Latest news with #Hanbok
Korea Herald
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Korea Herald
Mercedes-Benz opens world's first Maybach Brand Center in Seoul
Korea surpasses 10,000 Maybach units sold — trailing only US, China Mercedes-Benz has opened the world's first Maybach Brand Center in Seoul as the German luxury automaker emphasizes the importance of the Korean market for its top-end brand. 'With the opening of the world's first Maybach Brand Center, we are taking the next step in redefining customer experience at the highest level,' said Mathias Geisen, Mercedes-Benz board member in charge of marketing and sales, during the opening ceremony of the new facility on Monday. 'Korea is not only one of our key markets — it is also a place where the spirit of modern luxury is deeply appreciated and constantly evolving. This new space is our response: a place where exclusivity, craftsmanship and personal connection come together in a way only Mercedes-Maybach can offer.' The five-story, 2,795-square-meter Maybach-only building is located in Apgujeong in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. This premium retail district is home to major high-end global brands, as well as the Galleria Luxury Hall East and West department stores featuring luxury fashion brands. According to Mercedes-Benz, the exterior of the Maybach Brand Center sought to reinterpret the country's traditional design heritage to create a contemporary and timeless architectural language. Its pleated surface and curved roofline drew inspiration from Korea's traditional clothing and housing, Hanbok and Hanok. Inside the building, a cathedral-type interior with a high ceiling gives the first floor a feeling of grandness. To celebrate the center's opening, Mercedes-Benz launched three Korea-only limited edition models of the Mercedes-Maybach Silver Lining -- 10 units of the S-Class, a GLS and an EQS SUV. The all-new Mercedes-Maybach SL, an ultra-luxurious two-seater convertible, was also showcased for the first time in the country. According to Mercedes-Benz Korea, the Maybach Brand Center will operate on a reservation-only basis, with each customer welcomed by a dedicated sales consultant and product expert upon arrival. The new facility will offer exclusive membership services, professional valet parking, signature food and beverages, and a variety of personalized programs tailored specifically for Mercedes-Maybach owners. 'Since its official debut in 2004 in Korea, Mercedes-Maybach has become the preferred choice for Korea's distinguished leaders, visionary entrepreneurs, and cultural icons -- those who seek impeccable quality and profound expression of success and dignity,' said Mathias Vaitl, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Korea. 'We are privileged that more than 10,000 customers have chosen Mercedes-Maybach, marking Korea as one of the most important Maybach markets globally. We are confident that the new Maybach Brand Center will exceed the expectations of our valued customers.' Despite its relatively smaller market size, Korea was the third best-selling market for Maybach last year behind the US and China as it sold 1,363 units. Since its launch in 2004, Mercedes-Benz Korea logged a record-high of 2,596 Maybach vehicles sold in the country in 2023. The high-end brand announced in November 2024 that Maybach sales had surpassed the 10,000 milestone. Although Mercedes-Benz operates Maybach Atelier, the first brand concept center and showroom established in 2022, in Shanghai, China, Mercedes-Benz Korea noted that the newly opened center is unique worldwide as the brand's only showroom in which an entire building has been dedicated solely to the Maybach brand.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Time of India
Love lost or not, they're off to find themselves: Travel cos' unique itineraries for Gen Z & millennials
New Delhi: Nursing a broken heart, and want to travel solo but not entirely? Travel companies offer ' break-up holidays ' that will put you in touch with like-minded travellers who are similarly single. There are also options like the Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara-inspired La Tomatina Festival trip or pub crawls in Madrid to uplift your spirits. Literally. With roughly 65% of India's population under the age of 35 years, travel services providers are charting out new and unusual itineraries for the Gen Z digital natives and millennials who want more than mere sightseeing. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Victoria Principal Is Almost 75, See Her Now Reportingly Undo "They need stories, visuals, feelings and moments to share," said Govind Gaur, chief executive of WanderOn . Live Events His company offers itineraries ranging from break-up getaways to holidays in places that offer material for OTT-style travel reels. These include fossil hunting in the high-altitude village of Langza in Spiti Valley, nights spent under star-lit skies by the Chandratal Lake in Himachal and a trip to the musical hamlet of Kongthong in Meghalaya where people communicate via tunes. Leisure travel has picked up after Covid, with young people being key drivers of the trend as they seek to explore new places and experience. While remote work has made it possible to travel without taking leave from work, social media is boosting the appeal of travel and often influencing the decision on travel destinations. Young India's millennials and Gen Z are power-driving India's travel story, said Neeraj Singh Dev, executive vice president and head of ecommerce and domestic and short haul holidays at Thomas Cook (India). The company has designed packages around concerts and pop culture references, seeing the strong influence of OTT content and global events. "We incorporate street food trails, themed cafes, filming locations, and fan experiences like wearing Hanbok at Gyeongbokgung Palace or visiting BTS landmarks into our itineraries," said Dev. Travel companies are keeping the starting price for such packages attractive to serve as a hook. For instance, Thomas Cook's Krabi-Phuket five nights/six days tour starts at ₹52,500 per person on twin share, including airfare. The Langkawi-Kuala Lumpur package starts at ₹55,220, with add-on options like scuba diving, ATV rides and nightlife experiences. The hospitality industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with millennials and Gen Z travellers expected to represent 83% of hotel guests by 2030, said MP Bezbaruah, secretary general at the Hotel Association of India. Hotels are responding by curating eco-friendly initiatives, wellness retreats, and culinary experiences, while also adopting and integrating technology to meet customers' personalized needs and convenience. Some newer hotel concepts include check-ins at the bar, extended breakfast timings or even all-day breakfast options, and experiences such as drunches and bar marathons. Data from SOTC Travel show a drop in the average age of its customers by nearly 10 years since the pandemic, said SD Nandakumar, president and country head for holidays and corporate tours. While the company's packages now have inclusions like super-car racing at autodromes or circuits in Dubai-Abu Dhabi, sake and soju sampling in Japan and bar-hopping in Ibiza with many takers, the pilgrimage-darshans portfolio is also witnessing strong demand from millennials and Gen Zs, especially for the Char Dham Yatra and spiritual circuits like Ayodhya, Prayagraj and Dwarka, he said.
Hype Malaysia
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
(Video) Soloist WONHO Covers The Saja Boys' 'Soda Pop' & 'Your Idol' As Abby Saja
Since the premiere of 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' on Netflix, the demon idol group, The Saja Boys, has taken the world by storm. With their good looks and devilish charm, fans of K-pop idols have begun to imagine their biases as the Saja members, and this idol literally took the fan service to life. Former MONSTA X member, WONHO (원호), posted a cover of 'Soda Pop' and 'Your Idol' by The Saja Boys from the hit Netflix film, 'K-Pop Demon Hunters', on YouTube yesterday (9th July 2025). In a true act of proper fan service, the 32-year-old idol also sports pink hair and a black Hanbok, covering the songs as Abby Saja. The video showcased WONHO in two different outfits, one sporting a Hawaiian shirt, yellow beanie and jeans and the other in a black Hanbok, seemingly creating an accurate depiction of Abby Saja from the film. The main highlights of the cover featured WONHO's sweet vocals in the backdrop of his energetic choreography as well as his recreation of Abby's famous shirt button pop scene. Netizens were in a frenzy over the cover, with many labelling WONHO as the real reference for Abby Saja. Twitter user @/moonlightjkooki comments, 'I can't believe I'm saying this, but I prefer the real live deal. He looks so sexy omg'. Other netizens also comment on how WONHO never skips out on giving fans what they want, despite being busy preparing for his tour. Twitter user @/Bunniebebe_ comments, 'He's busy preparing for a tour, yet he still manages to hear the fans and did what we asked'. Recently, the director of 'K-pop Demon Hunters', Maggie Kang, reposted his cover to her Instagram with googly eyes. What do you think about WONHO's cover of The Saja Boys? Watch the full cover here: Sources: Twitter, Youtube Alyssa Gabrielle contributed to this article
Observer
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Why do people get addicted to Korean dramas?
A friend once told me about his teenage daughter's fascination with Korean drama after spending hours watching TV series during the summer holidays. She was able to learn some words, make Korean friends online, and even develop a taste for their cuisine. One day, she informed her father that she wished to study in Korea. The father was not keen on this but was able to negotiate with her to go on a holiday with the family during the summer. Upon reaching Seoul, she indulged more in the culture, dressing in the local traditional dress, the 'Hanbok' with its vibrant colours, and sipping different types of tea. She became more fluent in the language and was able to have a conversation with the hotel staff and sellers in the market. This made me wonder why some people become addicted to Korean dramas. I got my answer when I came across a South Korean historical drama called Empress Ki, which tells the story of Ki Seung-Nyang, a young girl from Goryeo, now South Korea, who witnessed the murder of her mother by the soldiers from Yuan ' now China ' after being captured to be sold as a slave. Nyang, disguised as a boy, ascends from rebel fighter to palace maid after being taken to the Mongol‑ruled Yuan court as a tribute woman. At the palace, she wins the favour and love of Crown Prince Toghon Temür by saving his life, eventually becoming his consort, and, through intelligence, loyalty, and resilience, rising to the rank of Empress Consort of the Yuan dynasty. I must admit that I binge-watched many of the 51 episodes that blend romance, ambition, loyalty, and epic historical spectacle. We see characters developing as they face different difficulties. At times, I wonder if the protagonist is a good person or if some of her actions were as evil as those of her enemies. Was she justified in using people to achieve her goals, even if that meant destroying lives and properties? So what made me hooked on the series? The series starts with a scene from the middle of the story and then goes back in time so when you see the three main characters in 'present time' you assume that clip was from the final episode so you expect that they will survive all the beating, the torture and the assassination attempts, but the final episode would shock you as you discover that the creates outsmart your predictions and close the show with an epic ending. Like many Korean series, 'Empress Ki ' provides exceptional storytelling and smart twists making the viewers alert and guessing how the events would evolve. The traditional clothes of the different characters reflect their social status. The show dives deep into the psychology of human interaction, how alliances are made and broken, and how the thirst for power and wealth makes people change their values and principles. In short, the series provides, along with entertainment, a journey through the culture and history with intense action, fighting and epic performances from all lead characters, even the young ones who were able to exhibit complex emotions.
News18
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Palak Tiwari Channels Her Inner ‘Katherine Song Covey' In Postcards From Korea
Palak Tiwari donned the traditional Korean ensemble to enjoy a surreal time in Korea. Popular television actress Shweta Tiwari's daughter Palak Tiwari is immensely loved for her sartorial choices and striking looks. The youngster, who made her acting debut in 2021 with the web series Rosie: The Saffron Chapter, keeps ruling hearts of millions. As she has been vacationing in Korea, she channelled the cute Korean avatar and left everyone astonished. On Instagram, Palak Tiwari posted a series of photos, donning a tulle organza attire named as Hanbok, a traditional Korean dress. It comprises a jeogori (a basic upper garment or jacket) and a chima (a wrap-around skirt). The style and colours can often feature vibrant hues and intricate embroidery, like the floral patterns on the diva's skirt. She was seen striking iconic poses right at the scenic tourist places over there. Further, Palak and her undisclosed friend were spotted not only twinning in blue-hued organza gowns but also making a cute heart with their hands. Following this, Shweta Tiwari's daughter was seen jumping around the place in her gown, radiating pure elegance. 'Cuz I'm miss PT Korea," she wrote in a small note alongside the bunch of photos. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Palak Tiwari (@palaktiwarii) Reacting to it, Kritika Bharadwaj, known for her stints in Yodha, Rashmi Rocket and Mismatched, wrote, 'My princess." One of her fans said, 'Omgggg literally a fairyyy on earthhh." Another mentioned, '@harrdysandhu was right when he said 'o Cinderella"." One more comment read, 'Beautiful queen like a fairy from heaven." Someone added, 'Just like a lil fairy hopping around town." A day earlier, Palak documented her yet another day in Korea in a post on Instagram. She kickstarted the carousel while posing for a selfie with a bouquet of pink flowers and was seen flaunting her widest smile. It also showcased some of the delicacies she enjoyed over there, including creamy tarts, pies and many other sweet delights. One of the snaps also featured her enjoying a wholesome Korean meal, served alongside an assortment of many condiments and side dishes – everything that looked every bit delicious. In her post's caption, she even expressed her gratitude towards Etude India, a K-beauty brand, for making her the brand ambassador. She penned, 'Just @etudeindia @etudeofficial and Seoul making me very happy." FYI: The diva was seen being part of several campaigns. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Palak Tiwari (@palaktiwarii) On her professional front, Palak was part of several films and television shows, including Bhootnii, Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, The Bhootnii, Quickie and Daku Ram Kishan. First Published:
