One might easily surmise that there are only a few types of housing in South Korea, and rightly so. The urban landscapes in the country are dominated by towering apartment blocks and low-rise multi-unit buildings called "villas." What is less well known is that new types of homes are being built that aim to break the isolation and monotony of apartments by creating shared spaces. These buildings, while still few in number and mostly hidden from sight in the densely packed city of Seoul

Culture Nov. 21, 2024

Singer-songwriter Ahn Ye-eun returns as a storyteller of whimsey and heartbreak with her new EP "Story Bundle." Since her debut eight years ago, Ahn has carved out a niche in the music industry, and her new album masterfully balances her style with the public's taste. "This time, I wanted to create music that listeners can approach more easily," Ahn explained. Ahn is known for her vocal tone -- resembling the style of Korean traditional singing, pansori -- and creative l

K-pop Nov. 21, 2024

The Korean content industry exports reached an all-time high of $13.2 billion (18.38 trillion won) in 2022 as Hallyu continued to expand around the world. On Tuesday, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced that revenue from the Korean content industry grew from 128 trillion won in 2020 to 151 trillion won in 2022. Exports also reached an all-time high, rising from $11.9 billion (16.57 trillion won) to $13.2 billion (18.38 trillion won) during the same period. Building on this succ

Culture Nov. 19, 2024

Jin mesmerized fans with his wide musical spectrum and vibrant energy at the fan showcase “Jin ‘Happy’ Special Stage” on Sunday. Held Saturday and Sunday, the showcase marked the first live performance of songs from Jin's first solo album "Happy." Over two days, Jangchung Arena in Seoul was packed with approximately 3,800 fans. As Jin appeared on stage by parting the red curtains, the arena erupted into thunderous cheers. "Two days ago, my album was re

Performance Nov. 18, 2024

TikTok's annual award ceremony celebrated the creativity and influence of top creators and artists here who shaped trends and inspired the TikTok community throughout the year. The first-ever TikTok Awards held in Korea took place Friday at the Peace Hall of Kyunghee University in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul. Previously held in the UK, Malaysia, and Indonesia, this marks the event's inaugural year in Korea. About 250 TikTok creators and artists attended the event, hosted by Eric Nam and Jin H

Performance Nov. 17, 2024

Seunghan, who left boy band Riize due to a controversy surrounding his private life, is set to debut as a solo artist in the latter half of next year. SM Entertainment announced that Seunghan is preparing for his solo debut, which is targeted for the second half of 2025. The agency stated, “He is undergoing systematic training, receiving support in production, management and other areas necessary for a solo debut.” “Updates regarding Seunghan will be shared through his newly la

K-pop Nov. 17, 2024

After a protracted legal battle and period of uncertainty, Yves has emerged stronger and more committed to proving herself as a solo artist with her second solo album. Yves first entered the music scene as a member of Loona, a 12-member girl group that officially debuted in August 2018. However, in 2022, the group faced a crisis, with all members filing injunctions to suspend their contracts with their agency Blockberry Creative. Though the members won the lawsuit, the group was disbanded. Some

K-pop Nov. 14, 2024

Girl group NewJeans sent a certification of contents to their agency, Ador, stating they would terminate their exclusive contracts if the agency does not address certain demands, including the return of former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin, Wednesday. In the certification of contents, the bandmates listed various requests, asking Ador to “rectify all major contract violations within 14 days from the receipt of this letter.” The members of NewJeans pointed out that an internal Hybe document, r

K-pop Nov. 13, 2024

Big Ocean, the world’s first K-pop idol group composed of members with hearing disabilities, launched international promotions for its first mini album. The group -- consisting Chanyeon, Hyunjin and Jiseok -- released the mini album "Follow" on Tuesday, inviting listeners to join them on a journey to find happiness. The new album includes the title track “Flow” along with previously released digital singles “Glow,” “Blow” and “Slow.&rdquo

K-pop Nov. 12, 2024

Global pop star Dua Lipa is launching special merchandise pop-up stores for fans as part of promotions for her ongoing world tour "Radical Optimism" -- including one in Seoul. The pop-up store will offer exclusive tour merchandise that won't be available at the concert venues, and American Express cardholders will receive exclusive entry and perks. Additionally, limited-edition Puma Speedcat shoes will be available for purchase at the stores in Seoul, Singapore, and Tokyo. The Seo

Performance Nov. 8, 2024

NewJeans will be the first K-pop girl group to perform at one of Japan’s largest year-end festivals, "Countdown Japan 24/25," the group's agency announced Thursday. Countdown Japan 24/25 will take place from Dec. 28-31 at Makuhari Messe in Tokyo, and NewJeans will perform on the final day, adorning the last day of 2024. Countdown Japan is Japan's largest indoor year-end festival, established in 2003, featuring Japan’s top artists every year. Following their appear

Performance Nov. 8, 2024

Folk singer Song So-hee will hold her first solo concert as a singer-songwriter. Song So-hee’s solo concert, "Aesthetic Flow," will be held on Dec. 1 at Gurumare Theater. Seodo Band, known as the pioneer of "Joseon Pop," a genre influenced by Korean traditional music, will appear as a special guest. This concert marks Song's first solo performance under her name as a singer-songwriter. Active as a "Gyeonggi Minyo" -- a traditional Korean folk music genre

Performance Nov. 7, 2024

The first lineup of the year-end band festival Countdown Fantasy, to be held at Kintex in Ilsan on Dec. 30 and 31, has been revealed. The event will feature 14 leading bands from Korea and abroad, including groups new on the scene and some familiar favorites. On Dec. 30, the lineup includes the retro-inspired band 87dance, the trio Band Nah, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary; newcomers Dragon Pony, who debuted in September with label Antenna, and festival veterans like Owalloil and Onewe

K-pop Nov. 6, 2024

Boy band Epex returned with its second full-length album, “Youth Chapter 2: Youth Deficiency,” on Tuesday, offering support and comfort to young people. The album is the second in the “Youth Trilogy” from the eight-member group that debuted in 2021. While its previous album, "Youth Chapter 1: Youth Days," explored pure love and the struggles of youth, “Youth Chapter 2: Youth Deficiency” delves into the various forms of deprivation that young people e

K-pop Nov. 6, 2024

Los Angeles is about to be illuminated in Seventeen's colors. Pledis Entertainment announced Tuesday its plans to hold Seventeen The City Los Angeles — an event set to transform downtown LA and the city's iconic landmarks with Seventeen-themed activities and displays. Los Angeles marks the final stop of Seventeen’s US tour "Right Here," which began in October. Seventeen The City, which will run from Thursday to Monday, offers events for fans to enjoy before and af

K-pop Nov. 5, 2024