ONLINEKOREANEWS.COM

Author: 남연재

  • Korea Turns Chilly: Early Winter Weather Arrives Ahead of Schedule

    This week, South Korea is expected to experience an early winter chill as a result of a cold continental high-pressure system.

    According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), morning temperatures on the 20th will drop to between 2°C and 15°C, with a chance of first snow in the highlands of northern Gangwon Province. On the morning of the 21st, the temperature may dip to 1°C, and the wind chill in northern Gyeonggi could fall close to freezing. Daytime highs will range from 12°C to 22°C, but strong northwesterly winds will make it feel much colder.

    The cold weather is expected to persist through midweek.

    Frost and thin ice may form in inland areas during early mornings, raising concerns about crop damage. Starting from the weekend (around the 23rd), morning temperatures are expected to rebound slightly to between 6°C and 15°C.

    Meanwhile, rain is expected mainly in eastern Gangwon Province, with 10–50 mm forecast between the 20th and 21st, and 5–30 mm in parts of northern Gyeongbuk and surrounding mountain areas. In high-altitude regions above 1,200 meters, about 1 cm of snow may accumulate. Busan, Ulsan, and Jeju coastal areas will see strong winds and high waves, and additional rainfall is forecast for October 22 and 23–24 along the east coast.

    Overall, the country will see mostly clear or partly cloudy skies this week, but visitors to Korea are advised to dress warmly and take care of their health as temperatures drop sharply.

  • G-DRAGON Files Lawsuit Against Online Haters After 19 Years in K-pop

    G-DRAGON has officially taken legal action against individuals posting malicious comments and spreading false information — marking his first major legal move since debuting 19 years ago.

    His agency, Galaxy Corporation, announced on October 17 that it is “actively pursuing legal measures in cooperation with law firm Yulchon against defamation, false information, and malicious slander.”

    According to the company, by the end of September, it had conducted a thorough review of malicious posts based on fan reports and its own data collection. On October 15, several offenders were formally charged under South Korea’s Information and Communications Network Act (Defamation). The agency emphasized that the case focuses on “defamation through false information,” not simple insults, and that strict action is being taken to ensure criminal accountability.

    Galaxy Corporation also revealed plans to file additional complaints against commenters identified on major online platforms such as DC Inside, Daum Café, X (formerly Twitter), Naver, and FM Korea, reaffirming its firm stance.

    G-DRAGON’s representatives stated that this move “is not a warning but a concrete effort to protect the artist’s dignity and personal rights.” They also encouraged fans to continue reporting malicious activity, adding, “We will hold those who hide behind anonymity fully accountable for their actions.”

  • Busan’s Young Artists Bring Art into Fashion and Food through Creative Collaborations

    The Busan Cultural Foundation has unveiled a new lineup of creative collaboration products through its “Busan Artist Tag” project, which fosters sustainable partnerships between local young artists and regional businesses.

    Now in its third year, the project supports young artists by linking their creative works with local brands — transforming artistic talent into tangible products that bridge art and industry. Participating companies pay copyright fees to the artists, while the foundation provides portfolio opportunities and production funding to sustain long-term collaboration.

    This year’s collaborations include street casual brand Gainsboro and artist Kang Deok-hyun, who produced limited-edition T-shirts and art packages, as well as Gijang-based specialty brand Seed and artist Lee Yeon-seo, who launched a premium seaweed gift set. Notably, Kang’s graphic-art-designed T-shirts were presented as gifts to domestic and international delegates during the Busan Performing Arts Market (BPAM).

    The final collaborative products are now available at Connect Hyundai (Busan B1) and will be officially showcased at the 2025 Youth Culture Project Achievement Exhibition.

  • A Global Stage for Korean Culture: ‘Unboxing Korea’ Takes Over Belgium

    The Korean Cultural Center in Belgium and the EU will host a large-scale cultural festival, “Unboxing Korea: Scoop the Trend,” in the heart of Brussels from October 18 to 19 (local time).

    Now in its second year, the festival offers visitors a chance to experience the full spectrum of Korean culture — from K-culture, K-beauty, and K-food to K-tourism — all in one place. The event aims to showcase both the emotional depth and industrial power of modern Korean culture.

    The festival will take place across two main venues.
    At the Korean Cultural Center, guests can explore the K-Beauty Zone and K-Tourism Zone, while Place de la Chapelle, one of Brussels’ most popular spots, will transform into the K-Culture Zone and K-Food Zone.

    A highlight of the K-Culture Zone will be the “K-pop Demon Hunters Zone”, created in collaboration with Netflix EU, where visitors can try on hanbok and traditional accessories for photo experiences. There will also be K-pop cover dance performances and traditional craft workshops, offering European audiences a hands-on taste of Korean creativity.

    At the K-Food Zone, Korean rice-based food companies will present tteokbokki, traditional liquor cocktails, and Korean-style desserts. The K-Beauty Zone will feature small and medium enterprises showcasing their products through personal color analysis sessions and live makeup demonstrations. The K-Tourism Zone will include Korean travel tarot readings, Jeju keyring crafts, and photo booth experiences.

    “Unboxing Korea” serves as more than just a festival — it’s a global cultural exchange platform that blends Korea’s artistic spirit with its contemporary lifestyle and industry trends.

  • Korea’s Health Ministry Warns Against Misleading Ads for Whitening & Anti-Wrinkle Cosmetics

    South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has issued a warning about the growing number of false and exaggerated advertisements for whitening and anti-wrinkle functional cosmetics.

    As public interest in anti-aging and skincare continues to rise, some companies have begun using misleading claims such as “cell regeneration,” “anti-aging treatment,” and “anti-inflammatory effects” — phrases that suggest medical-level efficacy — to attract consumers.

    Whitening functional cosmetics are designed to brighten the skin by suppressing melanin production or reducing existing pigmentation, typically using ingredients such as niacinamide and arbutin.
    Meanwhile, anti-wrinkle functional cosmetics contain adenosine and retinol, which help boost collagen production and improve skin elasticity.

    The MFDS advised consumers to immediately stop using any product if they experience redness, swelling, or itching, and to consult a dermatologist. Consumers are also urged to choose a suitable product type (cream, lotion, mask, etc.) for their skin and to strictly follow the usage instructions on the label to prevent side effects.

    Officials also cautioned that injecting cosmetics into the skin using microneedles or similar devices is unsafe, urging users to check for the official “functional cosmetics” mark or statement on the product packaging before purchase.

  • Jisoo Makes History as First Korean Female Soloist with 1B Spotify Streams

    Jisoo of BLACKPINK continues to dominate the global music scene with her new single, “EYES CLOSED.”

    Released on October 10, the music video immediately topped the YouTube Music Worldwide Trending chart in 74 countries, proving her massive global reach. The song debuted at No. 21 on Spotify’s Global Top Songs, ranking high in 32 countries’ daily top charts, while also claiming No. 1 on iTunes in 40 countries and topping China’s QQ Music and KuGou sales charts.

    With this release, Jisoo has officially surpassed 1 billion total streams on Spotify, making her the first Korean female solo artist ever to achieve the milestone — accomplished in just 925 days with only eight tracks. The achievement marks her rise as a truly independent global artist, beyond her role as a BLACKPINK member.

    “EYES CLOSED” is a heartfelt pop track about two people choosing love again after emotional pain, featuring ZAYN, formerly of One Direction, whose collaboration adds a refined and mature touch. The cosmic-themed music video, praised for its dreamlike visuals and emotional harmonies, highlights Jisoo’s growing artistic depth and expanding global influence.

  • Practicality and Style: The Winter Wardrobe Trends You Need

    This winter, the trend is centered on practicality, with a focus on lifestyle items that add both style and individuality. This shift reflects the growing preference for value-driven consumption over showy displays of wealt

    <Covernat’s New Fleece Campaign “WARM ON”>

    Fashion experts predict that functional outdoor and sportswear will continue to dominate as everyday fashion this winter. Athleisure—which blurs the lines between workout gear and casual wear—will expand, combining winter materials such as wool and corduroy to offer both comfort and sophistication.

    <New Balance UNI Flying 77 Superlight Goose Down>

    <The North Face Bermo Wool Fleece Jacket>

    A fashion industry insider said, “This winter, the key trend will be a mix-and-match style that removes the boundaries between Gorpcore, utility, and athleisure, allowing individuals to balance both personal style and practicality.”

  • From Luxury to Everyday — The Rise of Unmanned Flower Shops

    Unmanned flower shops are becoming one of Korea’s latest lifestyle trends — offering a convenient and comfortable way for anyone to buy flowers.

    Beyond reducing labor costs and enabling 24-hour operation, these shops have created a welcoming space where men can purchase flowers without hesitation. Traditional flower shops required on-site florists and higher operational costs, but automation has changed the landscape, making flower buying more accessible and affordable.

    The rise of male customers is particularly noteworthy. In a quiet, private space, men can choose flowers freely without feeling self-conscious. Ready-made bouquets, available through vending-style displays, lower psychological barriers and encourage spontaneous purchases. More men are now buying flowers for themselves or as small daily gifts — moving away from the old belief that “flowers are only for special occasions.”

    A prime example is Erfleur, an unmanned flower shop in Suwon, which embodies this new wave. With the slogan “Flowers, closer and more natural”, Erfleur combines a French-inspired interior with reasonable prices. Open from 7 AM to midnight, it restocks fresh flowers three times a week. Owner Seo Subin said, “I wanted to create a space where anyone can buy flowers, even late at night — especially a place where men can feel comfortable choosing them.”

    Unmanned flower shops are now evolving beyond convenience — becoming cultural spaces that represent emotional consumption and gender-neutral lifestyles in modern Korea.

  • UNESCO Recognizes Magoksa as a Cultural Heritage Site for Its Fall Beauty

    Magoksa, a temple with over a thousand years of history, is a sacred place that has endured through wars and disasters, retaining its original form, earning the title of “Ten Victory Lands”.

    Located at the foot of Mount Taehwa in Gongju, Chungcheongnam-do, Magoksa was founded in 640 by Jajang Yulsa during the reign of Queen Seondeok of Silla. Despite its long history, the temple has maintained its form and significance without much damage.

    In recognition of its unique value, Magoksa, alongside Beopjusa and Tongdosa, was inscribed as part of the “Mountain Monasteries of Korea” on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2018. It is not only an ancient temple but also a living testament to the continuous tradition of Korean Buddhist practice since the 7th century. Visitors can experience the tranquility of a space infused with over a millennium of Buddhist spirit simply by walking through the temple grounds.

    During the fall, Magoksa transforms into another breathtaking landscape. From late October to early November, the red and yellow leaves of the trees color the Taehwa Stream, creating a scene that blends with the peaceful temple surroundings, like a traditional East Asian painting. With affordable entry fees, it’s a perfect destination to experience both history and autumn beauty.

  • Visa to Offer Exclusive Pre-Sale for 2025 MAMA AWARDS Tickets

    Global payment technology company Visa has announced that it will offer pre-sale tickets for the 2025 MAMA AWARDS to all Visa cardholders worldwide.

    Starting on October 17, Visa will begin pre-sale access for Visa Infinite cardholders and all Visa cardholders in phases. Visa Infinite cardholders will have the exclusive opportunity to be the first to secure tickets for the 2025 MAMA AWARDS worldwide.

    Pre-sales will be available on October 17, from 11 AM to 3 PM (KST) through Cityline, an online ticketing platform based in Hong Kong. Following that, from 7 PM (KST) on the same day until 3 PM (KST) on October 18, all Visa cardholders worldwide will be able to access pre-sale tickets.

    The 2025 MAMA AWARDS will be held at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong on November 28-29, offering another spectacular stage for global K-pop fans.