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  • IVE’s Liz and 8seconds Unveil a Fairytale-Inspired FW Collection

    Samsung C&T’s casual brand 8seconds has joined hands with IVE member Liz to launch its Fall/Winter (FW) season collaboration.

    By featuring Liz—a Gen Z fashion icon—as its model, 8seconds aims to boost brand recognition and expand its customer base to women in their 20s and 30s.

    The first unveiled content also presented collaboration pieces with designer MINJUKIM, a global fashion creator celebrated for winning the H&M Design Award, finishing as runner-up in the LVMH Young Designer Prize, and winning Netflix’s Next in Fashion.

    Inspired by a rose garden, the collection fuses fairytale romance with casual sensibilities. It incorporates cross-stitch, wave pleats, and sheer fabrics to create a unique mood. Key pieces include cropped jackets, balloon skirts, floral tulle dresses, graphic T-shirts, embroidered cardigans, and ruffle shirts.

    8seconds shared its anticipation, stating, “Liz’s mysterious charm combined with MINJUKIM’s distinctive sensibility will create a new synergy this season.”

  • Everland Brings Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters” to Life with New Theme Zone

    Everland, operated by Samsung C&T’s Resort Division, will open a new theme zone on September 26 inspired by Netflix’s global hit KPop Demon Hunters.

    The film, which tells the story of a K-pop girl group battling evil spirits against the backdrop of Korean landmarks, has become Netflix’s most-watched movie of all time. Everland brings the world of the film to life with a traditional hanok-style entrance, giant LED screens, and OST highlights such as “Golden” and “Soda Pop.”

    The theme zone is packed with interactive experiences. In the “Huntrix” zone, visitors can enjoy shooting games and whack-a-mole, while the “Lion Boys” zone offers OST lyric challenges and a soul-offering game. A photo zone recreating an idol stage allows fans to capture special memories, and completing stamp missions will reward guests with character-themed souvenirs.

    Food and merchandise options are equally diverse. At the “Lion Boys Snack Bar,” visitors can enjoy Korean street foods like ramen and kimbap, alongside group-themed menus and 38 limited-edition items. Notably, panda x Duffy costume dolls, as well as dedicated face-painting and dress-up areas, are expected to be especially popular with fans.

  • BIGBANG Returns for 20th Anniversary with Coachella 2026 Performance

    BIGBANG is set to make a spectacular comeback as their first step into their 20th anniversary year, taking the stage at the world’s biggest music festival, Coachella 2026.

    According to the official lineup announced on the 16th (local time), BIGBANG will perform on April 12 and 19 at Coachella’s main stage in Indio, California, presenting a global performance that encapsulates their two-decade musical journey.

    This comeback goes beyond a simple stage return—it is seen as a symbolic message from one of K-pop’s most iconic groups to the global music market. With G-DRAGON, Taeyang, and Daesung reuniting under the name BIGBANG, the moment is expected to reaffirm K-pop’s cultural influence. Sharing the lineup with global stars such as Justin Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter, and Karol G, BIGBANG’s presence will stand out even more.

    Marking their 20th anniversary with a Coachella comeback, BIGBANG’s performance is anticipated to open a new chapter in K-pop history. Fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting not only this stage but also the group’s upcoming anniversary projects and future activities.

  • Vegan-Certified POINT Mascara Remover Sells 50,000 Units Nationwide

    The cleansing brand POINT’s “Deep Clean Quick Mascara Remover” became a hit at Daiso, selling out all 50,000 units both online and offline.

    Launched in June, the product quickly gained attention on social media for offering “performance comparable to high-end brands” at a “reasonable price.” Within three weeks, Daiso Mall sold out, and by early September, the entire supply was gone.

    With its smudge-free gel texture and comb-type applicator, it effectively removes even waterproof mascara while being gentle on the eyes. Priced at just 5,000 KRW, it also includes moisturizing and nourishing ingredients for lash care. Certified by the Korea Vegan Certification Institute, the product resonates with the growing trend of value-driven consumption.

    A brand representative said, “By focusing on vegan certification and skin irritation tests, we saw an enthusiastic response, especially among Gen Z consumers,” adding that a second stock was quickly replenished after the initial sell-out.

    This success highlights how affordable pricing and reliable product quality strongly appeal to younger consumers.

  • Busan International Film Festival Celebrates 30th Anniversary with 10 Days of Cinema

    The 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) has officially begun, launching a 10-day celebration of cinema.

    This year’s festival features 241 official selections from 64 countries, along with 87 community screenings and 32 neighborhood screenings. Among them are 90 world premieres, offering audiences an exceptionally diverse lineup.

    For the first time in its history, BIFF introduces an official competition section, showcasing 14 major works from Asia. The newly established Busan Award will honor winners across five categories: Grand Prize, Best Director, Jury Prize, Best Actor, and Artistic Contribution. Park Chan-wook’s much-anticipated film I Can’t Help It has been chosen as the opening title, while the closing film will be the Grand Prize winner of the Busan Award.

    The 2025 Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) will run from September 20 to 23 at BEXCO Hall 2 and online. New programs such as InnoAsia (linking innovative technology with the film industry), The A (a leadership platform), Doc Square (documentary co-production platform), and the ACF Co-Production Fund will debut, creating a hub for exploring the future of Asia’s film and content industry.

  • Small Luxuries, Big Sales: How Korea’s 2030 Generation Is Spending

    Despite economic downturns, the “lipstick effect” — consumers seeking small luxuries for happiness — is expanding into high-end cosmetics, niche perfumes, and premium haircare.

    Shinsegae International reports that premium niche perfume brand Ex Nihilo saw sales surge 120% this year, with over 60% of buyers in their 20s and 30s. Other second-generation niche perfume brands, such as France’s Memo Paris, are also posting double-digit annual growth. Luxury cosmetic brands are booming as well, with Dolce & Gabbana Beauty sales up 157% this year.

    Haircare is joining the “small luxury” trend. Italian brand Davines saw its 120,000 KRW shampoo rank No.1 in sales, with revenue up 42% and 75% of buyers from the MZ generation. Likewise, Oribe, known as the “Chanel of shampoos,” is enjoying strong demand for its 280,000 KRW shampoos and hair oils.

    Industry experts believe this premium consumption trend will continue, driven by younger consumers who value rarity and individuality.

  • From Cosmos Waves to Pink Muhly Mist: Autumn Magic at Dangnam-ri Island

    Dangnam-ri Island in Yeoju has transformed into a floral wonderland, blanketed with vibrant cosmos and dreamy pink muhly, signaling the peak of autumn.

    Located just about an hour’s drive from Seoul, the island floats on the Namhan River and currently showcases the Seoul metro area’s largest autumn garden. With no entrance or parking fees, it’s an accessible and inviting escape.

    Visitors are first greeted by vast fields of pink muhly, resembling a pink haze against the river backdrop — an instant photo hotspot. Venturing deeper, a breathtaking 1.16 million㎡ sea of cosmos awaits, offering the sensation of being completely immersed in blossoms. Pathways allow for strolls and photography without harming the flowers, while traditional huts and zelkova trees add a uniquely Korean scenic charm.

    Though open year-round for free, the island has little shade, making mornings or late afternoons the best times to visit. On weekends, parking can get crowded, so using the spacious inner parking lots is recommended. While Seoul’s Haneul Park displays the city’s orderly autumn, Dangnam-ri Island provides a more expansive, lyrical autumn in nature.

  • From Seoul to the World: IVE Launches 2nd World Tour

    IVE is set to begin their second world tour, “SHOW WHAT I AM”, starting on October 31.

    On September 15, Starship Entertainment unveiled the official tour poster via social media, confirming the highly anticipated event.

    The first stop will be a three-day concert at Seoul’s KSPO Dome from October 31 to November 2. Fan club pre-sales open on the 22nd, with general ticket sales starting on the 25th via Melon Ticket.

    IVE’s first world tour, “SHOW WHAT I HAVE” in 2023, covered 19 countries and 28 cities across Asia, the Americas, Europe, and South America, with 37 shows drawing over 420,000 fans. Despite being their debut tour, they added encore shows and performed at major venues like KSPO Dome and Tokyo Dome, proving their global ticket power.

    This year, their music activities have also been remarkable. Their 3rd mini-album IVE EMPATHY achieved a “perfect all-kill” on domestic charts with the pre-release track REBEL HEART, while the title track ATTITUDE brought them 15 music show wins. Their 4th mini-album IVE SECRET solidified their dominance with XOXZ topping all three major Korean broadcast music shows.

    With such momentum, IVE’s 2nd world tour is expected to further expand their global success story.

  • Discover 25FW Trends at 29CM’s Fashion Week, From Bohemian to Sporty

    Select shop 29CM is hosting 29 Fashion Week from September 15 to 28, presenting the latest Fall/Winter 25 collections.

    The event features new arrivals from over 400 domestic and international brands, including popular designer labels among women in their 20s and 30s such as Mango Many Please, Monoha, Low Classic, Oor, and Umare. Each day, about 60 brands will unveil new products and steady sellers with special benefits.

    Highlights include a New Product Experience Program offering free trials from 100+ brands, as well as an Nth Reorder Collection showcasing seasonal bestsellers at a glance.

    29CM will also present styling proposals reflecting this year’s FW trends, including mocha-mousse looks, bohemian looks, sporty styles, and work-and-formal outfits.

    Shoppers can enjoy discounts of up to 50,000 KRW and personalized recommendations. In addition, the 29LIVE broadcast series will be expanded to 10 sessions, streaming real-time introductions of new items from popular brands.

  • Cooking, Time Travel, and Romance: “Tyrant’s Chef” Captivates Viewers

    The tvN weekend drama “Tyrant’s Chef”, starring YoonA, has set a new personal ratings record, continuing its upward momentum.

    Episode 8, aired on the 14th, recorded a metropolitan household average of 15.8% (peaking at 18.1%) and a nationwide household average of 15.4% (peaking at 17.4%), securing the No.1 spot across all channels in its time slot, according to Nielsen Korea.

    In the drama, YoonA plays Yeon Ji-Young, a chef who time-slips from the present day into the past, where she encounters the tyrant Lee Heon (played by Lee Chae-Min). Their romantic comedy storyline has heightened viewers’ immersion each week.

    Performing her cooking scenes without a stand-in, YoonA has been praised for her delicate expressions and steady acting, which enhance the believability of her character. As the series progresses, the romance and tension continue to build, boosting both popularity and ratings.