I found what appears to be a Korean “swagger stick”, or more likely, a replica. Is anyone familiar with similar objects? More info in comments

Latest News from Korea

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  President Lee meets Hyundai, LG chiefs, promotes ‘one team’ approachJuly 18, 2025
  Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun (left) and President Lee Jae-myung met at the presidential office on July 14 (Courtesy of the Presidential Office) South Korean President Lee Jae-myung held back-to-back meetings with the chairmen of Hyundai Motor Group and LG Group this week to discuss global trade conditions and business concerns, according to the presidential office on Friday. On… Read more: President Lee meets Hyundai, LG chiefs, promotes ‘one team’ approach
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  Hanwan Ocean wins $1.4 bn order from Yang Ming to build 7 containershipsJuly 18, 2025
  Hanwha Ocean dockyard in Geoje (Courtesy of Hanwha)  Hanwha Ocean Co., South Korea’s third-largest shipbuilder, has bagged an order to build seven containerships, valued at about 2 trillion won ($1.4 billion), from Yang Ming Transport Corp., a Taiwanese shipping company. According to Yang Ming’s news release on Thursday, its board approved the order of seven 15,000-TEU, or twenty-foot equipment unit,… Read more: Hanwan Ocean wins $1.4 bn order from Yang Ming to build 7 containerships
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  K-content reign continues as Squid Game returns strongJuly 18, 2025
  (Courtesy of Netflix) Korean content swept across 93 countries on Netflix in the first half of this year, captivating global audiences with a wider range of genres from dystopian realities and romantic slice-of-life dramas to hero-driven sagas to animated film. The new seasons of Squid Game, Netflix’s mega-hit Korean original, continued to fuel the global popularity of K-content. Its second… Read more: K-content reign continues as Squid Game returns strong
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  South Korea’s EV exports rebound in June after 16-month declineJuly 18, 2025
  (Courtesy of Kia)  South Korea’s exports of electric vehicles bounced back last month, snapping a 16-month streak of declines as robust demand from Europe helped offset reduced shipments to the US amid steep import tariffs. According to data released by Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on Thursday, Korea’s vehicle exports hit $6.34 billion in June, up 2.3% from… Read more: South Korea’s EV exports rebound in June after 16-month decline
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  Yes, it’s K-beauty: Buying interest for makeup brands runs high even before they’re up for saleJuly 18, 2025
  Korean make-up or K-beauty is popular in global cosmetics markets In South Korea’s M&A landscape, beauty companies are no longer waiting to go to market. They’re being courted before they even consider it. The ongoing global craze for K-beauty is spilling over into the investment world, with aggressive deal-making activities driving up valuations and drawing unsolicited attention from private equity… Read more: Yes, it’s K-beauty: Buying interest for makeup brands runs high even before they’re up for sale

Latest Entertainment from Korea

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  IVE’s Leeseo Unveils Bold New Look in DELING Magazine’s July 2025 Pictorial PreviewJuly 19, 2025
  Photo Credits: DELING Magazine Starship Entertainment Within the vibrant world of K-pop, anticipation never runs dry, especially when a top idol like IVE’s Leeseo graces the pages of a leading style publication. The July 2025 issue of DELING Magazine offers fans a tantalizing pictorial preview, featuring Leeseo’s fresh and dynamic visual transformation that highlights her growing influence both in music and fashion.… Read more: IVE’s Leeseo Unveils Bold New Look in DELING Magazine’s July 2025 Pictorial Preview
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  THE BOYZ Unveil Striking Concept for 10th Mini Album ‘a;effect’ in Movement Version PhotosJuly 19, 2025
  Photo Credits: ONE HUNDRED Management THE BOYZ have ignited a wave of excitement throughout the K-pop community with the release of their new concept photos for their 10th mini album, ‘a;effect’. Dubbed the “Movement Ver.,” the latest visuals reveal a bold, sophisticated evolution of the group’s identity — one that bridges raw charisma and sleek modernity. Unveiled through iconic pages of Korea’s… Read more: THE BOYZ Unveil Striking Concept for 10th Mini Album ‘a;effect’ in Movement Version Photos
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  KATSEYE and Monster High Join Forces to Revitalize the Iconic “Fright Song” with Bold New Energy from MattelJuly 18, 2025
  Photo Credits: MATTEL HYBE. Nickelodeon Mattel’s iconic Monster High brand, known for its celebration of individuality and fearless self-expression, has teamed up with the global girl group KATSEYE for a vibrant musical collaboration that is already turning heads. The collaboration centers on a fresh remake of the beloved “Fright Song,” Monster High’s defining anthem originally released in 2010, which has… Read more: KATSEYE and Monster High Join Forces to Revitalize the Iconic “Fright Song” with Bold New Energy from Mattel
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  Heewon Cheon : 반골상회 (反骨商會)July 18, 2025
  Heewon Cheon’s 반골상회 is four distinct styles that show off a wide soundscape and lets you choose your favorite track Written by Chris P for Korean Indie.
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  Unleashing New Energy: ICHILLIN’s “WILD CHERRY” Concept and Their Unstoppable Rise in K-popJuly 17, 2025
  Photo Credits: KM Entertainment The anticipation has been building, and now ICHILLIN’—the dynamic seven-member girl group under KM Entertainment—has turned heads once more with the concept photo for their fourth mini album, “WILD CHERRY.” For fans and newcomers alike, this latest glimpse into ICHILLIN’s artistic world signals not just another comeback, but a bold statement in both sound and visual… Read more: Unleashing New Energy: ICHILLIN’s “WILD CHERRY” Concept and Their Unstoppable Rise in K-pop

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