International visitors to South Korea opened their wallets wider last year, and importantly, their spending is no longer concentrated solely in Seoul. New data suggests that tourism-driven consumption is increasingly benefiting regional economies across the country. More Visitors, Faster Spending Growth According to figures released by Orange Square, the company behind the foreigner-exclusive payment platform… Continue reading Foreign Tourist Spending in Korea Jumps 30% — And It’s Expanding Beyond Seoul
Category: Sports
How K-pop Turned Lore Into a Production System
In K-pop, idols aren’t just performers — they can be superheroes, vampires, pirates or digital avatars living inside carefully constructed fictional worlds. What began as playful storytelling has gradually evolved into something far more strategic. Over the past decade, lore in K-pop has shifted from creative embellishment to an organized production framework that connects music,… Continue reading How K-pop Turned Lore Into a Production System
Canada and United States Open Olympic Ice Hockey Campaigns with Convincing Wins in Milan
Two of the leading contenders for Olympic gold wasted little time asserting themselves on the ice in Milan, as Canada and the United States each began their men’s hockey tournaments with decisive victories on Thursday. Playing in front of an energized crowd at the Santagiulia Arena, Canada delivered a commanding 5-0 shutout over the Czech… Continue reading Canada and United States Open Olympic Ice Hockey Campaigns with Convincing Wins in Milan
What to Know About the Upcoming Winter Olympics
The world’s attention is turning once again to winter sports as the next Winter Olympic Games approach, promising two weeks of elite competition, global spectacle and renewed debate about the future of large-scale sporting events. The Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, set to take place in Italy, will mark the return of the Games to the… Continue reading What to Know About the Upcoming Winter Olympics
Top 5 Longevity Habits People in Blue Zones Swear By
Around the world, a handful of communities stand out for one remarkable reason: residents regularly live into their 90s and beyond with good health and vitality. Researchers studying these areas — known as Blue Zones — have identified common lifestyle habits that appear to support long, healthy lives. From Okinawa to Sardinia, Nicoya to Ikaria,… Continue reading Top 5 Longevity Habits People in Blue Zones Swear By
Can China Turn Around Its Demographic Freefall?
Madison, Wisconsin — China’s latest population data has delivered another stark reminder of the scale of its demographic challenge. The country recorded just 7.92 million births in 2025, down sharply from 9.54 million the year before. That figure is not only far below recent expectations, but also barely more than half of the 14 million-plus… Continue reading Can China Turn Around Its Demographic Freefall?
Jennie Marks Milestone Birthday Amid Buzz Over Party Footage
BLACKPINK’s Jennie recently gave fans a glimpse into her 30th birthday celebration, sharing photos and a brief message of thanks that quickly reignited online conversations surrounding the event. On Wednesday, the singer uploaded a series of images to her social media accounts, writing simply, “Thank you for celebrating my birthday.” The photos capture moments from… Continue reading Jennie Marks Milestone Birthday Amid Buzz Over Party Footage
Just Between You and Me: Gender and Pronouns in Japanese
In modern English, pronouns have taken on a significance far beyond simple grammar. Asking someone which pronouns they use can reveal how they see themselves — and, increasingly, where they stand socially or politically. Words like “he,” “she,” and “they” now function not just as linguistic shortcuts, but as markers of identity. Japanese, however, approaches… Continue reading Just Between You and Me: Gender and Pronouns in Japanese
Cha Jun-hwan and Park Ji-woo Selected as Korea’s Flag Bearers for Winter Olympics
South Korea has chosen two of its most experienced winter sports athletes to lead the national delegation at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy. Figure skater Cha Jun-hwan and speed skater Park Ji-woo were named co-flag bearers for the opening ceremony of the Milan–Cortina Games, the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC) announced Monday. The… Continue reading Cha Jun-hwan and Park Ji-woo Selected as Korea’s Flag Bearers for Winter Olympics
Don’t Let Japan’s Next Winter Storm Catch You Cold
Hidaka, Hokkaido — Japan’s reputation as a powder paradise for skiers can be misleading. While the country’s mountain resorts are famous for their deep, dry snow, winter storms in Japan are by no means confined to high elevations. In fact, some of the most disruptive snowfall each year occurs in cities, coastal towns and residential… Continue reading Don’t Let Japan’s Next Winter Storm Catch You Cold