K-Pop |
💃 Want To Be A K-Pop Idol? No Need To Fly To Korea
Sharmaine 🌸SM Universe, the academy of K-Pop giant SM Entertainment, opens Southeast Asia's first K-Pop academy at *Scape, Orchard Link in Singapore this June. With its intense 21-week course of singing, dancing, and music production, the academy is ready to hone your idol talent to perfection. Its Seoul counterpart being a three-year full-time course, the Singaporean version fits well into an after-school schedule. Ready to train like an idol?
|
🔮 Tarot To Saju: A ZEROBASEONE-Inspired Fortune-Telling Adventure
Sharmaine 🌸Thanks to ZEROBASEONE, an American artist curious about knowing more took the plunge into Saju reading—and was blown away! Unlike tarot, which is visual-based, she found Saju to be more scholarly and scientific, with deep symbolism behind things like water and fire. Her conclusion—Korean fortune-telling is next level. The realistic, detailed readings felt more real, making Saju a future K-Travel experience for international tourists—many discovering it through K-Shows. Would you try Saju on your next trip to Korea?
|
K-Drama & K-Movie & K-Variety |
🎥 Double The Pattinson, Double The Fun: Bong JoonHo’s “Mickey 17” Takes Off!
🧚 Mansata“Mickey 17”, the new Bong JoonHo movie, aired in Korea only four days ago and is already a huge success and surpassed 1 million moviegoers! Having Bong JoonHo as the director is one of the main reasons Koreans rushed to cinemas to watch the film. Exploring human printing, it’s a dramatic sci-fi comedy full of love, fun, and empathy (plus two Robert Pattinsons!), making it even more exciting to watch. Bong JoonHo dives into human limits and emotions and takes us on his spaceship to experience all the laughs and tears along the way!
|
🩺 “Scalpel, Stat!” - Medical K-Dramas See A Significant Rise In Popularity
Dyllan 🐼When thinking about K-Dramas, rom-coms typically steal the spotlight. However, medical series have been steadily rising in popularity. Shows such as “Dr. Romantic”, “Hospital Playlist”, and most recently, “The Trauma Code: Heroes On Call” have received high ratings and worldwide acclaim. Their success can be attributed to the immersion of the complexities of the medical field, as well as the amazing cast performances. Despite the criticism that medical dramas rarely explore the perspective of patients, they continue to do well and rise to the top of watchlists everywhere.
|
Picture by Kpopmap at Dongdaemun
|
K-Beauty |
💄 K-Beauty Here, K-Beauty There, K-Beauty Everywhere!
Dyllan 🐼If you thought K-Beauty’s influence wasn’t big enough, it seems to have gotten bigger. Now, even foreign companies are starting to implement K-Beauty industry philosophies and branding methods into their products. German-based Yepoda, as well as French-Korean brand Erborian infuse Korean beauty principles and innovation into their products. Even if their roots are outside of Korea, they embrace everything K-Beauty has to offer, incorporate their own unique spin, and try to make it their own. If this trend continues, perhaps soon, everything on the cosmetic shelves will contain some form of K-Beauty influence, truly making Korean skincare present everywhere.
|
|
K-Fashion |
👓 When Fashion And Beauty Is All In The Eyewear
Dyllan 🐼Two worlds are set to collide once again as the iconic eyewear company, Gentle Monster, and luxury fashion house Maison Margiela team up for yet another collaboration. This particular line explores a fusion of classicism and futurism that combines the core elements of both brands. With a March 6 drop, the collection is already made available to the public with multiple options to choose from.
|
K-Travel |
👾 Do You Know Hipjiro? If Not, You’re Missing Out!
Laure 🌼Have you ever thought about visiting downtown Seoul’s Euljiro? Koreans love going there to soak in the retro atmosphere. It’s a trendy hotspot—welcome to Hipjiro! With stylish cafés, retro-inspired restaurants, and traditional pocha, it’s definitely a place to visit!
|
🙏 Move Over Cherry Blossom Season - Temple Stay Season Comes First!
Dyllan 🐼Although many people are waiting for the start of cherry blossom season, it seems we’ll be getting temple stay season first. Starting from March, more than 100 Buddhist temples in Korea are set to host an array of Temple Stay programs. You can certainly expect peace and reflection, however, Temple Stay programs also offer a variety of unique programs that differ per temple. Many of these Temple Stay programs will be open to both local and international participants, so it can be easily added to any travel itinerary.
|
|
Picture by Kpopmap at Dongdaemun
|
K-Food |
🥣 Are We Predicting the Next Big Trend? Açai Bowls!
🍎 YuJunAçai bowls have been gaining popularity in Korea. On weekends, the lines at stores like OAKBERRY Açaí in department stores are quite long. When the brand first launched in Korea, there was some interest, but what signals that it will become even more popular? The hottest store right now, Yoajung, has just started selling them! We can’t wait to see celebs selecting their favorite menus.
|
🍵 Black Sugar Tofu Pudding Drink Vs. Jeju Matcha Tiramisu – Taiwan Vs. Korea
YuJun 🍎Gong Cha kicked off February with a brand-new menu and special events for students heading back to school! Their latest addition? Brown sugar and silky tofu pudding drinks inspired by Taiwan’s Douhua.The lineup includes: Black Sugar Tofu Milk + Mini Pearls, Black Sesame Black Sugar Tofu Milk Tea + Pearls, and Black Sugar Tofu Crush Oolong Tea + Mini Pearls. But that’s not all! With spring approaching, Gong Cha is also introducing a new Jeju Matcha Tiramisu menu. In particular, the Jeju Green Milk Tea is already catching people’s attention! So, which one would you want to try first?
|
🍫 Choco Pie Become Popular Than Ever
Sharmaine 🌸Korea's beloved Orion Choco Pie has just reached a sweet milestone—4 billion units sold last year, record-high sales in 50 years! A snack that is more than a snack, Choco Pie is the epitome of jeong—the Korean sentiment of warmth and affection. Choco Pie even played a big role in diplomacy. Have you heard of Choco Pie diplomacy? It was where South Korean activists were mailing them across the border as a symbol of goodwill. What a snack with history!
|
🦋 Keep Young– The New Korean Way!
Sharmaine 🌸No, not just moisturizing or hydration! South Korea's newest health movement is all about "slow aging"—and the secret starts with food! As wellness consciousness increases, the younger populations are turning towards the MIND diet (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) in order to get and keep young. Korean MIND eating focuses on whole grains, beans, nuts, vegetables, olive oil, and fish—and limits sugar, refined carbs, and red meat. Even wine gets a nod (just one glass a day). Need that K-glow? It's not skincare only—it's what you eat!
|
|
K-Society |
🌬️ 53 Ferry Sailings & 10 Flights Canceled! Because Of Spring? Nope!
🌼 LaureSpring has already begun in many countries, and in Korea, some experts even declared its arrival in late February. Last week, we shared updates on flower bloomings in the South. Well… that feels like ancient history now! The Korean Peninsula was just hit by heavy rain and snow! In the northern regions and the capital, intense snowfall was recorded, with some areas reporting up to 49.6 cm of snow. Due to the severe weather, ferry sailings and flights were canceled, and roads were closed. With all these sudden weather shifts, expect more changes to the cherry blossom forecast! Stay tuned!
|
♻️ Let’s Do "O-Myeol-Wan"! Boosting Eco-Conscious Interest
🌼 LaureIn Korean supermarkets, the "O-Myeol-Wan" challenge is generating excitement around aseptic carton recycling. Through rewards, consumers are encouraged to recycle using special machines. So, do you know what "O-Myeol-Wan" means? It stands for 오멸완 (O-myeol-wan): 오늘도 멸균팩 회수 완료 = Aseptic Carton Collection Completed Today. The campaign, launched last year, successfully collected 939 tons of cartons in 2023.
|
🫂 Let’s Beat The 27%, Grab Your Korean Friends & Share Your Culture With Them
🧚 MansataKorea took its time opening up to the world (1876, to be exact!), leading to a deep attachment to its own culture. Even now, interest in foreign cultures is lower than interest in local traditions. According to new data, from food to music, Koreans usually prefer to consume local! Also, Koreans don't often interact with foreigners due to limited opportunities and other factors. 83% of South Koreans have never had chance to really get to know a foreign national, so only 27% of them have. So, grab your Korean friends and share your culture with them!
|
🏄 Navigating The Back-To-School Waves: Helping Kids Stay Afloat!
🧚 MansataMarch 4th marked the start of the school year in Korea, and buses are packed with an ocean of uniforms, smiles, and friends reuniting. However, some students may feel trapped in this ocean, struggling to stay afloat. The back-to-school stress from new surroundings, academic pressure, and figuring out who they are can be overwhelming. It’s a mix of excitement and worry, and parents need to be patient and supportive as kids navigate the waves. Let’s help them swim through it!
|
|
Intern Diaries From SK |
|
🧚 MansataSpring is slow to come but I’ll appreciate winter in Seoul a little more. Having traditional street food while walking in the cold to warm up is one of the best moods you can get! This week I went to Noraebang (노래방, Korean karaoke) with my Korean friends after volleyball practice (yes, you can do sports in clubs even as a foreigner!), embracing the culture of drinking a bit of soju and crying over old K-Pop songs. Next week is getting warmer! I’m excited to discover spring in Korea, having nice picnics next to the Han River and being able to stay out late at night! 🕺
|
|
Picture by Kpopmap at Itaewon
|
Q&A Corner |
❔ Question: How is doing the new Seo KangJoon’s drama?
💬A lot of K-Drama viewers have been looking forward to “Undercover High School”, which is Seo KangJoon’s first drama since 2022, when “Grid” aired. Due to his military service, he had been off the screen. Netizens often mention that, with his good looks and strong acting skills, he should have more hit dramas. On online communities, he is frequently brought up as an actor known for either making unfortunate drama choices or having bad luck.
With his return, fans have been hoping for his success. So, how is the drama doing? Quite well! Starting at 5.6%, its ratings have continued to rise, reaching 8.3% with its fourth episode—already one of MBC’s best ratings. For comparison, the hit drama “When the Phone Rings” peaked at 8.6%. Since 2020, the highest-rated MBC drama remains “Knight Flower”, which reached 18.4%.
|
❔ Question: What are some fashion trends to expect in Korea this upcoming spring?
💬With Korea’s cold wave and recent snowfall, it can be hard to believe that spring is just around the corner. But with the official start of spring set for March 19th, everyone is looking forward to what fashion trends will come with the season.
And it seems the people have certainly spoken, as Boho-chic and layering look to dominate the spring fashion trends. For those that prefer Boho-chic’s free-spirited influences, you can look to fill your wardrobe with pieces that include ruffles, frills, and lace decorations. In the layered department, fashion enthusiasts lean towards the “omni-layered” that incorporates layers into every piece of your outfit. You will want to layer shirts, pants, and even accessories to stay at the top of the fashion trends. While these two are the main focus for spring’s fashion trends, there will surely be more to come as the year continues and the fashion world evolves.
|
❔ Question: What do you think of the ZERO craze in Korea?
💬Since arriving in Korea, I’ve noticed ZERO sugar products have doubled. From drinks to Choco Pies, ice cream, gummies, rice cakes, and even red bean bread, the variety has doubled!
Even coffee chains are on board, offering sugar-free lattes and zero-calorie iced teas. And just now? Paldo Bibimmyeon—yes, BTS RM’s fave—got a ZERO sugar version! For someone like me trying to cut down on sugar, it's great. But they're still processed, so maybe best enjoyed in moderation—craving first, ZERO after!
|
|
QUIZ OF THE WEEK 💗 |
QUIZ: Which BTS Member Will Invite You To A Spring Picnic?
We tell you which BTS member will invite you to a spring picnic!
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
You can unsubscribe on the PC version of this email.
Unsubscribe |
| |
