What do you guys think went wrong with IKON and WINNER to not go on to become the next and bigger BIGBANG the way BLACKPINK became the next and bigger 2NE1? I just saw IKON is recently active and it reminded how much potential they had! what are your thoughts?

Latest News from Korea

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  Is it Claude or Claudia?May 7, 2026
  I recently read the fascinating account of how Richard Dawkins, the famous author of the “God Delusion” and highly respected skeptic, spent several days speaking with an artificial intelligence (AI) bot named Claudia and “left with the overwhelming feeling that they are human … These intelligent beings are at least as competent as any evolved organism.” Consciousness in AI bots… Read more: Is it Claude or Claudia?
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  Egypt opens new defense complex in Seoul, deepening military ties with KoreaMay 7, 2026
  The Embassy of Egypt in Seoul on Wednesday celebrated the inauguration of its new defense complex building in Seoul’s Seongbuk District, marking a new chapter in military and strategic cooperation between Korea and Egypt. Hosted by Commodore Ahmed Elhadidi, Egyptian defense attaché to Korea, the ceremony brought together about 100 guests, including Egyptian and Korean military officials, diplomats, defense attachés… Read more: Egypt opens new defense complex in Seoul, deepening military ties with Korea
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  Trump sees swift end to war as Iran reviews US peace proposalMay 7, 2026
  ISLAMABAD/WASHINGTON/TEL AVIV — U.S. President Donald Trump predicted a swift end to the war with Iran as Tehran considered a U.S. peace proposal that sources said would formally end the conflict while leaving unresolved key U.S. demands that Iran suspend its nuclear programme and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. An Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson cited by Iran’s ISNA news agency… Read more: Trump sees swift end to war as Iran reviews US peace proposal
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  Major securities firms urged to extend risk capital supplyMay 7, 2026
  The country’s financial regulator said Thursday that major securities firms need to extend their support to high-risk but promising companies as part of their ongoing effort to bolster productive financing. In a meeting with executives from Korea Investment & Securities, Mirae Asset Securities and other major securities firms, Kwon Dae-young, vice chairman of the Financial Services Commission (FSC), said they… Read more: Major securities firms urged to extend risk capital supply
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  Stock market investment gains still being funneled into real estate: BOK reportMay 7, 2026
  The Bank of Korea (BOK) on Thursday assessed that investors are funneling their positive returns from stock investment into the local property market instead of on consumption. The report by the BOK comes as the nation’s benchmark KOSPI index surged past the 7,300 mark for the first time a day earlier, fueled by rallies from technology stocks. According to the… Read more: Stock market investment gains still being funneled into real estate: BOK report

Latest Entertainment from Korea

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  LE’V Steps Into the Light: “Spotlight Soul” Captures the Artistry, Growth, and Glow of a New Era in the 2026 Season’s Greetings CollectionJanuary 10, 2026
  Photo Credits: CHROMOSOME LE’V Illuminates 2026 with “Spotlight Soul” LE’V enters 2026 with a statement that feels both cinematic and deeply personal. His Season’s Greetings “Spotlight Soul” concept photos reveal a striking evolution — one that merges emotional depth with artistic clarity. The project, released as a collector’s visual experience, celebrates not just another year but LE’V’s firm grasp on identity, craft,… Read more: LE’V Steps Into the Light: “Spotlight Soul” Captures the Artistry, Growth, and Glow of a New Era in the 2026 Season’s Greetings Collection
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  KiiiKiii Leesol & Haum Illuminate SPUR x Dior Addict’s January 2026 Issue with Daring Light, Sensual Motion, and New Beauty CodesJanuary 10, 2026
  Photo Credits: SPUR Dior Starship Entertainment A New Year, A New Iconic Pairing SPUR Magazine opens 2026 with a collaboration that feels both intimate and electric. The January 2026 Issue Pictorial Preview showcases KiiiKiii Leesol and Haum in a visual dialogue infused with Dior Addict’s luminous rebellion. Titled “Light Moves: The Addict State of Mind”, the spread captures the interplay of motion, reflection, and self-definition—a signal… Read more: KiiiKiii Leesol & Haum Illuminate SPUR x Dior Addict’s January 2026 Issue with Daring Light, Sensual Motion, and New Beauty Codes
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  Breaking Boundaries: ifeye × KITTO Taiwan Redefine Visual Storytelling in the January 2026 Pictorial — A Fusion of Innovation & IdentityJanuary 10, 2026
  Photo Credits: Hi-Hat Entertainment The Convergence of Vision and Identity The January 2026 Pictorial from ifeye × KITTO Taiwan marks a defining moment in East Asian creative media. Framed as both a celebration and an evolution, the collaboration bridges art direction, fashion narrative, and technological fluidity to capture a new generation’s pulse. More than a photoshoot, this issue acts as a visual manifesto—an exploration of… Read more: Breaking Boundaries: ifeye × KITTO Taiwan Redefine Visual Storytelling in the January 2026 Pictorial — A Fusion of Innovation & Identity
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  Xiaoting in Full Bloom: Kep1er’s Shining Star Redefines Power, Grace, and Global Glamour in Wonderland China’s January 2026 Cover StoryJanuary 10, 2026
  Photo Credits: KLAP ENTERTAINMENT Kep1er’s Xiaoting Captures the Moment Kep1er’s Shen Xiaoting steps into 2026 as a muse of modern elegance, fronting the January 2026 Wonderland China cover with an aura that’s both futuristic and fiercely grounded. As one of the brightest stars of her generation, Xiaoting embodies the balance between aspiration and artistry that defines global pop’s next chapter. “Confidence is not just… Read more: Xiaoting in Full Bloom: Kep1er’s Shining Star Redefines Power, Grace, and Global Glamour in Wonderland China’s January 2026 Cover Story
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  BTS’s V Radiates Timeless Charisma in GQ Korea x Cartier’s February 2026 Cover: A Monument to Modern Elegance and Emotional PrecisionJanuary 9, 2026
  Photo Credits: GQ Korea – Cartier – BigHit Music. – BTS V x Cartier: The Sound of Stillness and Strength For GQ Korea’s February 2026 issue, the cover unfolds like a cinematic confession. BTS’s V (Kim Taehyung)—known for his magnetic duality of mystery and warmth—joins forces with Cartier, the house synonymous with precision, artistry, and legacy. Together, they create a visual symphony that celebrates… Read more: BTS’s V Radiates Timeless Charisma in GQ Korea x Cartier’s February 2026 Cover: A Monument to Modern Elegance and Emotional Precision

Learn People & History of Korea

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  The Evolution of Busan: A Historical Journey Through South Korea’s Second Largest Metropolitan CityFebruary 7, 2025
  Ancient Beginnings: The Founding of Busan Busan, known as the second largest metropolitan city in South Korea, has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The earliest recorded existence of Busan can be traced to the Goryeo Dynasty, where it was referenced as a vital coastal settlement. Its strategic location along the southeastern coast of the Korean Peninsula… Read more: The Evolution of Busan: A Historical Journey Through South Korea’s Second Largest Metropolitan City
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  The Evolution of Pyongyang: A Journey Through History, Economy, and Political DynamicsFebruary 6, 2025
  Introduction to Pyongyang Pyongyang, the capital city of North Korea, serves as a prominent symbol of the nation’s history and culture. Geographically located on the banks of the Taedong River, in the southwest part of the country, Pyongyang is situated within a strategic area that has historically facilitated trade and cultural exchange. The city’s origins can be traced back to… Read more: The Evolution of Pyongyang: A Journey Through History, Economy, and Political Dynamics
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  The Evolution of Seoul: From Ancient Korea to Modern Metropolis and BeyondFebruary 5, 2025
  Ancient Beginnings: The Founding of Seoul The city of Seoul, known today as the vibrant capital of South Korea, has ancient roots that trace back to the Three Kingdoms period of Korea, specifically the kingdoms of Baekje and Silla. Evidence suggests that Seoul was originally established as a settlement given its strategic geographical advantages. Nestled within the Han River basin,… Read more: The Evolution of Seoul: From Ancient Korea to Modern Metropolis and Beyond
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  Exploring Korean Traditional Games in Squid Game: From Season 2 to Upcoming Season 3January 30, 2025
  Introduction to Korean Traditional Games Korean traditional games have long been an integral part of the country’s cultural landscape, offering more than mere entertainment. These games, which range from simple children’s pastimes to complex community activities, hold significant cultural significance and often serve as a means of preserving history and promoting social interaction. Rooted in centuries of tradition, these games… Read more: Exploring Korean Traditional Games in Squid Game: From Season 2 to Upcoming Season 3
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  Unveiling the Past and Present of Saju: The Art of Korean Fortune TellingJanuary 30, 2025
  Introduction to Saju Saju, a traditional Korean fortune-telling practice, is an intricate art that seeks to interpret an individual’s fate based on their birth date and time. The term “Saju” translates to “four pillars” in English, referring to the four critical components derived from these time markers: year, month, day, and hour. This method holds significant cultural value within South… Read more: Unveiling the Past and Present of Saju: The Art of Korean Fortune Telling