[HanCinema's Digest] Culture Corner

Idols stars sign up to promote K-culture for a new online class, Kim Yuna's ice skates deemed a cultural assist ahead of the Winter Games, Comic Con is coming to Seoul in August, and why are more South Koreans choosing to drink alone?

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"S. Korean idol stars to join upcoming online class on Korean culture"

South Korea pulls out all the stops to promote its culture to the world, and technology is a particularly vital important aspect of that push. Now, according to this report on the Korea Times US, many South Korean idol stars will be appearing on a new online class designed to give foreigners a deeper understanding of Korea culture. Would you signup for an online class if you knew you'd be introduced to K-culture by some of your favourite stars?

...READ ON THE KOREA TIMES US

"Yuna Kim's Ice Skates Become 'Cultural Asset'"

South Korea never misses an opportunity to recognise, protect and promote its cultural: figure skater Kim Yuna has had a pair of her ice skates officially recognized by the Cultural Heritage (CHA) as a "cultural asset" ahead of the Winter Games that are set to take place in Pyeongchang in 2017. "Although the pair was made by foreign manufacturers", said a CHA representative, "it has distinctive value, having been worn by Korea's first gold medalist in figure skating at the Olympic Games".

...READ ON THE KOREA BIZWIRE

"'Honsul', the art of savoring the tipsy self"

There is a growing percentage of South Koreans who are choosing to remain single, that's despite the socio-cultural pressures to the contrary. One area where this shift has become visible is through the increased number of young people who are drinking alone at bars and clubs, a local phenomenon is known as "honsul". Young people are starting to feel more comfortable being single in a culture that places a high value on couples and relationships. According to Eric Klinenberg from New York University, "The biggest benefit of living alone is finding the time and space to reclaim solitude".

...READ ON THE JAKARTA POST

"Comic Con Seoul"

Comic book geeks unite: South Korea is getting its own Comic Con chapter in Seoul! In addition to the popular comic conventions in city's like New York, Chicago and Vienna, Seoul will now be getting its own convention that will open its doors in August. "ReedPOP will expand its global presence in the pop culture industry by bringing its highly-reputed brand, Comic Con, to Seoul in 2017". Video games, comics, webtoons and geek culture, in general, are very popular in South Korea, so expect big crowds later this year and plan accordingly!

...READ ON COMIC CON