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✨K-pop • Fashion • Travel • Culture

  • Hiking Korea’s Punchbowl Basin: A Rare Mix of Nature, History, and Peace

    Located in Yanggu, Gangwon Province, the DMZ Punchbowl Trail is one of Korea’s most unique trekking destinations.

    Situated inside the Civilian Control Zone bordering North Korea, entry is strictly reservation-only via the “Forest e” (숲나들e) platform. Visitors must book at least four days in advance, bring identification, and join the hike under the guidance of a forest interpreter. Admission is free, but on-site registration is not available, and the trail is closed every Tuesday.

    The trail is divided into four themed routes. The representative “Oyu Field Trail” takes about four hours, showcasing waterfalls, valleys, and colorful autumn foliage. On the “Peace Trail,” hikers can glimpse North Korea and reflect on the reality of division. The “Mandae Plain Trail” offers picturesque views of rural basin villages.

    What makes this trail truly special is that it is more than just a forest path. The dirt trails beneath your feet were once fierce battlefields, but today they are a sanctuary of rare plants and natural monuments. Walking along the unique Punchbowl Basin, visitors can simultaneously feel the grandeur of nature, the scars of war, and the wonder of life’s resilience. From the observatory, panoramic views of the Punchbowl and even Mount Geumgang’s Birobong Peak complete the journey.

  • G-Dragon’s “Übermensch” Exhibition Heads to Macau and Singapore

    K-pop icon G-Dragon’s media art exhibition Übermensch is extending its global journey, following stops in Seoul, Tokyo, Osaka, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, with upcoming showcases in Macau and Singapore.

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    This immersive project reinterprets the messages of his third full-length album through cutting-edge technologies including VR, 3D motion graphics, and real-time holograms.

    The Macau exhibition will run from September 29 to October 30 at the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort, featuring the “Drama Zone,” previously shown only in Japan and Hong Kong.

    In Singapore, the exhibition will take place from October 1 to 13 at the landmark Jewel Changi Airport. Visitors will experience interactive digital content at the Changi Experience Studio and shop exclusive merchandise at a dedicated MD store.

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    Hong Kong media outlets described the exhibition as “an immersive art space that realizes G-Dragon’s unique universe,” with Ming Pao and Yahoo HK giving it extensive coverage.

  • Celebrities Drive Fashion Trends with Sold-Out Collaborations

    n today’s fashion industry, collaborations between celebrities and brands have emerged as a key driver of trends. Beyond fleeting fads, these partnerships introduce items infused with the individuality and style of celebrities, sparking consumers’ desire for “aesthetic pursuit” shopping.

    According to a report from fashion platform KREAM, Puma’s H.St. OG sneakers worn by Rosé saw saves surge by 7,618%, while searches for ALO sneakers worn by Kendall Jenner skyrocketed 469% in just one day. These examples underscore how celebrity influence directly impacts consumer purchasing decisions.

    Brands are increasingly going beyond using celebrities as models, expanding into collaboration collections where stars take part in the design process. A standout case is the Puma × Rosé collection, where the global artist was involved from concept to design. By reinterpreting Puma’s sportswear heritage with Rosé’s refined sensibility, the collection drew explosive reactions from Gen Z and millennials.

    In particular, the “Speedcat” sneakers, a modern take on Puma’s signature design, sold out in just 30 minutes, creating a “sold-out legend.” Additional pieces, including the ballet-inspired “Speedcat Ballet,” sporty streetwear, and accessories, further demonstrate that celebrity collaborations have become a powerful trigger for consumption in the fashion industry.

  • K-pop Meets Tradition: Korean Folk Village Online Store Launches

    The Korean Folk Village has officially launched its app-based online store, expanding the distribution of traditional cultural products from on-site visitors to the global digital market.

    This launch comes amid growing global interest in the fusion of K-pop and traditional culture. A direct backdrop was the popularity of Netflix’s hit KPop Demon Hunters, which seamlessly blended traditional elements with modern aesthetics.

    One notable case is the sell-out of products related to the traditional Korean hat, gat. The online store now offers a wide range of items, from Chuseok gift sets, chapssal yeot (glutinous rice taffy), and dongdongju (traditional rice wine) to practical goods, becoming a convenient gateway for global customers to experience Korean tradition.

    A Folk Village representative commented, “The synergy between K-content and traditional culture is driving explosive demand,” adding that the online store will serve as a new turning point in spreading Korean cultural heritage worldwide.

  • Amaru on Hiatus, KickFlip Continues Promotions as Six

    Boy group KickFlip held a press showcase on Sept. 22 to celebrate the release of their 3rd mini album, “My First Flip.”

    This comeback marks their first promotion as a six-member group after member Amaru announced a hiatus due to health reasons just before the album release. Member Donghyun shared, “It’s unfortunate that Amaru cannot join us, but we’re waiting for his recovery and will do our best to fill the gap together.”

    The new album captures the excitement of first love with a playful touch. Its title track, “The First Song I’ve Ever Sung,” is a pop-punk-inspired dance track combining synth sounds with guitar riffs, narrating the thrilling moment of confession. The album also includes seven tracks in total, such as “Band-Aid,” “Singularity,” “Again, Here,” “Gas On It,” “404: Not Found,” and “It’s a Secret I Had a Nightmare.” All members participated in writing and composing every track.

    Released today (Sept. 22) at 6 p.m. KST, My First Flip will be followed by KickFlip’s Mnet M2 comeback show and showcase. Fans can look forward to discovering the group’s deeper musical colors and growth through this album.

  • Global Tourists Flock to Korea’s Pharmacies for K-Beauty Favorites

    Foreign tourists visiting Korea are expanding their K-beauty shopping habits beyond the familiar “Olive Young, Daiso, and Musinsa” trio to include local pharmacies.

    According to travel platform Creatrip, sales in the new “K-Pharmacy” category have been steadily rising among foreign visitors.

    International customers are showing particular interest in cosmeceutical products such as skin regeneration creams and acne care ointments. Among them, Rejure Cream—often referred to as the “Salmon Injection Cream”—has emerged as the top-selling item.

    Compared to the first week of September, pharmacy category bookings jumped by 44% in the second week. Tourists from Singapore (+121%), Hong Kong (+96%), and Taiwan (+9%) showed sharp increases, while demand from the U.S. market was also recorded, highlighting the growing diversification of global demand.

  • G-Dragon’s ‘818 BLOOM’Pre-Sales Begin Worldwide on September 21

    MTRI Inc. mengumumkan bahwa “818 BLOOM,” hasil kolaborasi antara OXFORD dan PEACEMINUSONE, akan mulai dibuka untuk pre-order global melalui AliExpress pada 21 September pukul 10.00 KST, bertepatan dengan Hari Perdamaian Internasional.

    Produk ini dirancang langsung dengan partisipasi ikon K-pop G-Dragon. Pre-order akan dimulai pada 21 September pukul 10.00 di Korea dan Jepang, 20 September pukul 18.00 di Los Angeles, dan 20 September pukul 21.00 di New York.

    Platform e-commerce “818 BLOOM” melalui AliExpress dirancang khusus untuk memberikan kesempatan pembelian yang adil bagi konsumen di seluruh dunia. Dengan layanan multibahasa di situs global resmi, penggemar di berbagai negara termasuk Prancis dan Spanyol dapat dengan mudah mengakses dan membeli produk tersebut, sehingga meningkatkan aksesibilitas global.

  • BTS V Joins Snow Peak Apparel to Showcase Global K-Fashion Trends

    Premium outdoor brand Snow Peak Apparel has unveiled a new pictorial featuring BTS member V, highlighting the fusion of K-pop and fashion on a global stage.

    The collection, themed “Light Yet Lasting Warmth,” focuses on winter essentials such as lightweight down jackets. V showcases a refined look by pairing the jacket with loose-fit pants and a knit zip-up, effortlessly breaking the boundary between everyday life and outdoor style.

    Through this collaboration, Snow Peak Apparel visually captures its philosophy of “everyday naturalism.” With global artist V at the forefront, the collection transcends ordinary outdoor wear, emerging as a global trend item where K-pop and fashion intersect.

    Meanwhile, following his military discharge, V has been actively engaging with fans while also dedicating himself to his upcoming solo album. His photoshoots and music activities are set to deliver a unique cultural experience that blends Korean fashion with K-pop to fans worldwide.

  • YUQI Celebrates Her 1st Single ‘Motivation’ with Seoul Pop-Up Event

    YUQI from (G)I-DLE is celebrating the release of her first single with a special pop-up event.

    The YUQI 1st Single [Motivation] POP-UP will be held from September 19 to 28 at Samhwa Building in Seongsu, Seoul, designed as a fairy-tale space featuring YUQI’s official character GIGI.

    Fans can explore a wide range of merchandise inspired by the single Motivation — including postcards, photo cards, image pickets, and photo frame keyrings — along with GIGI-themed dolls, keychains, and bag accessories. A special photo zone will also be available for visitors.

    The pop-up will expand globally for international fans, opening in major cities such as Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, and Nanjing from September 19, followed by Hong Kong on September 22 and Taipei on September 25.

  • From Shopping Mall to Urban Playground: Seoul’s Dopamine Station Boom

    Yongsan I’Park Mall in Seoul has transformed from a simple shopping venue into a must-visit “hot place” for Gen Z and international tourists.

    Its 3rd-floor “Dopamine Station,” featuring over 200 gacha (capsule toy) machines, generates monthly sales of 300–400 million KRW, drawing up to 30,000 daily visitors during peak vacation seasons. According to the Korea Tourism Organization, it recently ranked second among Seoul’s top attractions, solidifying its reputation as a K-culture landmark.

    Branded as an “urban playground,” Dopamine Station houses unique shops such as the Nintendo Store, Crayon Shin-chan and Cardcaptor Sakura goods stores, rare plant shops, and mechanical keyboard pop-ups. Visitors can also enjoy the Kirby crane event, Nexon’s first game café, U.S. burger chain Five Guys, and a K-food restaurant inspired by Korean street food, making it equally appealing to international guests.

    Its strong SNS buzz has amplified its popularity, with official account views up 80% year-on-year and 70% of visitors in their 20s and 30s. No longer just a mall, it has become a cultural, gaming, and culinary experience space unique to Korea — and is set to continue rising as a global K-lifestyle destination.