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Author: 남연재

  • PEACEMINUSONE x OXFORD: G-DRAGON Launches “818 BLOOM” Peace-Inspired Collectible

    G-DRAGON’s brand PEACEMINUSONE is unveiling a special collectible infused with a message of world peace.

    Block manufacturer OXFORD announced on September 9 that it has collaborated with G-DRAGON to create the limited-edition flower block collectible “818 BLOOM.” Pre-orders will open online in major countries on September 21, marking the International Day of Peace.

    OXFORD, the world’s second-largest block maker, is well-known for its cultural heritage series featuring Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and Turtle Ships, as well as collaborations with global companies and organizations. This project marks the world’s first case of turning an artist’s persona into a DIY block product. G-DRAGON himself participated in the design process, and each product comes with a signed hologram certificate of authenticity.

    According to organizers, “818 BLOOM embodies the philosophy of PEACEMINUSONE, capturing the intersection of ideals and reality. We hope fans around the world will reflect on the value of peace while assembling the blocks.”

    Meanwhile, G-DRAGON was recently appointed as an ambassador for the Gyeongju APEC and continues to expand his positive influence through public service activities.

  • Chipotle Expands to Asia: Seoul Chosen as First Destination

    SPC Group announced plans to bring U.S. Mexican franchise Chipotle Mexican Grill (hereafter Chipotle) to Seoul in the first half of next year. The Seoul branch will be the brand’s first store in Asia.

    According to the food service industry, SPC Group will introduce Chipotle to Korea through either a licensing agreement or a joint venture with the headquarters. Founded in 1993 in the U.S., Chipotle is a “fast-casual dining” chain offering Tex-Mex cuisine.

    The menu features burritos, tacos, and bowls made primarily with organic and gluten-free ingredients. Like sandwich chain Subway, Chipotle allows customers to choose salad, meats, beans, and cheese, which are then wrapped in a burrito or served in a bowl. The chain is particularly known for its strong “value for money.”

    Chipotle currently operates around 3,300 stores in the U.S. alone. Though it serves Mexican food, the brand has become deeply embedded in American daily life by offering healthy meals in a convenient format. Its quick adaptation to the growth of delivery demand during the pandemic gave Chipotle a new momentum for growth, solidifying its role in ushering in the “fast-casual” dining era.

  • From 1592 to K-Culture: Leeum Museum Showcases Origins of the Magpie and Tiger Icon

    The Leeum Museum of Art has opened its exhibition “Magpie and Tiger: 虎鵲 (Hojak)” in parallel with the global success of Netflix’s K-pop Demon Hunters(Kedehon), unveiling Korea’s oldest known Hojakdo for the first time — a 1592 painting.

    The exhibition features seven traditional and folk paintings depicting tigers and magpies. The 1592 piece, recorded as painted in the “Imjin year,” is the earliest extant Magpie and Tiger work. Unlike later folk paintings, it follows classical art conventions while incorporating scenes such as “Chulsanho” (birth tiger), “Gyeongjo” (celebration and condolence), and “Yuho” (playing tiger), marking the origin of the Hojak iconography.

    Also on display is the 19th-century folk painting nicknamed the “Picasso Tiger,” famous for its humorous expression and yellow-striped coat, which inspired the 1988 Seoul Olympic mascot Hodori. Other highlights include Shin Jae-hyun’s 1874 Hojakdo, Hopijangmakdo featuring tiger-skin patterns and poetry by Dasan Jeong Yak-yong, and Kim Hong-do’s realistic Songha Maenghodo.

    The museum noted, “This exhibition shows how the tiger from 430 years ago evolved into today’s K-culture icon.”

    The exhibition runs until November 30 on the second floor of M1, with free admission. The Leeum Store also offers goods inspired by magpie-and-tiger motifs.

  • Seoul Fashion Festa 2025: Trendy Designers and Local Brands Unite at DDP

    The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on September 9 that the “2025 Seoul Fashion Festa” will be held from September 19 to 21 at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) Design Street and the Miraero area.

    This is the first B2C (business-to-consumer) fashion festival where Dongdaemun-based merchants and designer brands will meet directly with the public. It is designed not just as a sales event, but as a platform to support brand growth.

    A total of 100 brands will participate, including 50 wholesale merchant brands discovered and supported by the Seoul Fashion Hub, and 50 designer brands supported by Seoul Fashion Hub and Hi Seoul Showroom. Visitors can explore everything from affordably priced domestically made fashion items to the latest trendy pieces from emerging designers.

    The festival will also feature promotions such as roulette events and time-limited sales, along with experiential content like instant four-cut photo booths and personal color analysis.

  • Hangeul Museum Delays Reopening 4 Years, Plans Special Exhibitions and Tours Until 2028

    The National Hangeul Museum has canceled its planned reopening this year and will remain closed until the second half of 2028, following severe delays caused by a fire that broke out during expansion work in February.

    Based on a detailed safety inspection, the museum will integrate fire damage restoration—including structural reinforcement of the third-floor Hangeul Playground and exterior wall repairs—into the ongoing expansion project. The total project cost is estimated at 17.5 billion KRW, with construction set to begin in July 2026 and reopening targeted for October 2028.

    During the closure, about 90,000 collection items will be stored across the National Museum of Korea, the National Folk Museum, and the National Museum of World Writing. Exhibitions and educational functions will continue through partner institutions and online platforms. In particular, special exhibitions will be held at external venues to commemorate the 580th anniversary of Hunminjeongeum’s proclamation in 2026 and the 100th anniversary of Hangeul Day. Additionally, the Hangeul Playground program will expand nationwide, starting in Sejong City.

    Although the reopening has been delayed by more than four years, the museum plans to continue promoting Hangeul culture through traveling and special exhibitions, as well as educational programs.

  • “Demon Slayer” Breaks Records Again: Infinity Castle Dominates Korean Box Office

    The film “Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle” has surpassed 4 million cumulative viewers in Korea just 18 days after its release, setting a new box office milestone.

    According to the Korean Film Council’s integrated database, as of the afternoon of September 8, the audience count reached 4,000,080, overtaking Your Name (2016) to become the third most successful Japanese animation film in Korean box office history.

    Since its release, the movie has held the No.1 spot at the box office for 17 consecutive days, achieving both the highest opening score of the year and the best-ever opening for a Japanese animation. It crossed 1 million viewers on its second day and 3 million by its tenth day, showcasing unprecedented momentum.

    Based on the manga by Koyoharu Gotouge, the franchise first gained global fame with the 2020 release of “Mugen Train,” which drew 2.22 million viewers in Korea and became the highest-grossing film ever in Japan.

    The new “Infinity Castle” serves as the first part of a trilogy focusing on the final battle between Muzan and protagonist Tanjiro. In Japan, it surpassed 10 million viewers within 17 days and 20 million within a month, proving its worldwide appeal.

  • Musinsa’s Beauty Brand “ODD TYPE” Expands into Southeast Asia

    Musinsa’s beauty brand ODD TYPE is entering the Southeast Asian market following its success in Japan.

    Earlier this year, the brand signed a deal with Malaysia’s leading health and beauty store Guardian’s, and last month it launched at two of the country’s largest shopping malls—AEON BIG Ampang and IOI City Mall Putrajaya. Musinsa plans to expand to more than 100 stores across Malaysia by the first half of next year.

    The new outlets carry the full lineup of 28 products, including the Unseen Balloon Tint, So Touchable Water Blush, Unveiled Skin Highlighter, and Unseen Dew Glow Balm. Having an entire brand collection launched at once is rare, seen as a sign of ODD TYPE’s strong concept and product competitiveness being well received in the local market.

    ODD TYPE entered Japan last year, gaining shelf space at Loft, Plaza, and Atcosme, while also expanding online sales via Amazon US and global platform Stylevana. In Korea, it has also grown popular among foreign tourists, with half of the customers at its Seongsu store in the first half of this year being international shoppers.

    Building on its Malaysia launch, Musinsa now aims to speed up expansion into major Southeast Asian markets including Singapore and Thailand.

  • Rosé Shines at MTV VMAs: Double Win with Bruno Mars and BLACKPINK

    Rosé of BLACKPINK achieved a historic double victory at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, held on September 7 (local time) at UBS Arena in New York.

    She won the major award Song of the Year for “APT.,” her duet with pop star Bruno Mars. BLACKPINK also took home the award for Best Group, giving Rosé two trophies in one night.

    This marks the first time a K-pop artist has won a major VMA category including Song of the Year. For Best Group, BLACKPINK secured the title for the second time, following their 2023 win.

    Wearing a golden dress on stage, Rosé said, “I can’t believe this,” before adding, “First of all, I’m so grateful to Bruno (Mars), who believed in me and supported me.” She continued, “I dedicate this trophy to the 16-year-old me who once dreamed of this. This is the moment that rewards all the effort, and I’m happy to accept it.”

  • Philakorea 2025: Rare Stamps, K-Culture, and Global Heritage Meet in Seoul

    The World Stamp Exhibition Philakorea 2025 will be held from September 17–21 at COEX Magok Convention Center in Seoul.

    Returning to Korea for the first time in 11 years, this FIP (International Federation of Philately) officially recognized event will showcase 365 works from 65 countries, with a total of 2,002 frames of stamps on display. The exhibition aims to highlight the value of stamps not just as collectibles, but as cultural assets connecting eras and generations.

    Exhibition halls will feature seven themes including art, heritage, K-culture, and the environment. K-culture stamps featuring Korean cuisine and pop culture will also be introduced to the world. Visitors can enjoy interactive content tailored for the digital generation, such as AI-based stamp recommendations, a brainwave-powered letter-sending game, and robot-drawn portrait stamps. Photo booths that instantly transform images and graffiti stamp experiences will add to the excitement.

    Highlights include the first-ever display in Korea of the world’s most expensive stamp, the “One-Cent Magenta,” as well as Korea’s first-ever postal stamp, combining rarity with historical significance. Family-friendly programs such as coloring, “design your own stamp,” and commemorative postmark experiences will also be available.

    Admission to Philakorea 2025 is free, with pre-registration recommended for smoother entry.

  • 1,200 Drones Paint Seoul’s Night Sky with Netflix’s “K-pop Demon Hunters”

    The “2025 Hangang Light Show” was held on the evening of September 7 at Ttukseom Hangang Park in Seoul’s Gwangjin District, where more than 1,200 drones lit up the sky with a spectacular display themed around Netflix’s animation K-POP DEMON HUNTERS (Kedehon).

    Four more performances are scheduled for September 13, 20, 26, and October 18. Each show will feature 1,200 drones recreating Seoul landmarks such as Cheongdam Bridge and Bukchon Hanok Village, along with characters from K-pop Demon Hunters, leaving audiences with unforgettable memories.