The K-Wave Music Festival in the Philippines 2024, held at the picturesque Burnham Green in Rizal Park Luneta, was a night to remember for K-Pop and P-Pop enthusiasts! The festival brought together a fusion of Korean and Filipino music, creating an electrifying atmosphere that resonated with fans of all ages! Let's take a look at all the performers! The stage came alive with sensational performances from top K-Pop groups like Fromis_9 and The Boyz ! Credits go to Grace for the video, as The Boyz performed "Nectar." Credits go to Kindness Cat- YouTube for the video, as fromis_9 performed "DM." The dynamic P-Pop acts, including PLuus, Darlene and YGIG , KAIA, and Yara added a local flavor to the festival, showcasing the diverse talent of the Philippines. Darlene Yara Pluus KAIA YGIG Credits go to Kindness Cat- YouTube for the photo. One of the standout features of the festival was its FREE ADMISSION , a gesture of gratitude from the organizers to the loyal fans who have supported the event! The spirit of celebration and cultural exchange between the Philippines and Korea was palpable throughout the festival, creating a sense of unity and joy among the attendees. The K-Wave Music Festival was not just about music; it was about creating lasting memories and forging connections with fellow K-Wavers! As the festival came to a close, anticipation filled the air for the next edition of the K-Wave Music Festival in the Philippines. The organizers expressed their heartfelt thanks to the fans for their unwavering support and enthusiasm, making the festival a resounding success! The K-Wave Music Festival Philippines 2024 was a celebration of music, passion, and cultural unity, bringing together fans from different backgrounds to revel in the magic of live performances. Stay tuned for the next chapter of the K-Wave Music Festival in the Philippines!   #Darlene #Kwavers #THEBOYZ #fromis_9 #PLUUS #YGIG #YARA #KAIA #KWAVEPH #AbsolutelyLibre #KWAVEMusicFestival #BadmintonAsia #KWAVE

K-pop super girl group, (G)I-DLE, announced their 2024 "i-DOL World Tour" dates including the United States, Asia, and Australia! Read on to find out more details! Coming off of their second full-length studio album "2" and a collaboration with global superstar Jennifer Lopez in her single "This Time Around" which was released on March 15, 2024, (G)I-DLE is ready to take on the globe as they prepare for a world tour during the second half of this year! On May 13, 2024, the group announced their 2024 i-DOL World Tour dates which will feature 19 concerts across the United States, Asia, and Australia. Their first concert will, of course, be held in Seoul from August 3 -4 and will continue to Hong Kong, Tokyo, and North America before rounding off back in Asia and Australia for their final leg of the tour ending in Sydney on November 2, 2024. The group has yet to announce the venues and ticket prices, but be sure to follow us to keep up to date on (G)I-DLE's latest news! (G)I-DLE member, Yuqi , debuted her solo EP "YUQ1" on April 23, 2024. Check out the article here ! #여자아이들   #GIDLE #iDOL #2024_GIDLE_WORLDTOUR

From May 10th to 12th 2024, Daegu hosted its annual pet festival , and Dojeon team member Lewis was lucky enough to attend with one of his Korean rescue dogs! Here's everything you need to know that went down this weekend! I attended the event on Saturday 11th, 2024, and took my four-year-old rescue Pug (Chowder). Surprisingly, the event was heaving and I had never seen so many dogs in one place! The event had everything you could need from pet treats & food to insurance providers and beds and leashes! Yes, of course, I treated Chowder to some new treats and he also made many friends at the event who thought he was adorable! The endless stalls made it a great day out, and for my first pet show, I was impressed with the variety of stalls at the event. I will be going back next year! Of course, as you can see below Pugs are agile as well! The dog circuit was open to anyone who wanted to put their dogs through the test, and complimentary treats were given out, which the furry friends appreciated. The dog-owning culture in Korea has also started to boom, so I think this is why the event was as busy as it was. There were many stalls, but my favorite part had to be the dog shows! Divided into categories of dogs, as well as the level of entrance (professional / student) there were so many different breeds and styles at the event. For me, the Dobermans were my favorite and the work that I could see going into the event was impressive! I believe the pet show demonstrates Korea's step forward into the dog owner industry, and I was surprised to see so many dogs, especially bigger breeds. It was such a great day for me and Chowder! Let us know in the comments below if you have ever been to a dog show, and what your favorite breed is! # DaeguDogFestival #petshow #2024DaeguPetFestival

Rookie girl group, UNIS , composed of Gehlee, Elisia, Hyeonju, Nana, Kotoko, Seowon, Yunha, and Yoona, captivated their fans during their Fansign Philippine Tour held on May 5 at the prestigious Metrotent Convention Center in Pasig! Read on to find out the exciting details that took place! The highly anticipated event drew a large crowd of enthusiastic fans who eagerly awaited the opportunity to meet and interact with their favorite members of UNIS. The Fansign Philippine Tour provided a unique opportunity for fans to get up close and personal with the members of UNIS. Fans had the chance to take photos, and engage in meaningful conversations with Gehlee, Elisia, Hyeonju, Nana, Kotoko, Seowon, Yunha, and Yoona, creating unforgettable memories for both the fans and the group! The Metrotent Convention Center in Pasig served as the perfect venue for the event, offering a spacious and vibrant setting for the fan meeting! The fans were overwhelmed with excitement and joy during UNIS' performance. The atmosphere was electric as the members of UNIS showcased their incredible talent, and irresistible charms captivating the audience with their mesmerizing vocals and dynamic dance routines! UNIS' Fansign Philippine Tour at the Metrotent Convention Center in Pasig was a resounding success, showcasing the group's strong connection with their fans and their dedication to creating memorable experiences for their supporters. “ U&iS Fansign Philippine Tour ” is presented by Y Global Music  and CDM Entertainment. Credits go to F&F entertainment for the photo that were used. #UNIS #유니스 #UNI_Story #WE_UNIS #UNIS_Philippine_Tour

tvN's newest and hottest-anticipated drama The Midnight Romance in Hagwon starring Wi Ha Joon and Jung Ryeo Won premieres tonight! We take you through this must-watch series and what to watch out for! The Midnight Romance in Hagwon depicts a steamy midnight romance between a private academy instructor, Seo Hye Jin ( Jung Ryeo Won ), and her ex-student turned co-instructor, Lee Jun Ho ( Wi Ha Joon The Worst of Evil 2023). As night falls upon this elite private institution in the middle of Daechi-dong (the most affluent neighborhood in Gangnam ), romance ensues between the two leads! Preview of episode 1! In the above photo stills, we get a sneak peek of the first episode when Seo Hye Jin realizes that the person who applied for the new lecturer position looks exactly like her student from 10 years ago, Lee Jun Ho! As Seo Hye Jin looks on through the glass, she seems more embarrassed than happy. Lee Jun Ho studied hard all his life to be employed at a large company dropping his prestigious job to become an instructor at this private academy. Once Hye Jin realizes that the new lecturer is indeed her old student Lee Jun Ho, an unyielding war of nerves ensues! (The following three photos) As the two struggle to find a new relationship, as co-instructors, their battle with their feelings begins! Press conference released! Take a look at the full press conference ahead of the first episode as the stars introduce their characters and answer fan questions! Starts tonight! The Midnight Romance in Hagwon starts tonight at 21:20 KST and will air every Saturday and Sunday! We can't wait to see Wi Ha Joon in a romantic comedy role! Comment below with your thoughts on this new series! #themidnightromanceinhagwon   #wihajoon   #jungryeowon

Whether you are a fan of art or not, Seoul Museum of Art has something for everyone. Our team member, Lewis, takes you on a very fun tour of why it should be part of your trip itinerary (or day plans)! Seoul Art Museum or SEMA is really something not to be missed on your trip to Seoul! I am not a big fan of art, however, I really enjoyed visiting this place on several occasions. A great thing about the museum is that it is totally FREE , apart from the special exhibitions it hosts from time to time. What makes it great is it is accessible to anyone and everyone compared to other countries where you may have to pay to enter. Located right by City Hall subway station in the center of Seoul, the museum boasts a wide collection of old but also very modern art as well. I recently got to enjoy the modern art side of things when I visited. I found it interesting trying to work out that artists thought of the pieces that were on display, and later realized that most things, if not everything, could be counted as art. My favorite however has to be the AI section, where I was seated in a room with a VR eye set, and it appeared that someone was sitting opposite me interrogating me, running towards me, and shooting me. This was of course scary, however, it was memorable! Also, the building is great for taking Instagrammable photos as well, as it has fantastic natural light and interesting backdrops for you to become creative with! I had such a fantastic time when I visited, and I think that you would too! I do suggest to get there early to avoid crowds. Check out the link below for more information: https://seoulmuseum.org/ Let us know in the comments below if you will be visiting the Seoul Museum of Art this spring! #SeoulMeseumofArt #SEMA #artmuseum #Seoul

After making a strong appearance at this past week's 2024 Meta Gala YG Entertainment's Stray Kids released their highly-anticipated single "Lose My Breath" featuring pop superstar Charlie Puth on Friday, May 10 at 1 PM KST! We break down the music, visuals, and dancing of this energetic hit! STAYs (the official fandom of Stray Kids) can look forward to an uplifting weekend after last week's Meta Gala fiasco with paparazzi. "Lose My Breath" is the first official collaboration between Stray Kids and Charlie Puth. Let's break down the song! Music 10/10 Simplicity is key as the constant rhythmic simple drum beat keeps the song moving and grooving, putting more emphasis on each member's vocal skills and emphasizing each member's vocal skills Even the bridge of the song where Felix , Bang Chan, and Charlie Puth showcase each vocalist's range and harmony rather than complex sounds that most K-pop songs have these days. Visuals 9/10 We can't say how much we loved the visuals! "Lose My Breath" constantly captured fans' hearts as each scene was cinematic, enticing, engaging, and a piece of art! The camera angles and frames used to show each member's charms definitely paid off as the end result was nothing short of spectacular! Choreography 9/10 Dancing in the rain, the street, wherever, Stray Kids always impresses with their sharp in sync dance moves. Smooth and not forced and aesthetically pleasing, "Lose My Breath" was another choreography masterpiece! Coupled with slight special effects was all that was needed to showcase the members' charms and skills and not too over the top! What did you think about "Lose My Breath"? Did it take your breath away as you watched it? Comment below! #StrayKids #felix #leefelix #felixlee #yongbok #felixphotos #felixedit #straykids #skz #straykidscomeback #losemybreath

With the ever-growing trends of Social Media and pop culture influences, more people have wanted to become influencers online. This article will give you three simple tips on how YOU can become an influencer yourself in South Korea! Now the influencer and entertainment market in Korea is booming right now, which means that mostly anyone can become an influencer if the work is put into it. For me, promoting brands and Korea/Korean Culture has become the norm in recent years, however before moving to Korea I had found it a lot harder to do. So let's look at these three simple steps on how you can become an influencer yourself! So how can you become an influencer? Step 1: Well, as you may have guessed it is not going to happen over night, however I strongly recommend making a new social media account which is public, as the growth will later talk for itself, and also open you up to more followers and brands. Make sure to you write your bio in English and Korean as this will also help you to gain more attraction an ensure that you use relevant hash tags when you post, both to the product or place, but also in both languages. Step 2: Here is where you need to be persistent in contacting brands or companies. This may seem like the hard part, but maintaining a relationship is key to your success and will open you up to more opportunities later on. Also be sure to follow these companies on social media, for any updates on opportunities. Many Korean beauty brands and food companies are always looking for people from overseas to try their products and review them, in exchange for making a post about the product on social media to encourage more people to buy the product, some of which are also paid opportunities which is what you want to be aiming for. Step 3: Making content, is really important and it's recommended to post regularly to keep your following and growth. For me, I tend to make a post once a week, however it's sometimes more depending on the amount of products I have to review. In terms of stories, they can be fun and engaging to keep the audiences attention, however when you are working with a brand on a post, reel or story, be sure to follow their guidelines but for the most part you are encourages to be creative, which means coming up with fresh ideas all of the time. For me, that is one of the most. Of course, the travel market in Korea and with Korea named the destination to visit in 2024 (see my other article) there are many opportunities to promote regional Korea, festivals in Korea and the Ministry of Culture Sports and Tourism, also run programs which have kicked off for 2024 known as Honorary Reporters and K-Influencers. Which I have been part of since 2020, and Honorary Reporters have allowed me to travel around Korea to some amazing places and offer monetary incentives for outstanding work. The Social Media market is huge and ever growing, which means that there is always new opportunities for different nationalities too. The influencer marketing sector which involves brand endorsements and collaborations is a great way to expose yourself to the market and Korean companies. Though it's good to start this will smaller companies who are looking to expand their presence online. So what are you waiting for? Let us know in the comments below about your journey! #socialmediainfluencer #southkorea #beautyinfluencer

As the most talked about celebrities at this year's "biggest fashion night out" at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art (affectionately called "MOMA"), Stray Kids showed up and shined out as they became the first K-pop group (as a whole) to attend the prestigious invite-only event! Read on for more details and see how they partnered up with one of America's iconic brands! This year's Met Gala theme was "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" and Stray Kids definitely "slayed the dragon and rescued the princess". The eight members stunned the crowd as they wore custom Tommy Hilfiger suits in their trademark colors red, navy, and white. Let's take a look at how they got ready for the event! The attention to detail for each member's ensemble was insane! From the all-white flower pattern shirts to the flower pattern on the back of the jacket, that most people couldn't see, Tommy Hilfiger definitely pulled out all the stops to make Stray Kids look their best! Looking stunning, the group was also the most talked about celebrities at the event garnering over 533,000 mentions on "X" (formerly known as Twitter)! If that wasn't enough, group member, Felix , became the most-followed K-pop idol on Instagram following the Met Gala! The group arrived in stunning long navy coats, which made them look even more dashing, as they entered causing quite a stir from onlookers! We won't get too much into the treatment by paparazzi, but needless to say, their comments were not very professional and caused quite a stir among the online community and fans alike! This is great news for the K-pop industry as more and more groups are being invited to global events! Comment below with your thoughts on Stray Kids at this year's Met Gala and let us know what were your favorite outfits from the event! #StrayKids #2024MetGala #MetGala #TommyHilfiiger

If you have ever been to Korea, you will have noticed a sea of convenience store options on every street. Why are there so many? And are they necessary? Read on to find out the reasons! In Europe and for me in England, a convenience store is a place where you can go to buy alcohol, simple supplies, or snacks. I was totally surprised when I came to Korea to discover that they are SO much more (most are open 24-hours)! With a wide variety of franchises such as 711, CU , GS25, and Mini Stop you will never fall short of places to go, with each store having its own products and style. As for myself, due to the fresh food items such as gimbap and lunchtime foods, CU and GS25 are my favorites! Also, the abundance of locations that Korean convenience stores have, is what makes them so popular! You can literally find multiple stores on the same street, even of the same franchise, which gives you that access whenever you want, with new stores popping up all the time! In Korea, the bbali bbali (빨리 빨리) culture has definitely accelerated the development of convenience stores as more busy professionals and students rely on them for their daily needs. Since most people don't have time to go home to pack a lunch, or they eat everything their mothers packed for them, students simply have no time to eat and often times use convenience stores as a place to "hang out". They have become a hybrid version with delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, ATMs, and even some with grocery sections. Convenience stores have become an important part of Korean culture. Of course, convenience stores have also been featured in many of your favorite K-dramas! I am sure you’ve watched a few dramas with scenes in convenience stores, and many more scenes of your favorite actors eating convenience store snacks. If you can’t remember, let’s jog your memory with convenience store scenes from K-dramas that we’re all too familiar with. Squid Game Season 1 (2021) As I am sure most of you have watched Squid Game , I am sure that you will remember this scene. Of course, where better to hold a heated conversation than outside a convenience store? Backstreet Rookie (2020) Of course, this popular K-drama also featured a convenience store in the storyline, which shows the impact that these stores have on the daily lives of Koreans! The list goes on, with the sheer amount of dramas that have featured in these popular stores. Since moving to Korea, I have used these stores daily, and I believe that it is something that makes South Korea very unique! Let us know in the comments below which Korean dramas have featured convenience stores! #SouthKorea #conveniencestore #squidgame #backstreetrookie

The latest episode from tvN's romance/time travel drama Lovely Runner brings the fun back to college days, but also reminds us of the dangers many Korean college students face when first entering university! We explain why this is an important issue and why you need to be aware if you plan to come to South Korea to study! Spoilers! Episode 9 of Lovely Runner brings the laughs and inner child of most adults during their adolescent years as Im Sol ( Kim Hye Yoon Cleaning Up 2022) tries to save Ryu Sun Jae ( Byeon Woo Seok   Strong Girl Nam-Soon  2023) again, but this time during their first year in college. As the Mass Communications majors go on their yearly "MT" (membership training) , Im Sol plans to save Sun Jae by making sure that he is far from harm. But through a series of hilarious instances, Sun Jae rescues Im Sol from harm! What is "MT" and why is it important to Korean university students? "MT" stands for "membership training" or "orientation". If you didn't know, Koreans are very "us" and "we" focused. For most freshman (first-year) university students, adapting to a new school and as newly appointed "adults" can be quite challenging. Therefore, Korean university culture encourages students to go for "MT" with their fellow major classmates to "bond" and get to know each other as well as to be "accepted" into friend circles. These unofficial school events are usually held by upperclassmen, who are to be respected, like a hierarchy. Why are "MTs" taboo? So what did you do while you were in college to make new friends and have a good time? Well, party! MTs are more social than "educational". Since they are not supported by the universities (most upperclassmen are in charge of payment of food, drinks, lodging, and transportation), students are practically free to do anything they want, unsupervised. Drinking games are the main feature of MT, and if you're not good at drinking, you'll have a long night since many upperclassmen "force" underclassmen to drink. As in episode 9 when Im Sol pretends to be drunk when her classmates enter the lodging, she is caught awake and is forced to drink by her upperclassman. Although these drinking and camaraderie games are fun, it has become a subject of scrutiny by many Korean university students who believe being forced to overdrink is a problem in Korean university culture. Alcohol is the "social lubricant" of Korean society Unfortunately, Koreans turn to alcohol to relax and "let their hair down". Regardless of age and occupation, from university students to office workers, Koreans love alcohol! It isn't uncommon for your university professor to invite the whole class for "hoesik" ( 회식) , which I experienced personally while I was a university student in Korea. Hoesik involves alcohol, of course, and food that the most senior person enjoys. Although it may be fun for most people when forced to drink with people you don't want to be around (such as classmates and/or co-workers) it can be seen as a waste of time and energy. MTs are fun and a great way to make new friends! That being said, MTs are usually fun and harmless when you drink responsibly. We hope that this article helps you understand the latest episode of Lovely Runner and a little bit about Korean drinking culture! Remember to drink responsibly and let us know your thoughts on this amazing drama! #LovelyRunner #LovelyRunnerep9 #KimHyeYoon   #ByeonWooSeok

The world's first decentralized K-pop girl group, tripleS Assemble24, finally revealed their entire group! With their first full-length album released at 6 PM KST on May 8, 2024, we dive into the world of "the idols of all possibilities"! tripleS Assemble24 first full-length album "ASSEMBLE24" was released on May 8, 2024, at 6 PM KST and contains 10 tracks including their single "Girls Never Die" . Check out their full performance video! The title song "Girls Never Die" is very meaningful to the group since it was chosen by fans all over the world touting tripleS as the first "two-way communication idol" . The meaning of the song reveals the will of the girls' will of determination to not collapse under hardships and difficulties. As the title was chosen by the fans themselves, the song hits closer to home to both fans and group members alike. tripleS not only won the Best New Female Rookie Award at the 2023 MAMA AWARDS last year but also became the best rookie at the "31st Anniversary Hanteo Music Awards 2023" , demonstrating the fervent love of fans around the world. They are determined to establish themselves as a global trend beyond rookies with their first full-length album "ASSEMBLE24." Meanwhile, tripleS Assemble24's first full-length album "ASSEMBLE24" can be enjoyed on global music platforms! Comment below with your thoughts on this new group and concept! #tripleS #tripleSassemble24 #girlsdontdie #assemble24