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Gen.G clinches 2025 EWC championship, following MSI victory
South Korean League of Legends juggernaut Gen.G cemented their status as esports royalty by capturing the 2025 Esports World Cup title on Monday, following hot on the heels of their recent Mid-Season Invitational triumph. In a best-of-five grand final, Gen.G edged out China's Anyone’s Legend, securing the championship with a 3-2 victory and a $600,000 prize. The series featured notable performances from mid laner Jeong “Chovy” Ji-hoon and top laner Kim “Kiin” Ki-in, who contributed to early wins
July 21, 2025 -
Hotels team up with beauty brands for luxe summer packages
Hotels in South Korea are teaming up with premium beauty and lifestyle brands to offer special summer travel experiences. Targeting millennials and Generation Z, these partnerships combine hospitality with curated wellness and beauty offerings to elevate guest satisfaction. At Vista Walkerhill Seoul, guests booking the "Pool-cation" package will receive a summer beauty set from local lifestyle brand Keyth. The package caters to summer skin care needs with a sun serum, hand cream and eau de parfu
July 21, 2025 -
Soprano Hwang Sumi offers self-curated 'Soundtrack' trilogy ― song, opera, cinema
In the latter half of 2025, soprano Hwang Sumi will take the reins of Lotte Concert Hall’s matinee series as both curator and performer. Titled “Soundtrack,” the three-part concert series will showcase the artist’s range across the classical, operatic and cinematic genres ― each installment exploring a different facet of the 39-year-old soprano's musical identity. For the internationally renowned soprano and respected educator, the project marks a meaningful expansion of her role. “I’ve always a
July 21, 2025 -
Woman dies and donates organs to help 5 people
A woman with intellectual disabilities recently died at the age of 58, as organs from her body were donated to five individuals, a state-affiliated organ donation agency said Monday. Park Yeong-bun's liver, both her kidneys and both her eyes have been donated to five people after her death on July 2, according to the Korea Organ Donation Agency. She fell unconscious on June 30 and was pronounced brain dead later at the hospital. The deceased was described as a kind-hearted and vivacious person w
July 21, 2025 -
Seasoned art scholar You Hong-jun appointed director general of National Museum of Korea
You Hong-jun, a chair professor of art history at Myongji University in Seoul and a prominent advocate for Korean cultural heritage, has been appointed director general of the National Museum of Korea, the presidential office announced Sunday. The appointment came as President Lee Jae Myung named four vice ministerial-level officials, including You. Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung highlighted You’s long-standing efforts to foster public interest in Korea’s cultural legacy, citing his wide
July 20, 2025 -
Denny Taegeukgi lights up Seoul to mark 80 years of liberty
The oldest remaining prototype of the Taegeukgi, South Korea's national flag, is being displayed on large screens in Seoul to mark the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule. An immersive video featuring the historic flag will be shown on the National Museum of Korea's outdoor light-emitting diode screen until Oct. 12, as well as at Shinsegae Square in Myeong-dong every 10 minutes through Aug. 15, which is the Liberation Day holiday. The "Denny" version of the Taegeuk
July 20, 2025 -
Incheon airport offers hands-on class in 'norigae' making
Incheon International Airport is offering travelers a unique opportunity to engage with Korean culture through a one-day norigae-making class, inspired in part by the hit animated film, KPop Demon Hunters. Norigae are traditional Korean pendant accessories worn with hanbok for beauty, good fortune and spiritual protection. Organized by the Korea Heritage Agency in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Incheon International Airport Corporation, the program will run
July 20, 2025 -
K-dramas embrace pop-ups amid shifting content landscape
In a rare shift for Korea’s television industry, drama series are increasingly adopting pop-up stores ― a marketing strategy more often undertaken by retail, K-pop or gaming brands. As streaming services extend the content viewing cycle, companies are turning to new marketing tactics to sustain fan enthusiasm over a longer period and carry that excitement into future projects. From June 29 to July 10, Netflix’s "Squid Game" rolled out a pop-up experience at Shinsegae Department Stores in Gangnam
July 19, 2025 -
Surak Hyu, Seoul's 1st urban forest retreat offers treehouse stays, digital detox
Nestled at the foot of Suraksan in northern Seoul, a new forest retreat is offering city dwellers a chance to reconnect with nature without leaving the city. Surak Hyu, officially opened Thursday, is Korea’s first urban-style forest recreation facility, combining serene woodland experiences with modern, minimalist accommodation. Operated by the Nowon District Office, Surak Hyu is just 2 kilometers from Bureamsan Station on Seoul Subway Line No. 4. Despite its proximity to the city, the moment vi
July 19, 2025 -
‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ sweeps Blue Dragon Series Awards
Netflix’s hit drama "When Life Gives You Tangerines" dominated this year’s Blue Dragon Series Awards, taking home four trophies, including the top honor, the Grand Prize. Now in its fourth year, the annual ceremony is a spinoff of the prestigious Blue Dragon Film Awards, created to recognize excellence in Korean streaming series. This year’s event was held Friday evening at Paradise City in Incheon. "Tangerines" emerged as the biggest winner of the night, securing awards for Grand Prize, Best Ac
July 19, 2025 -
Pokemon GO to Jeju Island this fall for first-ever Pokemon-themed attractions
The Korea Tourism Organization, Pokemon Korea Inc. and Jeju Tourism Organization have signed a strategic partnership to launch the “2025 Pokemon Jeju Project: Pokemon Wonder Island in Jeju,” organizers announced Thursday. Set to run from Oct. 2 to 26, the Pokemon-themed event will take place across Yeomiji Botanical Garden and the Jungmun Tourism Complex, to revitalize tourism on the island. Key programs include a Pokemon-themed photo zone at Jeju International Airport, a Pokemon GO stamp rally
July 18, 2025 -
Airports awash in art in summer
Travelers passing through South Korea's three major airports during the peak holiday season will have impressive artworks to gaze at as they wait to check in or board their flights. Some 30 artworks by 14 Korean artists will be on display at the Incheon, Gimpo and Gimhae international airports ahead of the busy summer and influx of travelers visiting for Frieze Seoul (Sept. 3-6) and related events during Korea's art week. The initiative seeks to promote works by emerging or mid-career Korean art
July 18, 2025 -
'Non-celebrity risk' shakes Korean dating reality TV
Dating reality shows featuring ordinary people have gripped South Korean audiences for years now, with hits like "I'm Solo" consistently dominating the country's television ratings. But there's a dark side to the trend: as these shows gain popularity, the term “non-celebrity risk” has taken hold in the entertainment industry — referring to cases in which participants are later revealed to be involved in legal or ethical misconduct. The issue was thrust into the spotlight in late June when Seoul’
July 18, 2025 -
Chung Kyung-wha to launch Korea and US recital tour with Kevin Kenner, her 'soulmate in music'
Korean violin legend Chung Kyung-wha, now 77 and in the 58th year of her illustrious career, will embark on a recital tour this fall, joined by longtime musical partner pianist Kevin Kenner. The tour includes four performances across Korea in September as well as four concerts in North America in November. The Korean leg of the tour kicks off in Pyeongtaek on Sept. 13, followed by stops in Goyang on Sept. 21, Seoul on Sept. 24 and Tongyeong on Sept. 26. The US tour marks Chung’s return to New Yo
July 18, 2025 -
Jacky Cheung to perform first-ever concert in South Korea at Inspire Arena
Jacky Cheung will be bringing his celebrated "60+ Concert Tour" to South Korea this fall, marking his first time performing in the country. The performance will take place at Inspire Arena on Sept. 13, marking Cheung’s debut concert in South Korea after more than four decades of international stardom. Tickets will be available starting July 22 via Nol Interpark Ticket and on July 23 through Damai.cn. Cheung, 63, rose to fame after winning the 18th District Amateur Singing Festival in Hong Kong i
July 18, 2025