News

President Lee pushes to cut red tape in biotech industry

2025/09/05 19:45

We start here on the national front where President Lee Jae Myung has turned the spotlight onto the country's biotechnology sector as he seeks new growth engines. I have our Presidential Office Correspondent Song Yoo-jin standing by on the line with the latest. Yoo-jin do start us off. Sunny, the panel discussion titled "K-Bio: Accelerating Innovation" wrapped up about an hour and a half ago. The event in Incheon brought together industry leaders, researchers, lawmakers, and government officials to discuss ways to elevate biotechnology as South Korea's next flagship sector. With the Lee adminstration having named biotechnology as one of its five next-generation growth engines, President Lee stressed the need to create an environment where researchers and companies can work more freely, creatively, and fairly. Take a listen. "Given the nature of this industry, research and development are critical. It's important that the government doesn't become an obstacle but instead speeds up certification processes. I believe deregulation and regulatory reform will be key, and we'll approach these issues with an open mind." So what are the key takeaways from today's panel session? Following the president's speech, the health minister laid out a policy roadmap focusing on cutting red tape, strengthening technology, talent, and capital, and drawing in new investment. Participants also pitched ideas directly to the president, including calls for more funding for companies entering costly clinical trials, faster drug approval reviews, and ensuring long-term research stability. President Lee concluded by urging relevant ministries to engage directly with stakeholders more often. "If our economy and industries grow, it will not only create jobs and improve people's quality of life, but also open up new opportunities that can help ease inequality, divisions, and conflicts in our society." Friday's event could be seen as the government's effort to elevate South Korea to the world's top five biotech powerhouses. Back to you, Sunny. All right Yoo-jin thank you for that coverage.

[Weather] Rain all over the country this weekend, heavy rain in some areas

2025/09/05 19:44

Late summer heat is still raging across the country. The heat wave warnings, which were only issued in some southern areas and Jeju Island, have been extended to the Chungcheong-do provinces, the Seoul metropolitan area, and Gangwon-do Province. The daytime temperature in Seoul rose to 33 degrees Celsius, and in Uiseong to 34 degrees. Rain is forecast all over the country this weekend. Especially in the western region, where it will be strong and heavy. More than 100 millimeters of rain will fall in southern Gyeonggi-do, Chungcheongnam-do, and Jeollabuk-do Provinces, and 80 millimeters in southern parts of Gangwon-do and Chungcheongbuk-do. Up to 80 millimeters is expected in Seoul. The morning will start at 25 degrees in Seoul and Busan, 23 degrees in Chuncheon and Daegu. Highs will move up to 30 degrees in Seoul, Daejeon and Busan at 31 degrees. Frequent rain in southern parts of the country will continue until early next week. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

Seoul's largest art fair in town; Kiaf, Frieze Seoul open through weekend

2025/09/05 19:44

It's looking to be an exciting weekend for art aficionados in the capital city as two major fairs kicked off earlier this week to showcase the latest in the world of art. Our culture correspondent Park Kun-woo has a glimpse. Wall after wall is filled with creativity. Creative artwork, from a jumbo sculpture made of half a million Korean pennies to a three-dimensional piece that makes you feel as if it's alive, is exhibited. To make this happen, the 24th edition of Kiaf Seoul brought together more than 170 galleries, with a third of them from overseas. Newcomers also joined, reflecting growing interest in Seoul's art market. "Korea has a very interesting a real openness to the rest of the world culturally. Very excited to see how we could present our artists and our curation to the local Korean landscape. In Seoul, already discussing with other artist curators to actually see how we could potentially work together." "This art fair showcasing thousands of pieces goes beyond just viewing artwork. It also serves as a marketplace and a platform for networking. At the same time, the organizers are making efforts to encourage developing artists." Since 2023, Kiaf has been selecting three artists from ten semifinalists, providing both funding and promotion. One of this year's semifinalists shared why his works drew global attention. "Because I use traditional Korean materials like 'Muk'과 'Hanji,' my monochrome works stood out among the more colorful pieces. With growing global interest in Korean culture, this sentiment seems to resonate." Frieze Seoul, which is collaborating with Kiaf for a fourth year, also has a bunch to appeal to. One section that draws eyes is FOCUS ASIA, which showcases artwork by emerging Asian artists and galleries. "I am expecting to see just a greater focus on Asian artists. I started collecting Korean art a while ago, and I've been to Seoul six times. Seemed like a good opportunity to see a lot of different galleries at once from all over." Among the highlights was "Floating Rubble," which creates the illusion of rubble suspended in midair. And works by renowned masters, including Park Seo-bo, also appeared, some re-created digitally for a fresh experience. Media art installations, including one with the concept of being caught on fire, also drew interest. With record crowds flocking in on opening day, the twin art fairs are expected to attract even more through the weekend, making Seoul's art scene livelier than ever. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.

Korea’s lost Sajik Daeje rituals brought back to life after more than a century

2025/09/05 19:42

An ancient Korean ritual that was forbidden during Japanese colonial rule has been restored with its sounds and sights taking center stage here in Seoul. Our Park Hyo-been was there. Sounds and moves from a century ago are once again coming to life. This is the Sajik Jeryeak, the music and dance that accompanied the royal ritual ---the Sajik Daeje ---dedicated to the gods of land and grain, praying for abundant harvests and the well-being of the people from the Joseon Dynasty to the Korean Empire. This week, the National Gugak Center staged the Sajik Jeryeak to honor the ritual's cultural value, which was recognized as a national heritage. "The Sajik Jerye was a powerful symbol of statehood. The music performed during the rite embodied the highest artistic and philosophical ideals of the time, carefully managed by the state itself." This performance re-created the version from the Korean Empire era. It begins with the emperor's arrival at the Sajik altar and follows the ritual until his departure. Unlike modern reinterpretations, the focus here was on faithfully restoring the music and dances of the past, rather than reinventing them. But Sajik Jeryeak also carries a painful history. During the Japanese occupation period, the ritual was abolished, and its music and dances were lost. To mark the 1988 Seoul Olympics, the Sajik Daeje was revived after an 80-year absence, and the National Gugak Center presented it as a stage performance for the first time last year. "Reviving the Sajik Jeryeak is not only about restoring music and dance. It's about reclaiming our cultural identity and national pride. Bringing it back in its full form, as it was performed in the Korean Empire, holds deep historical meaning." Despite the history and essence, the Sajik Jeryeak is still less recognized by the public. The National Gugak Center hopes to have the ritual eventually inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, just like the Jongmyo Jeryeak. "We are working with the goal of having the Sajik Jeryeak officially recognized as a cultural treasure and eventually as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage." And so, more than a century after being silenced, the voices of the Sajik Jeryeak rise again, reminding us that heritage, once lost, can be reborn to inspire a new generation. Park Hyo-been, Arirang News.

Pathway to a wider audience: How can contents be more accessible?

2025/09/05 19:41

Audio descriptions that accompany screen productions can enhance the cinematic experience for the visually impaired and this was also the case with Netflix sensation "KPop Demon Hunters". Our Ahn Sung-jin files this report. "Jinwoo, dressed in a gat and traditional attire, stands with a stern expression. A tiger rubs its face against Jinwoo's arm." This is a scene from the renowned Netflix film "KPop Demon Hunters." The Korean Community Media Foundation provided a screening of this popular movie with attached audio descriptions. "One of our major goals is to create no discrimination between disabled and non disabled audiences in media, so we work on screening accessible movies." For most of us, watching a movie means sitting back and soaking in the visuals. But we might be taking this for granted. Veteran Seo Sooyeon redefines how stories are told and experienced. She started the Korea Content Accessibility Research Center, and for 23 years, she's been working on expressing non-verbal elements of content into spoken aspects. "To be honest, this was all very unfamiliar to me because no one had done it before. I had never thought that people with visual impairments couldn't watch TV, but I realized there are movements, actions, and nuances that they miss entirely." Her work involves adding descriptions of subtle expressions and action sequences in between the spoken lines, creating a fuller cinematic experience for the visually impaired. "The point of view shifts from the empty bowl to the shop owner." The owner is adding fish cakes on the skewers." For Seo, effective audio descriptions aren't about matching visuals word-for-word, but rather producing context, clarity, and flow. But she says what's often more important yet neglected is the language used that creates further division. "There shouldn't be hard lines drawn between people with and without disabilities because anyone can become visually impaired. So we often frame accessibility as something only for people with disabilities, but it really starts with understanding others." The push for accessible content is gaining ground, but there's still a long way to go. With efforts from people like Seo, moments that can be lost in darkness can enhance a powerful scene for everyone. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.

Gov't sharply increases next year's budget share for film industry

2025/09/05 19:40

The government's budget for the film industry has been raised substantially. According to the Culture Ministry the budget for next year has been set at 149-point-8 billion won slightly over 100 million U.S. dollars which is an 80 percent jump from this year. The Korean film industry has been in the doldrums since the COVID-19 pandemic and the ministry has pledged to better support Korean movie makers who are a pivotal part of the K-content wave.

OpenAI might produce own AI chips by 2026 to reduce reliance on NVIDIA

2025/09/05 19:40

OpenAI the developer of ChatGPT is reportedly exploring prospects of producing its own AI chips. This is according to the Financial Times citing sources familiar with the plan that may go into practice next year. In fact OpenAI reportedly aims to co-design its chips with semiconductor giant Broadcom to meet soaring internal demand and to reduce reliance on NVIDIA. Broadcom's CEO, Hock Tan, for his part has confirmed a 10-billion-U.S.-dollar custom AI chip order but did not name OpenAI.

U.S. Immigration enforcement raids Hyundai plant in GA, detaining 450 people

2025/09/05 19:40

U.S. authorities raided a Hyundai Motor plant in Georgia on Thursday. This according to ATF Atlanta's X post. Some 4-hundred-50 people have been detained including about 30 South Korean nationals. The raid has also halted construction work at the site for a car battery factory that Hyundai is partnering with LG Energy Solution. The raided site is one of Georgia's largest manufacturing sites employing about 12-hundred people and where Hyundai Motor Group makes EVs.

Kim Jong-un, Xi Jinping, Putin signal complications for South Korea, U.S diplomacy with N. Korea: Experts

2025/09/05 19:39

Analysts here in South Korea believe this week's show of solidarity among the leaders of China North Korea and Russia in Beijing looks to complicate efforts to ensure nuclear disarmament on the Korean peninsula. Our foreign affairs correspondent Oh Soo-young explains. A new phase of bloc politics could complicate the equation for peace on the Korean Peninsula. That’s according to analysts in Seoul, after Kim Jong-un joined Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin at China’s Victory Day celebration in Beijing. On Wednesday, the leaders of North Korea, China, and Russia put on a united front throughout China’s major military parade, hardening the fault lines against South Korea’s strengthened trilateral cooperation with the U.S. and Japan. "China and Russia have openly declared that they intend to advance a so-called multipolar international order, which would revolve around the Global South, BRICS, and Eurasian states. Their gathering reflected that push. Second, it signaled a counter-message to the US and the West, considering the recent South Korea–U.S. summit and their solidarity with Japan, reinforcing bloc confrontation in the region. For Kim Jong-un, it also underscored his push for recognition of North Korea as a nuclear power. While South Korea and the United States say they remain committed to reviving dialogue with Pyongyang, both allies maintain their push for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. But for now, Pyongyang has little incentive to talk, as it benefits from Russia’s war in Ukraine with troop deployments and arms supplies exchanged for economic and diplomatic returns. At the same time, the potential end of the Ukraine war could means Kim must keep his options open, shoring up ties with China, and pressing for deeper economic cooperation. "From Kim Jong-un’s perspective, it would be the North Korean-style division of labor: the economy from China, security from Russia, reaping benefits from both. Still, if talks to end the Ukraine war do take place and move forward, US North Korea dialogue could open up. In that dialogue, North Korea would seek to leverage China's backing to pressure the U.S. This reflects a calculated diplomatic strategy." For South Korea and the U.S., China adds another layer of complexity. "China’s decision to invite Kim underscores its role as a key player in Korean Peninsula and regional affairs, displaying Beijing's firm influence on Pyongyang. The message is that Seoul and Washington must maintain amicable ties with China if they want to improve relations with the North." It's a leverage Xi Jinping clearly flaunted as he elevated Kim Jong-un's treatment with special protocol in Tiananmen Square. The diplomatic calendar further raises the stakes. South Korea will host the APEC leaders’ meeting this October, and has hoped to see the leaders of the U.S., China, and even North Korea show up. Attending the Victory Day parade instead of President Lee Jae Myung, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik has invited Xi Jinping to APEC once again. It remains unclear whether the Chinese leader will accept. "China initially had high hopes at the start of the Lee Administration. But despite stressing “pragmatic, national interest–based diplomacy,” Lee prioritized a summit with Japan and reaffirmed its alliance with Washington. That likely displeased Beijing." Looking forward, Seoul says it will continue strengthening the South Korea-U.S. alliance, while aiming to develop “mature relations” with China in a way that mutually benefits their citizens,.. also requesting Beijing play a constructive role in Korean Peninsula affairs. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

FTC chairman nominee outlines vision for updated market system in confirmation hearing

2025/09/05 19:38

Ju Biung-Ghi the nominee to head the Fair Trade Commission has highlighted the importance of an upgrade in the market system. Speaking at his confirmation hearing earlier on this Friday Ju pledged support for innovative companies and stern punishment for those that abuse their power for unfair gain. He claimed the move is necessary for South Korea to compete with advanced economies. Ju also emphasized the need to protect small and medium-sized businesses from technology theft and to ensure fair market conditions for online platforms.

President Lee to meet with DP and PPP leaders on Mon. to foster cooperation

2025/09/05 19:37

President Lee Jae Myung will host the leaders of the two major political parties Jung Chung-rae of the Democratic Party and newly elected Jang Dong-hyeok of People Power Party for lunch next Monday. Monday's meeting will be the first between the president and the new head of the PPP who was elected last week. Following lunch the two will sit down for a separate one-on-one to discuss a wide range of issues without a specific agenda. The Presidential Office hopes the talks will open a new chapter of dialogue between the government and the opposition.

Two S. Koreans among 16 dead in Lisbon funicular crash

2025/09/05 19:37

In Portugal. Two South Korean nationals are among the 16 victims who lost their lives in a crash of a popular funicular railway car in the capital city Lisbon. Cha Yun-kyung has the latest. In the tragic crash of the historic Gloria funicular, 16 people were killed, and more than 20 others injured. On Wednesday, around 6:15 PM local time, Lisbon's 140-year-old funicular train, which is popular with tourists, derailed and crashed into a building. Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Prime Minister Luis Montenegro visited the site of the funicular accident on Thursday evening for a mass in honor of the 16 victims of the crash. Prime Minister Montenegro called the crash "one of the biggest human tragedies" in the country's recent history, and President Rebelo de Sousa told journalists that it was a time to mourn the deceased and to console their family members. "Today is a national day of mourning, it's mourning for Lisbon but also for Portugal. In this hour of mourning, we are waiting for a time when, first and foremost, we must mourn the dead, respect the dead. Believers pray for the dead, non-believers think of the dead." The yellow funicular that carried many tourists up and down a steep hillside in Lisbon was left overturned on the cobblestone street. Of the 16 victims the coroner has so far identified the bodies of five Portuguese, two South Koreans and one Swiss national. "Five Portuguese citizens have been fully identified through scientific methods. Two South Korean citizens ---we have had close collaboration with the South Korean embassy from the outset ---were identified and one Swiss victim through Interpol." According to Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, the two Koreans are a man and a woman, and there was another injured Korean woman in the accident, who is currently undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit of a local hospital after surgery. Meanwhile, President Lee Jae Myung on Friday extended condolences to the families of the victims of the deadly crash. He posted a message on Facebook saying, "I offer my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Portugal, who must be in profound sorrow and shock, and I wish a swift recovery for the injured." Lee said the Korean Embassy in Portugal formed a task force immediately after the accident, and the ambassador also checked the situation at the site of the accident. He added that the government will convey condolences to the Portuguese prime minister and request special support for Korean nationals. Cha Yun-kyung, Arirang News.

Assembly speaker calls meeting and handshake with N. Korean leader an achievement

2025/09/05 19:36

National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik is back here in Seoul from Beijing having attended China's Victory Day Parade on behalf of the South Korean government. Our political correspondent Shin Ha-young reports. After attending China's Victory Day ceremony as South Korea's representative, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik returned home on Friday, saying there had been progress in strengthening Korea-China cooperation and even some unexpected gains for peace on the Korean Peninsula. "It seems there was some progress in improving Korea-China cooperation, which was our original goal, and I think this could open up a new opportunity. I believe there was some unexpected progress for peace on the Korean Peninsula." Regarding his encounter with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Wednesday, Speaker Woo said that just being able to meet and shake hands was already an achievement, adding that many had thought the chances of meeting Kim before his trip to Beijing were very low. This echoes what he said at a press conference in China the day before. "It was hard to have a full discussion, which I find a bit regrettable, but given the current state of inter-Korean relations, I think even a brief meeting was still meaningful." Woo left for Beijing on Tuesday evening to attend the military parade, and the next day, he was seen shaking hands with the North Korean leader. According to the National Assembly Speaker's office, Woo told Russian President Vladimir Putin, who also attended the event, that he hopes the South and North will usher in an era of peace and prosperity and work toward building peace on the Korean Peninsula. He also mentioned that South Korea is hosting next year's UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting, and asked Putin to convey to Kim his hope to visit North Korea's Mount Kumgang, recently named a UNESCO World Heritage site. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.

Kim and Xi reaffirm unwavering friendship and signals restorations of close ties

2025/09/05 19:35

In Beijing. North Korea's Kim Jong-un and his Chinese host Xi Jinping sat down for separate bilateral talks Thursday evening on the sidelines of China's Victory Day parade to reaffirm their ties. Our correspondent Kim Bo-kyoung has details. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Chinese President Xi Jinping's meeting signaled the restoration of close ties that had grown distant due to the recent North Korea–Russia rapprochement. The two met at the Great Hall of the People on Thursday, marking the first such meeting since 2019, with Kim visiting China in January of that year, while Xi visited Pyongyang in June. During the meeting, the two leaders shared the pleasure of seeing each other yet again, and agreed to work together to safeguard their common interests, as part of what was described as a community of shared destiny. "In the face of a turbulent international landscape, China stands ready to strengthen strategic communication, enhance exchanges and cooperation, and deepen exchanges of experience in governance with the DPRK, so as to effectively advance our respective socialist cause and jointly promote regional peace, stability, development, and prosperity." "The past six years have seen earthshaking changes and development in China, which impressed me greatly. What touched me even more is the unwavering and profound friendship between our two peoples. Despite the ever-changing world, this friendship will never change." While touting the development Beijing achieved, Kim stressed the regime's readiness to deepen economic and trade cooperation to achieve greater results. When it comes to the tension on the Korean Peninsula, Kim did mention how he appreciated China's (quote) "fair stance" regarding the issues, to which Xi responded that China will continue to strengthen coordination with the North to safeguard peace and stability in the region. However, the joint statement released by China after the meeting did not include any mention of the "denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula." Kim arrived at Beijing Station at 9:50 PM, departing on his special train 15 minutes later. He is expected to arrive in Pyongyang on Friday afternoon, if he heads straight back. His fifth visit to China was his longest one on record, lasting four days and five nights. His stay in Beijing was also his longest, at around 54 hours. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.

PEACE RANKING, ACCELERATED AGING IN THE HEADLINES

2025/09/05 19:34

Welcome to Press Perspective for this Friday September 5th here in Seoul. I'm Min Sunhee. It's that time of the week during which we touch upon a number of intriguing headlines related to the broader society and of course South Korea. For this I have freelance journalist Raphael Rashid. Raphael it's good to have you here. I also have writer Colin Marshall with us. Colin welcome back. Raphael, let's start off with the latest rankings for the most peaceful countries this year. Which are the top countries, where does South Korea stand, and what are your takeaways from the latest findings? Raphael, another intriguing study published in Nature Medicine reportedly shows social inequality and weak democracy accelerates aging. What are your thoughts? Colin, what are your thoughts with regard to the findings related to South Korea from these two studies? Raphael, staying with living trends here in South Korea. We've touched upon this a few times in the past, but it's been highlighted again, this time by the South China Morning Post. So why are foreigners loving but leaving South Korea according to this latest article? And what are your takeaways? Colin, what makes long-term residence in South Korea tough for foreign immigrants? Raphael, moving on to the screens now. Director Park Chan-wook's latest production "No Other Choice" has been the talk of the town at the Venice Film Festival. Do tell us more. Colin, despite the ongoing global popularity of K-entertainment, its big screen productions have been lacking at international festivals. What do you believe is the reason behind this unfortunate reality? Meanwhile Raphael, the New York Times says Korean tattoo artists are garnering much attention here and beyond. What appears to be fueling this interest? Colin, public perception regarding tattoos are also changing here in the country. Do you suppose South Korea's legal framework should reflect this reality? All right. On that note we end this week's EDITIONS of Press Perspective. Thank you for watching.

[K-enter] "Dynamite" MV surpasses 2 billion views

2025/09/05 15:37

Time for some K-entertainment news with Bella Kim. Bella, BTS has reached another amazing milestone? BTS’s hit song “Dynamite” music video surpassed 2 billion views on YouTube, a first for the group. The video hit the 2 billion view mark on Thursday morning, five years after the song was released back in August of 2020. “Dynamite” was BTS’s first official English track, released with sights set on the global music charts. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, which was a first for a song by a Korean act back then, and maintained the top spot for three weeks. It also won BTS the ‘Best Song’ award at the 2020 MTV Europe Music Awards and the ‘Top Selling Song’ award at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards. Meanwhile, BTS is set to return with new music and a world tour next year. Can't wait for that! The next story is also about a boy group? It’s DAY6! The band is releasing their fourth full-length album in about 6 years to commemorate their 10th anniversary. The new album is titled “The DECADE” (of course, in line with their 10 year anniversary) and will be released today, that’s Friday, Korean time. On Thursday, the music video teaser for one of the new songs, “INSIDE OUT,” was released on the group’s official SNS channels. The video heightened anticipation for the full music video with its intense melody and lyrics that stand out for their honesty. “The DECADE” has a total of 10 tracks, including the double title song “Dream Bus” and “INSIDE OUT.” Meanwhile, DAY6 renewed their contract with their agency JYP Entertainment once again, ahead of their 10th anniversary, which is coming up this weekend, September 7th. Congrats, congrats! And lastly, we will round this segment off with BAEKHYUN. K-pop boy group EXO member and solo artist BAEKHYUN has become the first South Korean celebrity to reach Diamond Level 1 for his personal ‘Super Topic’ on Weibo, China’s largest SNS platform. ‘Super Topic’ is a community operated within Weibo centered around artists, their works, and specific topics, and is considered a key indicator of the largest fanbase scale and activity level in China. BAEKHYUN is the first and only South Korean artist to reach Diamond Level 1 for his personal ‘Super Topic.’ This achievement is believed to have been significantly influenced by his world tour “Reverie” Macau performances held on the 30th and 31st of last month. Meanwhile, BAEKHYUN is scheduled to meet fans from various regions through his ongoing world tour. Thank you Bella for today’s stories. Now, let's go over to our AI anchor Ari, for more on the culture front. Ari!

K-wave AI News

2025/09/05 15:35

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's budget for next year has been set at around 7.8 trillion won, or nearly 5.6 billion U.S. dollars. That's up about 10% from this year. A key focus of next year's budget is boosting Korea's content industry, with some 330 million dollars set to be allocated to related funds, which marks a significant increase from this year. Over 180 million dollars will be invested in establishing a 'Global K-Culture Hub' in major cities worldwide to support further expansion of K-content. Support will also be expanded for the utilization of AI and other technological support within the K-content industry. The Cheongju Craft Biennale 2025 kicked off Thursday with an opening ceremony, launching a 60-day run. Now in its 14th edition, the biennale is a leading international event showcasing the full spectrum of crafts, from ceramics and textiles to metalwork, bringing together artists and works from around the world. Under the theme "Re_Crafting Tomorrow," this year's biennale runs through November 2, presenting more than 2,500 works by artists from 72 countries. The event explores the essence of craft and its enduring role in human life, rooted in the fundamentals of food, clothing, and shelter. Katsushika Hokusai's "Under the Wave off Kanagawa," a symbolic masterpiece of Japanese art, is currently on display in Korea. The world-famous woodblock print is being showcased as part of the special exhibition "Home of Fujisan, Yamanashi," hosted by the Cheongju National Museum to mark the 60th anniversary of Korea-Japan diplomatic normalization. The exhibition features over 100 cultural treasures from the Yamanashi Prefectural Museum, including 13 Important Cultural Properties of Japan and six Yamanashi-designated cultural assets. The show runs through December 28. That's all from me. Stay tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[Short-form] September 7, International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies

2025/09/05 15:34

Blue skies aren’t optional – they’re our shared responsibility. Join the movement started by Korea and help shape a cleaner, sustainable tomorrow.

[Kulture Issue] How Korean children's content is grabbing attention of kids around the world

2025/09/05 15:34

The stage for K-content is expanding beyond K-pop and K-dramas. Korean children’s content has also grown into a category of its own, with Teenieping and Baby Shark capturing the hearts of little ones across the globe. What’s behind the popularity of K-Kid content? Let’s find out with culture critic, Professor Chie Hye-won at Kyung Hee University. Hello Professor Chie! Q1. Let’s start with "Baby Shark doo-doo-doo-doo-doo", the song that the average toddler to elementary kid in Korea, and no doubt abroad too, will know off by heart. We recently reported on this, but there was a significant achievement for this children's song, right? Q2. After Pororo, the Korean kids' market had been quiet for a while, but now it's shaking up the global stage again with content like Teenieping, Baby Shark, and also recently, the animated film The King of Kings. How do these resonate with kids around the world? Q3. Korean kids' content has a distinct appeal that sets it apart from Disney or Pixar, doesn't it? Professor, what are the unique strengths of Korean content? Q4. Children’s preferences have probably changed over the years. How do you think Korean kids’ content has evolved to keep pace with quickly changing needs? Q5. Let’s talk about the expansion of intellectual property. With the huge interest in characters from K-content, we see musicals, merchandise, pop-up stores, webtoons, etc., thriving. What are the implications and maybe risks posed by such an expansion? Q6. What about creator rights, copyright, and revenue distribution issues? How should these be addressed? Q7. How do you foresee the K-kids content industry within the global culture market from here on? Thank you very much, Professor Chie, for your insights. Have a great weekend. Thank you Bella, see you next week.

[Weather] Late summer heat returns in central areas, passing rain south...heavy rain this weekend

2025/09/05 13:39

After comfortable morning temperatures, late summer heat makes a comeback in the central parts of Korea today. But intense late summer heat continues in the southern regions with heat advisories in place. Gwangju, Daegu, and Busan will all get up to 32 degrees, but scattered showers in southern regions will lead to muggy conditions. Seoul tops out at 33 degrees under sunny skies. About that passing rain, the amount could be anywhere from 5 to 60 millimeters with a chance of heavy downpours through this evening. Meanwhile, we're tracking a major rain event this weekend. Central and Jeolla-do regions could see up to 80 millimeters of rainfall. Rain will start in the western regions early tomorrow morning, then spread nationwide. It could pound down 50 millimeters per hour at its peak, bringing a risk of travel disruptions. Rain will continue into early next week in southern regions and Jeju, while morning temperatures will get much cooler.