News

[K-enter] "KPop Demon Hunters" ranked second for Netflix film

2025/08/14 15:38

'케이팝 데몬 헌터스', 넷플릭스 영화 역대 흥행 2위 And for our first story we are back at it again with “KPop Demon Hunters.” We recently reported how it became the most-watched Netflix animated original film of all time. What achievement has it made this time? This time we are talking about Netflix films of all types. “Kpop Demon Hunters” ranked second in the most viewed Netflix film of all time. According to the Netflix official site on Wednesday, the cumulative number of views of the film was 184.6 million, the second highest after “Red Notice” with 203.9 million views. “Kpop Demon Hunters,” released on June 20th, is narrowing the gap with “Red Notice,” which was released back in 2021. As “KPop Demon Hunters” has been averaging more than 26 million views a week over the past four weeks, it is predicted that it will soon overtake “Red Notice” and become the number one box office hit of all Netflix movies. And its soundtrack also keeps dominating global music charts -the song “Golden” has topped the UK’s official single chart ‘Top 100’ and also topped the U.S. Billboard main single chart ‘Hot 100.’ Yes, it keeps going "up, up, up"! Like Walter reported a few days ago. Well, let’s keep our eyes out to see if the movie can hit that no.1 spot and become Netflix’s most-watched film of all time. The next story is an update on the ongoing NewJeans-Ador dispute. NewJeans and their agency Ador are scheduled for a private mediation session today, that’s Thursday, Korea time. As the two still have not come to an agreement, the court has decided to designate this session to facilitate discussions between them in hopes of reaching an amicable resolution. This session could be pivotal in resolving the conflict between the two without further court intervention. In addition, attention is focused on whether the members of NewJeans will attend, as the court has requested the attendance of the members. If they don't reach a resolution in today’s session, the court will make a judgement on October 30th. Please continue to keep us updated. And we will end off with an upcoming film that has already been invited to an international film festival? Director Yeon Sang-ho‘s new film “The Ugly” has confirmed its theater release for September 11th and revealed two main posters with unique concepts, along with a main trailer that sparks curiosity with its double mystery. “The Ugly” depicts a story in which Im Yeong-kyu, a blind master of engraving, and his son Im Dong-hwan uncover the mystery surrounding the death of Dong-hwan's mother, who has been buried for 40 years. It stars Kwon Hae-hyo as the father and Park Jeong-min as the son. “The Ugly” has officially been invited to the ‘Special Presentation’ section of this year’s Toronto International Film Festival. It’s also a project that director Yeon has long wanted to film, so anticipation is definitely rising. Will do. Thank you Bella for today’s stories. Now let's move over to our AI anchor Ari, for more on the culture front. Ari, over to you!

K-wave AI News

2025/08/14 15:36

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. "Securing leadership in the global cultural market by boosting Korea's content industry." That's the Lee Jae Myung administration's cultural policy goal for its five-year term. By fostering and strengthening the K-content industry, the administration aims to build a 217 billion U.S. dollar K-culture market, generate 36 billion dollars in related exports, and attract 30 million inbound tourists. The government will invest over 7 billion dollars in policy financing to lay the groundwork for content industry growth and deliver on its targets. Two major events will take place in central Seoul this Friday, marking the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japan. At 10 a.m., a Liberation Day commemorative ceremony will be held at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts with some 2,500 attendees, including bereaved families of independence activists. At 8 p.m., President Lee's inauguration ceremony will take place at Gwanghwamun Square, bringing together 3,500 invited citizens, key state officials, and representatives from various sectors. In a special tribute, 80 citizen representatives will present President Lee with a letter of appointment. The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art has opened an exhibition titled "Landscapes of Homeland and Longing," which explores the meaning of "land" through modern and contemporary landscape paintings. Held to commemorate the 80th anniversary of liberation, the exhibition features over 200 works by 75 artists, including Kim Whan-ki and Lee Jung-seob, alongside over 50 archival pieces. It reflects on the sentiment of "homeland" held in the hearts of Koreans who experienced the Japanese colonial era, Liberation, the Korean War, and the waves of industrialization. It runs through November 9 at MMCA's Deoksugung branch. Also marking the 80th anniversary of Liberation, Arirang TV has produced a video that brings independence activists, once frozen in black-and-white photographs, vividly to life using AI technology. The video features Korean independence heroes such as Yu Gwan-sun, Kim Gu, Ahn Jung-geun, and Kim Maria, highlighting their achievements while showing their never-before-seen radiant smiles. It captures scenes of the activists laughing, clapping, and blowing out candles on an 80th-anniversary cake, moments that give viewers an emotional connection to history. Arirang TV hopes the video will encourage reflection on their noble sacrifices and the true meaning of liberation. That's all from me. Stay tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[K-wave] Korean arts groups perform at Berlin State Opera to support Jeonju's Olympic bid

2025/08/14 15:35

The dance and music troupes of the Jeonbuk State Gukak Center have become the first Korean traditional arts groups to perform at the Berlin State Opera. Cha Yun-kyung tells us more about the performances, including why they took place in Germany's capital. One of the world's leading opera houses the Berlin State Opera is situated in the heart of the German capital, also home to Berlin Cathedral and the Berlin TV Tower. The sound of samulnori busking heightened the excitement at the front of Berlin State Opera. An original dance drama, "Kosumseom," created by the Jeonbuk State Gukak Center, was staged during the first-ever performances by the Korean traditional arts troupes. "Kosumseom," which is also the ancient name for Wido in Buan-gun County, Jeonbuk State, is a modern interpretation of Wido's traditional memorial service, "Ttibae-nori," a National Intangible Cultural Asset. Members of the Korean community in Germany; Hans-Ulrich Seidt, the former German ambassador to Korea and now honorary ambassador of Jeonbuk State; and members of local arts communities came to see the performances. All 1-thousand-300 tickets available were sold. "These performances are to kick start cultural diplomacy overseas to inform people about Jeonju of Jeonbuk State, and its bid to host the Olympics." At a reception following the performances, former German Ambassador to Korea Hans-Ulrich Seidt was appointed as an honorary ambassador of Jeonbuk State. "It's a great honor to be an honorary ambassador of Jeonbuk State here." With cultural events overseas, expectations are rising for Jeonju's bid for the 2036 Summer Olympics. Cha Yun-kyung, Arirang News.

[Short-form] Honoring Korea’s Women Independence Fighters

2025/08/14 15:34

As Korea marks August 15, Liberation Day, we remember the courageous women independence fighters whose names and stories are still unfamiliar to many.

[K-Correspondent] Stories of the Korean Provisional Government told at exhibition in Brussels

2025/08/14 15:34

대한민국 임시정부의 꿈, 브뤼셀에서 울리다 Korea marks the 80th anniversary of its liberation tomorrow on, August 15th. This day is not only remembered here, but there are also related events taking place around the world, including in Belgium, where a special exhibition is taking European visitors through an untold story of Korea’s history. To talk more about the meaning of this event, we connect with Mr. Kim Dong-eun , the Director of the Korean Cultural Center in Belgium and the EU. Hello Director Kim! Q1. Director Kim, let’s begin with some background on the special exhibition you are hosting in Brussels. How did the event come about? Q2. What’s the meaning behind the name of the exhibition “A Dream of Peace: The Untold Story of the Korean Provisional Government”? Q2-1. I heard the exhibition is divided into different parts or “stories.” Could you give us the details please? Q3. I can imagine how Belgians and other Europeans will find it very interesting to discover Europeans’ contributions to Korea’s provisional government. Can you give us examples of such support or any specific figures that are being introduced at the exhibition? Q4. And how has the response from local visitors been so far? Q5. The Korean Cultural Center in Belgium and the EU has consistently been promoting Korean history as well as traditional artefacts of Korea. Tell us more about the reason behind such efforts. Q6. More recently, are there any particular (new) areas that you are focusing on to promote Korea? Also, could you give us a glimpse into any future projects or goals? Thank you very much, Director Kim for connecting with us today and also for your efforts in telling the untold stories of important pieces of Korea's history in Belgium and Europe. Thank you Bella as always, see you back soon.

[NEWs GEN] 80 Years of Independence: How Korea is commenmorating Liberation Day

2025/08/14 12:33

NEWs GEN] 80 Years of Independence: How Korea is commenmorating Liberation Day

Pres. Lee to visit Japan for summit from Aug. 23 in potential resumption of regular high-level meetings

2025/08/14 11:40

We begin with a summit between Seoul and Tokyo. President Lee Jae Myung is set to make his first visit to Japan next weekend since taking office, for talks with his Japanese counterpart, Shigeru Ishiba. Our Park Kun-woo starts us off. A Korea-Japan summit will take place next week. The Presidential Office officially announced on Wednesday that President Lee plans to head to Japan for two days from August 23rd to meet his Japanese counterpart Prime Minister Ishiba. This means his visit will take place right ahead of Lee's scheduled meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on August 25th. "We hope Lee's visit strengthens the personal relationship and trust between the two leaders. They are expected to explore ways for future-oriented cooperation between the two countries along with their trilateral cooperation with the U.S." The upcoming Lee-Ishiba summit comes after the two leaders agreed to immediately resume regular high-level meetings during the G7 summit held in Canada's Kananaskis in June. The Presidential Office added regional issues regarding peace and stability, along with other global issues may be discussed. While the exact agenda has yet to be decided on, the office added issues regarding import regulations for fisheries imports could be on the table, with the government raising potential health issues that could affect Koreans. With less than two weeks left until the meeting, eyes are on whether this signals a resumption of regular summits between the two countries. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.

Downpours in the capital area and Gangwon-do, heatwave in the south

2025/08/14 11:39

A powerful rain system continues to drench the central area this morning, with intense rainfall lashing down 10 to 30 millimeters per hour. BUT the capital area could see extreme downpours of up to 70 millimeters per hour until this morning with up to 150 millimeters in the forecast, Gangwon-do Province getting up to 120 millimeters. This band of rain will gradually let up this afternoon before returning again tomorrow. For now, heavy rain alerts remain in place for most of the capital areas and Gangwon-do and parts of Chungcheongnam-do provinces. Meanwhile, the southern parts of Korea are under a heatwave advisory, so let's take a closer look. Daegu and Gwangju will get up to 34 degrees this afternoon, with a chance of passing rain further south, including Busan and Jeju will be under sunny skies all day with strong heat. More rain is in store for the central regions tomorrow, then heat and tropical nights are forecast to come back this weekend. Stay safe and take care!

Beyoncé wins her first Emmy for 'Beyoncé Bowl' halftime show

2025/08/14 11:39

American singer and actress Beyoncé Knowles-Carter has won her first Emmy Award. Beyoncé won the award for Outstanding Costumes for Variety, Nonfiction, or Reality Programming for her Netflix special "Beyoncé Bowl," a Christmas Day NFL halftime show featuring songs from her Cowboy Carter album. She shared the honor with five collaborators, including lead designer Shiona Turini. Beyoncé had previously received 10 Emmy nominations without a win.

Evacuations in Alaska after glacial melt raises fears of record flooding

2025/08/14 11:39

In the U.S. state of Alaska, an outburst of water from a glacial lake led to urgent evacuations on Wednesday. Authorities have warned residents in the state capital, Juneau, that water from a basin has burst through and flooded the Mendenhall River to record levels, peaking at over 5 meters, exceeding last year's high-water mark. The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning and urged residents in the high-risk inundation zone to evacuate immediately. Glacial lake outbursts occur when a lake formed by the melting of snow, ice, and rain drains rapidly, much like pulling a plug from a full bathtub. Flooding has been a recurring concern in the area since 2011, and in just one year last year, hundreds of homes were damaged.

Israel discussing "voluntary migration" of displaced Palestinians

2025/08/14 11:38

Israel is reportedly discussing the resettlement of Palestinians and is making diplomatic progress with Indonesia. According to Israel's N12 television, citing sources on Wednesday, Israel has approached Indonesia, Somaliland, Uganda, South Sudan, and Libya to gauge willingness to accept displaced Palestinians from Gaza under plans described by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as "voluntary migration." Though no firm agreements have been signed, some progress has reportedly been made with Indonesia and Somaliland. Indonesia previously made a humanitarian offer, including treating up to 2,000 wounded Palestinians earlier this month and temporarily accepting around 1,000 war refugees in April. South Sudan, however, has denied involvement. Its Foreign Ministry labeled earlier reports of resettlement talks with Israel as "baseless" and "not reflective of its official policy."

Trump holds call with Zelenskyy and EU leaders ahead of Putin summit

2025/08/14 11:38

Good morning, I'm Choi Chi-hee, and this is The World Now. U.S. President Donald Trump held an online summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and key European leaders, ahead of his upcoming face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Hosted from Berlin on Wednesday, the online meeting brought together President Zelenskyy, European leaders, including German Chancellor Merz, French President Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and NATO's Secretary-General Mark Rutte, alongside President Trump and Vice President JD Vance. The attendees shared thoughts that any peace must include Ukraine's voice, reject territorial concessions, and proceed with firm security guarantees. Zelenskyy warned that Putin's pledge to pause aggression was a bluff, aimed at stronger leverage on the battlefield. President Trump later described the call as a "very good conversation" and warned that Russia would face "very severe consequences" if Putin didn't agree to end the war after their summit on Friday.

South Korea to export K-9 howitzers to Vietnam

2025/08/14 11:37

A deal has been signed to export South Korea's domestically produced K-9 self-propelled howitzers to Vietnam. According to defense industry sources on Thursday, a government-to-government contract was signed late last month to supply 20 of the artillery weapons produced by Hanwha Aerospace to Vietnam for 250 million U.S. dollars. This marks the first time for South Korean-made howitzers to enter the Southeast Asian market. The deal with Vietnam also marks the first time South Korea has exported its weapons to a communist country.

U.S. says it looks forward to working with S. Korea to advance 'ironclad' alliance

2025/08/14 11:37

Over in the U.S. Washington's top diplomat has said it looks forward to collaborating with the Lee administration to advance an 'ironclad' alliance between South Korea and the United States. In a statement on Wednesday local time, the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated South Korea on the 80th anniversary of its liberation from Japan's colonial rule this Friday. Calling South Korea an "indispensable ally," Rubio said Washington will continue to expand prosperity and confront the most pressing global security challenges by working together with Seoul.

[On-point] What will be on agenda when leaders of S. Korea, Japan meet next week?

2025/08/14 11:37

As we just heard, President Lee is expected to sit down for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba before heading to Washington to meet with Trump. For more on the bilateral relations between Seoul and Tokyo, we're joined by Professor Daniel Connolly, Associate Professor of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. Professor Connolly, thanks for joining us this morning. It's unusual for a South Korean president to meet the Japanese leader before meeting the U.S. president, right? How would this reflect the Lee administration's approach toward Japan? What issues do you expect to be on the agenda when Lee and Ishiba meet in Tokyo? Historical issues such as wartime forced labor and 'comfort women,' or wartime sexual slavery --remain as thorns in bilateral relations. President Lee previously said he would take a "two-track" policy, separating historical disputes from bilateral cooperation. What's your take on this? How does this approach differ from the previous administration's policy? Tomorrow marks the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japan's colonial rule. In your view, what's the key to improving relations between Seoul and Tokyo?

Three killed in heavy rain in South Korea's capital region

2025/08/14 11:36

Three people lost their lives in the capital region as heavy rain continued to pound the central regions of South Korea where more rain is expected throughout Thursday. Lee Seung-jae reports. Three people died in South Korea's capital area on Wednesday amid heavy rain in the region. Over in Gimpo, west of Seoul, an elderly man was found dead in the back seat of a car after it plunged into a river. In Incheon, a man in his 40s was killed when his car skidded off the road and into a lake, while a woman in her 70s died as the car she was in crashed into a traffic light on a slippery road. The torrential rain triggered heavy rain alerts in Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi-do, Gangwon-do, and Chungcheongnam-do Provinces, as the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters raised its emergency response to level two. Evacuation orders were also issued for areas near rivers at risk of flooding in Seoul and parts of Gyeonggi-do Province. The heavy rains also led to train service on the Gyeongui–Jungang Line between Ilsan and Susaek Stations to be temporarily suspended on Wednesday, with delays on other sections. For safety, trains on the Gyeongui Line between Uijeongbu and Daegok Stations were also halted for the entire day. The Korea Meteorological Administration says 30 to 50 millimeters of rain per hour could continue through Thursday morning in the central region. Total rainfall through Thursday is expected to reach 50 to 150 millimeters in the capital area and up to 200 millimeters in Incheon and northern Gyeonggi-do regions. Gangwon could see as much as 150 millimeters, and parts of Chungcheong up to 100 millimeters. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

Policy blueprint unveiled for Lee Jae Myung administration

2025/08/14 11:35

On the local front a five-year policy road map has been unveiled for the new Lee Jae Myung administration. Focus is on forging an AI ecosystem to seek new growth engines as well as upgrading South Korea's defense system. Our top office correspondent Yoon Jung-min has this report. Exactly 70 days after the new administration set sail following the snap election, a comprehensive policy road map has been unveiled for the next five years. "I will make a country where the people are treated as owners, the real Republic of Korea, where everyone is happy, together. Beyond conflict and confrontation, I will open a path towards integration through politics that unite the people." In line with this goal, three principles were set: unity, fairness and pragmatism. President Lee Jae Myung was speaking at an event in Seoul on Wednesday where a set of blueprints was made public by the State Affairs Planning Committee, which now concludes its two-month-long job as a de facto transition team. Included were 123 tasks in five areas, including politics, the economy and foreign affairs. "The Republic of Korea is mired in low growth. We need a new framework in line with the changing environment." Focus is on creating an AI ecosystem, centered around AI chips, as a future growth engine. On top of that, the new government aims to usher in the "KOSPI 5,000 era" through forging an environment that is more investment-friendly. When it comes to foreign affairs and security "We will upgrade the three-axis defense system to secure deterrence of our own against North Korea's nuclear and missile threats." The "three-axis" system refers to a three-pronged system consisting of the Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation, the Kill Chain preemptive strike platform, and the Korea Air and Missile Defense system. Seoul also plans to retake wartime operational control from Washington during Lee's term. On top of that, the defense system will be bolstered to match the changing security environment, while seeking to improve inter-Korean relations. Other goals include elevating South Korea as a global cultural powerhouse, with the aim of nurturing the K-culture market worth 300-trillion won, roughly 216-billion U.S. dollars. Also announced were Constitutional reform to "better embody the principle of people's sovereignty," as well as prosecutorial reform to reduce the power that's often been too heavy on prosecutors. To carry out those policy tasks, a total of 210-trillion won is needed along the way, according to the committee, which will be secured through taxes and belt-tightening. What was unveiled on Wednesday will be under review by the Cabinet before confirmed. Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.

N. Korean leader's sister denies loudspeaker removal, rejects Seoul's outreach

2025/08/14 11:34

Shifting gears. North Korea's Kim Yo-jong, the sister of the North's leader, has slammed Seoul's latest peace gestures. She denies claims that the North has removed its loudspeakers and she vows to keep a hard line against both South Korea and the United States. Byeon Ye-young has the details. Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, has rejected Seoul's conciliatory measures and reaffirmed Pyongyang's intent to maintain its hostile stance. In a statement released through the North's state-run Korean Central News Agency on Thursday, Kim dismissed recent measures by the Lee Jae Myung administration, which took office in June pledging to mend strained ties with North Korea. Lee's government has halted anti-Pyongyang loudspeaker broadcasts, moved to ban leaflet balloon launches, and repatriated North Koreans who had drifted south in wooden boats. Responding to Lee's remarks on Tuesday that the North has also removed some loudspeakers, Kim called it "groundless speculation and a manipulation of public opinion," insisting North Korea has not dismantled the loudspeakers deployed along the border, and doesn't intend to dismantle them. Kim also criticized adjustments to the upcoming U.S.-Korean Ulchi Freedom Shield joint military drills starting on August 18th, dismissing them as "worthless and futile." She added that Pyongyang has "no intention of improving relations with a loyal servant and faithful ally of the United States". She also accused Seoul of trying to score political points by reversing measures from the previous Yoon Suk Yeol government, calling such efforts an empty dream that would not draw Pyongyang's attention. Kim Yo-jong further brushed off speculation that the summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, scheduled for Friday, could revive U.S.-North Korea dialogue, saying there was no reason for North Korea to sit down with the U.S. She warned that if Washington clings to what she called "outdated" thinking, any meeting would remain merely a U.S. hope and that North Korea had no interest in talks that dwell on an irreversible past. Byeon Ye-young, Arirang News.

STOCK&FX

2025/08/13 22:43

2025. 8. 13. KOREAN STOCK MARKET KOSPI : 3,224.37 ▲34.46 +1.08% KOSDAQ : 814.10 ▲6.91 +0.86% KOSPI200 : 436.92 ▲5.29 +1.23% ASIAN STOCK MARKET NIKKEI225 : 43,274.67 ▲556.50 +1.30% HANG SENG : 25,613.67 ▲643.99 +2.58% SHANGHAI : 3,683.47 ▲17.54 +0.48% WALL STREET (AUG. 12) DOW JONES : 44,458.61 ▲483.52 +1.10% NASDAQ : 21,681.90 ▲296.50 +1.39% S&P500 : 6,445.76 ▲72.31 +1.13% EXCHANGE RATE USD : 1,381.70 (-8.20) JPY : 934.53 (-2.72) CNY : 192.38 (-0.78) EUR : 1,614.38 (+0.57)

Policy blueprint unveiled for Lee Jae Myung administration

2025/08/13 22:43

Good evening, and thank you for joining us on this Wednesday evening. I'm Song Yoo-jin, filling in for Kim Dami. Our top story tonight begins at the Presidential Office. A five-year policy road map was unveiled today for the new Lee Jae Myung administration. Focus is on forging an AI ecosystem to seek new growth engines as well as upgrading South Korea's three-axis defense system. Yoon Jung-min starts us off. Exactly 70 days after the new administration set sail following the snap election, a comprehensive policy road map has been unveiled for the next five years. "I will make a country where the people are treated as owners, the real Republic of Korea, where everyone is happy, together. Beyond conflict and confrontation, I will open a path towards integration through politics that unite the people." In line with this goal, three principles were set: unity, fairness and pragmatism. President Lee Jae Myung was speaking at an event in Seoul on Wednesday where a set of blueprints was made public by the State Affairs Planning Committee, which now concludes its two-month-long job as a de facto transition team. Included were 123 tasks in five areas, including politics, the economy and foreign affairs. "The Republic of Korea is mired in low growth. We need a new framework in line with the changing environment." Focus is on creating an AI ecosystem, centered around AI chips, as a future growth engine. On top of that, the new government aims to usher in the "KOSPI 5,000 era" through forging an environment that is more investment-friendly. When it comes to foreign affairs and security "We will upgrade the three-axis defense system to secure deterrence of our own against North Korea's nuclear and missile threats." The "three-axis" system refers to a three-pronged system consisting of the Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation, the Kill Chain preemptive strike platform, and the Korea Air and Missile Defense system. Seoul also plans to retake wartime operational control from Washington during Lee's term. On top of that, the defense system will be bolstered to match the changing security environment, while seeking to improve inter-Korean relations. Other goals include elevating South Korea as a global cultural powerhouse, with the aim of nurturing the K-culture market worth 300-trillion won, roughly 216-billion U.S. dollars. Also announced were Constitutional reform to "better embody the principle of people's sovereignty," as well as prosecutorial reform to reduce the power that's often been too heavy on prosecutors. To carry out those policy tasks, a total of 210-trillion won is needed along the way, according to the committee, which will be secured through taxes and belt-tightening. What was unveiled on Wednesday will be under review by the Cabinet before confirmed. Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.