South Korea 2017- A Year in Review

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Korea International School

South Korea 2017 was a significant year marked by various political, diplomatic, and social developments throughout the nation. From the election of a new president to the emergence of new fashion trends, we can witness the way South Korea experienced numerous revolutionary changes. Join us as we embark on this journey to explore South Korea in 2017, a year that left an indelible mark on the country’s landscape and culture.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the year 2017 in South Korea:

What is the most popular movie in South Korea in 2017?

One of the most popular movies in South Korea in 2017 was titled “The Battleship Island.” This movie was directed by Ryoo Seung-wan and told the historical story of an attempted escape of Korean workers from Hashima Island during the Japanese occupation of Korea in World War II. This  film was immensely successful and received widespread recognition domestically and internationally.

What was the most popular Korean drama in 2017?

The most popular Korean drama in 2017 was “Goblin.” Starring Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun, Lee Dong-wook, Yoo In-na, and Yook Sung-jaehis, this drama gained immense popularity internationally.

Who was Miss Korea in 2017, and who represented South Korea in the Miss Universe pageant?

The winner of Miss Korea in 2017 was Seo Jae-won. In 2017, the representative of South Korea in the Miss Universe pageant was Cho Se-Whee.

What were the three most popular films in Korea in 2017?

 In 2017, the three most popular films in South Korea were “The Outlaws,” “Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds,” and “A Taxi Driver.” These three films were immensely successful among the public and gained immense recognition.

What was the Korean population in 2017?

According to the Korean Statistical Information Service, the Korean population during 2017 was approximately 51 million people.

What was the Korean GDP in 2017?

In 2017, the GDP in South Korea was approximately 1.62 trillion US dollars, according to the Bank of Korea. Furthermore, the average salary in 2017 across South Korea was approximately 38,000,000 Korean Won per year according to the Korean Statistical Information Service.

What were the Korean public holidays in 2017?

Some of the major holidays in South Korea in 2017 include: New Year’s Day Sinjeong(January 1, 2017), Lunar New Year’s Day Seolla(January 27, 2017), Independence Movement Day Samiljeol(March 1, 2017), Buddha’s Birthday Seokga Tasinil (May 3, 2017), Liberation Day Gwangbokjeol(August 15, 2017), Chuseok(October 3-5, 2017), Hangeul Day(October 9, 2017), and Christmas Day Sungtanjeol(December 25, 2017). Among all the public holidays, Chuseok is the most widely known and celebrated. 

Who was the President of South Korea in 2017?

The President of South Korea in 2017 was Moon Jae-in. He was the 12th President of South Korea and took office on May 10, 2017 after the impeachment of Park Geun-hye.

Take a look at some of the significant events in South Korea from 2017:

Hottest Trends From The Hera Seoul Fashion Week Korea 2017

korea 2017 seoul fashion week models

In Seoul, the streets are treasure troves of inspiration for everything fashion. The long walkway and infamous stairs of the Dongdaemun Design Plaza became a sensational setting for mini-photo shoots and runways, as young, fashionable fans swarmed the architectural site with one goal in mind – to be seen.

But more than a platform to get a glimpse of what millennial Seoulites are wearing, the 2017 F/W Hera Seoul Fashion Week (held from March 27 to April 1) set the agenda for styles which will fill the closets of trend-loving Koreans, as well as fashion enthusiasts from all over the world. Here are the 10 dominating trends seen on the runways!

1. Bright As Lime

Beyonce was on to something when she was singing about ‘em lemonades. If last F/W season was all about minimalist, classic, and sporty styles, this year is quite the opposite.

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Lime, a surprising color emerged on the scene not just in hints and small details, but in matching outfits that can be seen from afar.

Studio K proves that yes, men can wear yellow lime as a crisp polo and pants combo, while YCH’s interpretation is a dressy silk number with a pleated skirt.

2. The BIGGER The Better

If you hate looking like Michelin man every winter, this season’s designs make the cold weather just a little bit more bearable with oversized and fun-colored puffer jackets as seen from Supercomma B.

3. Draw The Lines

Vertical, horizontal, squares, you name it – this year’s F/W trends have it. At Seoul Fashion Week, stripes never go out of style, but it has embraced a new twist. You can wear it in different ways:  as Demoo’s coat, JARRET’s slinky, shiny knits, or YCH’s high neck collar.

Summer Music Festivals  To Experience In Korea 2017

summer festival in korea 2017

Seoul World DJ Festival | May 13 – 14

EDM lovers that are itching to jump into festival season, this is for you. Starting off soon is one of the biggest EDM festivals in Korea. Just like the name suggests, you’ll be seeing a number of DJs from around the world, including the big names like Alan Walker, Mike Perry, and Zeds Dead.

Seoul Jazz Festival | May 27 – 28

You can probably tell straight off the bat that this one’s for those big on jazz. The Seoul Jazz Festival is a two-day fest that takes place at Seoul Olympic Park. Happening annually since 2007, you can catch some of the big names here. This year, festival goers can look forward to seeing headliners Jamiroquai, Dianne Reeves, Honne, among a score of others. You can check out the full lineup and more information on their Facebook Page or their Website.

Ultra Music Festival Korea | June 10 – 11

If you’re big into EDM, chances are you’ve already heard of this one. This festival is a branch off the original, taking place in the biggest cities with the biggest DJs. For Seoul, it’s no exception.

Held at Seoul Olympic Stadium, previous years have seen superstar DJs like Avicii, Armin van Buuren, Afrojack, and Martin Garrix. Phase one lineup has recently been released and, this year will be no different with Alesso, Dash Berlin, Hardwell, Steve Angello, among plenty more.

Seoul Soul Festival | September 16 – 17

EDM or rock not your thing? No big. For all of you R&B, soul, and hip hop lovers, Seoul Soul Festival is where it’s at. As one of the largest festivals of its kind in Asia, the Seoul Soul Festival have hit the nation’s capital with headliners Maxwell, Tyga, Ty Dolla $ign, and BJ the Chicago Kid last year.

Seoul’s Not-To-Miss Events For Halloween Korea 2017

Wolfhound Quiz Night Korea 2017

There will be a quiz night hosted by the Irish Association of Korea. Both Koreans and expats are welcome to enjoy the Halloween themed pub quiz.

Not only Halloween related questions, but also different subjects will be covered on the night, so this will be a chance to brush up on your knowledge. All teams are capped at a maximum of 4 people, and the entrance fee is 20,000 won per team.

There will be cash prizes and spot prizes throughout the night. The person wearing the best costume will win a prize as well, but if it feels frightful, you do not need to worry about costumes. It is all about having a joyful time, so don’t be stressed about quiz scores. For Irish people, this event will help them beat homesickness, and others can learn about Irish culture and make Irish friends.

Seoul City Improv Performance Korea 2017

If you’re looking for a scary Halloween plus a whole new experience, this will work for you. Standing on stage with no script! What could be scarier than that?

Seoul City Improv (SCI), Seoul’s first and only improv comedy troupe in English, is hosting a monthly show on Saturday, Oct 28th at 8 pm.

Playing games, singing and creating unbelievable scenes, actors on the stage will present to you a completely unique world filled with unexpectedness. While some actors strive to come up with ideas, stories and next scenes spontaneously, other actors’ unplanned and hilarious performances will make you laugh and blow your mind.

They say it’s BYOB or BYOF, so you can bring your own booze or friend. Their theater has a friendly and casual atmosphere, and the audience members are encouraged to participate in the performance. However, that does not mean the actors pull you up on stage, so there is no need to be nervous at all. Actually, being alive is kind of an improvisation, so there should be nothing to be scared.

Tickets are 5,000 won and are available at the door. The​ ​location​ ​is Korea​ ​Improv​ ​Theater,​ near ​Sookmyeong Women’s​ ​University​ ​station,​ ​exit​ ​8.

Seoul Players Rocky Horror Shadowcast Korea 2017

This year, it is directed by Makrenna Sterdan, produced by Chris Zaczek, and choreographed by Sydney Langford, and there will be a few other surprises as well. Plus, the burlesque group Starlight Productions will preview their upcoming Star Wars-themed show, “The Rule of Two,” which adds uniqueness to this year’s production.

As it is a mixture of horror, comedy, sexual liberation, science fiction, and craziness, the Rocky Horror appeals to a broad range of performers and audiences alike. By defying the society’s norm as well as accepting the sexual difference, the show encourages people to discover their potential.

The shows are held at Freebird in Hongdae and have 3 options to choose: 10 pm on Friday, Oct 27, and 9 pm and midnight on Saturday, Oct 28. It is always sold out, so it’s better to arrive early. Tickets are 10,000 won and are available at the door. Audience members are encouraged to come in costume and the best dresser will be given prizes.

Grabbing The Hottest Fashion This Season At NONAGON Korea 2017

Recently we are seeing a rising popularity of street wear and unisex clothing. That’s why the brand NONAGON launched by YG and Samsung C&T catches our eye for a cool and fashionable look. So if you are searching for a bomber jacket, sweat set-up, snapback or backpack you found the right place.

Having an outlet here in Itaewon allows it to stand out as one of the hottest up and coming clothing brands available. They define their own target as Wild & Young street enthusiasts that contain women’s wear, mens wear and accessories. Such worldwide celebrities as Nick Jonas, G-Dragon, CL and Taeyang are already enjoy wearing their clothes, and their main models are new generation YG singers Lisa (Black Pink) and Bobby (iKON).

Their latest SS2017 collection is inspired by the movie «ENTER THE VOID». Dreamlike image of the city landscape and psychedelic moods infused as the neon colors, typographies, studs and sequins to reinterpret the concept.

SIWA Hosts Largest International Fundraising Event In Seoul Korea 2017

SIWA BAZAAR 2017

The much awaited SIWA and Diplomatic Community Bazaar (the “Bazaar”), hosted by Seoul International Women’s Association (SIWA) is almost here and you wouldn’t want to miss it. The Bazaar, themed ‘Share Culture, Share Love, Share Life’, is sure to be a memorable one.

The Bazaar is one of the largest international fundraising events in Seoul. Six of the seven continents were represented at last year’s Bazaar through their respective constituent countries’ ethnic cuisines, unique products, ranging from exquisite Persian rugs to deeply discounted imported wines, and various cultural artifacts. Visitors can enter a chance to win fantastic Raffle prizes from many different stores, restaurants and spas.

All proceeds generated by SIWA from the event will be donated to over 20 Korean charities, enabling them to serve the Korean community better, be it orphan children, homeless or disabled individuals or senior citizens.

National South Korean Holidays Korea 2017

south korean holiday celebrations korea 2017

Few countries can top South Korea when it comes to its workaholic culture. But as much as Koreans know how to work hard, they know how to play hard. You can easily witness this through their unbeatable nightlife, their 24 hour everythings, their seemingly endless supply of places to go and things to do.

In celebration of the upcoming new year, 10mag presents to you the national South Korean holidays of 2017. Listed below are the “red days” (빨간날) of the new year (called such because they’re marked in red on Korean calendars).

DateDayHoliday NameType of Holiday
Jan 1SundayNew Year’s Day (뉴이어스 데이)National Holiday
Jan 27FridaySeollal (설날)National Holiday
Jan 28SaturdaySeollal (설날)National Holiday
Jan 30MondaySeollal (설날)National Holiday
Mar 1WednesdayMarch 1st Movement (삼일절)National Holiday
May 1MondayLabour Day (근로가의 날)Bank Holiday
May 3WednesdayBuddha’s Birthday (석가탄신일)National Holiday
May 5FridayChildren’s Birthday (어린이날)National Holiday
Jun 6TuesdayMemorial Day (현충일)National holiday
Aug 15TuesdayLiberation Day (광복절)National holiday
Oct 3TuesdayMid-Autumn Festival(추석) & National Foundation Day (개천절) National holiday
Oct 4WednesdayMid-Autumn Festival  (추석)National holiday
Oct 5ThursdayMid-Autumn Festival (추석)National holiday
Oct 6FridayMid-Autumn Festival (추석)National holiday
Oct 9MondayHangul Day (한글날)National holiday
Dec 25MondayChristmas Day (크리스마스)National holiday

Culture Shock in Korea: Q&A with John Bocskay Korea 2017

“John Bocskay is a Busan based writer who has been living and working in South Korea since 1998. ‘Culture Shock! Korea’, a guide to Korean culture, customs, and etiquette, is his first book.”

Korea is a melting pot of the modern and the traditional: a fast paced city that lives by a sometimes difficult to navigate code of customs. With 2,034,878 foreign residents in 2016, Korea’s expat community is growing rapidly, and culture shock in Korea is a very real thing. which is where author John Bocskay’s expertise comes in.

Any seasoned traveller will tell you that the best part of travelling is immersion. Korea especially is best experienced when you are living, working, and playing amongst the locals.

One of the best resources available for foreigners are cultural guidebooks, such as the Culture Shock! series. Culture Shock! Korea outlines how to understand and apply Korean cultural customs, as well as imparting practical information for how to make the most of your time in Korea.

John Bocskay, the author of Culture Shock! Korea, shared with us his experiences with culture shock and the importance of immersion when living in Korea as a foreigner.

What sort of culture shock have you personally experienced in Korea 2017?

The term culture “shock”: a lightning-bolt moment where you’re suddenly baffled or stunned? I think of the first time I heard a loudspeaker truck selling squid at eight in the morning, or the time I saw an ajumma (married/of married age woman) smack a young cop with no real repercussions. Moments like that do give you that ‘you’re-not-in-Kansas-anymore-Dorothy!’ kind of feeling. Those things do happen.

More often though, I’ve found that culture shock is more subtle – more of a pervasive feeling that my norms are out of step with those of the people around me. It’s an awareness that you’re not sure how to interpret people’s behavior, or how to conduct yourself in a new environment.

I figured it out eventually, but until I did, it added a new element of uncertainty and stress to social encounters that I had never thought twice about before. For example, the worry that I was inadvertently offending someone because I wasn’t sure how to address them properly.

What would be your advice to people coming to Korea if you had to boil it down to three things?

Educate yourself:

As an expat, there’s a lot you need to learn in a fairly short time, from simple things like how to take a bus, throw out your trash, and open a bank account. Then there’s the more complex stuff like conducting yourself in a work environment, dating, observing holiday rituals, and so on. Learning as much as you can, whether it be from reading guides, talking to experienced friends and colleagues, or just paying close attention to what’s going on around you, is very helpful.

Make Korean friends:

Your experience of any country is enriched by having local friends, and that’s perhaps true to an even greater degree in Korea. There is a strong positive value in Korean culture placed on maintaining a variety of social relationships, whether they be personal, professional, familial, or what-have-you. My advice would be to get to know people, and moreover, to invest time in developing real friendships- no matter if you intend to be here for a few weeks or a few years.

Be open to change:

Living abroad can be a transformative experience, wherein you can become a richer, more fully-realized version of the person you already are. The thing to remember is that these kinds of changes don’t happen simply as a result of putting a few thousand miles between you and your hometown. It’s an active process that requires you to be open to new experiences, and be willing to reflect on them. In other words, it requires some effort. To me, opening yourself up and growing as a person is really what it’s all about.

The Cutest Hypebabies of Seoul Fashion Futures (SFF) Korea 2017

They may be the small and young, but these kids are definitely not short on fashion

Spotted on the runway: a throng of models wearing the latest trends, with their hair all-fluffed out and with faux freckles on fleek, gliding confidently and striking calculated poses. The crowd goes wild and the clicks of the camera sounded even louder than the energetic music.

The models looked like they’ve been doing it all their lives—except that instead of towering six feet tall men and women with oftentimes nonchalant faces, the object of everyone’s gaze were little kids whose average heights range from 35 to 50 inches.

Three to six-year-old girls and boys strutted like pros, some fully aware of the attention they’re getting, while others were probably a bit clueless about all the fuss. Nonetheless, it was clear: these little tots may be small, but they’re the coolest kids in this side of town.

This is what “Seoul Fashion Futures” wants to show the world: that the ones who have the most potential in fashion are not really the household names and mainstays of magazines—it’s the young ones that hold all the promise.

Held at the G-15 Sonnendeck in the rooftop of Itaewon last October 26, the Seoul Fashion Futures (SFF) staged its very first children’s fashion show with fashion enthusiasts, photographers, children’s wear designers in attendance, and of course, the eager stage moms.

After the Seoul Fashion Week’s conclusion, SFF couldn’t have started its runway at a more auspicious time. The seniors and fashion pros have gotten their time on the limelight, and now, the focus is on these juniors whose after-runway schedule probably includes nap time and a bottle of milk.

Emerging Group In Fashion

It’s no question why the world is looking at Seoul for the latest fashion, pop culture, music, beauty, and K-dramas. Just look around the street and you’ll find that there’s no shortage of stylish couples or youths wearing the latest gear from low-priced to high-end brands. All eyes were on them, until recently, kids as young as two years old to their pre-teens were emerging as stylish stars.

This phenomenon can seen outside Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), where the week-long fashion shows were held. It started with a couple of moms dressing up their kids and taking photos of them for their own personal Instagram accounts, until the trend caught on and soon several other moms started following suit. Street style photographers started directing their cameras down on these toddlers, whose ensembles include highly coveted sports brands such as Nike, Adidas, Supreme, and the like.

The 18th World Barista Championship Coming To Seoul Korea 2017

The 2017 World Barista Championship (WBC) is coming to Seoul for the first time ever. Coffee lovers in Seoul can experience this event first hand. Although it may not be expected, Seoul has long been known as one of the greatest coffee cities in the world, with its rapid development of specialty cafes.

This year, Korea’s representative barista can prove his passion for the art of coffee-making along with other international competitors at the 2017 WBC which will be held at COEX in Seoul from November 9-12. This is only the second time the WBC will be coming to Asia; the first and last time was in 2007 when the event was held in Tokyo, hosted by Seoul Int’l Cafe Show.

What is the World Barista Championship?

The annual WBC is produced by World Coffee Events (WCE) and marked its beginning in 2000, held in Monaco. As the world’s premier coffee competition, the best baristas from all over the world compete to express their skill and creativity in their espresso creations.

he competition is set in 3 rounds: the preliminary, semi-final, and final. Each competitor gives a 15-minute stage performance where they create espresso, milk beverages, and a creative signature beverage. Certified judges strictly evaluate based on a total of 719 points.

For the signature beverage, baristas get wildly creative, using special techniques using smoke guns, creating new flavors with vacuum tables, and making their own concoctions with distillers. You can definitely expect the WBC to be full of surprises and excitement.

How did the WBC begin?

While people all over the world claim their love for coffee, many do not see the years of training and skill required to create a flawless cup of espresso. The WBC was especially produced to advance the profession of the barista. By allowing champions to claim the title of ambassador of specialty coffee for one year, the WBC has helped these talented baristas to be recognized globally.

What can I expect at the Seoul WBC?

The 2017 Seoul WBC will definitely be an event to watch out for as it will bring new, exciting elements to the championship. With its host partner, Cafe Show Seoul, and title sponsor, Ediya Coffee, the WBC will bring the most skilled barista champions from more than 60 nations to compete in Seoul.

Taking place in COEX from November 9-12, Seoul will be at the center of attention for coffee lovers all over the world. An estimated number of 140,000 attendees and 120,000 international viewers online will watch this event.

There is an exciting new format starting from this year. Previously, competitors had a set station layout to present their beverages to the judges, but the new format will let them choose the seating and table arrangement. This gives the baristas more freedom and creativity in expression.

Historically, only one South Korean competitor has made it to the final round. Barista Lee Jong Hoon placed 5th in 2009 in Atlanta. Some other placements include Kim Sa Hong (18th) in 2016 Dublin, Kim Jin Kyu (8th) in 2013 Melbourne, and Choi Hyun Sun (7th) in 2011 Bogota. You can check out all the previous results here.

Mexican Navy Ship “Cuauhtémoc” Visits Busan Korea 2017

The Cruise Training Ship “Cuauhtémoc” of the Mexican Navy will visit Busan, from 28 August 28 to 1 September.

Cuauhtémoc, also known as “The Knight of the Seas”, takes the final turns on the fourth trip of circumnavigation in history, which began in February from the port of Acapulco and will last 289 days. The trip includes visits to 15 ports in 12 allied countries, including Panama, USA, Spain, Italy, Greece, Egypt, India, Singapore, Philippines, China, South Korea, and Japan.

The emblematic embarkation of The Cruise of Instruction 2017 holds the purpose of celebrating the “Centennial of the Constitution” and 35 years of diffusing a message of friendship between the Mexican population and the world. The visit of the Cuauhtémoc to Korea is especially relevant due to commemoration of the Centenary of the Political Constitution of the United States of Mexico and the 55th anniversary of the establishment in diplomatic relations between Mexico and South Korea.

KakaoMap App Now Has English Language Support Feature Korea 2017

Popular Korean navigation app KakaoMap has recently undergone an update adding an English Language support feature. KakaoMap adding this English Language support feature is great in providing navigation to those in Korea who are unfamiliar with the Korean language: whether that be expats, tourists or otherwise.

In KakaoMap you can now change your preferred language from Korean to English, and search for locations in English. Kakao have been slowly integrating English accessibility into many of their apps, from their free messaging app, to their rideshare app.

How to Add the KakaoMap English Language Feature

(Note: when you first download the app, it will automatically be set to Korean. See below for instructions on how to change the Settings in your KakaoMap app to English.)

 1 . Via ‘Menu’, Find ‘Settings’

2 . Once in Settings, find ‘App Settings’ then ‘Language’

3 . Change Language from ‘Korean’ to ‘English’

How It Works

So once you have changed your App Settings to be in English, you will notice the user interface of the KakaoMap App is now in English. This is useful for looking at the Subway Map (now in English), changing various Settings in the App with ease, and adding Favorites (e.g. Home, Work) into your navigation system.

Another big change for the app is that you can now search for places in English. For instance, if you are looking for a Starbucks, or a 7/11, or if you want directions to a place (e.g. Itaewon), you can now type what you need into the search bar and KakaoMap will generate the results for you.

While you can search in the App using English, the results that are provided to you are in Hangeul. Below the Hangeul, the App shows an approximate distance away and you can select a walking, public transport, cycling or driving route.

Another useful feature is one that pops up if you press on the Search Bar. There are a number of choices, ‘Food’, ‘Subway’, ‘Bank’ and ‘Coffee’ to name a few. If you select any of these, a list will pop up with the nearest places under this category. So if you and a friend cannot decide where to eat, why not try your luck with this KakaoMap feature?

KakaoMap is free to download for both iOS and Android devices on the App Store and Google Play.

Kakao Maps Adds Biking Directions Feature Korea 2017

While Seoul’s transportation system is legendary for its convenience, you probably didn’t know about its biking services. Now, thanks to Kakao Maps, you can hop on your bike and skip the bus or subway!

The improved bicycle feature includes three services to improve your ride: priority bike route, shortest route, and most comfortable route. It also comes with a calorie burn meter, so you can track how much exercise you’re getting.

Note: Kakao Maps is available in both English and Korean; free of charge. It’s currently available for Apple and Android products. However, please note that only Android users can use the English version. If your language settings are already set to English, the app will automatically download the English version. For information on how to rent bikes in Seoul, check out this article.

Priority Bike Route

Priority Bike Route lets you plan your trip using roads specifically designated for cyclists. The pink lines displayed on the map represent the available bike paths.

However, it’s important to note that many bike paths also contain intersections, where unwary pedestrians may linger. Take care to always be on alert, even on a bike path.

The most popular route for cyclists is located along the Han River, where cars and other vehicles are forbidden. Unfortunately, you will still find that pedestrians occasionally wander onto these paths as well.

Shortest Route

This option gives you the shortest route to your destination; ignoring bike paths. As a result, many of the roads will be streets full of cars and pedestrians. The blue lines on the map will be your guide for these routes.

Note: Seoul has many alleys and narrow streets, it’s important to be extra alert when biking on regular roads. Hospitality is not common amongst Korean drivers and many will not yield; especially to bicycles.

The final feature offers routes with the lowest elevation levels. Since Seoul is very hilly, many roads tend to have steep inclines. This option will provide alternative routes that bypass difficult terrain.

Just like the “Shortest Route”, the routes with the lowest elevation will be labeled in blue and include regular roads.

Psy Has Been Beaten Korea 2017

It started back in July of 2012 when Psy’s Gangnam Style went up on Youtube and quickly surpassed Justin Bieber’s Baby for the most viewed video ever in November of that year. Soon it forced the video-viewing site to rewrite its code so it could handle more than 2 billion views for a single video. The unexpected international hit made the “horse dance” a craze the world over and inspired thousands of “Insert Subculture Here”-Style remakes.

It held the reign of most-watched video on Youtube for almost 5 years. Almost.

Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth have ended Psy’s reign atop the Youtube views mountain at around the 2.9 billion mark today. Their song from the soundtrack of the 7th incarnation of The Fast and the Furious movie series reflects on the series and the life of its star, Paul Walker, with wistful lyrics like, “We’ve come a long way from where we began. Oh, I’ll tell you all about it when I see you again.” This tortoise overtook Psy’s hare in the over 2 years since its April 2015 release, and has become a staple at funerals around the world.

There’s a new hare on the scene, however, and See You Again‘s reign looks to be short lived. Despacito is on fire, with almost 2.5 billion views since its release 7 months ago today.

Coex Opens A Massive 50,000 Book Library Korea 2017

Starfield Coex Mall just opened a massive library on May 31 with around 50,000 books available. Finding COEX from where I live was fairly easy and then finding the library once I got to COEX was easy as well. I followed the directions and came right to the library in about 10-15 minutes.

The library is surrounded by stores like American Eagles Outfitters, and also has a couple stores inside the library as well. The library is two stories high and books are legit everywhere you look. There are three gigantic wood shelves that go all the way to the ceiling with books filling up the shelves.

The books are separated by the different genres from lifestyle, health, architecture, fiction, and magazines. The best part of this library is that the books are free to read. There are also e-books available through the iPad’s that they have laid out.

To search for a specific book, there are two information desks where you can ask an employee, and there are also computers available for people to freely use to search for specific books.

The purpose of opening this library inside the shopping mall is to provide a place of healing, serenity, and light in the busy life that we live. Desks, and chairs are provided for guests to relax and read. A huge purpose of the library is for the private rooms that they have. These private rooms are available for those who need private spaces for meetings and such inside the mall, making it easy for workers to have meetings close by.

Many events will be coming up for the month of June so be on the look out for these events. There will be small music concerts, panels, poetry readings, and other events just as a grand opening event. On the second floor, there is also a small convenience store for those who want to purchase a small snack.

As this is Korea’s first open library inside a mall, the CEO of Shinsegae Property is hoping that they will attract more people to help bring more life inside COEX.

There is a short video provided if you are interested and also another article provided as well.

Enjoy a nice cup of coffee, with your favorite book, after a long day of shopping here at Starfield Coex Mall’s library.

Rock Out With the Foo Fighters in Seoul Korea 2017

Foo Fighters and Liam Gallagher Come To Seoul Korea 2017

This summer, international rock icons will descend on Seoul to give a thrilling live stage performance. Representing American, British, and Korean rock; Foo Fighters, Liam Gallagher (lead singer of Oasis), and The Monotones will grace the stage for the “Live Forever Long” rock festival. “Live Forever Long” is a combination of the songs “Live Forever” and “Ever Long” by Foo Fighters and Oasis respectively.

Foo Fighters Invade!

With multiple Grammy awards and over 30 million albums sold worldwide, it’s safe to say the Foo Fighters have achieved cult status in the rock world. Founded by former Nirvana member Dave Grohl, Foo Fighters are defined by an alternative grunge sound, when mixed with the charming personality of frontman Grohl, makes for an irresistible listen. Grohl even performed with a broken leg during his last visit to Korea for the 2015 Ansan M-Valley Rock Festival and promised fans he would return; a promise he is about to deliver on.

The Foo Fighters recently released their eighth studio album in 2014, Sonic Highways, and are currently working on their ninth album; scheduled for release in either 2017 or 2018. Their schedule for most of 2017 will consist of recording their album and going on tour.

However, their success is not just limited to album sales. Critics like Pitchfork magazine have described the band as “a consistent hit machine pumping out working-class rock.”

Although they debuted in 1994, the band was embraced the new social media platforms available to them. Their YouTube channel has over 1 million subscribers with over 793 million lifetime views.

Pitbull Is Having His First Ever Concert In Korea 2017

Pitbull In Seoul Korea 2017

GRAMMY® Award-winning multi-platinum international icon, who received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, today releases CLIMATE CHANGE, his the 10th album globally on March 17th via Mr. 305/Polo Grounds Music/RCA Records. CLICK HERE to watch the new video for his new single “Options” feat. Stephen Marley shot on location at Tuff Gong Studios in Kingston, Jamaica.

It was also announced earlier this week that Pitbull will be receiving the first-ever Global Ambassador Award at the 48th Annual Songwriters Hall of Fame induction and award ceremony on June 15th.

“Ten albums, ten times around the world, it’s been an honor,” said Pitbull. “I appreciate and thank the fans for making it possible. See you in 2017. Dale!”

Pitbull to receive the the first-ever global ambassador award at the 48th annual songwriters hall of fame induction and award ceremony on June 15th.

From Mr. 305 to Mr. Worldwide, Armando Christian Perez, aka Pitbull, rose from the streets of Miami to exemplify the American Dream and achieve international success. His relentless work ethic transformed him into a Grammy®-winning global superstar and business entrepreneur.

Along the way, he’s been the subject of specials for CNBC, CNN, CBS, NBC, ABC and more, in addition to appearances on Empire, Shark Tank and Dancing with the Stars. His music has appeared in Men In Black III and The Penguins of Madagascar, and he even had a starring voiceover role in the animated 3D movie Epic.

Pitbull releases his tenth full-length album, Climate Change [Mr. 305, Polo Grounds, RCA Records], on October 28, 2016, after wrapping his second headlining arena run – The Bad Man Tour, named after the Climate Change hit single featuring – and performed on the 2016 Grammy Awards with – singer Robin Thicke, Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry and Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker.

Pitbull continues his ascent in the era of streaming music. On Pandora, for example, his all-time metrics include 3.34 billion streams, 14.5 million stations created and 11.2 million active listeners per month, with “Give Me Everything” his most streamed song at 368 million.

The hustle yielded 2011’s Planet Pit, which debuted at #7 on the Billboard Top 200 and spawned one of the “best-selling singles of all-time”—“Give Me Everything” [feat. Ne-Yo, Afrojack, & Nayer]. The anthem would be his first to top Billboard’s Hot 100 and go RIAA quintuple-platinum, moving over 8 million units globally. Pitbull solidified himself as a superstar entertainer, selling out arenas and stadiums all around the world.

Broadway’s Cinderella Coming To Seoul Korea 2017

The 2013 Broadway’s Cinderella is reborn in Seoul.

The prince is giving a ball! Hear ye! Hear ye! The prince is giving a ball! Do you have your invitation? This autumn, the 2013 Broadway revision of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella is reborn in Seoul!

The musical will be presented by some of the most talented local and expat actors, with a few new twists. The Camarata Music Company, the largest international non-profit music organization in Korea, has been preparing for the show since spring. Now is the time to act!

This musical will surely be more than entertaining for kids. Elaine Snider, who plays the Fairy Godmother, says “It’s the most magical cast, and the show is awesome for kids!” Kids can let their imaginations come alive on the stage, and leave wishing for their own fairy godmother. However, this fantasy is not limited just to kids. Adults alike are invited to enjoy, as they will be brought back to their childhood days of magic and wonder.

While the scenery and costumes will catch your eye, the orchestra’s magnificent playing will capture your ears. The majestic orchestra resonating throughout the theater will pull at your heartstrings. This unforgettable music includes “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible,” “There’s Music in You,” and many other favorites from the original. Music Director Kayne Edwards says “It’s a great opportunity for expats to get immersed in the musical environment in Korea, and for Koreans to enjoy an intercultural production directed by local expats.”

The music will not leave you, but shows will! So, you’d better catch Cinderella before she runs away from the ball again!