Tag: KoreanCulture

  • Nongshim Partners with aespa for Global Shin Ramyeon Campaign

    Nongshim has appointed aespa as the first global ambassador for Shin Ramyeon.
    With this collaboration with a leading global K-pop group, the company aims to promote its global slogan “Spicy Happiness In Noodles” worldwide.

    Nongshim explained that aespa’s image, known for transmitting energy through music, aligns perfectly with the Shin Ramyeon brand values. They also pointed out that aespa has naturally referenced Nongshim products since 2021, which positively influenced the decision.

    The first global Shin Ramyeon advertisement was produced in a music video style, breaking away from the usual format.
    The ad visualizes the unique spicy joy of Shin Ramyeon through aespa’s performance and vocals, showing consumers around the world enjoying the noodles with happiness. The ad’s ‘Shin Ramyeon dance’ adds fun by reinterpreting actions such as opening the ramen package, pouring water, and preparing chopsticks as part of the choreography.

    This advertisement will be digitally distributed mainly in key export markets such as the United States, China, Japan, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

  • 7-Eleven Unveils ‘New Wave Plus’ Store in Myeongdong, Combining K-Pop & K-Food

    7-Eleven has unveiled its upgraded store concept, ‘New Wave Plus,’ in Myeongdong, Seoul, as part of its next-generation franchise model.

    ‘New Wave Plus’ is a new concept store that enhances the experience of K-food and offers a blend of Korean cultural and fun experiences. Myeongdong, a famous tourist hotspot, has been selected as the first location for this concept.

    The Myeongdong store has strengthened the original ‘New Wave’ model by incorporating immersive sensory experiences. The store spans about 110 pyeong (363.63㎡) near exit 8 of Myeongdong Station and features food stations, fashion & beauty, K-Ramen zones, and new participatory content such as a global K-POP fandom zone and K-event zone.

    A pop-up zone selling K-pop idol goods occupies over 10% of the total store space. Additionally, a “Nuguri Ramen Shop” corner created in partnership with Nongshim features instant ramen-making stations decorated with Nuguri character models. Considering the high proportion of foreign tourists (over 70%), the store also includes a space for selling various souvenirs.

    Furthermore, 7-Eleven plans to open the ‘New Wave Myeongdong Daero’ and ‘New Wave Daejeon Lotte’ stores by the end of the month and is planning further openings in non-capital regions later this year.

  • 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.

  • Jazz Returns to the Heart of Seoul: Janus Club Celebrates Reopening in Gwanghwamun

    Korea’s iconic jazz club Janus is entering a new era in Gwanghwamun. After closing its Apgujeong location earlier this year, the club will reopen on September 15, marking its long-awaited return.

    To celebrate, an 8-day festival featuring Korea’s top musicians will take place. On September 20, the highlight “Grand Jam Day” will showcase the essence of jazz through improvisation.

    Founded in 1978 by the late legendary jazz vocalist Park Sung-yeon, Janus has been a symbolic space in Korean jazz history. Despite challenging beginnings, it grew into the root of Korean jazz, hosting both domestic and international stars.

    The area surrounding Janus—Deoksugung Stonewall Road, Jeongdong-gil, and the Anglican Cathedral of Seoul—offers rich cultural charm. For international visitors, a night at Janus means not just enjoying a performance but also experiencing Korean history, emotions, and the vibrant nightlife of Seoul.

  • 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.