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  • From Giving to Others to Gifting Myself: The Rise of Meconomy

    As Korea’s 2025 Chuseok overlaps with the golden holiday week, the concept of “Meconomy” (me-centered consumption) has emerged as a defining trend for the festive season.

    Traditionally, holiday gift-giving centered around family and relatives. Now, it’s shifting toward self-gifting, as consumers increasingly prioritize emotional satisfaction (“gasimbi”) over price, even amid high inflation.

    “Meconomy,” a combination of Me and Economy, refers to a consumption trend that values personal happiness and fulfillment. The rise of one-person households (36.1% as of 2024), self-care-oriented lifestyles, and preference-based shopping on social media have accelerated this shift.

    According to beauty platform Zigzag, searches for beauty devices surged 514%, and transactions increased 262% around the holiday period. Sales of self-care items such as RF massagers and portable hair irons have skyrocketed. Similarly, Shinsegae International reported that sales of high-end niche perfumes rose by more than 120% year-on-year.

    Experts interpret this phenomenon as a form of psychological reward spending during economic stagnation, saying, “Even in tough times, people are willing to spend a little more for their own satisfaction.”


    This year’s Chuseok marks a symbolic turning point — from giving gifts to others, to giving gifts to oneself.

  • When Will Korea’s Autumn Foliage Peak This Year

    In Korea, the peak of autumn foliage in 2025 is expected to arrive 4–5 days later than in previous years.

    The Korea Forest Service announced on October 1 its “2025 Autumn Foliage Forecast Map,” predicting that the leaves will reach their peak colors between late October and early November.

    By tree type, the peak dates are projected to be October 28 for ginkgo, October 31 for oak, and around November 1 for maple.

    By region, Seoraksan Mountain is expected to peak on October 25, Songnisan on October 27, Naejangsan on November 6, and Gayasan on November 11, showing a gradual delay toward the southern regions.

    An analysis of the past decade’s data revealed that the peak foliage period has been delayed by an average of 0.4–0.5 days each year. Experts attribute this to global warming, with scientists noting that “the delay in autumn foliage is a clear indicator of climate change.”

    This forecast is based on long-term phenological data collected by the National Arboretum and public arboretums nationwide. It represents not just travel information, but a scientific finding of great significance in climate change research.

    This year, as we await the late-turning autumn leaves, it may also be a moment to reflect on the environmental warning hidden within their beauty.

  • G-DRAGON Ignites 65,000 Fans at Singapore F1 Grand Prix

    G-DRAGON electrified the crowd of roughly 65,000 at the 2025 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, held at the Marina Bay Street Circuit’s Padang Stage.

    On October 3 (local time), G-DRAGON performed as a headliner alongside Elton John, delivering a dynamic 90-minute set that featured hit songs like “POWER,” “HOME SWEET HOME,” and “One of a Kind.” Fans roared his real name, “Kwon Ji-yong,” throughout the night, filling the venue with energy and excitement.

    Currently in the midst of his third world tour, “Ubermensch,” G-DRAGON will continue performing in Osaka (Oct 20–21), Taipei and Hanoi (November), before wrapping up in Seoul (December).

  • From Retro to Y2K: Why Denim Is Back in Style

    As temperatures drop and the season transitions, denim—jeans and jackets alike—has emerged as this fall’s defining fashion keyword. A timeless material that transcends generations, denim evokes nostalgia for older consumers while embodying a hip, retro spirit for younger ones.

    In the U.S., brands like American Eagle, Gap, and Levi’s are reporting strong denim sales, with Levi’s even declaring a shift toward becoming a “denim lifestyle company.” In Korea, interest is surging as LF Mall’s denim search volume jumped over 110% compared to last year.

    Fashion brands are embracing two main directions: one highlights classic denim—deep blue tones, straight fits, and double-denim looks—while the other explores modern details such as washed colors, studs, and unique textures. French label Isabel Marant saw a 342% sales increase with its soft “fluid denim,” and Vanessa Bruno introduced the elegant “Engel Jacket,” featuring a feminine silhouette.

    Korean brand HAZZYS has also expanded its denim line, seeing sales jump 53% in August and September year-on-year. Experts say denim has evolved beyond simple apparel to become a cultural icon that unites retro, Y2K, and individuality-focused trends.

  • Seoul Autumn Festa: Turning the City into a Grand Stage

    Seoul’s city center has transformed into a grand stage for the arts.

    Kicking off with the inaugural “Seoul Autumn Festa,” the city will host a series of large-scale events including the “Seoul Street Arts Festival” (October 6–8) and the “Seoul Living Arts Festival” (October 11), filling the heart of the capital with performances and creativity.

    Modeled after the renowned festivals of Avignon (France) and Edinburgh (UK), the Seoul Autumn Festa focuses on pure performing arts — from theater and dance to music and traditional art — with the goal of elevating Seoul into a global hub for performing arts.

    The main program, Seoul Street Arts Festival, features 122 artists from Korea and abroad presenting 146 performances along a 5.2 km stretch from Cheonggye Plaza to Cheonggye 9-ga. The lineup includes street performances, dance, traditional arts, and circus acts.

    Interactive programs such as Artrekking, where citizens can join in, and Piano Seoul, which allows anyone to perform on stage, will take place along the Cheonggyecheon Hwanghakgyo section. There will also be a special performance by visually impaired marimbist Jeon Kyung-ho, as well as photo zones, stamp tours, and hands-on art activities for visitors.

  • BURNING UP: MEOVV Teases Hot Styling and Denim Vibes

    THE BLACK LABEL unveiled teaser content for MEOVV’s upcoming digital single “BURNING UP,” which is set to release on October 14 (Tuesday), through its official social media channels on October 4 and 5.

    A 20-second teaser video features the melody of “BURNING UP,” with members showing off a striking new look in wet hair and smoky makeup. The low-resolution aesthetic enhances the Y2K vibe, heightening anticipation for their return.

    Concept photos were also revealed, showcasing the members in cool denim styling that highlights their confident, hip energy. Their strong individuality and bold poses capture attention and amplify the group’s charisma.

    MEOVV previously released their first EP “MY EYES OPEN VVIDE” in May, promoting the double title tracks “HANDS UP” and “DROP TOP.” The new digital single “BURNING UP” will be released at 6 p.m. KST on October 14.

  • The ₩3,900 Beauty Boom: Low-Cost Cosmetics Rise Again

    As the economy slows, “ultra-low-cost cosmetics” are making a comeback, creating a sensation across Korea. Major retailers and fashion platforms are launching affordable beauty lines, capturing the attention and wallets of consumers.

    Musinsa’s new skincare line under its “Musinsa Standard Beauty” brand has sold out shortly after release. According to the retail industry, the line — launched on August 30 — includes eight basic items such as cleansing foam, toner, and serum. Each product is priced between ₩3,900 and ₩5,900, meaning that even purchasing the entire line costs less than ₩20,000. Developed in collaboration with ODM specialist Cosmax, the products have earned credibility for quality, as Cosmax has produced for numerous global beauty brands.

    In April, E-Mart also teamed up with LG Household & Health Care to launch a “₩4,950 flat-price” beauty line — even cheaper than Daiso, long known for its budget cosmetics.

    An industry insider commented, “From fashion platforms to convenience stores and major distributors, more companies are joining the ultra-low-price competition, reshaping the entire beauty market’s pricing structure. As practical spending trends continue, the popularity of low-cost cosmetics will likely remain strong.”

  • BLACKPINK’s Rosé Faces Racism Controversy; UK Magazine Issues Apology

    As controversy grew over BLACKPINK’s Rosé allegedly facing racial discrimination, the magazine at the center of the issue issued an apology.

    On October 2 (local time), ELLE UK stated on its official social media that Rosé had been excluded from a group photo related to Paris Fashion Week due to “photo resizing,” adding that “there was no intention to cause offense.”

    The magazine added, “The post has since been deleted, and we will make every effort to better reflect our diverse readership in the future.”

    Previously, ELLE UK uploaded photos of celebrities attending a fashion brand event in Paris. Alongside Rosé, the event was attended by model Hailey Bieber, actress and model Zoë Kravitz, and singer-songwriter Charli XCX. However, the photo posted on ELLE UK’s official SNS cropped out Rosé, fueling the controversy.

  • Counterfeit K-pop Goods from China Seized in Kore

    While K-pop continues to grow in global influence, authorities have uncovered large volumes of counterfeit K-pop merchandise from China being distributed in Korea.

    According to data submitted by the Korea Customs Service, the most frequently seized counterfeit item between 2024 and August this year was photocards. The group most affected was IVE, with 713,593 counterfeit photocards confiscated.

    They were followed by NewJeans (99,888), IU (77,344), Stray Kids (75,404), and aespa (52,967), completing the top five.

    Other cases included illegally distributing mask packs that exceeded contracted production, as well as bromides and framed posters imported while disguised as official products.

    Excluding photocards, BTS suffered the greatest intellectual property infringement, with over 110,000 counterfeit items seized. SEVENTEEN (2,610), (G)I-DLE (920), BLACKPINK (680), and NewJeans (720) followed