized products that reflect the very best in the industry. "This is the Trend Zone, where nearly 120 companies are showcasing the latest in K-beauty. From skincare and body care to beauty tech and lifestyle products." Here, visitors can design their own facial mist, picking a serum to match their skin type and a fragrance to fit their style, and they can even add a personalized label on the spot. Many booths also highlight eco-friendly concepts and natural ingredients Others show the science behind the skincare, from AI-powered tools to the latest in beauty tech. In keeping with its goal of globalizing K-beauty, the event is geared up for foreign visitors. "I really appreciate. They also speak English when they introduce the new product so we can understand better" Away from the stalls, there is a whole range of exciting programs, from global marketing seminars to makeup shows, and influencer talks featuring fan-favorite beauty gurus. Seoul Beauty Week runs until August 30th at Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Byeon Ye-young, Arirang News.

[K-enter] aespa to perform new release at weekend concerts

2025/08/29 15:38

Time for some K-entertainment news with Bella Kim. Bella, let’s start off with not just one but two exciting stories on K-pop girl group aespa. ‘Metal taste’ girl group aespa will start their tour “2025 aespa LIVE TOUR -SYNK : aeXIS LINE” with three concerts at the KSPO Dome in Seoul from today, that’s Friday Korea time, until Sunday. All three performances have sold out, including limited-view seats. For fans who unfortunately could not get their hands on the tickets, the Saturday and Sunday concerts will be broadcast live online through Beyond LIVE. After the Seoul concerts, the tour will continue with a total of 15 performances across Asia. And that’s not all -get ready for this MYs! Aespa will release their sixth mini-album “Rich Man” on September 5th. The group will perform the new release for the very first time, including the title track “Rich Man,” at this weekend’s concerts in Seoul. We have another album dropping this time from a male artist? Lim Young-woong is releasing his second full-length album “IM HERO 2” today, Friday. The album consists of 11 songs, including the title track “Eternal Moment,” which conveys the resonance of life. On Thursday, the “Eternal Moment” music video was pre-released, and a special listening session was held in about 50 CGV theaters across the nation, where the fans got to hear the full album for the first time before its official release. Lim Young-woong will also hold a nationwide tour titled, “IM HERO” that will begin in Incheon in October. And now we will end off today’s K-enter with some exciting stories for movie fans. Actress Youn Yuh-jung’s new comedy film “The Wedding Banquet” has locked its Korea release date for September 24th, after first being released in the U.S. back in April. The film is a remake of director Ang Lee’s 1993 film of the same name. The remake transforms the story into a witty, unpredictable comedy, centering on a same-sex couple’s fake marriage that is hilariously upended by a sharp-witted Korean grandmother. Reuniting with a grandmother role after “Minari,” Youn plays Ja-young, the grandmother of one of the main characters. Ahead of its release, “The Wedding Banquet” won ‘Amazon MGM Producers Award’ at the Sundance Film Festival, and has also been invited to the Busan International Film Festival. “The Wedding Banquet” will premiere in Korea on September 24th, exclusively at Lotte Cinema. Will catch it in September! Thank you Bella for today’s stories. Time now to go over to our AI anchor Ari, for more on the culture front.

K-Wave AI News

2025/08/29 15:37

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. The number of visitors to the Gyeongju National Museum this year has surpassed one million. The milestone was reached on August 24, 45 days faster than last year. Among them, 60,000 were foreign visitors. The museum attributed the rise to the success of its special exhibition on Goryeo celadon, which attracted some 300,000 visitors. It expects total attendance for the year to exceed last year's 1.3 million, boosted by its upcoming display of Silla gold crowns marking the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting set for October in Gyeongju. The 2025 Korea Artist Prize exhibition opened today at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul, featuring works by finalists Kim Young-eun, Kim Ji-pyeong, Artist Collective Unmake Lab, and Im Young-zoo. Kim Young-eun spotlights Korean history and identity through "sound," while Kim Ji-pyeong reinterprets traditional views in East Asian painting. Unmake Lab challenges human-centered perspectives tied to national development and AI, and Im explores the intersection of old superstitions and modern science. The exhibition runs through February 1, with the final winner to be announced in January. Seoul's signature fall event, the Seoul International Fireworks Festival, is set to return on September 27 at Yeouido Hangang Park. Hosted by Hanwha Group since 2000 as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts, the festival draws more than one million spectators each year. Under the theme, "Light Up Together," teams from Korea, Italy, and Canada are set to illuminate the night sky over the Hangang River with spectacular displays. The event will also be streamed live on Hanwha's official YouTube channel, Hanwha TV. That's all from me. Stay tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[Short-form] 3 Spots to Catch the Last Splash of Summer

2025/08/29 15:36

Still chasing that perfect summer escape? It’s not too late. Here are three thrilling spots to send off the season.

[Kulture Issue] Analysis of Director Park Chan-wook's "No Other Choice" at Venice Int'l Film Festival

2025/08/29 15:36

The Venice International Film Festival is underway in the beautiful Italian city of Venice. And for the first time in 13 years, a Korean movie is competing for a top award at this prestigious film event. It's "No Other Choice" by director Park Chan-wook. Expectations for the movie are high, with the local release in cinemas scheduled for next month. Let’s have a deeper talk with our movie expert Jae Soh, professor and filmmaker at Seoul Institute of the Arts. Welcome back Professor Soh! Q1. Professor Soh, let’s begin with the significance of a Korean film having made it into the main competition section at the Venice International Film Festival. How do you assess this inclusion and what is "No Other Choice" about? Q2. The movie has been getting a lot of attention since the cast including Lee Byung-hun and Son Ye-jin was revealed. There are high expectations regarding the chemistry between the actors. Tell us more about the roles please. Q3. "No Other Choice" is based on the American novel "The Ax"(Donald Westlake), just like Bong Joon-ho's "Mickey 17" was based on the American novel "Mickey7". Both can be seen as an example of a Korean director reinterpreting a foreign novel. What kind of Korean-style interpretation can we anticipate this time? Q4. At a press conference for the movie, actor Lee Byung-hun described the film as being both humorous and sad. What do you expect from director Park’s attempt at dark humor in this film and what are some of his previous works that share a similar tone? Q5. "No Other Choice" has been not only been invited to Venice but also to the Busan, Toronto, and New York film festivals. What impact do you think its presence at such events will bring to the Korean film industry going forward? Q6. Director Park Chan-wook has tackled various genres including horror, melodrama, and thriller throughout his career. Could this new work mark a turning point or a new phase in his filmography? Q7. Finally, how do you view the chances of this work winning an award at Venice? Also, regardless of whether it wins, what impact will this have on its domestic and international release in September? Can't wait to watch it. Thank you very much Professor Soh for your insights. Thank you Bella, have a great weekend. Thank YOU for spending the past half an hour with us on "the Kulture Wave". Enjoy the last weekend of August everyone! We'll be back on Monday, 2 p.m. Korea time.

[Features reporter] Seoul Beauty Week turns DDP into a global beauty festival

2025/08/29 15:35

Ye-young, I heard you went to an event filled with beauty products? Yes, I did. I visited Seoul Beauty Week at Dongdaemun Design Plaza to check out the latest in K-beauty. I’ve been wanting to go. I heard there are a load of fun activities, and sometimes you even get a load of free stuff. That’s right. I’ll admit, I came back with about five bags, full to the brim with new products to try out. But Seoul Beauty Week is about much more than freebies. It’s also a stage for innovation, conversation, and new business opportunities in the K-beauty market. Let’s take a closer look. A machine scans the face. AI technology then analyzes skin tone and condition, recommending products from a vast database. It’s one of the many innovative K-beauty products visitors can try at Seoul Beauty Week. “Seoul Beauty Week is not just an exhibition, it’s a beauty festival that the general public can also enjoy. For businesses, it provides opportunities to expand their networks, while for the public, it offers a chance to truly experience and enjoy K-beauty. That’s the purpose of our event.” On opening day, a special Biz Preview tour gave industry buyers and decision-makers a first look at K-beauty before the event opened to the public. From global bestsellers to emerging brands, visitors can test products, participate in fun events, and take home samples or full-sized products that reflect the very best in the industry. “This is the Trend Zone, where nearly 120 companies are showcasing the latest in K-beauty. From skincare and body care to beauty tech and lifestyle products.” Here, visitors can design their own facial mist, picking a serum to match their skin type and a fragrance to fit their style, and they can even add a personalized label on the spot. Many booths also highlight eco-friendly concepts and natural ingredients Others show the science behind the skincare, from AI-powered tools to the latest in beauty tech. In keeping with its goal of globalizing K-beauty, the event is geared up for foreign visitors. “I really appreciate. They also speak English when they introduce the new product so we can understand better” Away from the stalls, there is a whole range of exciting programs, from global marketing seminars to makeup shows, and influencer talks featuring fan-favorite beauty gurus. Seoul Beauty Week runs until August 30th at Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Wow, it looked like there were so many people there! Yes! And keep in mind, most of what you saw was filmed before the event officially opened to the public. Once the doors opened, the plaza was packed, with lines stretching all the way outside. That really shows the popularity of Korean beauty products. And I think it’s amazing that so many international visitors were there as well. Exactly. It really shows the global appeal of K-beauty. Now, in your report you highlighted AI, natural ingredients, and technology-based skincare. But it looked like there was even more to see there? Yes, the packaging for many of the products was simply amazing. It was so eye-catching, trendy, and creative. For example, these body products don’t look like cosmetics at all. They’re designed to look more like decorative pieces for your home, and even double as flower vases. And look at these products here. Don't they resemble whiskey bottles? At first glance, you’d think it belongs on a bar shelf rather than a bathroom counter. A very creative idea. Wow, that’s really fun. It makes you want to display them, not just use them. Exactly. And it wasn’t just about products. You mentioned it was also a star-studded event with influencers attending? Yes. Actually, I ran into someone very special, a familiar face to our Arirang viewers. He was recently on the Kulture Wave, and he wanted to share a message with our viewers. "When it comes to beauty cosmetics, K-beauty is one of the best I believe and this is the capital city of K-beauty. I highly recommend you to come and check it out. K-beauty, K-everything here in Korea." Thank you to Prince Gunwoo for that message, and thank you Ye-young for your coverage! Thank you Ye-young. My pleasure.

Ariana Grande announces 'The Eternal Sunshine Tour'

2025/08/29 11:38

American pop superstar Ariana Grande has officially announced "The Eternal Sunshine Tour," her first major concert tour in six years, in support of her 2024 album Eternal Sunshine. The two-time Grammy winner made the announcement on Thursday, by sharing a poster with tour dates and locations on her social media. A teaser for the event was released the day before, which included a caption that read, "See you next year." The tour will kick off on June 6, 2026, with back-to-back shows at the Oakland Arena in California and wrap up in London. Ticket sales will begin with presales on September 9, followed by general admission on September 10.

'KPop Demon Hunters' leads to near twofold increase in K-pop streams in U.S.

2025/08/28 19:41

The impact of "KPOP Demon Hunters" on South Korea's K-pop itself in the U.S. has been tangible. According to music data company Luminate streams of K-pop surpassed 300 MILLION as of August 7th nearly DOUBLE the number of streams seen on June 20th when the Netflix animation was released. A graph by the company shows the popularity.. of the movie's soundtrack solidified the K-pop genre's presence in the American market.

[K-enter] Park Chan-wook, will he take home the Golden Lion?

2025/08/28 15:39

Our first K-enter story today, news on legendary director Park Chan-wook. The 82nd Venice International Film Festival, regarded as one of the world’s top three film festivals, opened on Wednesday local time. Among Korean films, director Park Chan-wook’s "No Other Choice" is the only entry selected for the main competition section, which awards the Golden Lion for Best Film. This marks Park’s first appearance on the Venice competition lineup since “Lady Vengeance” in 2005. "No Other Choice" is adapted from American author Donald E. Westlake’s novel "The Ax", restructured into a story about an unemployed man preparing to re-enter the workforce, who ends up waging a desperate battle to protect his family. The 82nd Venice International Film Festival will run until September 6, with the awards ceremony taking place during the closing event. Next up, we have some news that will have the BTS' ARMY flocking to the movie theatres. South Korean cinema company Megabox as well as cinemas across the globe are launching "BTS Movie Weeks", a month-long cinematic event featuring four of the global supergroup’s live concert films. The worldwide ticket pre-sale has already begun, accompanied by the release of a trailer highlighting some of BTS’s most unforgettable moments on stage. The program includes: “BTS 2016 Live The Most Beautiful Moment in Life On Stage: Epilogue,” “BTS 2017 Live Trilogy EPISODE III THE WINGS TOUR THE FINAL,” “BTS 2019 WORLD TOUR ‘LOVE YOURSELF: SPEAK YOURSELF’ LONDON” and “BTS 2021 MUSTER SOWOOZOO”. All are monumental concerts from their career so far. I would advise visiting the weverse site for more on ticket sales and times as well as scheduled screening dates in your area. Lastly, let's end with some "Good News" on another Korean movie making it to an international film festival. It's always good news when Korean movies catch the eyes of international audiences and one of the latest to do so is Netflix's "Good News" which has been invited to the special presentation section of the 50th Toronto International Film Festival. "Good News" is set in the 1970s and follows the mission to land a plane hijacked by a Japanese communist group who plan to fly it to Pyongyang . The movie stars Sul KyungGu and is directed by Byun SeongHyun who have previously worked together on the hit 2022 political noir film "Kingmaker" which earned director Byun the Best Director Award at the "Baeksang Arts Awards" and "Grand Bell Awards." "Good News" will be released on Netflix on October 17. Thanks for that news Walter, stick around. We will now go over to our AI anchor Ari for more on the culture front. Ari, take it away!

K-wave AI News

2025/08/28 15:37

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. APEC member economies held their first-ever high-level dialogue on cultural and creative industries this week in Gyeongju. In a joint statement, they underscored the economic value of the cultural sector and pledged to foster innovation in creating and distributing related content through digital and AI technologies. Members also agreed to continue regional dialogue in the field. Culture Minister Chae Hwi-young hailed the elevation of culture as a core APEC agenda and the opportunity to showcase Korea's cultural strengths as major achievements of the inaugural gathering. Exhibitions exploring various transformations of ink wash painting will open this weekend in Jeollanam-do Province. Ink wash painting is a traditional East Asian art form that uses varying shades of black ink on absorbent surfaces. The Jeonnam International Sumuk Biennale will be held from Saturday through October 31 under the theme "Somewhere Over the Yellow Sea," spanning venues in Mokpo, Jindo, and Haenam. Over 80 teams from 20 countries are set to showcase a wide range of works that offer fresh interpretations of ink wash painting beyond the use of traditional black ink. Biennale Director Yoon Jae-gab, noting that most biennales worldwide remain under the influence of Western art, voiced hopes that the exhibitions would take the lead in advancing K-Art on the global stage. Also on Saturday, the 2025 Tour de DMZ International Road Cycling Tour will take place in Goseong-gun County, Gangwon-do Province. Launched in 2016, the cycling race is an annual international event held along the Demilitarized Zone dividing the two Koreas. More than 1,000 cyclists are expected to compete this year, along long-distance and medium-distance routes stretching 93 kilometers and 64 kilometers, respectively. This year's race includes sections along the Civilian Control Line, where bicycle traffic is normally restricted. Organizers described the race as a symbolic event promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula, expressing hopes it will also support balanced development in border areas and boost the local economy. That's all from me. Stay tuned to the Kulture Wave.

The beauty of emptiness and restraint: 'One Dance' returns for its fourth season

2025/08/28 15:36

A royal ritual reimagined on stage, "Ilmu," or "One Dance," blends tradition with modern artistry. The Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theater's striking performance is drawing full houses and preparing to tour beyond the capital. Our News Features reporter Byeon Ye-young tells us more. Dancers in perfect unison, creating geometric shapes that expand, contract, vanish, then reappear. 'Ilmu' , meaning "One Dance", is a modern take on the ancestral rites once performed for Joseon Dynasty kings and queens at Jongmyo Shrine. It's presented by the Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theater, reimagining Jongmyo Jeryeak , a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. "It's a piece built on the idea of setting aside the individual, placing oneself within order, and joining a unified dance with the hope that everything will come together in harmony." This year marks its fourth run, following three successful seasons and sold-out shows at New York's Lincoln Center in 2023. The performance opens with the traditional Ilmu dance, shifts into contemporary dance, and concludes with a modern fusion that blends the two. What never changes are the principles of unison and multiplication. Dancers move together like a single breathing organism. "Even though our dancers are from different age groups, we move and even breathe together. What seems simple on stage actually takes a lot of work and focus, so I hope the audience can feel the effort and energy we put into that harmony." Every movement, down to the angle of the fingers, is intentional. As is the use of silence. At times, the only sounds are the slight rustle of fabric and the dancers' near-silent footsteps. The stage design is deliberately minimal, creating contrast with bold costumes inspired by 'obangsaek' , the five traditional colors of Korea. The beauty of emptiness and restraint is also what Director Jung Ku-ho wanted to highlight in the performance. "The stage often opens up a white space at the center as props and dancers gather, scatter, empty out, and regroup. We explored choreography that reflects this constant flow, pursuing the beauty of emptiness. The stage itself was also designed to highlight that sense of space." The four-day run in Seoul ended with every seat sold out. Next, "One Dance" will travel to Gangneung city and Daegu city to share its vision of tradition and modernity. Byeon Ye-young, Arirang News.

[Short-form] Seoul’s night is calling

2025/08/28 15:35

Discover the perfect spots to enjoy Seoul after dark, the magic hour loved most by visitors from around the world.

[NEWs GEN] From skincare to treatments: Unveiling the magic of Korea’s beauty industry

2025/08/28 12:33

From skincare to treatments: Unveiling the magic of Korea’s beauty industry 서울뷰티위크… 한국 미용·의료 기술의 현재와 미래

Guinness World Records celebrates 70th anniversary

2025/08/28 11:38

Finally, the Guinness World Records, a British record-listing platform, celebrated its 70th anniversary on Wednesday, marking seven decades since the first edition was published on August 27, 1955. To commemorate the milestone, the organization unveiled 70 new unclaimed record categories, inviting the public to attempt feats ranging from the fastest 400-meter sack race, furthest bottle flip, to the most high-fives in 30 seconds. The Guinness World Records' history began as a way to resolve pub debates and has since transformed into a global authority on extraordinary achievements, continuing to celebrate human ambition in different forms.

Gateway for young aspiring artists: 2025 ASYAAF

2025/08/28 11:36

The works of young, aspiring artists are on display here in Seoul.. as they seek to establish a firm foothold in the world of art. Our Ahn Sung-jin spoke to a few of them. Hidden artistic talent is now in the spotlight. Here at the 2025 Asian Students and Young Artists Art Festival, more than 5-hundred artists have put up their work. Celebrating its 18th anniversary this year, ASYAAF is Asia’s largest festival for young artists. It features contributions from across Asia, including Taiwan, Singapore and Japan. “With more than one thousand art works on display, the exhibition provides a glimpse into the creativity and dedication of these young artists.” "I first got to know about this exhibition when I was in college, and back then I thought one day I will also showcase my artwork. This is my first ever exhibition so I've put a lot of effort into it." For a lot of young new artists, ASYAAF is a stepping stone to a bigger stage to showcase their artwork to the public. "Until now I've only submitted work as a group, but I wanted to experience the larger world so I ended up participating in this art fair with the dream of becoming an artist. I'm still a bit nervous, but I'm so happy that I can display my own work in a space like this." And it's the vibrant energy and passion that attracts visitors to the exhibition every year. "I'm coming here almost every year with my friend, and I like how I can see a variety of young artists and their artwork." "I've started coming here after my friend introduced me. Since these artists are young, I think I get a lot of energy from them and it's also refreshing to see them." This year's ASYAAF is being hosted at Culture Station Seoul 284, the former Seoul Station building which celebrates its 100th anniversary The exhibition is divided into 8 different concepts such as departure and arrival, destination and transit and other themes linked to train travel. "For a lot of these young artists, they're just starting their career, and I think ASYAAF acts as a gateway for these artists. We get attention for nurturing these artists who come out to continue great work." The exhibition runs until September 7th, and not only gives visitors a chance to appreciate the artwork but also interact with these rising stars of the art world, so why not go and check it out. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.