News

What comes after 'KPop Demon Hunters'? K-pop: The Next Chapter

2025/08/21 16:35

K-pop's future was in the spotlight during Wednesday's program, as President Lee Jae Myung, artists and experts discussed how authenticity and diversity will shape the next chapter of Korean popular culture. Byeon Ye-young has more. K-pop has proven its global cultural and economic impact, with "KPop Demon Hunters" emerging as the latest testament to its power. On Wednesday, Arirang hosted a special talk show, K-pop, The Next Chapter, bringing together President Lee Jae Myung, TWICE's Jihyo and Jeongyeon, director Maggie Kang, producer R.Tee and music critic Kim Young-dae. They were joined by talented young artists and 100 global fans online, who showed keen interest in the film's success. Asked why she chose K-pop as the theme for her directorial debut, Kang cited the unique blend of demonology and pop as her inspiration. "I wanted to see a film that showcases Korean culture through animation. The imagery of demons and Korean grim reapers, felt unique, something I hadn't really seen in the mainstream. That sense of originality naturally led to the story of Demon Hunters." Kang added that studios had long been searching for a K-pop–centered film, and credited the movie's striking editorial style, bright colors and bold visuals reminiscent of fashion magazines, for the appeal of characters such as Derpy, Sussie and the Saja Boys. "The image of the grim reaper is so iconic and cool. That's why I wanted to shoot the final scene almost like a real music video. I wanted to show our culture openly, without hiding anything or adding explanations." Panelists emphasized the importance of presenting Korean culture authentically, without dilution or over-explanation. Critic Kim Young-dae underscored authenticity as the key to K-culture's future. "As long as authenticity and identity are brought into harmony going forward, that alone will be enough." The discussion also delved into the sustainability of K-pop and challenges the industry must overcome. TWICE's Jihyo spoke candidly about the need for mental health awareness in idol life. "With a busy schedule and constant attention, there were times when it was challenging. I wish we'd had more opportunities to focus on mental well-being, or some training for it during our trainee days." Music producer R.Tee pointed to the need for broader artistic diversity and better infrastructure in order to continuously add color to K-pop "We need more artists across different genres so there's more to see and hear. We also need more venues where they can perform, and greater media exposure so the public can discover them more easily." In closing, the panel agreed that K-pop's power lies not only in its idols but also in its ability to expand its embrace of authenticity. With creativity and cultural pride at its core, they noted K-pop is well-positioned to keep evolving and leave a lasting mark in the history of global pop culture. Byeon Ye-young, Arirang News.

The largest video-games trade fair in the world prepares to open to the public

2025/08/21 13:38

Gamescom 2025, the world's largest video games trade fair, has officially kicked off in Cologne, Germany. The event is open to the public starting Thursday at the Koelnmesse exhibition center, after it opened to media and trade visitors the day before. This year, Gamescom features a record 1,500 exhibitors from around the globe and is expected to attract over 300,000 attendees. Visitors will have the chance to explore game demos, attend panel discussions, and celebrate gaming culture. Gamescom runs until August 24.

Beyond the mere appeal of K-pop: 'KPop Demon Hunters' as a gateway to Korean culture

2025/08/20 21:40

Just as you think that there is no more to talk about the major hit Netflix movie 'KPop Demon Hunters,' our Ahn Sung-jin took an in-depth look to see what makes the movie so special beyond the mere appeal for its catchy songs and craze for K-pop. "Worldwide hit, global musical sensation, potential gold mine." The craze continues for the KPop Demon Hunters. From being Netflix's most-watched animated film of all time to its Billboard topping original soundtrack, its monstrous success reflects K-pop's growing influence in the mainstream. "The songs are really nice and I think that it opened more and more people to K-pop like even my mother watched it. And I think that it's a good opportunity for Korea to open up to the world." Scenes with iconic K-pop idol light sticks or fan meetings put the spotlight on Korea's unique fan culture as well. But forget about the mere appeal of K-pop esthetics. The film embeds a subtle but certain authenticity of Korean culture, offering a pathway into the expansion of Korean content for its global viewers. "I think it was in the beginning of the movie it was eating the ramyeon and eating the bibimbap I think in the plane. It was very cultural. I liked it as well. It made me crave to want to eat Korean food. It's like a small exposure but a very good exposure for them to visit Korea." Members of the girl group Huntr/x all perform with their signature "norigae," often worn with the traditional attire to symbolize good fortune and wealth. Ancient fortresses or Namsan Tower as well as public bath houses and hanuiwon, or traditional Korean medicine clinics, accurately portray the everyday life beyond the niche elements in the entertainment industry. Food like kimbap and ramyeon, as well as Korean dining customs, highlight the details and the characters bring life to folk art paintings such as "jakhodo." Searches related to Korea and Korean food also hiked, with the latter surging up to 75 percent before the release, making many in the tourism or cosmetics industries expecting an economic boost. "Not only is it very well made, but it's the Korean elements that become interesting and refreshing for Western viewers. With their popularity, these films serve as cultural ambassadors, often more effective than government campaigns." What makes Korean content like the animated film so beloved is the fact that it resonates with local authenticity and intertwines tradition, modern K-pop and everyday elements, making it relatable in and outside of the country. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.

What comes after 'KPop Demon Hunters'? K-pop: The Next Chapter

2025/08/20 21:37

K-pop's future was in the spotlight at Arirang today, with President Lee Jae Myung joining artists and experts to discuss how authenticity and diversity will shape the next chapter of Korean popular culture. Byeon Ye-young has more. K-pop has proven its global cultural and economic impact, with "KPop Demon Hunters" emerging as the latest testament to its power. On Wednesday, Arirang hosted a special talk show, K-pop, The Next Chapter, bringing together President Lee Jae Myung, TWICE's Jihyo and Jeongyeon, director Maggie Kang, producer R.Tee and music critic Kim Young-dae. They were joined by talented young artists and 100 global fans online, who showed keen interest in the film's success. Asked why she chose K-pop as the theme for her directorial debut, Kang cited the unique blend of demonology and pop as her inspiration. "I wanted to see a film that showcases Korean culture through animation. The imagery of demons and Korean grim reapers, felt unique, something I hadn't really seen in the mainstream. That sense of originality naturally led to the story of Demon Hunters." Kang added that studios had long been searching for a K-pop–centered film, and credited the movie's striking editorial style, bright colors and bold visuals reminiscent of fashion magazines, for the appeal of characters such as Derpy, Sussie and the Saja Boys. "The image of the grim reaper is so iconic and cool. That's why I wanted to shoot the final scene almost like a real music video. I wanted to show our culture openly, without hiding anything or adding explanations." Panelists emphasized the importance of presenting Korean culture authentically, without dilution or over-explanation. Critic Kim Young-dae underscored authenticity as the key to K-culture's future. "As long as authenticity and identity are brought into harmony going forward, that alone will be enough." The discussion also delved into the sustainability of K-pop and challenges the industry must overcome. TWICE's Jihyo spoke candidly about the need for mental health awareness in idol life. "With a busy schedule and constant attention, there were times when it was challenging. I wish we'd had more opportunities to focus on mental well-being, or some training for it during our trainee days." Music producer R.Tee pointed to the need for broader artistic diversity and better infrastructure in order to continuously add color to K-pop "We need more artists across different genres so there's more to see and hear. We also need more venues where they can perform, and greater media exposure so the public can discover them more easily." In closing, the panel agreed that K-pop's power lies not only in its idols but also in its ability to expand its embrace of authenticity. With creativity and cultural pride at its core, they noted K-pop is well-positioned to keep evolving and leave a lasting mark in the history of global pop culture. Byeon Ye-young, Arirang News.

Arirang TV spotlights 'KPop Demon Hunters' in special broadcast joined by President Lee

2025/08/20 21:36

Title: Arirang TV spotlights 'KPop Demon Hunters' in special broadcast joined by President Lee ‘K-데몬헌터스’ 전세계 열풍 이재명 대통령, 아리랑TV K팝 특집 출연 Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon. "KPop Demon Hunters" is more than just a global hit — it’s a symbol of how far K-pop and Korean culture have come. Fusing K-pop idols with traditional Korean aesthetics, the animated movie has captivated audiences across continents, marking a new chapter in the global K-content wave. Recognizing this cultural shift, Arirang TV aired a special program, K-Pop: The Next Chapter, to explore where K-pop is headed next. President Lee Jae Myung made a rare appearance on the broadcast, underscoring the cultural weight of the moment. According to the Presidential Office, the program offered a chance to reflect on K-pop’s global influence, and gather insight for policies that will support Korea’s growth as a top-five soft power leader. In Within The Frame tonight, we dive into what this moment says about the future of Korean culture on the world stage. And for this, we're joined by music critic and ethnomusicologist Kim Young-dae who sat down with the president in the program. Welcome Also joining us is CedarBough Saeji, Assistant Professor of Korean and East Asian Studies at Pusan National University. Good to see you. 1. To start things off — Youngdae, you sat alongside President Lee Jae Myung on Arirang TV’s special K-Pop program to discuss the global rise of "KPop Demon Hunters" and the future of K-pop. Could you explain for our viewers, what were the key themes of that conversation? And how does President Lee view the current K-pop wave, especially through the lens of "KPop Demon Hunters"? 2. Coming off that special broadcast — one line that really stood out to me was when President Lee spoke with confidence about Korea becoming a true cultural powerhouse, and said the government plans to actively support that growth. Do you think that kind of vision can realistically help drive the next stage of growth for K-content? And I also wonder what part of President's remarks stayed with you the most? 3. Shifting focus slightly — Despite blending K-pop idols with traditional Korean elements, "KPop Demon Hunters" has struck a chord globally, across cultures and generations. In your view Prof. CedarBough, what made it resonate so widely? Was it the emotional storytelling, the rich world-building — or something deeper? 4. Now let’s talk about the numbers — the song "Golden" not only topped the Billboard Hot 100 but also claimed #1 on the UK’s Official Singles Chart. It’s the first time in history a K-pop track has simultaneously led both major charts. How significant is this milestone? How should we read this level of achievement? 5. Adding another layer to this — global media outlets are focusing on HOW a virtual idol, operating solely online, has made history on these top charts. Prof. CedarBough, What enabled such massive popularity in the virtual realm? And what does the rise of virtual idols in "KPop Demon Hunters" suggest for the future of the K-pop industry? 6. Now, looking at the fandom — "KPop Demon Hunters" is being praised for its seamless integration of interactive fan culture, from dance challenges to cover videos. How much of a role did this participatory fandom play in the film's success? Do you think it enhanced immersion and global connectivity? 7. From a production standpoint — some argue that "KPop Demon Hunters," while culturally inspired, doesn’t fully qualify as “K-content” because of its international production and distribution. Youngdae, Do you agree with that critique? Or could this be a sign of the K-content ecosystem evolving and expanding globally? 8. Taking a broader view — with the emergence of virtual idols, animation crossovers, and localization strategies, K-pop today is operating on a much wider spectrum than before. As a music critic, can you tell us what new possibilities did the "KPop Demon Hunters" phenomenon reveal? Could K-pop be transitioning from a genre into a global brand? 9. And the ripple effects are clear — the National Museum of Korea is now seeing record attendance, and its "KPop Demon Hunters" merchandise continues to sell out. Prof.How do you foresee the movie's impact beyond just music? Could this contribute to broader K-culture expansion and drive domestic cultural industries forward? 10. Finally before we let you go, with global audiences embracing everything from K-pop to Korean tradition-based animation, the spotlight on K-content has never been stronger. What challenges lie ahead for Korean culture and content to take the next step as a global standard? what do we need to do? Thank you for your time and for your insights tonight Youngdae and Prof.Saeji, we appreciate it. And that will be all from us on Within The Frame. Be sure to tune in next time as we continue to explore the stories that matter. Until then, stay informed and engaged!

President Lee to discuss future of K-pop in special Arirang TV program

2025/08/20 19:37

And as we reported yesterday our station Arirang TV TODAY is hosting a panel discussion that includes President Lee Jae Myung and the director of KPop Demon Hunters Maggie Kang AMONG OTHERS to touch upon the next chapter of the K-pop industry. Our top office correspondent Song Yoo-jin files this report. The driving force behind South Korea's national strength. That's how President Lee Jae Myung described Korean culture at his latest Cabinet meeting on Monday, pointing to the global success of the Netflix hit "KPop Demon Hunters." The movie has become the platform's most-watched animated film, while its soundtrack continues to dominate major charts, from the U.S. Billboard to the UK's Official Chart. Building on that momentum, the President is set to appear on an Arirang TV special program, "K-Pop: The Next Chapter," on Wednesday to discuss the future of the K-pop industry, the backbone of the Korean Wave. He will be joined by a star-studded panel: Maggie Kang, writer and director of "KPop Demon Hunters," members Jihyo and Jeongyeon of the K-pop girl group TWICE, music producer R.Tee, and culture critic Kim Young-dae. The Presidential Office says they'll share ideas on how to further expand K-pop's global reach and explore policy directions to support its growth. This follows the President's call to craft strategies to cement Korea's status as a cultural powerhouse. "Based on the Arm's Length Principle of supporting but not interfering, I ask relevant ministries to come up with a comprehensive plan, which includes strategies to spread K-content worldwide and expand infrastructure, such as K-pop related facilities." You can catch "K-pop: The Next Chapter" on Arirang this Wednesday at 5 PM, Korea time. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.

KOREAN WAVE, THE NEXT CHAPTER?

2025/08/20 19:34

Welcome to Wednesday's edition of Press Perspective. It's August 20th here in Seoul. I'm Min Sunhee. As a British daily earlier claimed the Korean Wave has made a splash across the globe and NOW it's hoping and working to expand its international fan base. For more I have Marianna Baroli with Italian news magazine Panorama. Marianna welcome. I also have Jason Bechervaise at the Office of International Affairs from Hanyang University. Jason it's great to have you on. Marianna, the song "Golden" performed by the fictional K-pop girl group HUNTR/X in Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters has topped BOTH the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Official Singles Chart. Let's begin with the significance of this success. Jason, the popularity of KPOP Demon Hunters has sparked a sell-out of traditional-themed merchandise at the National Museum of Korea. How do you explain this broad content consumption among fans? Marianna, social media platforms are also actively promoting various challenges related to KPOP Demon Hunters. That being said, what would you highlight as some of the unique aspects of the K-pop fandom? Jason, in the initial years of the Korean Wave, there were concerns that its popularity may simply be a temporary phenomenon. Today pundits believe the Korean Wave is here to stay and "continues to build momentum." Where exactly does the Korean Wave currently stand? Marianna, pundits also point out KPOP Demon Hunters "was able to create something that ANYONE KOREAN would recognize and anyone NOT KOREAN could understand." Keeping this point in mind, what are your thoughts on the DIRECTION of future K-content production for the global audience? Jason, indeed critics are crediting the success of KPOP Demon Hunters to its creative team that largely comprises Korean Canadians including director and Korean Americans. What do you believe are the broader implications of this reality? Marianna, President Lee Jae Myung has spoken about the importance of measures to assist the advancement of K-content on the international stage. What measures do you suggest? And Jason, with the industry itself, what needs to be done to deepen the root of the Korean Wave and to broaden its presence on the global stage? All right.

[NEWs GEN] Korea’s Dance Scene: How K-dance is taking over the world

2025/08/20 17:39

NEWs GEN] Korea’s Dance Scene: How K-dance is taking over the world

Beyond the mere appeal of K-pop: 'KPop Demon Hunters' as a gateway to Korean culture

2025/08/20 17:36

KPop Demon Hunters is breaking music charts creating viral challenges and encouraging greater global interest in broader Korean culture. Our Ahn Sung-jin reports. "Worldwide hit, global musical sensation, potential gold mine." The craze continues for the KPop Demon Hunters. From being Netflix's most-watched animated film of all time to its Billboard topping original soundtrack, its monstrous success reflects K-pop's growing influence in the mainstream. "The songs are really nice and I think that it opened more and more people to K-pop like even my mother watched it. And I think that it's a good opportunity for Korea to open up to the world." Scenes with iconic K-pop idol light sticks or fan meetings put the spotlight on Korea's unique fan culture as well. But forget about the mere appeal of K-pop esthetics. The film embeds a subtle but certain authenticity of Korean culture, offering a pathway into the expansion of Korean content for its global viewers. "I think it was in the beginning of the movie it was eating the ramyeon and eating the bibimbap I think in the plane. It was very cultural. I liked it as well. It made me crave to want to eat Korean food. It's like a small exposure but a very good exposure for them to visit Korea." Members of the girl group Huntr/x all perform with their signature "norigae," often worn with the traditional attire to symbolize good fortune and wealth. Ancient fortresses or Namsan Tower as well as public bath houses and hanuiwon, or traditional Korean medicine clinics, accurately portray the everyday life beyond the niche elements in the entertainment industry. Food like kimbap and ramyeon, as well as Korean dining customs, highlight the details and the characters bring life to folk art paintings such as "jakhodo." "Not only is it very well made, but it's the Korean elements that become interesting and refreshing for Western viewers. With their popularity, these films serve as cultural ambassadors, often more effective than government campaigns." What makes Korean content like the animated film so beloved is the fact that it resonates with local authenticity and intertwines tradition, modern K-pop and everyday elements, making it relatable in and outside of the country. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.

Twice’s “Strategy” and 8 “KPop Demon Hunters” tracks make waves on the Billboard

2025/08/20 17:35

K-pop girl group TWICE has set a new record on the U.S. Billboard chart. On Tuesday local time Billboard announced that the group's Extended Plays title track "Strategy" ranked 62nd on the Hot 100 chart dated August 23rd marking.. TWICE's highest placement yet. Released on December 6th last year the song is also gaining popularity on Spotify's U.S. chart ranking 38th on the August 17th list. Meanwhile the original soundtrack of Netflix's animated film "KPop Demon Hunters" is also making waves on the Billboard charts. On Tuesday a total of eight tracks including "Golden," "Your Idol," and "Soda Pop" entered the Hot 100.

'KPop Demon Hunters' may become Netflix's most-watched streaming film ever

2025/08/20 17:34

KPop Demon Hunters is back on top of Netflix's top ten movies list having secured 26 million views during the week of August 11th that is nine weeks after its debut. In fact during the week of August 11th to the 17th this K-pop inspired animation topped the chart in 59 countries including the U.S. Canada Vietnam and Taiwan. Also as it rakes in more than 20 million views each week pundits believe this production is looking to stand as the most-watched Netflix movie. 'Red Notice' released in 2021 is currently the most-watched film and KPop Demon Hunters stands in second place with a total of 230-point-9 million views.

[Features reporter] Beyond the mere appeal of K-pop:'KPop Demon Hunters' as a gateway to Korean culture

2025/08/20 15:39

What would a K-pop themed show be without the KPOP DEMON HUNTERS? Even the President talks about them We have covered this sensational animated film countless times here on The Kulture Wave, but people still want to hear about it. And that's why you are here today Sung-jin! Just as you think that there is no more to talk about the major hit Netflix movie 'KPop Demon Hunters,' I took an in-depth look to see what makes the movie so special. How have these catchy songs and craze for K-pop appeal to the broader fans of Korean content? "Worldwide hit, global musical sensation, potential gold mine." The craze continues for the KPop Demon Hunters. From being Netflix's most-watched animated film of all time to its Billboard topping original soundtrack, its monstrous success reflects K-pop's growing influence in the mainstream. "The songs are really nice and I think that it opened more and more people to K-pop like even my mother watched it. And I think that it's a good opportunity for Korea to open up to the world." Scenes with iconic K-pop idol light sticks or fan meetings put the spotlight on Korea's unique fan culture as well. But forget about the mere appeal of K-pop esthetics. The film embeds a subtle but certain authenticity of Korean culture, offering a pathway into the expansion of Korean content for its global viewers. "I think it was in the beginning of the movie it was eating the ramyeon and eating the bibimbap I think in the plane. It was very cultural. I liked it as well. It made me crave to want to eat Korean food. It's like a small exposure but a very good exposure for them to visit Korea." Members of the girl group Huntr/x all perform with their signature "norigae," often worn with the traditional attire to symbolize good fortune and wealth. Ancient fortresses or Namsan Tower as well as public bath houses and hanuiwon, or traditional Korean medicine clinics, accurately portray the everyday life beyond the niche elements in the entertainment industry. Food like kimbap and ramyeon, as well as Korean dining customs, highlight the details and the characters bring life to folk art paintings such as "jakhodo." "Not only is it very well made, but it's the Korean elements that become interesting and refreshing for Western viewers. With their popularity, these films serve as cultural ambassadors, often more effective than government campaigns." What makes Korean content like the animated film so beloved is the fact that it resonates with local authenticity and intertwines tradition, modern K-pop and everyday elements, making it relatable in and outside of the country. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.

[Short-form] KPop Demon Hunters Tour Craze

2025/08/20 15:37

Short-form] KPop Demon Hunters Tour Craze Click to uncover real-life KPop Demon Hunters adventures hidden in the heart of Seoul.

[K-Correspondent] Hallyu beyond borders how K-pop is growing in Sweden and Northern Europe

2025/08/20 15:37

Time now for our K-Correspondent segment, where we go over abroad to talk about K-wave issues. And we are going to do that now with our co-host Bella Kim. Hi Soa! Happy to be here for today's special show! Happy to have you. The global popularity of K-pop is present in almost every corner of the world. Today our attention is on Northern Europe. BTS, BLACKPINK, and recently even the fictional K-pop groups of the animated film "KPop Demon Hunters" are gaining huge popularity in the region. Let's find out how K-pop is establishing itself in Northern Europe. For that, we connect live with Professor Tobias Plebuch, a senior lecturer at the Department of Musicology at Uppsala University in Sweden. Hello, Professor Plebuch! Q1. Professor Plebuch, could you please introduce yourself to our viewers and also tell us how you got into K-pop? Q2. We just talked about the astounding popularity of "KPop Demon Hunters," have you watched the film? And do the songs like "Golden" and "Soda Pop" also have a place on music charts in Sweden right now? Q3. What kind of K-pop music and which artists are particularly popular in Northern Europe these days? Q4. Recently, not only interest in K-pop, but Korean dramas, movies, and food have been growing significantly in Sweden and other Northern European countries. What changes stand out the most in terms of the recognition of the Korean wave when compared to the past? Q5. Back in June, Europe's first K-pop symposium was held in Stockholm, alongside a K-pop festival. Please tell us what was discussed at the symposium and how would you assess the sociocultural influence of K-pop today? Q6. Sweden is particularly renowned for its melody-centric songwriting and systematic music education. Swedish composers have been involved in K-pop songs by BTS, Twice, Red Velvet, and others. How do you think the music cultures of Korea and Sweden complement each other so well? Q7. What is it about K-pop and Korean content that's so appealing to local fans in Sweden and Northern Europe? Q8. What do you think is important for K-pop to become more deeply rooted in Northern Europe in the future? Do you have any personal hopes or expectations? Thank you very much Professor Plebuch for your insights and we look forward to not only a further expansion of K-pop in Sweden and in northern Europe, but also lots of cooperation in the field of music with Swedish artists and composers.

[K-Enter] Special_Rookie K-pop groups in the spotlight

2025/08/20 15:36

It’s time now for our K-enter segment, BUT a very special one, with BOTH our co-hosts and K-enter news presenters Walter and Bella. We are going to delve into rookie K-pop groups that debuted this year. Yes, it’s a big year for rookie girl and boy groups, including those from the “big four” K-pop entertainment agencies. Right, namely BigHit Music, SM, JYP, and YG. And I have to say we’re seeing a lot of girl power this year. Well I think the boy groups are also doing extremely well Let's let our viewers decide. Why don’t we get started by introducing them. We’re going to start with the most RECENT new boy group So Walter, you represent the boys today. Start us off please! Soa, we are starting off big, BigHit Music big to be precise! Let me introduce to you CORTIS who debuted on Monday! CORTIS are the first boy group from BigHit Music in six years, following TOMORROW X TOGETHER TXT , and coming some twelve years since BTS made their debut. The five member group got the name “CORTIS” from their slogan and the title of their debut album, “Color Outside the Lines.” Their main track “What You Want” was released on Monday and I was hooked from the get-go . CORTIS will officially release their debut album “COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES” on September 8. It features five tracks: “What You Want,” as well as “GO!,” “FaSHioN,” “JoyRide,” and “Lullaby,” along with eight music videos, three of which are conceptual performance films showing off their choreography. Who’s the next group we’re introducing Bella? Now it’s time for girl power! Hearts2Hearts is the latest girl group from SM Entertainment. The group has eight members -Jiwoo, Carmen, Yuha, Stella, Juun, A-na, Ian and Ye-on. They made their debut on February 24th of this year with their first single “The Chase.” The group name, Hearts2Hearts, means connecting hearts, aiming to connect with global fans through their music. They are SM’s first girl group in over four years after aespa, and debuted in a year that marks the 30th anniversary of SM. After a successful debut, Hearts2Hearts recently released a new single “STYLE” in June. They remind me of one of my favorite girl groups, Girl’s Generation, so I’m really looking forward to their future activities. And now again a boy group! Let me guess, Walter’s turn? Next up, JYP’s KickFlip who debuted in January with their mini album “Flip it, Kick it” and main single “Mama Said”. This seven-member group came out of the gates hot, selling 270-thousand copies of their album in their first week alone. But the boys weren’t ready to slow down as it took them only 4 months after their debut to release their second EP “Kick Out, Flip Now!” showing their hard work and dedication to their fans. The boys are moving fast in the world of K-pop and already performing at some of the biggest festivals overseas. Recently, KickFlip performed at Lollapalooza Chicago, warming up the crowd for their female seniors Twice, who headlined the festival. The boys are currently working on their third EP which is due to come out in September, so KickFlip fans are getting a lot of new tricks from the boys this year. And I am sure many years to come. So, we introduced new groups from BigHit, SM, and JYP, but what about YG? That’s a good question. When will this highly anticipated new girl group, currently known as ‘Next Monster’ make their debut? Who’s going to be part of it? Information has been coming out very slowly, bit by bit. For now, we do know that it’s a girl group with four members, and two of the members are EVELLI and CHANYA. Their practice videos are already receiving loads of love with millions of views. YG has announced that they will soon unveil the other two members and other information about the group, so I will make sure to keep you updated! Please do so. But Walter, Bella, this is not it? I also have some notable mentions, starting off with a nine-member group called AHOF which means nine in Korean but the group name also stands for “All time Hall of Famer”. The group managed by F&F Entertainment was formed through a reality competition show called “Universe League.” They debuted on July 1 and introduced their first mini album “WHO WE ARE.” It didn’t take the boys long to impress as they achieved a triple crown of trophies from major music shows. AND 7-member group “Close Your Eyes” from label UNCORE, debuted on April 2. This group was also formed through an audition program called “Project 7”. The “Close Your Eyes” name signifies delivering music that convinces not only through performance but also when listened to with your eyes closed. Their first EP “Eternalt” performed well among fans and the single “All My Poetry” won its first trophy on music show “The Show”. I want to mention two more girl groups. First, five-member group KiiiKiii! They are known as the younger sister of IVE, as both are from Starship Entertainment. They pre-released their single “I DO ME” in February and officially made their debut in April with their first EP “UNCUT GEM”, followed by "DANCING ALONE" earlier this month. What’s notable with KiiiKiii is that they won first place in one of the major music shows in Korea just two weeks after their debut. The second group I want to mention is a girl group that most recently made their debut -AtHeart just last week, with their first album “Plot Twist.” Their agency is Titan Contents, made by the former CEOs of SM Entertainment. Even before their official debut, they earned recognition from Billboard, Variety, and TeenVogue as one of the most promising K-pop acts of the year. So excited to see more amazing milestones from all these groups. Thank you Walter! Thank you Bella!

'Downton Abbey' items auctioned before last farewell

2025/08/20 13:38

With the third and final Downton Abbey film set to hit theaters this September, fans now have the chance to own a piece of the show's history. Props and costumes from across the series are going up for charity auction. Among the items is the bell wall from the servant's hall, expected to fetch between 6-thousand and 9-thousand U.S. dollars. The family car, a 1925 Sunbeam, is estimated to sell for around 40-thousand dollars. All auction items, including set pieces and costumes, are currently on display in central London for free. Proceeds from the auction will go to Together for Short Lives, a charity supporting children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

President Lee to discuss future of K-pop in special Arirang TV program

2025/08/20 13:35

From chart-topping K-pop groups to the Netflix animation "KPop Demon Hunters," Korean popular culture continues to transcend borders and captivate audiences around the globe. President Lee, who has long emphasized the power of culture, will join Arirang TV's special program this afternoon to reflect on the industry's rise and how to take it even further on the world stage. Our Presidential Office correspondent Song Yoo-jin has a preview. The driving force behind South Korea's national strength. That's how President Lee Jae Myung described Korean culture at his latest Cabinet meeting on Monday, pointing to the global success of the Netflix hit "KPop Demon Hunters." The movie has become the platform's most-watched animated film, while its soundtrack continues to dominate major charts, from the U.S. Billboard to the UK's Official Chart. Building on that momentum, the President is set to appear on an Arirang TV special program, "K-Pop: The Next Chapter," on Wednesday to discuss the future of the K-pop industry, the backbone of the Korean Wave. He will be joined by a star-studded panel: Maggie Kang, writer and director of "KPop Demon Hunters," members Jihyo and Jeongyeon of the K-pop girl group TWICE, music producer R.Tee, and culture critic Kim Young-dae. The Presidential Office says they'll share ideas on how to further expand K-pop's global reach and explore policy directions to support its growth. This follows the President's call to craft strategies to cement Korea's status as a cultural powerhouse. "Based on the Arm's Length Principle of supporting but not interfering, I ask relevant ministries to come up with a comprehensive plan, which includes strategies to spread K-content worldwide and expand infrastructure, such as K-pop related facilities." You can catch "K-pop: The Next Chapter" on Arirang this Wednesday at 5 PM, Korea time. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.

President Lee to discuss future of K-pop in special Arirang TV program

2025/08/19 23:35

From chart-topping K-pop groups to the Netflix animation "KPop Demon Hunters," Korean popular culture continues to transcend borders and captivate audiences around the globe. President Lee Jae Myung, who has long emphasized the power of culture, will join Arirang TV's special program tomorrow to reflect on the industry's rise and how to take it even further on the world stage. Our Presidential Office correspondent Song Yoo-jin has a preview. The driving force behind South Korea's national strength. That's how President Lee Jae Myung described Korean culture at his latest Cabinet meeting on Monday, pointing to the global success of the Netflix hit "KPop Demon Hunters." The movie has become the platform's most-watched animated film, while its soundtrack continues to dominate major charts, from the U.S. Billboard to the UK's Official Chart. Building on that momentum, the President is set to appear on an Arirang TV special program, "K-Pop: The Next Chapter," on Wednesday to discuss the future of the K-pop industry, the backbone of the Korean Wave. He will be joined by a star-studded panel: Maggie Kang, writer and director of "KPop Demon Hunters," members Jihyo and Jeongyeon of the K-pop girl group TWICE, music producer R.Tee, and culture critic Kim Young-dae. The Presidential Office says they'll share ideas on how to further expand K-pop's global reach and explore policy directions to support its growth. This follows the President's call to craft strategies to cement Korea's status as a cultural powerhouse. "Based on the Arm's Length Principle of supporting but not interfering, I ask relevant ministries to come up with a comprehensive plan, which includes strategies to spread K-content worldwide and expand infrastructure, such as K-pop related facilities." You can catch "K-pop: The Next Chapter" on Arirang this Wednesday at 5 PM, Korea time. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.

President Lee to discuss future of K-pop in special Arirang TV program

2025/08/19 20:36

The station you're watching Arirang TV will be hosting President Lee Jae Myung and the director of the Netflix hit K-POP Demon Hunters Maggie Kang among others for a chat on the future of K-pop tomorrow. Arirang's Song Yoo-jin files this report from the Presidential Office. The driving force behind South Korea's national strength. That's how President Lee Jae Myung described Korean culture at his latest Cabinet meeting on Monday, pointing to the global success of the Netflix hit "KPop Demon Hunters." The movie has become the platform's most-watched animated film, while its soundtrack continues to dominate major charts, from the U.S. Billboard to the UK's Official Chart. Building on that momentum, the President is set to appear on an Arirang TV special program, "K-Pop: The Next Chapter," on Wednesday to discuss the future of the K-pop industry, the backbone of the Korean Wave. He will be joined by a star-studded panel: Maggie Kang, writer and director of "KPop Demon Hunters," members Jihyo and Jeongyeon of the K-pop girl group TWICE, music producer R.Tee, and culture critic Kim Young-dae. The Presidential Office says they'll share ideas on how to further expand K-pop's global reach and explore policy directions to support its growth. This follows the President's call to craft strategies to cement Korea's status as a cultural powerhouse. "Based on the Arm's Length Principle of supporting but not interfering, I ask relevant ministries to come up with a comprehensive plan, which includes strategies to spread K-content worldwide and expand infrastructure, such as K-pop related facilities." You can catch "K-pop: The Next Chapter" on Arirang this Wednesday at 5 PM, Korea time. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.

K-wave AI News

2025/08/19 18:38

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. President Lee Jae-myung has labeled K-culture a new driving force for national strength, and called for greater efforts to position Korea as a cultural powerhouse. He made the remarks during Monday's Cabinet meeting, where he noted that the success of "KPop Demon Hunters" has led to an increase in visitors to the National Museum of Korea and how merchandise related to the movie is frequently sold out. President Lee urged ministries to devise comprehensive measures to support K-culture's global expansion, including infrastructure development. President Lee is scheduled to appear on Arirang TV's special program at 5 p.m. Wednesday to discuss K-pop's global standing and future growth with industry leaders. A festival highlighting the value of UNESCO World Heritage will take place in Suncheon, Jeollanam-do Province this fall. As part of the 2025 World Heritage Festival, the event will take place from September 12 to October 3, centering around Seonamsa Temple and the Suncheon Bay Tidal Flats. Set against the backdrop of a mountain temple and sprawling wetlands, the festival will fuse traditional culture with advanced technology, offering a unique connection between people and nature. Visitors can experience heritage sites through immersive AR and VR content, with temple stays, camping, and interactive programs also available. It will kick off with a grand opening ceremony that will bring the tidal flats to life through traditional dance, music, and a drone show. Global K-animation "The King of Kings" has become the second-highest-grossing Korean animated film of all time. According to the Korean Film Council's latest data, the film has drawn a cumulative audience of more than 1.24 million, surpassing the mega hit "Catch! Teenieping" and now only behind "Leafie, A Hen Into the Wild." Premiering first in North America, "The King of Kings" grossed 60 million dollars, becoming the top-grossing Korean film in the North American market, outperforming the Oscar-winning "Parasite." That's all from me. Stay tuned to the Kulture Wave.