🇰🇷 Suns Out, Guns Out: Sleeves Are Off For Men’s Summer Fashion ft. RIIZE 🥵

ONGOING EVENT

Kim SooHyun, Kim JiWon, Lee JunHo…Seoul International Drama Awards (SDA) 2024 Is A Star Studded Event With Fierce Competition – Vote For Your Favorite Star & Make Them Win!

Weekly Giveaway for Kpopmap Subscribers: 6-months premium subscriptions for Spotify. 50 winners every week. You can be our next winner, so participate!

Giveaway: Select your favorite Korean ramyeon and get a box of your favorite ramyeon. (Event for all readers)

K-Pop

📷 From K-Pop Idol To Photographer - NCT’s JaeMin Prepares For A Solo Photo Exhibit

Dyllan 🐼NCT’s JaeMin is an all-rounder, both on stage and in real life. He dropped exciting news for fans, making the announcement that he’ll be having his photographer debut with a solo photo exhibit. Fans will be able to see the show, dubbed “Narcissism”, in Seoul from June 29 to July 19. The photographs will range from self-portraits, photos of groupmates, to landscape views - all collected over the past seven years.

🏃 ISAC Returns For Chuseok 2024 - Will 5th Gen Idols Steal Hearts?

Ishani 🎀After two years, “Idol Star Athletics Championships”, also known as ISAC, is reportedly going to be returning for Chuseok this year! Everybody cheered. Sources revealed that recruitment of idols for various events is ongoing and that games like futsal, golf, and relay races will be included this year. An MBC official also told EDAILY that they’re planning to record in August. For many K-Pop idols who debuted in the last two years, this may be their first-ever ISAC, and fans are excited to see them too!

♻️ The Korean Government Encourages Eco-Friendly K-Pop Albums

Dyllan 🐼Everyone loves K-Pop merch, and with all the goodies that come in one album (from posters to rare photocards), enthusiastic fans are adamant on purchasing more than one copy. But what happens to the albums afterwards? There have been multiple accounts of these goods being thrown away, filling trash bins and landfills to a frightening degree. The South Korean government hopes this will change, encouraging the adoption of eco-friendly album production within the K-Pop industry. They hope to do this through consulting services and guiding production companies to use more earth-friendly alternatives.

🎭 SUPER JUNIOR’s KyuHyun Stuns In “Frankenstein”

Ishani 🎀 "Frankenstein", the musical, first debuted in Korea in 2014. A decade later, it is returning to the Korean theatre with an excellent cast. This includes Yoo JunSang, Shin SungRok, and SUPER JUNIOR’s KyuHyun, all of whom play the lead role of Dr. Frankenstein. Notably, KyuHyun has been receiving immense praise and love for his performance in “Frankenstein”, where he showcased his versatile range and extraordinary talent, moving audiences to tears. Fans couldn’t be prouder of the multi-talented star.

K-Dramas, Movies & Variety

💻 Netflix House In The US Offers “Squid Game” Experience IRL

Ishani 🎀After the lasting success of “Squid Game” season 1, followed by the 2023 reality competition show “Squid Game: The Challenge”, which in turn boosted viewership for the first season, Netflix is feeding into the fad once more with Netflix House. Netflix House is described as an “experiential entertainment venue”, where fans will soon be able to enjoy immersive experiences of their favorite Netflix shows. Of course, this includes one of their largest shows yet, “Squid Game”, and fans will now be able to indulge in playing games from the show in Netflix House, set to open at King of Prussia in Pennsylvania and Galleria Dallas in 2025.

📅 Battle Of The Big Names: Who Will Secure The Highest Viewership Among Upcoming K-Dramas?

Ishani 🎀July is coming with some of the most highly-anticipated K-Dramas of the year. These star-studded K-Dramas will offer quite the competition to each other for audiences’ attention, and it will be interesting to see who takes the top spot in viewership. Some upcoming July K-Dramas that you need to add to your watchlist include “The Whirlwind”, “Red Swan”, “The Auditors”, “Good Partner”, "No Way Out: The Roulette", and arguably the most buzz-worthy one, "Sweet Home 3", which will see the return of Lee DoHyun. Which of these upcoming K-Dramas are you most excited about?

K-Fashion

📹 Modern Nostalgia Rules The Day: iPhones Are Out And Vintage Cameras Are In

Kay 🥑If you thought the Y2K trend was only about fashion and music, then you’re wrong. The Y2K sentiment has taken over the personal tastes of many, as a whole. It has become commonplace to edit your modern-day everyday life photos with filters reminiscent of the time period, and if not that, then many have opted to buy cameras that can capture the original sentiment altogether. Many K-Pop idols have ditched their iPhones and Samsungs to opt for vintage cameras that not only make a cute accessory but capture the Y2K sentiment to the tee.

☂️ The IT-Item Of The Summer Is Burning Hot And We Mean It Literally

Laure 🌼With the heat, the burning sun, and its UV rays, parasols or UV-protective umbrellas are back in Koreans' hands and maybe even more popular than before. It is undoubtedly the IT item of the moment, not only because it is needed but also because it is stylish. Many brands and designs are available, making it a fashionable accessory. In the streets of Seoul, I can tell you that more people are using them, and the designs are more diverse than last year.

💪 Suns Out, Guns Out: Sleeves Are Off For Men’s Summer Fashion ft. RIIZE

Kay 🥑These days, many young Korean men are opting for sleeveless fashion. It’s time to show those bicep muscles in sleeveless tops. Recently, the members of RIIZE have especially been going viral for their sleeveless summer looks. Not only are they probably feeling cool for the summer (pun intended) but that heat is being transferred to us as we can’t handle their hot visuals.

K-Travel

🌺 Hydrangeas Are Out For Beautiful June Trips

Laure 🌼In Korea, it is time for hydrangeas. The flowers start to bloom with the first summer rains and are a sign of the upcoming rainy season. Hydrangeas in Korea are particularly beautiful with their bright colors. In Jeju, there are some must-see spots to enjoy and take pictures with these beautiful flowers, such as Manor Blanc, which is covered with flowers of various colors. As a side note, Korean hydrangea tea is delicious.

✈️ aespa's Giselle Reps The MZ Generation’s Travel Style With Her Seoul Travel Recs

Kay 🥑As always, aespa has proven themselves to be trendsetters. This time, member Giselle has taken one for the MZ team as a representative for what embodies the MZ generation’s travel style. Giselle took us on some proper exploration of Seoul, starting in Hangangjin at the Hyundai Card Music Library, venturing to the Sinheung Market in Huam-dong, and ending with a bite to eat at Hancook atop Namsan Mountain - if you’re looking for off the beaten path spots to travel in Seoul, Giselle’s got your back!

🏟️ Festival Season Is Here In Korea - And With Opportunities For Travelers To Attend!

Dyllan 🐼Despite the scorching heat, Korea is busy with countless concerts and festivals - with some providing travelers an opportunity to attend! Namely, in collaboration with VISITKOREA, “GS25 Music & Beer Festival” and “Have A Nice Trip 2024” have opened giveaway events for summer travelers. All you need to do is head on over to the event page on VISITKOREA and follow the directions to enter! While these festivals are still some time away, both feature amazing lineups of chart-topping artists, along with fun booths and activities to keep you entertained and busy the entire day. So why not make your summer in Korea unforgettable by winning free festival tickets!

K-Food

🍧 Now Your Bingsu Can Go Tang-Tang-Tang-Hururururu Too!

Kay 🥑If you’re a fan of tanghuru (or even just the viral song about it) then we have good news! Koreans have once again fused two dishes together to create a sinfully delicious food combo that you can brag about to your friends! This time, you can get yourself a refreshingly sweet bowl of tanghuru bingsu (tang-bingsu) from Wang Tanghulu. Don’t forget to do the #maratanghuruchallenge while you’re at it!

Not a fan of tanghuru? Check out our Ideal Type World Cup to see more popular bingsu flavors that you can check out on your next summer trip to Korea!

🧊 Cold Noodles Craze Started, People Avoiding The Heat

Laure 🌼With temperatures soaring to 33°C or higher, Koreans are looking to eat something cool and fresh. Cold noodles are back on popular menus, with restaurants packed during lunchtime. The cold noodle menu includes Pyeongyang Naengmyeon, Hamheung Naengmyeon, Jjolmyeon, Makguksu, Perilla Oil Makguksu, Milmyeon, Jinju Naengmyeon, Kongguksu, Naengjjamppong, and more. Do you also want to eat cold noodles?

🍦 I Scream, You Scream, K-Vegans Scream For Ice Cream!

Kay 🥑Being a vegan in Korea, especially in Seoul, used to be almost impossible as the concept of veganism was foreign to Koreans. However, in recent years, as the number of vegans has increased, more and more restaurants and brands catering to their dietary needs have appeared. Lotte Well Food has vowed to launch a vegan line for their already popular premium ice cream brand Natuur (popular among those who want to indulge without worrying as much about calories). They vow to take a balanced plant-based Korean-styled vegan approach to their new lineup of ice creams, starting with flavors such as Chocolate & Almonds, Alfonso Mango, and Dolce Maple & Nuts.

🍋‍ Meet K-Food’s Secret Ingredient: Maesil Cheong

Dyllan 🐼When people think of K-Food ingredients, their minds go towards things like gochujang, sesame seeds, and kimchi. But there’s one other ingredient that’s a staple in Korean kitchens: maesil cheong. Made from the fermentation of maesil, Korean green plums, this handy additive acts as a sweetener and a home remedy for an upset stomach or indigestion. June is the peak harvest season, which means that soon after, it’s time to prepare maesil cheong in abundance.

K-Society

🎰 More & More Koreans Dream To Win The Jackpot

Laure 🌼According to recent studies, 1 in 10 Korean households buys lottery tickets. In the second quarter of 2024, more households are purchasing lottery tickets than in the past five years. Currently, these 2,211,595 households spend an average of 7,321 KRW per month. It seems like more and more Koreans dream of getting a life-changing jackpot.

💘 The Results Are In: Survey Says It’s Okay For Partners To Be Fans Of Celebrities

Dyllan 🐼A recent survey has released its results, revealing that when it comes to romantic partners liking celebrities, South Koreans find it completely acceptable. Of the 500 participants, a whopping 89% is in favor of it, viewing it as a healthy and endearing habit. With the growing fandom culture of K-Entertainment, this type of response may very well be considered the norm for many. However, there are some who oppose the idea, worried their partner may value their celebrity crush over them, among other reasons. Would you be okay with your romantic partner having a crush on a celebrity?

🎾 Indoor Tennis Is Trendy

Laure 🌼Indoor tennis is well-liked by Koreans and is increasing in popularity. Data compiled by Shinhan Card found that the number of sports facilities increased in sales and popularity. Not only were there more facilities, but the amount spent at these venues was also higher. Yoga and Pilates studios remained popular, but indoor tennis courts saw a significant rise in popularity as well. The study showed that spending at indoor tennis courts increased by 815 percent over four years. In Korea, you can easily rent both indoor and outdoor courts if you want to practice. Are you a fan of indoor tennis?

K-Lit

📖 Historical K-Drama In Book Form? Discover “A Crane Among Wolves”

Ishani 🎀Bestselling Korean YA historical romance author June Hur has just published her latest book, “A Crane Among Wolves”, and it is an absolute masterpiece. If you enjoyed K-Dramas like Lee JunHo & Lee SeYoung’s “The Red Sleeve”, you’re going to love this. “A Crane Among Wolves” is set in 1506 Joseon, where the tyrannical King YeonSan's reign of terror drives 17-year-old Iseul to the capital to rescue her sister, SuYeon, from his clutches. Meanwhile, Prince DaeHyun, tormented by his half-brother's cruelty, seeks to overthrow him. When Iseul and DaeHyun's paths cross, they form an uneasy alliance fueled by their shared hatred for the king, risking everything to challenge his rule. The book is in English and written beautifully, guaranteeing an incredible experience akin to binge-watching your favorite historical K-Drama.

Fan Spotlight Of the Week

Angel vs dark, the perfect unit: JEONGHAN X WONWOO (SEVENTEEN) 'Last Night'

Maria 😇, CARAT from MexicoLooking for a fantasy and breathtaking stage? This is for you!

SEVENTEEN Unit, composed of Jeonghan and Wonwoo, has released their first single album "THIS MAN" with the title track 'Last Night'. The concept of this album is based on an urban legend where people all over the world witness a man in their dreams. The concept from the start was unique, but with the release of their performances, it has truly proven to be unmissable! Jeonghan embraces an angelic concept with long blonde hair and a loose white shirt, while Wonwoo adopts a darker persona with his deep voice. They complement each other perfectly in terms of both voices and concepts. If you haven't checked it out yet, please do! (Note: Thank you, Kpopmap.)

Do you want to submit your text for next week newsletter?

Send us a DM on Twitter by Friday 2pm KST