🇰🇷 Corn On Pizza, Corn In Bread, Now: Corn On Ice Cream? 🌽

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!

June 15-July 14

K-Pop

🤘 BLACKPINK's Lisa Is A 'Rockstar' On Spotify's Global Charts

Dyllan 🐼 BLACKPINK’s Lisa recently released her newest track, ‘Rockstar’, and fans have been grooving along to it since. It signals a new chapter for Lisa, as it marks her first release since establishing LLOUD. She’s definitely reaping the fruits of her labor, as ‘Rockstar’ landed at no. 8 on Spotify’s Top Songs Global chart - the highest spot for a female K-Pop soloist. About a week has passed since its release, and netizens continue to have ‘Rockstar’ on an infinite loop.

🎤 “I-LAND 2 N/A” Reaches Its Crescendo As The Final Girl Group Is Revealed

Kay 🥑With viewership exceeding that of the hit survival show “BOYS PLANET”, “I-LAND 2 N/A” has captured the hearts of K-Pop fans all over, as the contestants battled it out in an emotional journey to debut. With contestants Mai, Bang JeeMin, Ryu SaRang, Yoon JiYoon, Jeong SaeBi, Choi JungEun, and Koko revealed as the final girl group members, K-Pop fans are buzzing at the prospects of this extremely promising collaboration of talented girls.

🙅‍♂️ The Time For Leniency Is Fading - Standing Up To Online Bullies

Dyllan 🐼Remember how we talked about the “No-20s Zone” last week? Well, welcome to the “No Bully Zone”! Outside of the glitz and glam of the stage, K-Pop idols must also put up with a string of negativity in malicious comments, career breaking rumors, and false accusations. While artists and their companies would try to combat this before, the push back from netizens was too great, leading to a state of leniency towards the malicious commenters. However, many stars are now saying “enough is enough” and are taking an active approach to cracking down on the hate posts, along with the people behind them. It’s the first step of many to help protect the artists in the industry. Hopefully there comes a day when malicious comments and rumors will come to an end.

👏 BTS’ Jin At The 2024 Paris Olympics?

Ishani 🎀That’s right! BTS member Jin, who was discharged from the military not long ago, is going to be a torchbearer at the 2024 Paris Olympics, which commences on July 26. This special honor symbolizes participation in the Olympic Games' traditions and values. Torchbearers are often selected based on their contributions, achievements, or community impact, making it a significant recognition and opportunity to represent their country or region during the Olympic Torch Relay. ARMY could not be prouder of Jin!

🥢 MONSTA X's ShowNu And NCT's JungWoo Introduce The Charms Of Older Restaurants Through "NOPOGY"

Dyllan 🐼A new web variety program is gearing up to drop, featuring the unlikely pair of MONSTA X’s ShowNu and NCT’s JungWoo. The two team up to visit old, traditional restaurants and introduce their charms to the viewers watching at home. Whether you’re in Korea right now or traveling there sometime soon, this becomes a great opportunity to find a hidden gem and add it to your itinerary. Then, you can have a similar experience to that of ShowNu and JungWoo.

🎤 SEVENTEEN Makes History (Again) At Glastonbury!

Ishani 🎀What a time to be a CARAT! SEVENTEEN is having a fantastic year, making history with their varied achievements. Not only did SEVENTEEN become the first-ever Goodwill Ambassador for Youth for UNESCO recently, but they also set another precedent as the first K-Pop group to play the main Pyramid Stage at the Glastonbury Festival. During their set, Joshua noted, “Even though the language, country and culture are all different, we can still connect as one, through music”.

K-Dramas, Movies & Variety

🎬 Unable To Reach The Break-Even Point - Should The Korean Film Industry Worry?

Dyllan 🐼Did you know about the huge gap between the current second and third place of the top five Korean box office hits of the year? Currently, at no. 2 is “The Roundup: Punishment” at 11.49 million viewers, followed by “She Died” at no. 3, which amassed 1.22 viewers (per records from June 22). Although this might have increased since, the disparity between the two is still incredibly high. If this was a one-off occurrence, there might be little worry. However, many recent Korean films have been unable to reach the break-even point. Even with huge stars like Gang DongWon, Suzy, and Park BoGum, success isn’t guaranteed. Because of this trend, the production of Korean films is likely to change as they find a balance between quality films and monetary success.

🤗 Song Triplets Make Ratings Skyrocket For “You Quiz On The Block”

Ishani 🎀Remember the cutest triplets from “The Return of Superman” - DaeHan, MinGuk, and ManSe? They’ve grown up well and are almost as tall as their Dad, actor Song IlGook, now. On July 3, they appeared on tvN’s beloved talk show “You Quiz on the Block”, and the ratings for the episode skyrocketed to 6.84%, breaking the show’s previous record. Not just Koreans but international fans too are overjoyed to meet the triplets again, who talked about what they have been up to, their relationship with their Dad and much more. No wonder they are called the nation’s nephews!

K-Beauty

💙 We Didn’t Think It Would Happen, But Blue Eyeshadow Has Made A Comeback

Kay 🥑Blue eyeshadow has been a cause of debate for many fashion years. Whilst models like Kate Moss made it a staple beauty look in the 90s, there was certainly a time when blue eyeshadow was treated with a stigma. Now, however, K-Pop idols such as aespa’s Winter, (G)I-DLE’s MiYeon, Red Velvet’s YeRi, SunMi, and OH MY GIRL’s Mimi have made it fashionable again. Get your makeup brushes ready to be part of this retro-refreshing beauty trend.

K-Fashion

🔥 Choi San At Dolce & Gabbana Was A God-Tier Serve

Ishani 🎀ATEEZ’s San has once again made the locals go loco with his appearance at the Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda show in Italy. The Coachella rocker was seen wearing a harness featuring baroque motifs, making fans all over the world swoon. It was a high fashion serve, and the internet united in awe of this lewk. One hit tweet read, “if i was at an event and i saw a mf turn up in this i would simply turn around and go home that’s his event now”. Same.

👒 Flat Cap Are Not For Grandpas Anymore

Laure 🌼If I mention a flat cap, you might think, "That's my grandpa's hat." However, in Korea this season, it's a fashionable accessory for ladies. With the sun shining, caps and hats are among the best ways to protect your face. Flat caps, in particular, are one of the trendiest options right now. Many celebrities are sporting them in their daily look if you have a look at their Instagram accounts. They pair these caps with various outfits and styles. Whether worn forward or backward, flat caps are a good choice for any fashionista.

👕 TWICE NaYeon’s Recent Fashion Is Your One-Stop Shop For K-Fashion Trend Inspo This Summer

Kay 🥑TWICE’s NaYeon just came back with her second album “NA” and not only has she been rocking the music scene, but the fashion scene as well. Her recent stage outfits have incorporated many of the fashion trends that can be seen in Korean streets. These include ‘blokecore’ which combines sporty elements, head scarves, geek chick, girlified sports fashion, and track shorts.

K-Travel

🏖️ Busan Is The IT-Place To Visit With ZEROBASEONE As YouTubers To Show You Around

Laure 🌼Busan is a must-visit destination year-round, but it is truly a must-go in the summer when you can enjoy its beautiful beaches and seasonal activities. With numerous things to do, eat, and see, Busan offers something for every type of traveler. This year, ZEROBASEONE has been chosen to introduce the city to the world! Starting on July 2, the group's travel reality show "ZEROBASEONE PICK" will promote tourism in Busan through 30 exciting episodes. If you're curious about this coastal gem of South Korea, be sure to tune in.

🌕 Take A Ride On The Moon In Seoul

Dyllan 🐼A new moon-themed attraction makes its way to Seoul, aptly named “SEOULDAL”. Its name combines the Korean word for moon, “dal”, and combines it with Seoul. It features a huge, tethered gas balloon that’s set to hover above Yeouido Park. Those interested will be able to ride the “moon” into the sky and take in the nightly sights of Seoul around them. After six long months, trial operations began on July 6th and are set to continue until August 22nd. It will be officially opened on August 23rd.

🧜‍♀️ The Last Mermaid Of The 63 Building

Laure 🌼It is now closed! Aqua Planet 63, Korea's first-ever aquarium located in the famous 63 Building by the Han River, has shut its doors after 39 years. On June 30, the aquarium hosted its final mermaid performance for visitors. Over its long history, Aqua Planet 63 welcomed approximately 90 million visitors who marveled at its 30,000 marine creatures. While Seoulists can still enjoy numerous newer aquariums, the space will be transformed into a new venue called Centre Pompidou Hanwha Seoul, in collaboration with the Centre Pompidou directors in Paris.

😮 After Gun Atthaphan, Win Metawin Is Reportedly In Seoul!

Ishani 🎀Thai superstar Win Metawin was reportedly spotted in Seoul recently with actress Lingling Sirilak Kwong. This appearance made fans even more excited because Win Metawin is competing at the Seoul International Drama Awards 2024 for the “Outstanding Asian Star” award. What’s more, is that he is currently #1! Previously, Thai actor Gun Atthaphan was in Seoul for “GMMTV FANDAY 11 IN SEOUL”. Fans of both actors are hoping to see them at the SDA 2024 soon. Who are you voting for at the SDA 2024?

K-Food

🍑 The New Fruit Invasion: Peach, Peach, Peach & Peach

Laure 🌼Every week, we bring you the latest food obsession from Korea. Alongside watermelon and mango, one of the most beloved summer fruits has made its return: peaches! There are now featured in cakes, bingsu, Greek yogurt, cookies, ice creams, and more. Bakeries are in fierce competition to create the prettiest peach cakes, with designs so refreshing you can't help but want to have a picture of it. Personally, this season I first ate peaches with Greek yogurt on Tuesday and am already planning to buy more. Do you have a peach season in your country?

🌽 Corn On Pizza, Corn In Bread, Now: Corn On Ice Cream?

Laure 🌼If you have ever visited Korea, you might be surprised by the amount of corn found in foods that typically don't include it in other countries. The most common example is corn on pizza. You might wonder, "Is this common?" Yes, it is 100%! With the summer season, there is a new ice cream made from super sweet corn. Originally from Hokkaido, Japan, this variety of corn is widely cultivated in Korea. This summer, corn ice cream topped with corn is a new trend. If you happen to try it, let us know how it tastes!

K-Society

🌦️ No More ‘Korea Has 4 Distinct Seasons’? 90% Of Koreans Acknowledge Climate Crisis

Kay 🥑One of the top ways that many Koreans used to appeal travel to Korea was by citing that the country has 4 distinct seasons - the exciting summer, cherry-blossom-filled spring, snowy winter, and colorful fall/autumn. However, thanks to global warming, the seasons have become vague over time with seasons like fall and spring not lasting more than a couple of weeks. In a recent online survey, 90% of Koreans agreed that the country is indeed experiencing a climate crisis that is largely affecting the weather.

🏊‍♂️ The No-Go Zone Series Continues: This Time, No Kids Allowed At Hotel Swimming Pools

Kay 🥑If you’ve been following our newsletter for a while, you might’ve noticed that several of our K-Society sections focused on the increasing restrictions that Korean society has been putting on the movements of individuals. A new restriction that’s emerged is children not being allowed to use swimming pools in many of Korea’s most well-known hotels and resorts. This is due to the growth in prioritizing solo or adult travelers and catering to their preferences such as deep sleep, parties, etc.

Check out our previous newsletters to see the other no-go zones that have been introduced just this year (spoiler: ahjummas, kids on playgrounds, and more).

Fan Spotlight Of the Week

Hwiyoung released the BOP of the summer

@Fleurdelys23 🌌, FANTASYLooking for a song: romantic✔️, soothing✔️, relaxed summer vibes✔️, a voice to make you dream✔️? Please have a listen to SF9's Hwiyoung 'IT IS LOVE'! It is one of the best releases of this summer and there will be no regret check it out!

Hwiyoung's first single album, "Traveling Fish," tells the story of youth freely traveling the "Sea of Love" after falling in love and 'IT IS LOVE' is the title track. It tells the desire to be with you anytime and anywhere after falling in love, and the determination to love without regret even if today might be the last day to see you in Hwiyoung’s unique, direct, and honest way. Lyrics by Hwiyoung, Composed by Hwiyoung and Ko Jinyoung.

Hwiyoung is rapper but his vocals are amazing!

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