The Everyday Presence of Japanese Idols in K-Pop

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A New Face of Hallyu The Deepening Bond: K-Pop and Japan K-pop and Japan share a uniquely close relationship. Japan is not only Korea’s nearest neighbor but also the world’s second-largest music market, making it a crucial target for entertainment agencies. Over the years, various diplomatic shifts between the two countries have significantly influenced the … Read more

Netflix Global Trends 2025

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Non-English Content Reshapes Streaming Dominance Introduction: New Dynamics in Streaming Netflix’s 2025 mid-year engagement report signals a significant shift in global streaming preferences, highlighting a wave of non-English content—especially from the UK, South Korea, and Scandinavia—now dominating viewership. With detailed tracking of hours viewed and views, the data from January to June 2025 offers a … Read more

Google’s YouTube Premium Lite Launches in Korea

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What It Means and Why It Matters Introduction: A New Era for YouTube Subscriptions in Korea Google has announced the upcoming launch of YouTube Premium Lite in Korea, a move that signals a major shift in the video streaming market. This separate tier will deliver ad-free viewing without YouTube Music, designed explicitly to address growing … Read more

Life as a K-pop Trainee Begins at Hagwon

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Introduction: The Unique World of K-pop Training Academies Korea’s private academies, known as hagwons, are famous for their intense academic preparation. Yet, beyond math and English, some hagwons are the starting point for future K-pop stars. These academies are where dreams of stardom begin, blending rigorous training with the hopes of making it big in … Read more

The Crossroads of the K-Drama Industry

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Building a Symbiotic Future Introduction The Korean drama industry is experiencing a pivotal moment as it navigates the challenges and opportunities presented by global streaming services. Industry experts and leaders are calling for significant reforms to ensure the sustainability and continued global influence of Korean content. This article explores the current state of the K-drama … Read more