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

2025/02/07 14:00

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

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

2025/02/06 17:00

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

K-wave AI News

2025/02/06 14:00

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

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

2025/02/06 14:00

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

[K-enter] BLACKPINK Officially Confirms 2025 World Tour

2025/02/06 14:00

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

Reigning for 30 years, The Last Empress returns to stage

2025/02/06 14:00

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

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

2025/02/05 20:00

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

Reigning for 30 years, The Last Empress returns to stage

2025/02/05 17:00

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

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

2025/02/05 17:00

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

K-wave AI News

2025/02/05 14:00

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

How AI is impacting the film industry

2025/02/05 14:00

The impact of artificial intelligence is being felt across all kinds of industries, and the FILM sector is no exception. AI technology makes it possible for directors to create movies and TV series in just a few days and it’s also said to have the potential to change production methods and even content itself. To delve into this topic we are now connected to Jae Soh, Professor and filmmaker at Seoul Institute of the Arts. Hello Professor Soh! Q1. Professor Soh, very timely with our topic, just yesterday here in Korea, a partnership was clinched between Chat GPT developer OpenAI and Korea’s tech giant Kakao. OpenAI chief Sam Altman praised Korea’s AI adoption rate and expressed high expectations for the country’s AI market. We want to delve into this market within the MOVIE sector where it is already showing significant presence. At what stage is AI technology in terms of filmmaking? Q2. Please give us some examples of the different AI tools used in making films. Which are the most promising technologies and also what would be some limitations or even controversial tools? Q3. (Speaking as an educator yourself) I’m also curious about how AI is impacting how you teach filmmaking. Q4. The use of AI in the Korean film industry is still in its relatively early stages. Do you see the potential for AI movies to become mainstream in the domestic movie industry? Q5. How do you see AI impacting storytelling and creativity in movies? Recently, director Bong Joon-ho mentioned that there are areas in screenplay that cannot be written by AI. Do you agree with this statement? Q6. Let’s talk about how to deal with the legal and ethical issues of AI-generated creations. that are often linked to copyright issues. Are there related laws in place? (Either in Korea or abroad) Q7. {Our final question Professor Soh an issue that could be discussed for hours, but briefly) Given the existing limitations and challenges in AI technology, how can humans and AI coexist effectively in filmmaking?

[K-enter] G-Dragon to release full album "Übermensch" on February 25th

2025/02/05 14:00

Time for our daily dose of K-entertainment news with Walter Lee. Starting off with a new K-pop album release. Yes, G-dragon is making his comeback with his third solo album, 11 years and 5 months since his previous solo album. On Tuesday, the Big Bang member announced the release of his third studio album, "Übermensch", by posting a teaser video on his official fan social media page. Soa, du sprichst Deutsch, you speak German. What does "Übermensch" mean exactly? Cool. As I mentioned it's been 11 years and 5 months since his last solo album, "COUP D’ETAT" , which was released in September 2013, and contained the very popular song "Crooked". Since his return to the music scene, G-Dragon has been dominating the charts with the release of his digital single "POWER" in October of last year. In November, he collaborated with fellow BIG BANG members Taeyang and Daesung on his other new song "HOME SWEET HOME", which continues to top the charts. The song actually secured the No.1 spot on Melon and Genie Music’s monthly charts for two consecutive months. For fans out there, "Übermensch" is set to be released on February 25. I can't wait to hear more on G-dragon's album, I am sure we will report more on it in future episodes. Moving away from K-pop and moving onto K-dramas. What do you have for us? The Netflix series "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call", starring Joo Ji-hoon , has overtaken "Squid Game 2" to become the most-watched non-English TV program on the streaming platform. According to Netflix’s official Top 10 site on Wednesday, "The Trauma Code" recorded 11.9 million views, a total of 82.7 million watch hours, in the fifth week of January ranking first among non-English TV shows. Previously, Squid Game 2, which had maintained the top spot for five consecutive weeks since its release on December 26 last year, dropped to second place with 5.2 million views. It's actually been a great time for Korean productions on Netflix as among the top 10 non-English TV shows, four were Korean. Great to hear K-content going strong on Netflix .. and sticking with the subject of Netflix and dramas, the streaming platform seems to have a perfect series for Valentine's Day next week. Yes, with the most romantic day of the year just around the corner, what better way to spend it than watching a romantic drama with your love interest or partner. I am talking about "Melo Movie". A romance drama series that follows two ambitious young individuals striving for love and success as they cross paths, inspire each other, and overcome personal hardships. The series stars Choi Woo-shik , best known for his role in the film "Parasite", and Park Bo-young , who recently starred in the drama "Light Shop", "Melo Movie", is a 10-episode series and will be released in its entirety worldwide on Netflix on Valentine's Day, February 14. Thanks for that K-entertainment news Walter, now let's take a look at what our AI anchor Ari has for us.

[Features reporter] People make Korean rice cakes, develop new recipes amid global popularity

2025/02/05 14:00

It's just a little past lunchtime here in Korea and the perfect time for an afternoon snack maybe something traditional. And Kun-woo, I heard you have something related to share with us today? Today, I brought a topic related to Korean food. Even though we just had lunch, it's always fun to talk about the world of food. Now let me ask you both -are you big fans of rice cakes? Well, it's not just us who love rice cakes so much; many people all over the world are enjoying them. But before I dive deeper, let's take a look at how rice cakes are being embraced globally. Chewy, bouncy Korean rice cakes are gaining global popularity. And it's not just on their own, but also in dishes made with them, including "tteokbokki" or spicy stir-fried rice cakes, along with a growing presence of Korean content. Tteokbokki was even added to the Oxford English Dictionary last year. As interest in rice cake grows, foreigners are finding ways to make their own. One way for visitors to Korea is by taking one-day cooking classes. "I've seen many "tteok" related videos with always these kind of platforms, TikTok, Instagram and I always wanted to try them. They're becoming a boom right now because everybody wants to know more." These classes are getting even more popular than before, to the point where they fill up within a day of opening. "Foreign visitors (they) are really huge fan of Korean staple food of rice cake. So we decided to hold this class regularly. Korean food has always been like a big trend and I think also in the rice cake they added more of the global potentials." Back at their homes, people are getting more creative, inventing their own recipes instead of just following the originals. One example is the viral "kkultteok" cereal that even made its way back to Korea. “So this is the popular “kkultteok” cereal that started going viral on social media outside Korea. All you need to do is pour milk on the rice cakes. Now, I’m going to try it myself to see why this has gained such popularity.” Along with this trend, rice cake exports have grown rapidly. According to South Korea's Food Ministry, exports exceeded 91 million U.S. dollars in 2024, around triple the figure from five years ago. An expert expects continued growth, citing specific factors. "Rice cakes tailored to local tastes, easy preparation, and a shelf life of over a year have boosted exports. The global market will continue to trend toward convenience and health-conscious foods as they are now." He also said establishing local distribution networks globally will be key to maintaining the momentum. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News. Now, I'm wondering how kkultteok cereal actually tastes. Me too. How was it Kun-woo? Personally, I've been a huge fan of kkultteok, honey-filled rice cakes, ever since I was a kid. So, eating it like a cereal was also really good, as you saw from all my facial expressions and everything during the report. But at the same time, I also thought it might not be the best idea to eat too much at once, as it could spike your blood sugar levels. And we shouldn't underestimate the calories. That's why tteok even is the main ingredient in some main dishes, like tteokguk (rice cake soup) for instance. Kunwoo, I've heard that the invention of recipes like the kkultteok cereal is part of a growing trend in the food industry these days. Can you tell us some more about it? Of course. So, the phenomenon behind these cases is based on what's called a "modisumer," a blend of "modify" and "consumer," meaning that today's consumers are consuming products in their own unique ways. In the case of the kkultteok cereal, that's not traditionally how Koreans would eat those honey-filled rice cakes. But what's even cooler is that as the recipe went viral on social media abroad, Korean snack companies started creating rice cakes specifically for cereals, with plans to export them later this year. Another case of the "modisumer" trend is something that might be very familiar to you all -jjapaguri or ramdon -from the global hit movie "Parasite." Now before we let you go, any last rice cake recommendations you can give to our viewers? Any "modisumer" recipes of your own? I have plenty. Just to give you some ideas today, I want to share how I enjoy "garaetteok," white, round, stick shaped rice cake that are also used to make tteokbokki. They're great on their own. But what I would recommend is to grill them in a frying pan, rolling them until they get brown and crispy. Then dip them in honey -Game set! Another great way to enjoy them is by wrapping them in "gim," dried seaweed which gives it an extra "kick." Also, adding sliced garaetteok to Korean soups is another way I enjoy them. Try adding them to your ramyeon! I bet you'll love it. Alright Kun-woo, thanks for all of that. We'll see you next time. Thank you Kun-woo. Of course, see you.

Reigning for 30 years, The Last Empress returns to stage

2025/02/04 20:00

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

[K-wave] Expansion of K-literature: Bora Chung shortlisted for Philip K. Dick Award

2025/02/04 14:00

<span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13); font-family: Roboto, Noto, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Korean writer Bora Chung or Chung Bora has been both shortlisted and longlisted for distinguished international awards, and this year, her short stories collection "Your Utopia" was nominated for one of the world's most prestigious science fiction literary awards. That's further proof that Korean literature is gaining recognition and becoming more prominent on the global stage. Lee Eun-jin tells us more. "Your Utopia" is a 2024 short story collection by Korean author Bora Chung. It tells the story of a humanoid and an intelligent car fighting to survive after an infectious disease wipes out humanity. The book features seven other short stories including the opening piece titled "The Center for Immortality Research" and "The End of the Voyage." "Your Utopia" is a revised edition of the short story collection "Meeting Her" which was published in 2021 and is also one of the eight stories. As a collection of short stories, "Your Utopia" is the first Korean work to be nominated for the Philip K. Dick Award, one of the world's top three honors for science fiction. "The eight short stories in "Your Utopia" make you think about what living as a human being is. Even with all the difficulties we face in reality, how we can be better humans." American science-fiction author Philip K. Dick is the writer of original novels and short stories which were later adapted as movies including 'Blade Runner', 'Total Recall', and 'Minority Report.' He had a great influence on popular culture in the latter half of the 20th century, and after his death in 1982, the award has been presented annually since 1983 for distinguished works of science fiction. Along with other world prestigious awards that recognize science fiction publications like the Nebula Award and the Hugo Award, the winner of the Philip K. Dick Award will be announced in April. "Looking at the other writers and other works on the shortlist, being selected alongside them among the tens of thousands of books really is as hard as climbing above the clouds." Chung was shortlisted for the International Booker Prize in 2022 and longlisted for the National Book Award in 2023 for her collection of short stories, "Cursed Bunny." Following Han Kang's recent winning of the Nobel Prize in Literature, Korean literature is continuing to solidify its status globally, and being highly evaluated by critics abroad. Lee Eunjin, Arirang News.</span><div></div>

K-wave AI News

2025/02/04 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Seoul Fashion Week, Korea's largest premier fashion event, will kick off its five-day run on Wednesday. Top designers and emerging talents will present their collections at venues across Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Seongsu, Hannam, and Cheongdam-dong. This year's event launches with HANNAH SHIN's opening show, setting the stage for 19 runway shows and a dynamic trade show featuring 130 plus fashion brands and over 300 top buyers from around the world. Now in its 25th year, Seoul Fashion Week has grown into a global platform driving the expansion of K-fashion on the world stage. A name plaque of Korea's traditional palace hall housing portraits of past kings has returned from Japan for the first time in over a century. The National Heritage Service says the plaque, believed to have once hung in Seonwonjeon Hall at Gyeongbokgung Palace, was taken to Japan during the Japanese colonial period. It resurfaced at a 2023 auction in Japan, drawing attention as a symbol of the legitimacy of the Joseon royal family. The artifact will be unveiled to the public on February 27 at the National Palace Museum of Korea. Iksan in Jeollabuk-do Province and Gyeongju in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province have been selected as this year's pet-friendly tourism cities. Iksan plans to develop a pet park within the Wanggung Jewelry Theme Tourism Site and introduce a variety of programs for pet owners and their furry companions. Gyeongju will establish "Petpia," a large-scale pet-themed park within the Bomun Tourism Complex, and designate 10 pet-friendly tourist destinations across the city. The Culture Ministry provides over 171,000 U.S. dollars annually to support designated pet-friendly tourism cities in enhancing infrastructure and visitor experiences. That's all from me. Stay tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[Short-form] Korea's caves, where year-round thrills await!

2025/02/04 14:00

Looking for fun adventures, but it's too cold outside? Watch this video and immerse yourself in the captivating allure of Korea's hidden caverns!

IVE unveil third mini album, "IVE Empathy"

2025/02/04 14:00

For our daily dose of K-entertainment news we have Walter Lee reporting for us. Starting with an exciting new release by a popular girl group. K-pop girl group IVE are back and the keyword for their new EP album is "empathy." They say it represents their interpretation of growth within both the industry and the group. On Monday, IVE held a press conference to mark the release of their third EP album titled simply, "IVE EMPATHY". This comes approximately nine months after their second EP, "IVE SWITCH", which was released in April last year and contained hits such as "Accendio" and "WOW." "IVE EMPATHY" features a total of six tracks, including the very catchy pre-release title track "Rebel Heart", released in January, and the newly unveiled track "Attitude." IVE have been gaining more and more attention over the years, and it's great to see them making more music. And you have another artist who has a new mini-album on the way. Yes, BLACKPINK member Jisoo revealed the tracklist for her new mini-album 'Amortage' at midnight KST on Tuesday through her agency BLISSOO's official social media pages. The album has a total of four tracks: "earthquake," "Your Love," "Tears," and "Hugs & Kisses." Jisoo personally took part in the creation of every song on the album. All tracks from Jisoo’s new mini-album "Amortage" will be released on February 14 at 2 PM KST on all major online music streaming platforms worldwide. Meanwhile, keep an eye out for Jisoo's new drama series 'Newtopia,' set to premiere on February 7 on Coupang Play. Amortage I believe is a combination of the French word "amor" standing for love and the film composition technique "montage". And maybe it's no coincidence that the release date is Valentine's Day. And ending off with some K-movie news, what do you have? The K-movie 'Hitman 2,' starring Kwon Sang-woo , has officially surpassed 2 million viewers. On Monday, the film attracted approximately 42,000 moviegoers, bringing its cumulative audience to around 2 million in just 13 days making it the first film of the year to achieve this feat. During the Lunar New Year holiday alone, it drew 1.7 million viewers. "Hitman 2" is the sequel to "Hitman", which follows the story of Joon played by Kwon, a former special agent turned webtoon artist who finds himself on the run after a copycat crime is inspired by his webtoon. I will be sure to put that on my list of movies to watch. Thank you for the entertainment news

2025 Grammys Awards: Beyoncé wins her first Album of the Year for "Cowboy Carter"

2025/02/03 17:00

Over in Los Angeles this past Sunday. The 67th Grammy Awards took place to celebrate exceptional talent in the music industry. Beyoncé the most awarded artist in Grammy history won her first-ever "Album of the Year" for "Cowboy Carter" which also won the "Best Country Album". Kendrick Lamar also had garnered much applause by sweeping two of the "big four" categories winning "Record of the Year" and "Song of the Year" for his rap track "Not Like Us." And Chappell Roan was named "Best New Artist".

K-wave AI News

2025/02/03 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. The 2025 Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, Korea's only winter festival officially designated as a global event, concluded on Sunday, with a new record. This year's festival drew nearly 1.9 million visitors, the highest figure since its inception in 2003. The number of foreign tourists surged to roughly 122,000, surpassing last year's 85,000. The unique festival has continued to attract over one million visitors annually since 2006, cementing its reputation as a world-class winter attraction. The Daegwallyeong Snow Festival, another iconic celebration of winter in Gangwon Province, has wrapped up its enchanting ten-day run. Celebrating its 31st year, the festival dazzled visitors with a range of interactive experiences, from a magical snow tunnel and stunning sculpture zone to an ice café and exciting sledding areas. A standout event was the 2025 Pyeongchang Bare-body Marathon, where participants braved Daegwallyeong's frigid temperatures running only in shorts, highlighting the festival's adventurous spirit. The Seoul Sky Observatory at Lotte World Tower is hosting a special exhibition titled "Coexistence," featuring renowned "artainers" from Korea and abroad. Focusing on the theme of "Coexistence," the exhibition explores the balance between nature conservation and the inescapable realities of industrial society. It will showcase over 90 works by 30 artainers, including Kim Wan-sun, a pioneering figure in the K-pop industry, and Bob Dylan, the iconic American singer-songwriter. It runs through April 13. That's all from me. Stay tuned for more cultural updates and insightful discussions ahead!