News

K-wave AI News

2025/04/23 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Marking the 60th anniversary of normalizing diplomatic ties, Korea and Japan will hold reenactments of the "Joseon Tongsinsa" procession. Joseon Tongsinsa refers to a large group of Korean envoys sent to Japan during the Joseon Dynasty. Kicking off this Thursday at Gyeonghuigung Palace in Seoul, the reenactment will continue across Busan, Japan's Osaka, and Yokohama, before concluding in Tokyo in September. The events will feature official processions, traditional dance and music performances, as well as various cultural celebrations, including historical exhibitions. Calling it a "symbol of diplomatic trust and cultural exchange between the two nations," the Culture Ministry expressed hope that the reenactment will provide an opportunity to reflect on the past and open new paths of Seoul-Tokyo cooperation. The 42nd Busan International Short Film Festival kicks off Thursday for a six-day run at the Busan Cinema Center and BNK Busan Bank Art Cinema. This year's theme, 'Cinema & Sound,' spotlights the artistic power of sound in film. A total of 157 films from 41 countries will be screened, including 40 in the International Competition and 20 in the Korean Competition. Founded in 1980, the festival is Korea's oldest short film event, dedicated to exploring short films from around the world and supporting emerging filmmakers. Jeju Island has revised its trail access policy for the popular Hallasan Mountain. Starting May 3, reservations will only be required for hikers heading to the summit. Under the new system, visitors can freely access the seven-kilometer stretch from Seongpanak to Jindallaebat and the six-kilometer trail from Gwaneumsa to Samgakbong without booking in advance. Previously, the entire Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa trails required reservations under a conservation policy introduced in 2021. But the system drew complaints from locals who faced restrictions even for routine visits to mid-trail spots. The updated policy aims to improve accessibility while preserving the mountain's natural environment. The 2025 KBO League has surpassed two million spectators in a record-setting 118 games—the fastest pace in league history. The Korea Baseball Organization says this breaks the previous record of 126 games set in 2012. The league is also seeing a continued streak of sellouts, with 50 of the 118 games sold out so far. The KBO became the first professional sports league in Korea to surpass 10 million total spectators in a single season last year. That's all from me. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[K-Correspondent] How Korean traditional poetry "sijo" landed on the moon

2025/04/23 14:00

We recently covered the launch into space of G-Dragon’s music and an image of his iris. Today, we want to talk about poems being sent to the moon. That includes Korean poems written in the traditional poetry form “sijo.” To hear more about this project, we now connect to Joyce Brinkman, the lead editor of “Polaris Trilogy”, which is the book of more than a hundred poems that was launched to the moon. Hello Ms. Brinkman! Q1-1. Could you please introduce yourself as well as the fascinating project you are involved in? Q1-2. The idea of sending creative works into space is so intriguing. What exactly is being loaded on these spacecraft, how does it all work? Q2. Has “Polaris Trilogy” landed successfully on the moon? At which stage is the mission at right now and what are the remaining tasks? Q3. What are the criteria for the selection of the poems? As the lead editor of “Polaris Trilogy” what was your main focus? Q4. A couple of months ago we actually had the chance to talk with one of the poets of the eight sijo poems that were included in the book (Lucy Park, who is the Executive Director of Sejong Cultural Society). Could you introduce us to those works and also tell us why sijo poems were selected to be sent on this special trip? Q5. In your opinion, what do you think are the most important aesthetic qualities of Korean sijo and what’s your view on the Korean sentiment conveyed through this literary art?

[K-enter] Rosé and Jennie forever in the charts?

2025/04/23 14:00

Time for our daily dose of K-enter news with Walter Lee. Starting off by talking about two BLACKPINK members doing well on the U.S. Billboard charts, I wonder who they could be? According to the latest charts released on Tuesday, Rosé’s “APT.” remains at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the second week in a row, marking its 26th consecutive week on the chart which set a new record previously held by girl group FIFTY FIFTY when they reached 25 weeks with their song "Cupid". “APT.” debuted on the Hot 100 at No. 8 in October 2024 and peaked at No. 3, gaining widespread popularity. Rosé’s first solo album "rosie" also maintained its position at No. 98 on the "Billboard 200 main albums chart." Meanwhile, Jennie saw a boost in the rankings following her solo debut performance at the "Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival" on April 13, where she wowed the crowd with a stunning set. The title track of Jennie’s first solo album, "like JENNIE", re-entered the Hot 100 at No. 96. The album "Ruby" climbed seven spots from the previous week to reach No. 81 on the Billboard 200. Only a few more months left before we see the four members reunite, I can only imagine what they will achieve on the Billboard charts as a group. Next we have a fun exhibition coming that I am sure will have BTS fans from around the world booking their tickets to Korea. From May 30 to June 22, BTS's J-Hope will hold an exhibition, titled “AND WHAT?” which will take place at AK PLAZA Hongdae in Seoul. The exhibition highlights J-Hope’s solo career and musical world, exploring his artistic journey through previously released songs, documentary content, and his world tour. The exhibition also focuses on the “firsts” J-Hope has achieved as a K-pop artist. Items personally used by J-Hope, such as his microphone, in-ear monitors, music video and concept photo outfits, will also be on display. J-Hope kicked off his tour "HOPE ON THE STAGE" in Seoul this February and has upcoming performances scheduled in Singapore on April 26 and 27. Let's stay on the topic of K-pop today and talk about rookie girl group VVS. Move over Kickflip and Hearts2Hearts, there is a new rookie girl group in town and their name is "VVS". On Tuesday, a showcase was held at Ilji Art Hall, Seoul, to celebrate the release of VVS’s debut single “TEA.” VVS is produced by American producer Paul Bryan Thompson, who has worked on songs for artists like EXO, EXO, NCT, Red Velvet, and Kang Daniel. Now why does that name ring a bell? The Kulture Wave actually had Paul on for an interview a few weeks ago and gave our viewers an exclusive debut date on the new girl group. According to sources, the group name signifies both "5 VS" and the "VVS" category from the GIA diamond grading system, symbolising high level quality and strength. Member Britney shared her thoughts on debuting, saying, “It’s exciting and nerve-wracking to mark this beginning. I want to show VVS’s unique charm with the ambition of creating a new chapter in K-pop history.” Paul mentioned that this girl group has been 5 years in the making and I can't wait to see where their career goes. Thanks for that news Walter and let's both take a look at what our AI anchor Ari has for us. Ari take it away.

People magazine names Demi Moore the World's Most Beautiful for 2025

2025/04/23 10:00

Finally, 62-year-old American actress Demi Moore is gracing the cover of People magazine after being named the publication's 2025 World's Most Beautiful Person. In an exclusive interview with People, Moore reflected on her personal growth that embraces the relationship between beauty and aging. Her recent performance in The Substance, a film that explores themes of youth and self-worth, garnered much attention, earning Moore Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild awards. People magazine's editor-in-chief noted that the selection celebrates individuals who redefine beauty standards and inspire through personal transformation.

Korean animation "The King of Kings" debuts at #2 in U.S. box office

2025/04/22 20:00

A Korean animation based on the Bible debuted at number two at the U.S. box office and globally raked in millions of dollars on its opening weekend. Lee Eun-jin explains what's special about it. The animated film "The King of Kings," created and produced by Korean studios and filmmakers, debuted at number 2 in the North American box office. With its Korean title translating to "The Life of Jesus," this marks a milestone for a Korean animation on the global stage. According to the U.S. tracking site Box Office Mojo, "The King of Kings" raked in 7-point-0-1 million U.S. dollars across 3,200 theaters in North America on its opening day on April 12th. The film's opening weekend earnings surpassed 19-point-4 million dollars globally, making it the largest debut for an animated biblical movie since 1998's "The Prince of Egypt" and continued its success over the Easter weekend, bringing in 17-point-2 million dollars. "From the outset, we targeted the North American market as our main target audience. The United States is a country founded by Puritans, and although it is not the same as it used to be, it is still a country with a strong Christian cultural tradition, so we were confident that this theme would resonate with audiences. That said, the success has been far greater than we anticipated, leaving us feeling a bit overwhelmed." The story of the life of Jesus is well known, but it had never been made into a feature-length animated film for the theater. Written and directed by Mofac Studio's CEO Jang Seong-ho, who was inspired by Charles Dickens' book, The Life of Our Lord, and tells the story of a father taking his youngest son on a journey through time, to restore their relationship. To this fresh approach, Jang added extraordinary computer graphics and visual effects. Director Jang endured a decade of rejections for investments to bring this film to theaters. But it is now set to make its way around the world with anticipation high for its release in South American theaters before it comes to Korea at the end of July. Lee Eunjin, Arirang News.

Korean animation "The King of Kings" debuts at #2 in U.S. box office

2025/04/22 17:00

A Korean animation based on the Bible debuted at number two at the U.S. box office and globally raked in some 19 million U.S. dollars on its opening weekend. Lee Eun-jin has more. The animated film "The King of Kings," created and produced by Korean studios and filmmakers, debuted at number 2 in the North American box office. With its Korean title translating to "The Life of Jesus," this marks a milestone for a Korean animation on the global stage. According to the U.S. tracking site Box Office Mojo, "The King of Kings" raked in 7-point-0-1 million U.S. dollars across 3,200 theaters in North America on its opening day on April 12th. The film's opening weekend earnings surpassed 19-point-4 million dollars globally, making it the largest debut for an animated biblical movie since 1998's "The Prince of Egypt" and continued its success over the Easter weekend, bringing in 17-point-2 million dollars. "From the outset, we targeted the North American market as our main target audience. The United States is a country founded by Puritans, and although it is not the same as it used to be, it is still a country with a strong Christian cultural tradition, so we were confident that this theme would resonate with audiences. That said, the success has been far greater than we anticipated, leaving us feeling a bit overwhelmed." The story of the life of Jesus is well known, but it had never been made into a feature-length animated film for the theater. Written and directed by Mofac Studio's CEO Jang Seong-ho, who was inspired by Charles Dickens' book, The Life of Our Lord, and tells the story of a father taking his youngest son on a journey through time, to restore their relationship. To this fresh approach, Jang added extraordinary computer graphics and visual effects. Director Jang endured a decade of rejections for investments to bring this film to theaters. But it is now set to make its way around the world with anticipation high for its release in South American theaters before it comes to Korea at the end of July. Lee Eunjin, Arirang News.

K-Wave AI News

2025/04/22 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. The Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul will open a memorial altar for the late Pope Francis at Myeongdong Cathedral. Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung, Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taek, and other bishops will pay their respects first, with public access starting at 3 PM today. The duration of the memorial will be determined based on the Vatican's funeral schedule. Pope Francis shared a deep bond with Korea, making it his first Asian destination after his inauguration and selecting Seoul as the 2027 World Youth Day host city. He also appointed half of Korea's cardinals and consistently offered words of comfort during the nation's times of hardship. Pianist Cho Seong-jin will hold a nationwide recital tour in Korea this summer to mark the release of his new album featuring the complete solo piano works of Ravel. The tour kicks off on June 12 at Arts Center Incheon, followed by stops at Seoul Arts Center on June 14 and Seongnam Arts Center on June 15. Cho's highly anticipated performances will continue in Daegu, Gimhae, Daejeon, and Cheonan through July. He will present two programs: one featuring the complete solo piano works of Ravel, and another inspired by nature, including sonatas by Beethoven and Brahms. The cities of Icheon, Yeoju, and Gwangju in Gyeonggi-do Province, renowned as Korea's ceramic hub, will host their signature pottery festivals from late April to early May. Coinciding with the upcoming six-day golden holiday, the festivals will offer a range of immersive activities for all ages. The Icheon Ceramics Festival, starting this Friday, will feature live pottery-making demonstrations and hands-on experiences where visitors can create their own ceramics. The Gwangju Royal Ceramics Festival, also opening this Friday, will showcase an exhibition of both traditional and contemporary ceramics at the Royal Ceramics Master Hall. Beginning May 1, the Yeoju Ceramic Festival will offer high-quality ceramics at affordable prices, alongside special performances, including live shows by popular trot singers. That's all from me. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[Hallyu People] First K-pop group with hearing disabilities 'Big Ocean' celebrates first anniversary with comeback

2025/04/22 14:00

Korea observed the Day of People with Disabilities on April 20th. It’s a day that serves as a means to raise awareness and promote rehabilitation of those with disabilities. April 20th also marks one year since the debut of Korea’s first K-pop group with hearing disabilities: Parastar Entertainment's 'Big Ocean'! Today, we are delighted to have PJ, a member of Big Ocean, with us in the studio. 1) Welcome PJ! Please say hi to our viewers! 2) PJ, congratulations to Big Ocean’s first anniversary! (Chanyeon , Jiseok , congratulations to you as well!) Along with this first birthday of your group, you are reborn too as ‘PJ’ rather than ‘Hyun-jin’ . Why did you change your stage name? 3) So, Big Ocean debuted on April 20th 2024. You must have had so many memories in the past year. Are there any special episodes you want to share with us? 4) What does it mean to you and your members to have the title "first K-pop group with hearing disabilities?" 5) You worked tirelessly to debut and your process of singing and dancing is a bit different from other groups. Could you tell us more? 6) Let’s now talk about your comeback. You just dropped a new mini album on your one-year anniversary called “Underwater.” Introduce us to the album please. 7) There is more to congratulate you on! Big Ocean’s first European tour! How did you get ready for that and how do you feel about it? 8) Can’t believe it’s already time to let you go but last but not least, how do you see yourself and Big Ocean ten years from now? Thank you PJ for joining us today, despite being very busy with your comeback. Say hi to the other members from us and we wish you the best with "UNDERWATER." Thank you very much PJ.

Korean animation "The King of Kings" debuts at #2 in U.S. box office

2025/04/22 14:00

The animated biblical film "The King of Kings" stormed box offices in North America on its opening weekend, debuting at number 2. The film broke a decades-old box office record for an animated faith-based movie, earning an estimated 19 million dollars in its first week. What might surprise you is that this is a Korean animated film. Lee Eun-jin tells us more in this report. The animated film "The King of Kings," created and produced by Korean studios and filmmakers, debuted at number 2 in the North American box office. With its Korean title translating to "The Life of Jesus," this marks a milestone for a Korean animation on the global stage. According to the U.S. tracking site Box Office Mojo, "The King of Kings" raked in 7-point-0-1 million U.S. dollars across 3,200 theaters in North America on its opening day on April 12th. The film's opening weekend earnings surpassed 19-point-4 million dollars globally, making it the largest debut for an animated biblical movie since 1998's "The Prince of Egypt" and continued its success over the Easter weekend, bringing in 17-point-2 million dollars. "From the outset, we targeted the North American market as our main target audience. The United States is a country founded by Puritans, and although it is not the same as it used to be, it is still a country with a strong Christian cultural tradition, so we were confident that this theme would resonate with audiences. That said, the success has been far greater than we anticipated, leaving us feeling a bit overwhelmed." The story of the life of Jesus is well known, but it had never been made into a feature-length animated film for the theater. Written and directed by Mofac Studio's CEO Jang Seong-ho, who was inspired by Charles Dickens' book, The Life of Our Lord, and tells the story of a father taking his youngest son on a journey through time, to restore their relationship. To this fresh approach, Jang added extraordinary computer graphics and visual effects. Director Jang endured a decade of rejections for investments to bring this film to theaters. But it is now set to make its way around the world with anticipation high for its release in South American theaters before it comes to Korea at the end of July. Lee Eunjin, Arirang News. Very timely release around Easter. I can't wait to watch the movie myself. I wish it would be prereleased here in Korea, after this bigger than expected success in North America. That's pretty amazing. Soa, we recently talked about how Exorcism Chronicles surpassed 500,000 viewers, domestically and THAT is deemed a big number But with "made in Korea" animations growing successfully abroad, we might see those numbers regularly hit millions, just like blockbusters like Parasite. Can't wait for that to materialize. "The King of Kings" meanwhile is set to be released in around 120 countries by the end of this year, we'll probably talk more about it later on.

[K-enter] Exo's Kai makes a return to music!

2025/04/22 14:00

So, let's kick off with our daily dose of K-enter news. Starting off with some news from an EXO member. Who are we talking about? On Monday afternoon, a showcase was held at Yes24 Live Hall in Seoul, to celebrate the release of EXO member Kai’s fourth mini-album "Wait On Me" with fellow EXO member Suho serving as the MC. In February, Kai completed his military service and returned to music with this album being Kai's first musical release since his third mini-album "Rover". The new album features seven tracks, including the title track "Wait On Me", the pre-release track "Adult Swim" which is getting a lot of attention, as well as "Walls Don’t Talk", "Pressure, Ridin’", "Off and Away", and "Flight to Paris". Kai shared, “I believe this album will show that I’ve spent my time meaningfully. I know many of my fans have been waiting for me, and I, too, have been waiting for this moment." Kai will kick off his solo tour with the "2025 KAI Solo Concert Tour KAION" starting on May 17 at Seoul Olympic Park’s Handball Gymnasium. Next up we are talking about another return to music, this time from a boy group. Boy group TWS have made a return after taking a short five month break. On Monday afternoon, TOURS held a media showcase in Seoul to celebrate the release of their third mini-album "TRY WITH US." The third mini-album "TRY WITH US" captures the bold energy of diving into new experiences at the age of twenty. Having previously released songs inspired by school life, TWS now portray the joy of youth stepping into adulthood beyond the classroom. The album includes six tracks, such as the title track “Isn’t It Cool to Follow Your Heart?”, “Random Play,” which expresses the thrill of spontaneously traveling with friends, and “GO BACK,” which conveys the fluttering emotions of falling in love. I'm so happy my playlist is full of these new songs! Lastly let's take a break from K-pop and move on to K-movies. K-movie "The Match" starring Lee Byung-hun surpassed 2 million cumulative viewers on its 27th day since release. Among all 2025 releases, "The Match" ranks third at the box office, following "Mickey 17"과 "Hitman 2". Despite being in its fourth week of release, the film has consistently remained at the top of the box office, not only surpassing its break-even point of 1.8 million viewers but also smashing the 2-million-mark. "The Match" tells the story of Cho Hun-hyun , a legendary master of Go or Baduk who, after a series of losses to his protégé Lee Chang-ho , makes a comeback to challenge the top once more.

K-Wave AI news

2025/04/21 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. The ancestral tablets of Joseon kings and queens have returned to Jongmyo after five years. Established by the first king of the Joseon Dynasty, King Taejo, Jongmyo is an ancestral shrine dedicated to memorial rites of Joseon located in central Seoul. The tablets were temporarily moved to Changdeokgung Palace in 2020 after damage to parts of Jongmyo prompted major repairs. To mark their return, a traditional reenactment procession was held on Sunday along the 3.5 km route from Changdeokgung to Jongmyo, with over 1,000 participants. The procession was followed by "Goyuje," a ritual declaring the tablets' return. A special media façade illuminated Jongmyo at night, along with various celebratory performances. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Jongmyo shrine's designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Seoul will launch the spring edition of the 'Hangang River Night Tour' this week, offering a guided evening stroll along the river that winds through the heart of the capital. Led by expert storytellers, participants can immerse themselves in scenic views of starlight, moonlight, and city lights by the river at Banpo and Yeouido Hangang Parks. The program also includes hands-on crafting workshops. It runs every Friday and Saturday evening through June 14. Participation is lottery-based, and sign-ups are available at visit-hangang.seoul.kr. Incheon International Airport ranked third globally in international passenger traffic last year, handling over 70.6 million travelers. That's according to Airports Council International's latest report. Dubai took the top spot, followed by London's Heathrow. Incheon Airport attributed the surge to expanded infrastructure and increased travel during Korea's major holidays. Passenger numbers are projected to exceed 76 million this year. The airport also ranked third worldwide in international cargo volume, processing 2.9 million tons, up more than 7% from 2023. That's all from me. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[Kulture-Issue] The return of long-running original K-musicals

2025/04/21 14:00

“Old but gold“. This year, a number of Koreans’ favorite long-running original K-musicals are being welcomed back onto the stage. What does it take for musicals like “The Last Empress“ and “Love in the Rain“ to receive decades of love from the audience? We’ll answer that question and more with culture critic Professor Chie Hye-won at Kyung Hee University. Welcome Professor Chie! Q1. Professor Chie, please introduce to us the long-running Korean musicals that have become big again these days. Q2. Let’s talk a bit more about “The Last Empress“, which is a pioneer when it comes to original musical theater productions here in Korea. What makes it special and why has it stood the test of time? Q3. The musical “Love in the Rain“ meanwhile is known to be a “star incubator“, as it has served as a career doorway for many of the cast. Who are some of the mentionable names and what made “Love in the Rain“ a long-running musical? Q4. And it’s not only success in Korea, as these productions have also made it onto the global stage. How was the response from the overseas audience as well as from critics? Q5. These productions have also undergone some changes over the years. What are they? And how have each of the musicals grown into what they are today? Q6. What impact have these long-running original musicals have had on Korean performance culture, and how do you think they've contributed to the popularization of musical theater? Q7. The history of musicals goes back a long way in Europe and the U.S. There is a much bigger presence of long-running musicals overseas. What are the secrets to their longevity, and what are the conditions necessary for Korean musicals to follow suit? Thank you very much Professor Chie for your insights. Thank you Walter, see you tomorrow.

[K-Enter] Jin and Chris Martin BFF

2025/04/21 14:00

Usually on K-enter news, we talk about Korean entertainers but there can be exceptions. British band Coldplay held a number of concerts here in Korea and on Saturday they were joined by a special guest? Yes, Coldplay have made their return to Korea after 8 years with their "Music of the Spheres World Tour" that blew the doors off the stadium. K-pop girl group Twice warmed up the crowd by opening all three nights, before Coldplay graced the stage. And if you were one of the lucky ones to have attended on Saturday's performance you were in for a little treat as BTS's Jin made a special appearance. Jin and Coldplay's lead singer Chris Martin have a special bond as they have collaborated together in the past, working on songs such as Jin's solo song "Astronaut" and also a collaborative song with BTS "My Universe", which were both performed on the Saturday evening. Their relationship has grown over the years. In October 2022, just before Jin's military enlistment, he traveled to the other side of the world to Buenos Aires, Argentina, to join Coldplay on stage and perform "Astronaut" with the band. With two more concerts remaining, who knows if they have anyone else special planned. Next up WE meaning YOU and I have some really exciting news to go along with this news don't we? Big Ocean, the world's first deaf K-pop idol group, released their second mini-album titled "Underwater" on Sunday, marking both their first year anniversary and also Korea's "Day of People with Disabilities". The album is Big Ocean's story of realising they are like mermaids, awakening their instincts and embracing their identity. The album includes four tracks: the title song "ATTENTION," "FADE OUT," "END OF TIME," and member PJ's solo track "SINKING." I will talk a little more about PJ in just a second. Meanwhile, Big Ocean kicked off their first European tour on Saturday in Lausanne , Switzerland. Following that show, they will perform in a total of five cities, including Milan on the 23rd and London on the 24th. AND for that exciting news you mentioned Soa, we have an interview with Big Ocean member PJ tomorrow on the show so DO NOT MISS THAT! Yes we do! You should never miss a day of the Kulture Wave but especially not tomorrow. And lastly, moving over to a K-animation film! According to the Korean Film Council's integrated ticket sales network, the film "Exorcism Chronicles: The Beginning", which was released on February 21, surpassed a cumulative audience of 500,000 as of Saturday, ranking second in the 2025 animated box office overall. Despite strong competition since its release, the animation has consistently drawn audiences, and though 500,000 might not seem like a large number, in terms of animated movies this is considered a remarkable success for a Korean animation targeted at adults. The film is an occult blockbuster that depicts the beginning of an epic tale in which exorcists with special powers confront evil. It is based on the novel "Exorcism Chronicles" by author Lee Woo-hyuk , a legendary name in Korean fantasy literature. Thank you for that news Walter, don't go anywhere and let's take a look at what our AI news presenter Ari has for us today, Ari, take it away!

Easter egg throwing competition -a long standing Easter tradition in German town

2025/04/21 10:00

In Germany, the 37th annual Easter egg-throwing competition took place on Sunday in the western town of Horhausen. Participants were given a single brightly colored hard-boiled egg to throw as far as possible without it breaking. The longest recorded egg throw to date is 78 meters, set in 2002. Eggs that remain intact are collected and distributed to the crowd, while broken eggs become bird feed. The tradition of Easter egg throwing continues to be a part of Horhausen's Easter celebrations, dating back to the post-Second World War era.

[Arts & Culture] Exploring Korea's centuries-old temple food culture

2025/04/18 20:00

Time now for our weekly Arts and Culture segment. That means we have our culture correspondent Song Yoo-jin in the studio. Welcome! Happy Friday! What do you have for us today? Here in Korea, there's a saying: Food is medicine. Temple food is one example, a cuisine steeped in mindfulness, simplicity, and centuries of care. Now, it's on track to being recognized as part of the nation's cultural legacy. Here's the full story. Grinding. Chopping. Boiling. Here, cooking is more than just technique. It's meditation in motion. These colorful ingredients are being transformed into Korean temple cuisine: Soybean soup, 된장국, cucumber kimchi, 오이 김치, and wild greens over noodles. 나물 비빔밥. Each dish reflects core Buddhist values: respect for life and a ban on "five pungent vegetables" believed to disturb inner peace. "I've learned so much, not just about recipes, but about food itself. I used to think vegetarian dishes lacked flavor, but temple food is delicious. It feels light, comforting, and good for your health." "I never really knew how to cook with wild greens. But now, I finally understand how to use ingredients I've always seen at the market." "Korean temple food has finally received the recognition it deserves. Last month, the Korea Heritage Service announced plans to designate it as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. That's food for thought." The agency cited the cuisine's historical continuity, cultural uniqueness, and its ability to evolve with the times. Since the introduction of Buddhism to ancient Korea during the Three Kingdoms period, temple food has been passed down through generations. "In Northeast Asia, especially Korea, monks have traditionally farmed, foraged, and cooked their meals, creating a distinct culinary tradition. Korean temple food centers not only on vegetables and grains, but also on fermented foods like jang and kimchi. That's why it's increasingly seen as both nourishing and in harmony with nature." Because temple cuisine has long been practiced across Korea, the Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism spent years systematizing its philosophy, core ingredients, and preparation methods. The upcoming heritage designation is the result of that effort. And next, the Buddhist community is setting its sights on a larger goal: becoming a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. A tradition that treats food as medicine and the body as a temple, now preparing to take its place on the global stage. Let's start with the big question: When will the Korea Heritage Service announce its final decision? The KHS must announce its final decision within 30 days of the initial designation notice. During this period, the agency gathers feedback, both from the public via its official website and from industry insiders in related fields. The final evaluation is made by the National Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee. Since the announcement was made on March 21st, we can expect the official result sometime next week. And now, let's dig a bit deeper into Korea's temple food culture. You visited some cooking classes for your report. What was that like? The first class I visited was more of a hobby-level course, open to a wide range of participants, from people in their 20s to those in their 50s and 60s. The second class, though, was much more specialized. It was for students preparing for the Korean temple food specialist certification, a nationally recognized exam held twice a year. Over 5-hundred people have passed it since it was first introduced in 2015. It includes both written and practical exams, and many of the students there were motivated by health reasons, or had plans to turn their training into a business, especially as demand for temple food continues to grow. I didn't even know there was an official certificate for temple food chefs. Fascinating. And it seems like interest is spreading globally, too. For our viewers overseas, any way they can experience Korean temple food for themselves? Yes, I asked the Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism the same question. They've been working with Korean Cultural Centers abroad to hold lectures and cooking classes internationally. And if you're planning to visit Korea, I highly recommend stopping by the Korean Temple Food Center and the Institute of Korean Temple Cuisine 'Hyangjeoksegye,' both near Anguk Station on Line 3. There, you can explore the history of temple food and even try making some dishes yourself. Both institutions also offer English-language websites. Our culture correspondent Song Yoo-jin, thank you for that report. My pleasure.

Han Kang to release first book since receiving the Nobel Prize in Literature

2025/04/18 17:00

Also next week here in Korea. Author Han Kang's first publication after winning the Nobel Prize in Literature last December is set to hit local stores on Thursday. Lee Eun-jin has more. Nobel Prize-winning South Korean author Han Kang will be publishing a new book not a novel this time, but a book of essays. The collection is expected to feature about 10 pieces, including her Nobel lecture, previously published poems, and diary-like essays that reflect on her experiences with poetry, gardening, and the act of writing itself. According to the publisher Moonji Publishing, some of the content will be previously released works from literary magazines, but roughly half of the new book will be first-time publications. Taken from her Nobel lecture, the book titled "Light and Thread" is one she has been preparing for over a year. "What is love? It is the gold thread connecting between our hearts. Inside my chest, in my beating heart. Between our hearts. The golden thread that joins – a thread that emanates light." This will be Han's third essay collection since her first in 2003. Meanwhile, she is also progressing with her next novel a long-awaited final installment of her so-called "Winter Trilogy" to follow her 2015 "While a Single Snowflake Melts" and 2018 "Farewell" short stories. That novel is expected to be released as early as later this year. "There are authors that write until they are 70 or 80. But that requires a lot of luck. For the next 6 years, I want to focus on writing these three books that have been rolling in my head." After receiving her Nobel Prize, Han Kang has rejected public appearances to focus on her writing. Even with the latest release of her essay collection, which is set to be available in bookstores April 24th, she is not expected to give interviews or hold any events to promote it. Lee Eunjin, Arirang News.

K-wave AI News

2025/04/18 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. Renowned Korean author Han Kang is set to release her first new book since receiving the Nobel Prize in Literature last year. Titled "Light and Thread," the book is a collection of essays featuring Han's previously unreleased works, including poems, diary entries, and the speech she delivered at the Nobel ceremony. Much attention is being drawn to her pieces that had never been made public before. It will be available in bookstores starting April 24. The 'Jongmyo Daeje,' a royal ancestral ritual held each spring at Jongmyo Shrine, will be held on May 4 this year. It will be unveiled to the public for the first time in six years. Jongmyo Daeje is held annually on the first Sunday of May to honor the spirits of past kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty enshrined at Jongmyo, the royal ancestral shrine. The National Heritage Service has designated April 24 to May 4 as "Jongmyo Week," during which a variety of cultural and experiential programs will be offered to the public. The Heojun Museum, dedicated to the legacy of Joseon's most revered physician Heo Jun, is marking its 20th anniversary with a special exhibition. The exhibit highlights the stories of doctors and court physicians of the Joseon Dynasty who embodied the Confucian virtue of "in," or benevolence, through the practice of medicine. Around 100 artifacts are on display, showcasing how these scholar-physicians devoted themselves to healing the people. Located in Seoul's Gangseo-gu District, the Heojun Museum was established in 2005 to honor Heo Jun's contributions to medicine and his spirit of compassion, as well as to promote the global recognition of traditional Korean medicine. That's all from me. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[K-enter] BTS Jin set to kick off first solo world tour at Goyang in June

2025/04/18 14:00

Time for some K-entertainment news with Bella Kim. Today we start off with BTS Jin. He has some exciting news for his fans? Jin announced the dates for his first-ever solo world tour. According to the poster he shared on Weverse, a global fandom platform, Jin will kick off his solo tour "#RUNSEOKJIN_ EP.TOUR" at the Goyang Sports Complex auxiliary stadium from June 18th to 19th. Jin will then perform 18 shows across nine cities, including Osaka in Japan, Dallas in the U.S., London in the UK, and Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Jin's solo tour title, "#RUNSEOKJIN_ EP.TOUR," contains the meaning of heading out to meet BTS fans, 'ARMYs,' and is also a spinoff from Jin's YouTube channel entertainment program title "Run, Jin." In the upcoming tour, Jin will fill the stage with variety of performances. Jin will show off his new tracks on the tour from his upcoming second mini-album, "Echo" that will drop on May 16th. Very exciting for ARMYs around the globe. Next we are going to stay on the topic of tours, but this time let's look at a foreign artist visiting Korea to perform? British rock band Coldplay kicked off their Korean concert of the "Music of the Spheres" tour on Wednesday at the Goyang Sports Complex Main Stadium. This marks the band's second visit to Korea, last coming here 8 years ago back in 2017. With 50-thousand audience members for each of the six days of concerts, the band is set to perform for a total of 300-thousand fans. And guess what? All six shows are sold out! Not only that. Coldplay also broke records as this is the biggest scale of concerts in Korea ever held by any foreign artist. Each concert will go on for about two and a half hours, unfolding in four themed sections-Planets, Moons, Stars and Home. Coldplay's performances in Goyang will go on until April 25th. I unfortunately wasn't able to get my hands on any tickets. I heard there's also a special guest for their shows in Korea? Girl group TWICE is their special guest for all six shows in Korea. And what's even more exciting is that Coldplay and TWICE released a collaboration single TODAY, that's Friday Korea time. It's actually a re-make of Coldplay's "WE PRAY," but this time, it includes verses in Korean. TWICE said about the collaboration that (quote), "We believe that 'WE PRAY' is a song about overcoming hardships together and sharing a message of peace and hope. We're especially proud that each of us recorded our lines in Korean, allowing us to deliver our heartfelt emotions in our own language." Coldplay and TWICE performed the new release of "WE PRAY" for the very first time at the first round of Coldplay's concert on Wednesday. Great music with such a meaningful message. Thank you Bella for today's stories. Our AI anchor Ari also has interesting culture stories for us. Let's go over to her!

'The Great Gatsby' musical debuts in London

2025/04/18 10:00

Finally, in the UK, author F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic 1925 novel The Great Gatsby has been brought to life on the musical stage in London's West End. While an official opening is scheduled for April 24 and previews began on April 11, the show's launch event was held on Wednesday. The production features Jamie Muscato as Gatsby, Frances Mayli McCann as Daisy Buchanan, and Corbin Bleu as Nick Carraway, the narrator. After its Broadway run, the adaptation received praise for its vibrant energy and lavish production, allowing audiences to immerse themselves in Jay Gatsby's dazzling world through a theatrical experience. The musical will run at The London Coliseum until September 7.

Seoul Auction to feature works of independence activists

2025/04/17 20:00

An intriguing collection of relics belonging to Korea's independence activists will go on auction this spring at an auction house here in Seoul. There's greater meaning.. as this year marks the 80th anniversary of Korea's independence. Our Lee Eun-jin has a glimpse. Revered Korean independence activist of the Japanese colonial era Ahn Jung-geun. As a part of his previously unreleased collection of calligraphic work, left behind in the final days leading up to his execution, this piece titled "Nokjuk", or "Green Bamboo", is presumed to have been created in February of 1910. This piece is different from his usual vertical writing, while his signature handprint is also imprinted horizontally. Han Yong-woon was a Buddhist reformer, poet and independence activist, also known by his penname Manhae. This folding screen contains poetry of his that compares the path of Buddhist practice to the journey of a young monk to find his lost cow. It is a rare 10-panel masterpiece, showcasing Manhae's unique round handwriting. "Manhae believed in the people continuing towards the independence of our country during the Japanese occupation. And through this poem, he wanted to remind us that it is a destination that should not be forgotten." Seoul Auction's spring session will have a large number of such relics containing traces from the independence movement. In addition to the works of Ahn Jung-geun and Han Yong-woon, there will be the first edition of Yun Dong-ju's book of poems titled "Sky, Wind, Star and Poem", showing the passage of time in its worn out cover page, as well as documents like records of the International Military Tribunal for the Far East. These items can range in value from tens to hundreds of thousands of U.S. dollars. Garnering greater interest due to this year marking the 80th anniversary of Korean independence, the relics will be shown in a free exhibition until April 21st, a day before the auction, on the 22nd. Lee Eunjin, Arirang News.