🇰🇷 100 Cats Island, Dubai Chocolate, Kimchi-Cheddar Croissant, and much more 🍫

ONGOING EVENT

Meet Your Favorite Stars At SDA 2024 – Giveaway Ticket Event For An Opportunity To Attend The Seoul International Drama Awards (SDA) 2024

July 8-July 21

K-Pop

🏸 SEVENTEEN’s SeungKwan Unleashes His Inner Racket Boy

Ishani 🎀Last week, photos and videos of SEVENTEEN’s SeungKwan playing badminton with his actor friend Kim KangMin surfaced on the internet. They were reportedly at a competitive game, and a staff member’s friend posted the pictures, sharing that SeungKwan’s team won two rounds but was unfortunately eliminated, just one win short of advancing. It was also revealed that SeungKwan was not only handsome but also had a great personality at the event. SeungKwan has often shared his love for badminton with fans and was even on the variety show “Racket Boys”.

📻 All About Stray Kids Radio Is Now Available On Apple Music

Dyllan 🐼Are you a fan of podcasts? Are you also a fan of Stray Kids? Well you’re in luck, because these two worlds are colliding with the premiere of All About Stray Kids Radio, exclusively on Apple Music. With episodes released every week, you can learn more about Stray Kids’ musical process, their preferences, and so much more. Hosted by members Bang Chan and Felix, the two look to introduce listeners to who Stray Kids really is, sharing fun anecdotes and life lessons they’ve learned so far throughout their career. So if you want to learn more about Stray Kids, don’t forget to tune in!

🏆 HYBE Artists Make It To The Grammy Wall Of Fame

Kay 🥑HYBE has done it again in terms of milestones. It was announced that The Grammy Museum would be holding an exhibition showcasing the stage costumes of most of the HYBE groups to commemorate the company’s undeniable innovation. With artists like BTS, SEVENTEEN, TXT, ENHYPEN, LE SSERAFIM, and more on display, K-Pop fans are definitely in for an interactive treat.

📈 BTS JiMin’s Pre-Release Single Continues His Streak On Billboard’s Hot 100

Dyllan 🐼Despite carrying out his mandatory military service, BTS’ JiMin had prepared new music to compensate for his absence - and once again, it’s looking to be another hit. His pre-release single, ‘Smeraldo Garden Marching Band (feat. Loco)’ has made its way onto Billboard’s Hot 100, continuing the singer’s streak, making it his fifth time on the chart as a soloist. Although this is only an appetizer of what’s to come, ARMY are excited to get their fill of JiMin and his amazing music.

🔫 WATERBOMB 2024 Makes A Splash In More Ways Than One

Dyllan 🐼Social media continues to be filled with clips from WATERBOMB Seoul 2024, with attendees offering praise to all the performers. Even in bad weather, the iconic event brought the heat - in more ways than one. While the performances were stellar, there were many question marks due to the related search terms linked to the female artists. Although it’s organized with good intentions, there are issues surrounding the event that must be addressed in order to maintain the atmosphere of fun for female artists and attendees alike. WATERBOMB is set to continue touring across the country and will eventually make its way overseas to Japan, Los Angeles, Manila, and so much more.

K-Dramas, Movies & Variety

🤖 Is The Korean Film Industry Welcoming AI?

Ishani 🎀The BIFAN+AI Filmmaking Workshop at the 28th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival has become a hot topic among film enthusiasts worldwide. The workshop showcased AI's ability to cut costs and production time but proved that the "uncanny valley" effect still persists. Legal and ethical issues were also addressed through a session called “How AI Will Change the Film Industry”, which discussed trust, control, and creativity in AI, emphasizing the need to protect portrait and intellectual property rights while fostering creativity. However, Oh SangJoon, CEO of the webtoon production company “Dreamers” suggested that “The misuse of data or unauthorized use of voices is a human error, not an AI one”.

🎬 Lee JeHoon & Koo KyoHwan’s New Film Is A Success At The Box Office!

Ishani 🎀It’s a great time to be a fan of Korean films. From “Exhuma” to “Wonderland”, viewers are being treated with one hit after another. This time, it is Lee JeHoon and Koo KyoHwan’s highly anticipated new film “Escape” that is making the headlines for its box office success. After releasing on July 3, it instantly became the most-watched film at the box office, taking over “Inside Out 2”. At the time of writing, “Escape” has a cumulative audience of 1.34 million moviegoers. For those who might not know, “Escape” tells the story of a North Korean Sergeant KyuNam (played by Lee JeHoon), who will do anything to escape and Major HyunSang (Koo KyoHwan), who will do anything to stop him.

K-Beauty

🤳 New Beauty Rule: 'On Fleek' Selfies Are Out And Sheet Mask Selfies Are In

Kay 🥑In the digital era where filters and editing apps rule the day and there’s so much pressure on everybody to look perfect, especially on social media. K-Celebs have brought back the expression ‘natural beauty’. It has always been charming when celebs share bare-faced selfies, but they have taken it a step further by sharing selfies with sheet masks and skincare on. Some of the idols who have shared in this trend are Han SoHee, ENHYPEN’s Jake, Jeon SoMi, aespa’s Karina, and more.

💄 BAE173 & Fantasy Boys Are Beautiful For Lullua & Theme Song ‘To. My Dear’

Laure 🌼BAE173’s HanGyul, J-min, and Fantasy Boys’ SungMin and GyuRae came together for a beauty ad for the brand Lullua. The boys are stunning with their visuals, but that's not all—they are also blessing ears with the theme song "To. My Dear" (featuring BAE173's YoungSeo), released on July 9th. With such a combination, it will be hard not to try the various products they are promoting, including cushions, lipstick, and sunscreen.

K-Fashion

🧥 Long-Sleeve Outerwear Are A Must This Summer

Laure 🌼You might wonder how summer and long sleeves can match each other. Here are three good reasons to wear long sleeves in Korea this summer: protection from the burning sun ✔️, coverage from strong indoor air conditioning ✔️, and warmth on a cold rainy day ✔️. Celebrities have found several ways to make long sleeves comfortable and fashionable this summer. It seems like this trend will be even more popular this season.

🛍️ The Korean Fashion Market Keeps Its Eyes On Shein’s First Seoul Pop-up

Dyllan 🐼Shein launched StyleInShein, their first offline pop-up store in Korea in the trendy neighborhood of Seongsu. With half of the two-storied store’s ground floor dedicated to Kim YouJung, K-Drama enthusiasts could be convinced to visit the store in hopes of replicating her style. The store even attracted visitors from out of the country. Despite this, however, critics predict it will be difficult for Shein’s pop-up store to have a lasting impact due to the strength of fashion brands in Korea.

K-Travel

🐈 100 Cats Gathered In An Island? Get Ready For Kitty Overlead In Incheon

Laure 🌼Did you hear about the Cat Island in Incheon? It’s a station that looks like a colorful fairy tale village and is home to 100 cats! They live healthy and happy together. Not only is the place beautiful, but you can also spend quality time with many cute and adorable cats. You can even give them some snacks. It seems like a dream destination if you want to share your love for adorable pets.

🥁 Hui & Rui Bao Turn 1 And Their Future Careers Are??? Drum Roll Please!

Kay 🥑The Bao panda family is one of the most loved animal families in Korea (if not the most loved). Koreans hold a special affection for the clumsy but adorable bears, and as such the whole country has recently celebrated the first birthday of Rui and Hui Bao through a YouTube livestream doljanchi party. During the doljanchi ceremony, it’s Korean culture for babies to be presented with several items and pick one which will determine their futures. Hui Bao picked up a bamboo microphone which represents popularity and Rui Bao picked up a bamboo dumbbell which represents health.

🌊 Kim HyeYoon’s K-Travel Recommendation Is By The Ocean In Buan

Laure 🌼If you have never heard about Buan, it is time to look it up! Actress Kim HyeYoon recommends the best locations in Buan to enjoy the most beautiful ocean views. Buan is located on the west coast of Korea, about three hours by bus from Seoul. The scenery is stunning, with cliffs and beaches covered in stones. It is the perfect place for family trips on the national geopark’s trails.

Among her recommendations are Jeokbyeokgang Cliffs and Chaeseokgang Cliff, among others. The actress said, “They are perfect places to enjoy the mysteries created by nature, like seaside cliffs and the sunset. There’s even a walking trail, so you can just enjoy your walk leisurely there.” Are you interested in going?

🤿 Dive Into The Haenyeo Experience In Jeju’s Waters

Dyllan 🐼K-Drama’s like “Our Blues” and “Welcome To Samdal-ri'' have showcased life as a hanyeo, but how true are their depictions? Well, you can find out for yourself through a package from the Jeju Tourism Organization. Over the course of three days, you’ll be able to experience life as a Jeju haenyeo from wearing their equipment to harvesting marine life. By participating in the program, travelers can even receive an honorary haenyeo certificate and Jeju souvenirs to take back home. Make your summer in Jeju unforgettable and dive right into this opportunity.

K-Food

🍫 Move Over, Tanghulu! It’s Time For Dubai Chocolate To Shine!

Ishani 🎀South Korea loves uniting over new food trends. After tanghulu enjoyed massive popularity in the last couple of months, Dubai Chocolate is Korea’s latest obsession. While the original Dubai Chocolate is made by Dubai-based Fix Dessert Chocolatier, Koreans are making their own versions. Convenience store chain CU collaborated with Montresor Korea to create their own Dubai Chocolate, and 7-Eleven is set to launch their version soon, too. “A Shop For Killers” actor Park JeongWoo also posted a vlog on YouTube making his own Dubai Chocolate.

🧸 Melting Cutest Osen Teddy Bear Into Tasty Hot Pot

Laure 🌼We've talked about Teddy Bears in pastries and coffee shops in Korea before, but today we’re talking about Teddy Bears in hot pot restaurants. Originating from Japan, the store Kumachanonsen is making its entrance in Korea. The store is already popular on Instagram in Japan, and we can expect it to trend in Korea too, as Koreans also love cute food. The broth comes shaped like a Teddy Bear, dressed with a little towel on top of his head like in an onsen. It then melts and becomes a tasty broth to cook your vegetables and meat. Would you like to go?

🥐 Kimchi-Cheddar Croissant Is In High Demand…In The Hamptons?!

Ishani 🎀You read that right. Not Korea, but the Hamptons are enjoying this new savory delight. The Hamptons are where wealthy New Yorkers go on vacation. It is there that the kimchi-cheddar croissant has found unprecedented popularity. In particular, the kimchi-cheddar croissants from Carissa’s Bakery, priced at $8.50 a piece, made with in-house kimchi, white cheddar and potato, are all the rage. The bakery also offers other kimchi-related treats. Would you like to try a kimchi-cheddar croissant?

K-Society

👩‍🏫 The Ideal Summer Break Destination For Korean Students? Inside The Reality Of Dramas Like “SKY Castle” & “Crash Course In Romance”

Kay 🥑Whilst many kids all over the world look forward to their summer break, potentially excited to go away on a summer vacation trip. That is not quite the reality for many Korean kids. They might have some vacation plans in the mix but their main reality consists of hopping from hagwon to hagwon (cram schools) during the day and night. Some parents have even opted to pay more than $3000 to send their children to competitive English summer camps that last for three weeks where they will stay in dorms and speak English day-in and day-out.

🧓 The 'Silent Generation' Quietly Sneak Up The Local Demographic Charts Amidst Korea's Aging Population Woes

Kay 🥑As Koreans continue to worry about their aging population, a new record has been hit. As of 2024, the number of registered residents aged 65 and older has exceeded 10 million. For context, Korea’s population as of 2022 is around 51.63 million. This means that nearly 19.3% of Korea’s population is made up of the elderly. According to OECD data, these are numbers that countries like the United Kingdom (with 18.92%) recorded 2 years ago.

Fan Spotlight Of the Week

"Serendipity's Embrace" Is Coming

Matilda from Spain ❤️Here is a new romance drama to watch this July. Kim Sohyun and Chae Jonghyeop are the lovely leads of the upcoming drama "Serendipity's Embrace". It will tell the story young people who reunites with their first love from 10 years ago. Pictures and trailers are already a reason to watch it. Make sure to tune in on July 22.

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