News

K-Royal Culture Festival: Experiencing the splendid royal culture of the Joseon Dynasty

2025/04/28 20:00

On the cultural front here in Seoul. Palaces across the capital city are offering visitors the chance to partake in practices of the past on the royal grounds. Our Choi Soo-hyung reports. As the guards begin their shift with the sound of drums signalling the start of morning, a new day at Gyeongbokgung Palace starts. This year's K-Royal Culture Festival, which started on Saturday is taking place at Seoul's five major palaces: Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung, and Gyeonghuigung, as well as at Jongmyo Shrine. Visitors can join a program where they experience royal life from the Joseon Dynasty, which lasted from the late 14th century to the turn of the 20th century. One highlight is "Time Travel with King Sejong," where visitors can experience important moments from King Sejong's life, such as the creation of Hangeul, the Korean alphabet and other historical achievements. "The biggest feature of this year's festival is that visitors can do more than just watch, they can actually participate." Visitors can act as royal palace apprentices, making royal desserts and trying out royal dances. And they can experience daily life as it was about 500 years ago. "My friend invited me to join the program. The weather was so great, and when I tried it myself, it was easy and so much fun for anyone to enjoy." This year is the 11th edition of the festival. Last year, more than 960-thousand people visited the event making it one of Seoul's most visited festivals. The Korea Heritage Service created a variety of programs that match current trends, different age groups, and even special programs for foreigners. "Last year, we focused mainly on performances showing daily life. This year, we wanted to give the audience a chance to join in and interact before the show starts. We also encouraged foreigners to participate, focusing more on hands-on experiences rather than just delivering lines." In front of Gyeongbokgung Palace, you can enjoy traditional crafts and goods. At Deoksugung Palace, near Seoul City Hall, there is a special program for foreigners called "The Emperor's Table." Visitors can taste traditional royal food from the Korean Empire period and hear stories about the food and about Korean history in English. This year, there is a special program called "Spring Day at Gyeonghoeru" to celebrate the country's 80th anniversary of liberation. Independence heroes and their families have been invited to special performances at Gyeonghoeru Pavilion in Gyeongbokgung Palace. The festival will continue until May 4th at the five palaces and Jongmyo Shrine. Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News.

Suspension bridge spanning Namhangang River will be open next month

2025/04/28 17:00

Yeoju's Namhangang suspension bridge is poised to officially open later this week not only to provide people with panoramic sights but also to offer those interested the opportunity to make new memories. Cha Yun-kyung has more. The spring river breeze brings a pleasurable feeling to tourists. A suspension bridge spanning the Namhangang River boasts of grand and beautiful features. This is the first suspension bridge over the Hangang River with a length of 5-hundred-15 meters and an average height of 30 meters, providing magnificent panoramic views of the River. "We are shivering since it is very high up here, and I think it is a great place to visit with the family since it has beautiful landscapes." Visitors can experience the thrill of looking through the bridge's glass floor where people can view the river and at the "media glass," which looks like it is breaking when people step on it. There is a special zone at the center of the bridge where a person can propose to their loved one. People can also find an elevator for transportation of the disabled and elderly. "It is great for both adults and children to walk around here on the suspension bridge since it is not steep, is fun, and has wonderful views." Around the suspension bridge, tourists can explore the thousand-year-old Silleuksa Temple and Geumun Morae Camping, adding more things to see and enjoy. "We declare the year of 2025 as the first Visit Yeoju year with the completion of the suspension bridge. We are planning to make Yeoju a brand new city by attracting more than 6-million tourists." Based on the opening of the Yeoju Ceramic Festival, the suspension bridge will officially open on the first day of next month after final safety inspections are carried out by the end of April. Cha Yun-kyung, Arirang News.

K-Royal Culture Festival: Experiencing the splendid royal culture of the Joseon Dynasty

2025/04/28 17:00

On the cultural front here in Seoul. Palaces across the capital city are offering visitors the chance to partake in practices of the past on the royal grounds. Our Choi Soo-hyung reports. As the guards begin their shift with the sound of drums signalling the start of morning, a new day at Gyeongbokgung Palace starts. This year's K-Royal Culture Festival, which started on Saturday is taking place at Seoul's five major palaces: Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung, and Gyeonghuigung, as well as at Jongmyo Shrine. Visitors can join a program where they experience royal life from the Joseon Dynasty, which lasted from the late 14th century to the turn of the 20th century. One highlight is "Time Travel with King Sejong," where visitors can experience important moments from King Sejong's life, such as the creation of Hangeul, the Korean alphabet and other historical achievements. "The biggest feature of this year's festival is that visitors can do more than just watch, they can actually participate." Visitors can act as royal palace apprentices, making royal desserts and trying out royal dances. And they can experience daily life as it was about 500 years ago. "My friend invited me to join the program. The weather was so great, and when I tried it myself, it was easy and so much fun for anyone to enjoy." This year is the 11th edition of the festival. Last year, more than 960-thousand people visited the event making it one of Seoul's most visited festivals. The Korea Heritage Service created a variety of programs that match current trends, different age groups, and even special programs for foreigners. "Last year, we focused mainly on performances showing daily life. This year, we wanted to give the audience a chance to join in and interact before the show starts. We also encouraged foreigners to participate, focusing more on hands-on experiences rather than just delivering lines." In front of Gyeongbokgung Palace, you can enjoy traditional crafts and goods. At Deoksugung Palace, near Seoul City Hall, there is a special program for foreigners called "The Emperor's Table." Visitors can taste traditional royal food from the Korean Empire period and hear stories about the food and about Korean history in English. This year, there is a special program called "Spring Day at Gyeonghoeru" to celebrate the country's 80th anniversary of liberation. Independence heroes and their families have been invited to special performances at Gyeonghoeru Pavilion in Gyeongbokgung Palace. The festival will continue until May 4th at the five palaces and Jongmyo Shrine. Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News.

[Kulture Issue]_K-pop stars and their shining presence at major international music events

2025/04/28 14:00

Jennie and Lisa from BLACKPINK and ENHYPEN were part of the proud K-pop lineup at Coachella 2025. It has become the norm to have K-pop stars perform at major international music events. Today, we want to talk about K-pop’s presence on the global stage and what significance this holds for the K-pop industry. For that, we are now connected to CedarBough Saeji, Assistant Professor at Pusan National University. Hello Professor Saeji! Q1. K-pop artists made headlines at this year’s Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival. What do you think has earned them the attention from the media and audience? Q2. In the past we would hear of news that this and that group has made its debut in the U.S., or that groups like BTS and BLACKPINK have for the first time performed at this and that event, but now K-pop acts are at the center of global music events. What do you think of this development? Q3. The fandom power is also very impressive at these international music events. You can hear the crowd sing along, see fans with light sticks, banners, etc. What kind of impact does this fan culture have? Q4. Why do you think international fans are showing this enthusiastic response to K-pop performances? What are the appealing factors or what differentiates K-pop stages from others? Q5. SEVENTEEN recently headlined Tecate Pa’l Norte 2025, becoming the first K-pop act to perform at this major Latin American music festival. Tell us about the significance this stage holds. Q6. It’s also becoming more common for rookie groups to be invited to big music festival stages. How do you interpret this trend? Q7. How do you see K-pop's presence on the global music festival stage evolving in the future?

[K-enter] Jennie reveals 'Seoul City' music video

2025/04/28 14:00

Time for our daily dose of K-enter news with Walter Lee. Starting off with some news on BLACKPINK's Jennie, what do you have for us? On Saturday, BLACKPINK's Jennie posted the music video for "Seoul City," a track from her first full solo album "Ruby", on her official YouTube channel and social media. This is Jennie's seventh music video out of the fifteen tracks included on "Ruby." "Seoul City," the music video shows Jennie fully enjoying the essence of.. well Seoul city, against the dreamy backdrop of various locations around Seoul, drawing viewers into the song itself. With "Ruby", Jennie has seen the highest first-week sales among female K-pop solo artists this year, and the album's debut at No. 3 on the "UK's Official Albums Chart" was the highest ever for a female K-pop soloist. Next moving on to a story where K-pop meets sports? Tell us more! On Sunday, K-pop boy group BOYNEXTDOOR's agency K'OZ Entertainment announced that the group has been appointed as the global ambassadors for the "2025 FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship". The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) visited the HYBE headquarters in Seoul, the previous day to officially appoint the BOYNEXTDOOR members as global ambassadors. Following the appointment, BOYNEXTDOOR will participate in pre-tournament promotional activities and attend the opening ceremony where they will also perform. BOYNEXTDOOR shared their thoughts, saying, "We are thrilled and honoured to be chosen as global ambassadors in such a meaningful year when Korea’s national team is competing." I believe this year's championship will be held in Manila, the Philippines, starting in September, so I'm sure we will touch upon that in the future. Lastly, we have some K-drama news. According to global platform ranking site FlixPatrol on Monday, the Netflix series "Weak Hero" which released its second season, "Weak Hero: Class 2" on Friday, ranked second overall globally. The teen drama claimed the No. 1 spot in 32 countries, including Korea, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, Singapore, and Japan, and ranked third in the United States. "Weak Hero: Class 2" follows the brutal survival and coming-of-age story of Yeon Si-eun , a model student who, after failing to protect a friend despite standing up against violence, transfers to another high school. Park Ji-hoon reprises his role as Yeon Si-eun from season 1, once again captivating viewers with his layered portrayal of a character who fights in order to end fighting. All 8 episodes are available on Netflix now, so it sounds like a drama to binge watch. Thank you for that news Walter

[Features reporter] K-Royal Culture Festival: Experiencing the splendid royal culture of the Joseon Dynasty

2025/04/28 14:00

It’s a special festival where visitors can be transported back to the Joseon Dynasty and experience its royal court culture for themselves. To deliver us some joy from the palace our Choi Soo-hyung Soo-hyung, do share with us what's happening there! Good afternoon, Soa and Walter! I’m just standing right now in Gyeongbokgung Palace in the heart of Seoul. I’m here because of the "K-Royal Culture Festival" happening right here. This year's festival, which started on Saturday is taking place at Seoul's five major palaces: Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung, and Gyeonghuigung, as well as at Jongmyo Shrine. Visitors can join a program where they experience royal life from the Joseon Dynasty, which lasted from the late 14th century to the turn of the 20th century. One highlight is "Time Travel with King Sejong," where visitors can experience important moments from King Sejong’s life, such as the creation of Hangeul, the Korean alphabet and other historical achievements. The biggest feature of this festival is that visitors can do more than just watch, they can actually participate. Visitors can act as royal palace apprentices, making royal desserts and trying out royal dances. And they can experienced daily life as it was about 500 years ago. "My friend invited me to join the program. The weather was so great, and when I tried it myself, it was easy and so much fun for anyone to enjoy." This year is the 11th edition of the festival. Last year, more than 960-thousand people visited the event making it one Seoul's most visited festivals. The Korea Heritage Service created a variety of programs that match current trends, different age groups, and even special programs for foreigners. "Last year, we focused mainly on performances showing daily life. This year, we wanted to give the audience a chance to join in and interact before the show starts. We also encouraged foreigners to participate, focusing more on hands-on experiences rather than just delivering lines." Looks so nice and interesting. So, what makes this year's festival special? Which program can catch people's eyes? In front of Gyeongbokgung Palace, you can enjoy traditional crafts and goods. At Deoksugung Palace, near Seoul City Hall, there is a special program for foreigners called "The Emperor’s Table." Visitors can taste traditional royal food from the Korean Empire period and hear stories about the food and about Korean history in English. This year, there is a special program called "Spring Day at Gyeonghoeru" to celebrate the country's 80th anniversary of the country's liberation. Independence heroes and their families have been invited to special performances at Gyeonghoeru Pavilion in Gyeongbokgung Palace. The festival will continue until May 4th at the five palaces and Jongmyo Shrine as I mentioned. If you want to know what royal life and culture were like during the Joseon Dynasty, don’t miss this special time. Thank you for covering at the venue of the cultural essence of South Korea. That was our Choi Soo-hyung.

Fluttering wings, blooming spring in S. Korea: Hampyeong Butterfly Festival begins

2025/04/28 10:00

For those of you here in Korea looking to enjoy the most out of the spring warmth, how about a butterfly festival? Our Park Kun-woo shows us a glimpse of the spring festa. Busy and colorful wings flutter through the air, signaling the full arrival of spring. And there's no better place to experience it than at South Korea's biggest butterfly festival in Hampyeong-gun County, Jeollanam-do Province. Celebrating its 27th edition, Hampyeong Butterfly Festival showcases around 200 thousand butterflies of nearly 20 different species. Among them, the Korean tiger swallowtail has been named the Butterfly of the Year. Caterpillars, larvae, and other fascinating insects also add to the festival's charm, making it a rare opportunity to enjoy nature up close. After the festival kicked off on Friday, people from all over the country visited to enjoy not just the winged insects, but the vibrant scenes of spring. "My friends and I are all over 70, but we've been here since early this morning, feeling as excited as if we were 18 again. There are so many flowers, butterflies, and even people! It's such a joy to be here." "It's really fun to see butterflies I've only seen in books. There are so many kinds, like the cabbage white butterfly that I know, and I actually got to see them today! I hope more people can come and enjoy them too." The festival isn't just for observing, as it's filled with intriguing activities to encounter butterflies, including feeding them using floral bouquets. "Butterfly, Butterfly" "One of the most exciting things you can try here is releasing a butterfly, so I'm going to try it myself. As I do it, I'll be sending off my greatest wishes on their wings, hoping they'll spark a beautiful butterfly effect. Now go, fly away!" While butterfly populations are in decline globally, especially down by 22 percent in the U.S. over the past two decades, Hampyeong has worked hard to keep its ecosystem thriving. "Instead of collecting butterflies from the wild, we raise them using selected breeding stock. To thrive, butterflies need host plants for caterpillars and nectar plants for adults. And this clean and natural area of Hampyeong offers both in abundance." He stressed that the combination of natural resources, expertise, and sustainable practices is making Hampyeong an ideal place for both the butterflies and the festival. Offering visitors a colorful spring escape with butterflies galore, the festival runs through May 6th. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News, Hampyeong.

Fluttering wings, blooming spring in S. Korea: Hampyeong Butterfly Festival begins

2025/04/25 20:00

For those of you here in Korea who have yet to make weekend plans, how about a trip to a stunning butterfly festival in the southern part of country? Our Park Kun-wo was there. Busy and colorful wings flutter through the air, signaling the full arrival of spring. And there's no better place to experience it than at South Korea's biggest butterfly festival in Hampyeong-gun County, Jeollanam-do Province. Celebrating its 27th edition, Hampyeong Butterfly Festival showcases around 200 thousand butterflies of nearly 20 different species. Among them, the Korean tiger swallowtail has been named the Butterfly of the Year. Caterpillars, larvae, and other fascinating insects also add to the festival's charm, making it a rare opportunity to enjoy nature up close. After the festival kicked off on Friday, people from all over the country visited to enjoy not just the winged insects, but the vibrant scenes of spring. "My friends and I are all over 70, but we've been here since early this morning, feeling as excited as if we were 18 again. There are so many flowers, butterflies, and even people! It's such a joy to be here." "It's really fun to see butterflies I've only seen in books. There are so many kinds, like the cabbage white butterfly that I know, and I actually got to see them today! I hope more people can come and enjoy them too." The festival isn't just for observing, as it's filled with intriguing activities to encounter butterflies, including feeding them using floral bouquets. "Butterfly, Butterfly" "One of the most exciting things you can try here is releasing a butterfly, so I'm going to try it myself. As I do it, I'll be sending off my greatest wishes on their wings, hoping they'll spark a beautiful butterfly effect. Now go, fly away!" While butterfly populations are in decline globally, especially down by 22 percent in the U.S. over the past two decades, Hampyeong has worked hard to keep its ecosystem thriving. "Instead of collecting butterflies from the wild, we raise them using selected breeding stock. To thrive, butterflies need host plants for caterpillars and nectar plants for adults. And this clean and natural area of Hampyeong offers both in abundance." He stressed that the combination of natural resources, expertise, and sustainable practices is making Hampyeong an ideal place for both the butterflies and the festival. Offering visitors a colorful spring escape with butterflies galore, the festival runs through May 6th. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News, Hampyeong.

Fluttering wings, blooming spring in S. Korea: Hampyeong Butterfly Festival begins

2025/04/25 17:00

For those of you here in Seoul who have yet to make weekend plans how about a trip to a beautiful butterfly festival in the southern part of Korea? Our Park Kun-woo was there. Busy and colorful wings flutter through the air, signaling the full arrival of spring. And there's no better place to experience it than at South Korea's biggest butterfly festival in Hampyeong-gun County, Jeollanam-do Province. Celebrating its 27th edition, Hampyeong Butterfly Festival showcases around 200 thousand butterflies of nearly 20 different species. Among them, the Korean tiger swallowtail has been named the Butterfly of the Year. Caterpillars, larvae, and other fascinating insects also add to the festival's charm, making it a rare opportunity to enjoy nature up close. After the festival kicked off on Friday, people from all over the country visited to enjoy not just the winged insects, but the vibrant scenes of spring. "My friends and I are all over 70, but we've been here since early this morning, feeling as excited as if we were 18 again. There are so many flowers, butterflies, and even people! It's such a joy to be here." "It's really fun to see butterflies I've only seen in books. There are so many kinds, like the cabbage white butterfly that I know, and I actually got to see them today! I hope more people can come and enjoy them too." The festival isn't just for observing, as it's filled with intriguing activities to encounter butterflies, including feeding them using floral bouquets. " One of the most exciting things you can try here is releasing a butterfly, so I'm going to try it myself. As I do it, I'll be sending off my greatest wishes on their wings, hoping they'll spark a beautiful butterfly effect. Now go, fly away!" While butterfly populations are in decline globally, especially down by 22 percent in the U.S. over the past two decades, Hampyeong has worked hard to keep its ecosystem thriving. "Instead of collecting butterflies from the wild, we raise them using selected breeding stock. To thrive, butterflies need host plants for caterpillars and nectar plants for adults. And this clean and natural area of Hampyeong offers both in abundance." He stressed that the combination of natural resources, expertise, and sustainable practices is making Hampyeong an ideal place for both the butterflies and the festival. Offering visitors a colorful spring escape with butterflies galore, the festival runs through May 6th. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News, Hampyeong.

Joseon Tongsinsa: Why this 400-year-old peace mission still matters today

2025/04/25 17:00

Up next we share with you an elaborate reenactment of a past diplomatic mission from Korea to Japan as we celebrate 60 years of formal bilateral ties this year. Our correspondent Song Yoo-jin reports. "Envoys bound for Japan, receive the royal command!" This is a recreation of the Joseon Tongsinsa, the diplomatic missions sent from Korea to Japan between the 17th and 19th centuries. The word Tongsinsa means "envoys of communication built on trust." Between 1607 and 1811, a total of 12 missions were dispatched at the request of Japan's Shogunate government. Their purpose was to restore diplomatic relations after Japan attacked Korea in the late 16th century. Each year, the Busan Cultural Foundation brings this historic journey back to life. This year's event carries more special meaning, marking the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties between South Korea and Japan. "Today's ceremony reenacts the moment the royal order is handed to the lead envoy, the jeongsa, before the mission sets off. This year, we're recreating the 1763 mission from during King Yeongjo's reign, an event being revived for the first time in 16 years." Every Tongsinsa mission begins with the appointment of the three key envoys: jeongsa, busa, and jongsagwan, the core of the 3-hundred to 5-hundred delegation. This year, the role of chief envoy, jeongsa, is being played by Shin Yoon-chan, the mother of the late Lee Soo-hyun, a Korean student who died in Tokyo in 2001 while trying to save a Japanese man who had fallen onto train tracks. "People call Japan a 'close but distant neighbor,' but reflecting on my experience, it's always been a close country, for example, through family and work. Even though there are political tensions, cultural exchanges like this show how we can move forward together." Following the appointment ceremony in Seoul, the procession travels south to Busan, where it will board a vessel modeled after the original Tongsinsa ships and set sail for Japan. Two weeks later, by mid-May, the vessel is set to arrive in Osaka. For those unable to follow the journey in person, the Seoul Museum of History is hosting a special exhibition introducing the goodwill mission. It features over one hundred artifacts, including diplomatic records inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World register. "These missions were reestablished after the devastation of war, at a time when Japan was still seen as a bitter enemy. And yet, Korea chose diplomacy. They reflect the desire to stabilize society and preserve peace, even with a former foe. That message of cultural dialogue is what we wanted to emphasize in this exhibition." Centuries ago, Korean envoys sailed not just across seas, but across political divides, guided by the pursuit of peace. And today, as Korea and Japan continue navigating a complex relationship, the spirit of the Tongsinsa reminds us that history, when honored, can still guide us toward a more thoughtful future. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.

[Kulture Issue] Preview of 26th Jeonju International Film Festival

2025/04/25 14:00

The southwestern city of Jeonju in Jeollabuk-do Province is known for its traditional attractions such as the Jeonju Hanok Village, trendy spots appealing to the young people, and Jeonju bibimbap. In this city, one of Korea’s main film events, the annual Jeonju International Film Festival is kicking off next week. We’ll take a peak into what we can expect at this year’s festival, with our movie expert, Jae Soh, Professor and filmmaker at Seoul Institute of the Arts. Welcome back, Professor Soh! Q1. This year marks the 26th Jeonju International Film Festival. If we have BIFF in Busan in autumn, we have JIFF in Jeonju in spring. What meaning does this festival hold? Q2. The opening film for the event I heard is one that’s been entirely shot on smartphones. What message does this send to the movie industry? Q3. There seem to be quite a number of works that explore gender identity, female solidarity, as well as the meaning of family, in this year's selection. How do you read the trend of this year‘s JIFF? Q4. Is there any film you would like to introduce that caught your attention? Q5. Apart from the movie lineup, are there any special programs at this year's festival? Q6. Do you think the variety of topics and formats of films featured at JIFF will help strengthen the power of K-content? Q7. Professor Soh, is there anything that could be done better at the festival to keep the reputation going? Q8. If any of our watchers decide to experience the film festival in Jeonju what are some other things you like to enjoy when you are in the city?

[Features reporter] Fluttering wings, blooming spring in S. Korea: Hampyeong Butterfly Festival begins

2025/04/25 14:00

As the weather gets warmer and more pleasant, a variety of spring festivals are taking place across South Korea. While we've recently introduced many spring FLOWER festivals on our show, today, our News Features reporter Park Kun-woo is at a festival that's probably also abundant in flowers, as this winged-insect that's today's main focus, is attracted to things that bloom. Kun-woo, please tell us at which festival you exactly are right now! Good afternoon Soa and Bella. I'm reporting from the butterfly festival here in Hampyeong-gun county, in Jeollanamdo Province, in South Korea's southwest. This is the biggest and most well-known butterfly festival in Korea, now celebrating its 27th edition since it first started in 1999. And you might have noticed that I'm indoors and behind me, you can see a variety of butterflies fluttering their beautiful, symmetrical wings. Officials say there are around 200 thousand butterflies of nearly 20 different species, both indoors and outdoors, here at the festival site. Visitors can also see caterpillars and other fascinating insects, adding to the unique charm of the festival. Today marks the opening day of the festival, and more and more visitors from all over the country are arriving to enjoy the scene. Parking lots have been packed since before 9 AM with families, friends, and school kids on field trips arriving. Take a listen to how much the visitors are enjoying the festival. "My friends and I are all over 70, but we've been here since early this morning, feeling as excited as if we were 18 again. There are so many flowers, butterflies and even people! It's such a joy to be here." "It's really fun to see butterflies I've only seen in books. There are so many kinds like the cabbage white butterfly that I know and I actually got to see them today! I hope more people can come and enjoy them too." Kun-woo, I can see the festival is a lot of fun. Do you have any special recommendations or tips for those planning to visit? First of all, I'd like to recommend two fun activities you can try while you're here. The first is the butterfly release experience. If you register 30 minutes before the activity, you'll receive a small container with around five butterflies. When you open the lid, you can watch them flutter away into the air. As butterflies are often seen as symbols of hope, I recommend sending them off with your own wishes. The second activity is feeding the butterflies. You'll be given a bouquet of flowers with feed to attract butterflies, and as they gather around it, you can enjoy feeding them up close. Also, on display here is a special sculpture called the "Golden Bat" statue, created to commemorate the golden bat, which is a Level 1 endangered species. This recently grabbed attention as its value rose with soaring gold prices, and it's even being seen as a successful investment by the local government. While the activities I've mentioned are free, the festival's entrance fee is just under 5 U.S. dollars. Groups of more than 20 people, as well as children and senior citizens, can enter at a discounted price. In terms of traveling to here from Seoul, it takes about four hours by car. If you prefer public transport, you can take an intercity bus, which brings you directly to Hampyeong in about four and a half hours. For those taking the train, you can take the KTX train, which takes less than four hours. Thanks for those tips. But Kun-woo I also heard on a global scale that there are concerns about the decline of butterfly populations. What's the situation there in Hampyeong? Yes, according to a U.S. study, butterfly populations in the U.S. have declined by 22 percent over the past two decades, with climate change and excessive pesticide use pointed out as key reasons. But an official I spoke to told me Hampyeong has a competitive edge, thanks to its accumulated know-how in sustaining butterfly populations over the years. "Instead of collecting butterflies from the wild, we raise them using selected breeding stock. To thrive, butterflies need host plants for caterpillars and nectar plants for adults. And this clean and natural area of Hampyeong offers both in abundance." To sum up, he said it's the combination of natural resources, research, and expertise that makes Hampyeong an ideal habitat for butterflies. Back to you guys. Alright Kun-woo, thanks for all of that. And we'll see you next time with another interesting topic.

K-wave AI News

2025/04/25 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. The Culture Ministry has unveiled a comprehensive plan to revitalize Korea's animation industry. During a policy meeting chaired by Acting President Han Duck-soo, the ministry announced it will launch a 20 billion-won, or roughly 14 million-dollar animation fund this year and expand it to 150 billion won, or around 104 million dollars, by 2029. The fund aims to boost investment, diversify content distribution, foster talent, and support global expansion. The ministry says it's part of a long-term strategy to grow Korean animation into a high-value-added industry and respond more effectively to evolving media and technology trends. Acclaimed Korean author Han Kang topped bestseller charts once again, this time, with her first book since winning the Nobel Prize in Literature last year. Titled "Light and Thread," the book ranked number one on Kyobo Bookstore and Aladin, and number two on Yes 24 on its first day of online release. Aladin reported a surge in inquiries as offline sales began Thursday, with over 12,000 readers signing up for new release notifications. The book is a collection of essays, featuring Han's previously unreleased poems, diary entries, and her Nobel acceptance speech. Pianist Lim Yun-chan swept three categories at the 20th BBC Music Magazine Awards with his album "Chopin: Études," released last year. He won Recording of the Year, the Instrumental Award, and the Newcomer Award at a ceremony held in London on Wednesday. It is the first time in the award's history that a single album has claimed all three honors. Meanwhile, a live album of Lim's performance of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3 will be released on May 16. The recording captures his winning stage at the 2022 Van Cliburn Competition, where he became the youngest winner at age 18. That's all from me. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[K-enter] "Gangnam Style" and "Baby Shark" among YouTube's biggest moments

2025/04/25 14:00

Time for some K-entertainment news with Bella Kim. For our first story today, we are going to talk about something related to an anniversary. What are we celebrating? Well, YouTube just turned 20 this Wednesday and in celebration, The New York Times introduced its 18 biggest moments from YouTube. And guess what? PSY’s “Gangnam Style” and Pinkfong’s “Baby Shark” were chosen. The New York Times briefly introduced PSY and said “Gangnam Style” was first uploaded on July 2012, and by the end of that year it became the first video on the internet to reach one billion views. Another video that made onto the timeline was “Baby Shark” began quietly, when a video of the song was first posted on YouTube in November 2015. Then, the remixed version of the same song was uploaded in June 2016. In November of 2020, it became the most viewed YouTube video ever and it still is with 15.8 billion views. We really have to give it to PSY, Gangnam Style was a significant catalyst in the hallyu boom. And Baby Shark now caters to children all around the world, with the song and related content said to be available in 25 languages. Next we will move onto another piece of Korean content has been HUGE globally “Squid Game!” Hwang Dong-hyuk, the creator and director behind the global sensation “Squid Game,” will be honored with the Creator Tribute at the upcoming Gotham Television Awards. The Gotham Film & Media Institute said, in a press release, that Hwang was selected for “combining high-stakes storytelling with sharp cultural commentary to create the global phenomenon.” Established in 1991, the Gotham Awards acknowledge outstanding achievements in independent films and television series. The Creator Tribute award category, which Hwang will receive, recognizes the iconic artists and creators who have enriched the landscape and pushed the boundaries of TV, making an indelible impact on the medium. It’s actually not the first time "Squid Game" has won the Gotham Award. The Gothams previously celebrated the series with the competitive category award for Best Long Form Breakthrough Series back in 2021. This year’s award ceremony will take place in New York City on June 2nd. Congratulations director Hwang! And we will end off today’s K-enter with a K-pop story on a new collaboration between two artists? Tablo, the leader of hip-hop group Epik High, and BTS member RM will release their collaborative single next month. Tablo announced the upcoming release of the track, titled “Stop the Rain,” on his social media accounts, along with a teaser video featuring both artists’ voices. The new single is a song the two artists worked on two years ago. It combines Tablo’s distinctive lyrical style with RM’s deep and charismatic voice. The collaboration between the two marks their first project together in three years after “All Day,” one of the tracks on RM’s solo album “Indigo.” Excited to see the two together again. Thank you Bella for today’s stories.

Gangnam Style, Baby Shark listed among 'biggest moments' in YouTube's 20-year history

2025/04/25 10:00

YouTube celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, and content originating from South Korea has been chosen among the biggest moments in the platform's history. The New York Times marked the occasion on Wednesday with the 18 "biggest moments," which include Psy's 'Gangnam Style' and the children's song video 'Baby Shark.' The article said that Psy released his song 'Gangnam Style' in July 2012 and by the end of that year, it had become the first video on the internet to surpass 1 billion views. It went on to say that the 'Baby Shark' video became the most-viewed video in YouTube history in November 2020,.. and still holds the record with 15-point-8 billion views.

Rosé nominated for 'Collaboration of the Year' and 'Favorite K-Pop Artist' at the 2025 AMAs

2025/04/24 20:00

Blackpink member Rosé has secured two nominations at this year's American Music Awards. They include "Collaboration of the Year" for the hit song "APT." with Bruno Mars and "Favorite K-pop Artist." With regard to the latter nomination, she shares it with other K-pop artists such as Jimin and BTS's RM as well as Stray Kids. The 2025 American Music Awards will take place in Las Vegas next month.

Nobel Prize in Literature winner Han's new book tops online bestseller list

2025/04/24 20:00

On the cultural front. "Light and Thread," the new book from Han Kang, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature last year, topped the online bestseller list in one day. The new publication ranked first in sales at online stores of Kyobo Book Centre and Aladin, and third at Yes 24's online store on Thursday. The total number of copies sold has not been calculated yet, but its first-day sales were much higher compared to Han's previous works, such as "We Do Not Part," "The White Book" and "Human Acts." "Light and Thread," composed of twelve pieces of prose and poetry, is being sold offline at bookstores starting from today.

K-wave AI News

2025/04/24 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. To mark Family Month in May, three national arboretums across Korea will open their doors free of charge. The Baekdudaegan National Arboretum, Sejong National Arboretum, and National Botanic Garden of Korea native plant will offer free admission from May 1 to 6, with a range of family-friendly cultural events. At Baekdudaegan, visitors can enjoy bee-themed immersive activities and browse a local flea market featuring regional specialties. Sejong Arboretum will also host a lively lineup, including magic shows, diverse performances, and a special exhibition showcasing plants used in desserts. Korea's southern port city of Busan is offering nearly 50 new tourism packages for foreign visitors in collaboration with the Busan Tourism Organization. The packages include "One-Day Tours," "Customized Themed Packages," and "Regional Tours." The "One-Day Tours" provide convenient transportation for tourists to explore Busan with ease, while the "Customized Themed Packages" cater to individual interests. The "Regional Tours" offer opportunities to tour around key southeastern cities, including Pohang, Ulsan, and Gyeongju. These tour packages are available for purchase on online travel platforms, including KLOOK, KKday, and Trip.com. Illegal distribution of Korean content overseas surpassed 414 million cases last year, with webtoons accounting for 70% of the total. Park Jung Youl, Director of the Korea Copyright Protection Agency, said copyright violations operate through complex, borderless networks, causing significant losses even for big-name companies like Kakao Entertainment. Noting that Korea's copyright industry is worth 208 trillion won, or some 145 billion U.S. dollars, making up 11% of the national GDP, Park highlighted the need to respect creators and their original content. The Copyright Protection Agency and the Culture Ministry declared this year as "The Year of National Copyright Protection" on Wednesday, marking World Book and Copyright Day designated by UNESCO. That's all from me. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[Hallyu People] "Culture Crunch" DJ Joel spreads different flavors of K-culture to the world

2025/04/24 14:00

If Arirang TV has “The Kulture Wave” to provide you with your daily dose of K-culture issues at 2 p.m. Korea time, Arirang Radio has “Culture Crunch” for listeners (and viewers alike) to crunch on a different flavour of K-culture everyday, at 11 a.m. Korea time. For today’s Hallyu People we have invited the host of “Culture Crunch” to our program, Joel Lane! Joel, welcome to “The Kulture Wave”! 1) Joel, you are the new host or DJ of “Culture Crunch”! It’s been around a month now, but as we didn’t get the chance to say it, congratulations! Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you feel about your new role. 2) Please introduce your program “Culture Crunch.” 3) Joel, you’ve had a varied career, as a singer, model, actor, voice actor, broadcast personality, meaning you are deeply involved with K-culture and feel the influence of the Korean wave. What do you think of the hallyu phenomenon? 4) Joel, you were born and raised in the U.S., and started to get involved in the K-entertainment industry in your twenties, I believe. How did you become interested in this world? 5) You also do a lot to promote Korean culture, apart from hosting “Culture Crunch”. Please tell us more about such activities. 6) What do you hope “Culture Crunch” listeners will take away from your show? 7) Finally, what are your aspirations as a DJ spreading Korean culture out there to the world, or is there anything on your wishlist of things you want to talk about or a guest you want to invite to “Culture Crunch”?

[K-enter] BLACKPINK's Rosé nominated for 2 American Music Awards

2025/04/24 14:00

As it is time for some K-entertainment action. Bella, yesterday we talked about BLACKPINK member Rosé doing so well on the Billboard charts. Today we have some more impressive news on Rosé? Rosé has been nominated for two American Music Awards. On Wednesday local time, the AMA, one of the main music awards in the U.S., officially announced this year’s nominations. Rosé secured two nominations this year-‘Collaboration of the Year’ with Bruno Mars with their hit song “APT.” and ‘Favorite K-Pop Artist.’ She made history as she became the first K-pop artist to receive a nomination for ‘Collaboration of the Year’ at the AMA. Rosé has continued her long run on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 with “APT.” as it remains on the chart for the 26th consecutive week. Alongside with Rosé, ATEEZ, BTS Jimin and RM, and Stray Kids were nominated for ‘Favorite K-Pop Artist.’ It’s actually ATEEZ’s first time to be nominated for the AMA since their debut. The 2025 AMA will air live from Las Vegas on May 26th local time. All awards will be determined by fan voting that will be open until May 15th local time. I’ll make sure to vote. Let’s continue with more impressive milestones made by K-pop artists. This time it’s a group-which group are we talking about? We are going to talk about NCT WISH. They have managed to create their first million-seller with their second mini-album “poppop.” According to the Hanteo Chart, the album, released on April 14th, sold about 1-million 87-thousand copies in the first week, breaking the group's own highest records for both first-week sales and pre-orders. The album “poppop”'s title track of the same title is a dance-pop song that combines bouncy melodies and the group’s refreshing sensibility. NCT WISH have shown phenomenal growth from the start, and they have risen to the ranks of million-sellers for the first time in just about a year since their debut. Very impressive to become a million-seller in less than a year since debut. For our last story we turn to an upcoming Korean OTT series. Disney+’s original series, “Nine Puzzles,” just dropped its teaser trailer. The new series is a mystery thriller that delves into the secrets of a serial murder case that restarted with mysterious puzzle pieces, starring Ina, a profiler and the sole witness of an unsolved case from 10 years ago, and Han-sam, a detective who continues to suspect Ina as a suspect. “Nine Puzzles” is a collaboration between director Yoon Jong-bin, known for his works “Narco-Saints,” and “The Spy Gone North,” and actors Kim Da-mi and Kim Suk-ku. The series will be exclusively released on Disney+ in 3 blocks-six episodes on May 21st, three episodes on May 28th, and two episodes on June 4th. Will look forward to that next month. Thank you Bella for today’s stories.