Latest news with #KonkukUniversity
Korea Herald
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
From Psy to aespa, why do K-pop acts take pay cuts for campus festivals?
Campus gigs offer more than pay — they're a springboard for fan engagement, viral buzz May marks spring university festival season in South Korea — and no matter how packed their schedules are with world tours, music shows and fan-meets, K-pop stars make time for the campus stage. At Hongik University's spring festival May 14–16, big names like Psy, aespa, Lee Seung-yoon, Beenzino and YB took to the stage. Konkuk University's lineup May 20–22 featured Psy, aespa, Itzy, Jannabi and YB. Performing at Chung-Ang University's main festival, running May 21–23, were aespa, NCT Dream, YB and Dynamic Duo. Despite the prestige of these appearances, university festival fees are generally lower than other commercial gigs. If a group normally earns 100 million won ($73,000) per event, they may settle for 50 million-80 million won at a university show. But money isn't the main incentive when it comes to college shows. Many K-pop agencies are willing to take a pay cut for the exposure and connection with younger audiences. In NewJeans' case, the group donated all its earnings from seven university festivals to the Korea Student Aid Foundation last year. Why do K-pop stars flock to the campus circuit come spring? It's simple: These events offer direct access to their core audience; people in their 20s. 'It's a rare opportunity for artists to connect with the general public, even those who aren't already fans,' an official from a major K-pop agency said Sunday. 'University festivals draw a young crowd, making them the ideal stage for artists to engage with new audiences and build buzz.' University festivals also serve as live practice ahead of world tours. 'Of all the stages, college campuses feel most like Lollapalooza or Coachella,' said former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin last May. 'The students' energy inspires the members. It's a great opportunity to promote new songs, improve stage skills and give back to fans.' This year, Itzy — set to return with new music in June — has packed its schedule with campus appearances, including at SeoulTech, Konkuk University, Kyung Hee University and Inha University. Kiss of Life, another rising girl group, was confirmed for festivals at Yonsei, Sejong and Korea National Sport University. Going viral, for free The marketing payoff is enormous. Performing in front of a crowd of 10,000 turns thousands of smartphone cameras into instant PR tools. Well before the show ends, fancams, memes, Instagram Reels, TikToks and shorts are already circulating online. For agencies, it's mass marketing without spending a dime. 'In this age of one-person media, if the performance is strong, word-of-mouth spreads naturally,' the agency official added. For groups with strong live performance skills, these shows also act as unofficial public auditions. Their vocals, stage presence and crowd work are judged in real time by the most trend-sensitive demographic. If the performance hits the mark, casual viewers are quickly converted into dedicated fans. aespa, the hottest ticket on campus The most in-demand university act this year? Aespa. Although the girl group has no domestic comeback imminent, it headlined festivals at Hongik, Konkuk, Chung-Ang and Kyung Hee universities, reinforcing its influence across Korean campuses. Aespa's popularity continues despite not having released any new music in Korea since its 5th EP, 'Whiplash,' in October. Meanwhile, rumors of a June release are swirling, fueled by a leaked music video footage that began circulating on social media in early May. Rock bands hold their ground Even in the girl group-dominated landscape, rock bands are holding their own. YB (Yoon Do-hyun Band) performed at Konkuk, Hongik and Jeonbuk National universities. Jannabi, known for its festival-ready sound, will take the stage at Sejong, Dankook and Konkuk universities. Other buzzed-about names include Lucy, Silica Gel and The Volunteers (Nasanhyunssi Band). 'The festival crowd is overwhelmingly enthusiastic,' the agency official said. 'That energy fuels the performers and makes each show a valuable experience — both emotionally and professionally.'
Korea Herald
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
From Psy to aespa, why are K-pop idols taking pay cuts for campus festivals?
Campus gigs offer more than pay — they're a springboard for fan engagement, viral buzz May marks university festival season in South Korea — and no matter how packed their schedules are with world tours, music shows and fan-meets, K-pop stars make time for the campus stage. At Hongik University's festival May 14–16, big names like Psy, aespa, Lee Seung-yoon, Beenzino and YB took to the stage. Konkuk University's lineup May 20–22 featured Psy, aespa, Itzy, Jannabi and YB. Performing at Chung-Ang University's main festival, running May 21–23, were aespa, NCT Dream, YB and Dynamic Duo. Despite the prestige of these appearances, university festival fees are generally lower than other commercial gigs. If a group normally earns 100 million won ($73,000) per event, they may settle for 50 million-80 million won at a university show. But money isn't the main incentive when it comes to college shows. Many K-pop agencies are willing to take a pay cut for the exposure and connection with younger audiences. In NewJeans' case, the group donated all its earnings from seven university festivals to the Korea Student Aid Foundation last year. Why do K-pop stars flock to the campus circuit come spring? It's simple: These events offer direct access to their core audience — people in their 20s. 'It's a rare opportunity for artists to connect with the general public, even those who aren't already fans,' an official from a major K-pop agency said Sunday. 'University festivals draw a young crowd, making them the ideal stage for artists to engage with new audiences and build buzz.' University festivals also serve as live practice ahead of world tours. 'Of all the stages, college campuses feel most like Lollapalooza or Coachella,' said former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin last May. 'The students' energy inspires the members. It's a great opportunity to promote new songs, improve stage skills and give back to fans.' This year, Itzy — set to return with new music in June — has packed its schedule with campus appearances, including at SeoulTech, Konkuk University, Kyung Hee University and Inha University. Kiss of Life, another rising girl group, was confirmed for festivals at Yonsei, Sejong and Korea National Sport University. Going viral, for free The marketing payoff is enormous. Performing in front of a crowd of 10,000 turns thousands of smartphone cameras into instant PR tools. Well before the show ends, fancams, memes, Instagram Reels, TikToks and shorts are already circulating online. For agencies, it's mass marketing without spending a dime. 'In this age of one-person media, if the performance is strong, word-of-mouth spreads naturally,' the agency official added. For groups with strong live performance skills, these shows also act as unofficial public auditions. Their vocals, stage presence and crowd work are judged in real time by the most trend-sensitive demographic. If the performance hits the mark, casual viewers are quickly converted into dedicated fans. aespa, the hottest ticket on campus The most in-demand university act this year? Aespa. Although the girl group has no domestic comeback imminent, it headlined festivals at Hongik, Konkuk, Chung-Ang and Kyung Hee universities, reinforcing its influence across Korean campuses. Aespa's popularity continues despite not having released any new Korean music since its 5th EP, 'Whiplash,' in October. Meanwhile, rumors of a June release are swirling, fueled by a leaked music video footage that began circulating on social media in early May. Rock bands hold their ground Even in the girl group-dominated landscape, rock bands are holding their own. YB (Yoon Do-hyun Band) performed at Konkuk, Hongik and Jeonbuk National universities. Jannabi, known for its festival-ready sound, will take the stage at Sejong, Dankook and Konkuk universities. Other buzzed-about names include Lucy, Silica Gel and The Volunteers (Nasanhyunssi Band). 'The festival crowd is overwhelmingly enthusiastic,' the agency official said. 'That energy fuels the performers and makes each show a valuable experience — both emotionally and professionally.'
Korea Herald
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
From Psy to aespa, why are K-pop idols taking pay cuts for campus festivals?
Campus gigs offer more than pay — they're a springboard for fan engagement, viral buzz May marks university festival season in South Korea — and no matter how packed their schedules are with world tours, music shows and fan-meets, K-pop stars make time for the campus stage. At Hongik University's festival May 14–16, big names like Psy, aespa, Lee Seung-yoon, Beenzino and YB took to the stage. Konkuk University's lineup May 20–22 featured Psy, aespa, Itzy, Jannabi and YB. Performing at Chung-Ang University's main festival, running May 21–23, were aespa, NCT Dream, YB and Dynamic Duo. Despite the prestige of these appearances, university festival fees are generally lower than other commercial gigs. If a group normally earns 100 million won ($73,000) per event, they may settle for 50 million-80 million won at a university show. But money isn't the main incentive when it comes to college shows. Many K-pop agencies are willing to take a pay cut for the exposure and connection with younger audiences. In NewJeans' case, the group donated all its earnings from seven university festivals to the Korea Student Aid Foundation last year. Why do K-pop stars flock to the campus circuit come spring? It's simple: These events offer direct access to their core audience — people in their 20s. 'It's a rare opportunity for artists to connect with the general public, even those who aren't already fans,' an official from a major K-pop agency said Sunday. 'University festivals draw a young crowd, making them the ideal stage for artists to engage with new audiences and build buzz.' University festivals also serve as live practice ahead of world tours. 'Of all the stages, college campuses feel most like Lollapalooza or Coachella,' said former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin last May. 'The students' energy inspires the members. It's a great opportunity to promote new songs, improve stage skills and give back to fans.' This year, Itzy — set to return with new music in June — has packed its schedule with campus appearances, including at SeoulTech, Konkuk University, Kyung Hee University and Inha University. Kiss of Life, another rising girl group, was confirmed for festivals at Yonsei, Sejong and Korea National Sport University. Going viral, for free The marketing payoff is enormous. Performing in front of a crowd of 10,000 turns thousands of smartphone cameras into instant PR tools. Well before the show ends, fancams, memes, Instagram Reels, TikToks and shorts are already circulating online. For agencies, it's mass marketing without spending a dime. 'In this age of one-person media, if the performance is strong, word-of-mouth spreads naturally,' the agency official added. For groups with strong live performance skills, these shows also act as unofficial public auditions. Their vocals, stage presence and crowd work are judged in real time by the most trend-sensitive demographic. If the performance hits the mark, casual viewers are quickly converted into dedicated fans. aespa, the hottest ticket on campus The most in-demand university act this year? Aespa. Although the girl group has no domestic comeback imminent, it headlined festivals at Hongik, Konkuk, Chung-Ang and Kyung Hee universities, reinforcing its influence across Korean campuses. Aespa's popularity continues despite not having released any new Korean music since its 5th EP, 'Whiplash,' in October. Meanwhile, rumors of a June release are swirling, fueled by a leaked music video footage that began circulating on social media in early May. Rock bands hold their ground Even in the girl group-dominated landscape, rock bands are holding their own. YB (Yoon Do-hyun Band) performed at Konkuk, Hongik and Jeonbuk National universities. Jannabi, known for its festival-ready sound, will take the stage at Sejong, Dankook and Konkuk universities. Other buzzed-about names include Lucy, Silica Gel and The Volunteers (Nasanhyunssi Band). 'The festival crowd is overwhelmingly enthusiastic,' the agency official said. 'That energy fuels the performers and makes each show a valuable experience — both emotionally and professionally.' jaaykim@
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Scientists make disturbing discovery after testing everyday material on key soil creatures: 'It holds scientific significance'
Scientists have found that microplastics in soil weaken the immune systems of earthworms, which could affect their ability to destroy harmful pathogens and negatively impact soil microbes. South Korean scientists discovered that microplastic pollution could lower the immune health of soil-dwelling organisms. The research, published in July's edition of the Journal of Hazardous Materials, is the first to find a link between microplastics and a weakened immune response in earthworms, as detailed by The Korea Bizwire. A research team led by Professors Ahn Yoon-joo of Konkuk University and Hyun Young-min of Yonsei University confirmed that Eisenia andrei earthworms exposed to microplastics from polystyrene, commonly used in insulation, packaging, and construction, had reduced phagocytic activity. This is an important function of immune cells, helping to protect the body from infections. When the team exposed the earthworms to polystyrene particles in laboratory tests, their immune cells reportedly absorbed the microplastics in just 30 minutes. While their immune cells didn't die, their ability to fight off foreign substances, such as E. coli, declined. In a follow-up experiment, the team found that even when earthworms were exposed to small amounts of microplastics, their immune cell function dropped by 40% in two weeks. "This study is the first to report that the phagocytic activity of earthworm immune cells, which actively eliminate pathogens in soil contaminated with microplastics, is compromised," adding that "it holds scientific significance," Professor Ahn Yoon-joo told ChosunBiz. The negative impacts of microplastic contamination in the environment have been well-documented, as researchers have found the particles in our oceans, soil, wastewater, and even fertilizers used to grow crops. When humans or animals ingest these particles, they can have wide-ranging health impacts, including an increased risk of hormone and reproductive disorders, as well as heart disease. Earthworms are a vital part of soil ecosystems, as they help improve soil structure, break down organic matter — which releases nutrients into the soil — and reduce pathogen activity. They can also boost farm productivity, as the Government of New South Wales explained. If earthworms' immune systems are impaired by microplastics, it will impact their ability to keep the soil healthy and could potentially reduce crop yields. Researchers have found that biochar — a common soil amendment used on farms — could remove a large amount of microplastics from soil, keeping them out of our food supplies and waterways. This would also benefit earthworms and the farmers who depend on them for healthy soil. Scientists have also discovered that insects such as mealworms and waxworms could eat through our plastic problem, as they seem to have a large appetite for the material. Do you think we use too much plastic in America? Definitely Only some people Not really I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The best way we can help earthworms and the planet is by reducing the amount of plastic we use. Even a few small changes, such as switching from single-use water bottles to reusable ones and bringing your own to-go containers to restaurants, can contribute to a healthier, plastic-free future. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
The Star
11-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Brewing heritage: How Korea's traditional alcohol is finding new life
Once overshadowed by mainstream choices like soju and beer, traditional Korean alcohol has experienced a resurgence since the early 2020s. The market for traditional drinks in Korea grew from 62.7 billion won (US$43.8mil) in 2020 to 147.5 billion won in 2023, and the trend appears to be continuing, with major department stores reporting double-digit on-year increases in their traditional alcohol sales in 2024. This rapid growth is largely driven by younger generations seeking flavours beyond those offered by mainstream drinks. It is also fueled by the rise of small breweries across the country, which are developing new tastes and textures while staying rooted in traditional methods. Riding this wave of renewed interest, some breweries now offer hands-on experiences, allowing participants to craft their own customised traditional drinks while learning about the history and diversity of Korea's alcohol heritage. A participant in the Jasaeng-jeonsul class mixes ingredients for makgeolli during the session in Suwon. — Photo: Jasaeng-jeonsul Create your signature makgeolli On a quiet street near Seoul's Konkuk University, Suguk offers one of the city's hands-on experiences in traditional brewing. Its two-hour workshop, taught in both Korean and English, draws curious locals and global travelers alike. This reporter joined an English-language session at Suguk on making makgeolli, Korea's beloved milky, fizzy rice wine. The class was led by staff instructor Kwon Hae-den and attended by a French couple visiting Seoul. Since full fermentation takes over a week, the class guides participants through the key steps — starting with warm, freshly steamed rice. Students spread it on gauze to cool, working together as they gently flip the grains with wooden paddles. Sweet rice is spread on gauze to cool during Suguk's makgeolli-making class on Monday. — Photo: Lim Jae-seong/The Korea Herald 'We're using sweet rice instead of regular rice to bring out a natural sweetness without adding sugar,' explained Kwon during the session. 'Broken rice can make makgeolli bitter, so we should avoid crushing it.' Once cooled, the rice is mixed with nuruk, a traditional fermentation starter made from grains and natural yeast. Stirred slowly and carefully by hand for about 20 minutes, the mixture turns into a thick, bubbling porridge before being ladled into small pots to take home. For an extra twist, Kwon encourages adding fruit or flowers to give the drink subtle flavour and fragrance. She serves the brewery's version made with magnolia, which offers a more pronounced aroma. The class also includes a brief cooking session featuring anju – snacks typically served with alcoholic beverages. That day's snack was kimchijeon, or kimchi pancake, served alongside samples of makgeolli at various stages of fermentation. Gilles Landric, a participant in the makgeolli-making class at Suguk, makes kimchijeon during Monday's session. — Photo: Lim Jae-seong/The Korea Herald As the participants at Suguk work side by side – cooling the rice, mixing the ingredients and cooking the snacks – conversations naturally unfold, creating a cheerful, communal atmosphere. 'One of the best parts of the class was experiencing it together as a group,' said Gilles Landric, one of the participants. 'We all worked well together in the process of making them.' For those concerned about carrying a fermentation jar around Korea or taking it home overseas, the class offers a simpler option – a bottle of ready-made makgeolli to take instead. 'Some visitors from overseas say they found our class through travel platforms like Klook and Trazy, or they come across us on Instagram,' said Chung Se-ri, a brewer and lead instructor at Suguk. She added that the English-language class, held every Sunday to Tuesday, typically hosts two to six participants and can accommodate up to 20. Traditional drinks are prepared for blind-tasting during the hands-on makgeolli class at Jasaeng-jeonsul on Sunday. — Photo: Lim Jae-seong/The Korea Herald Beyond makgeolli, explore more traditional drinks In addition to hands-on experiences, some classes offer visitors the chance to sample a range of traditional Korean tipples to deepen their understanding of the country's diverse brewing culture. One of them is Jasaeng-jeonsul, run by Suwon's New City Brewing Club near Hwaseong Fortress in Gyeonggi Province. Like many similar classes in Korea, it focuses on makgeolli for the hands-on portion, as it is relatively simple for beginners to make. Before starting the activity, however, participants also take part in a blind-tasting session that guides them to explore a variety of traditional Korean drinks. In the class this reporter attended, the selection included the brewery's makgeolli, a refined rice wine called yakju, a wine made from tangerine and a type of distilled liquor, known as jeungnyuju. Traditional alcohol products tasted in the hands-on makgeolli class at Jasaeng-jeonsul on Sunday: (from left) makgeolli Palddaksan, tangerine wine Hondiju and filtered rice wine Hansan Sogokju. — Photo: Jasaeng-jeonsul 'Visitors are often surprised to learn that there are more types of traditional Korean alcohol beyond makgeolli, and they find it interesting to compare the traditional versions to those adjusted to suit modern tastes,' said Hoang Yong-geun, a brewer and instructor in the class. 'A few participants end up tipsy during the tasting. But they usually recover while stirring the rice during the makgeolli-making session,' he added. The tasting was done as a game -- participants guessed the alcohol level and ingredients added to enhance the flavour of each drink, while also evaluating them across eight aspects, such as flavour, sweetness, acidity and aftertaste. Before the tasting, the class was given a detailed explanation of the historical contexts behind different types of traditional alcohol, how they differ and how to enjoy them, which enhances their appreciation during the tasting. 'As we occasionally have overseas visitors, some of them even prefer the earthy scent of sogokju – a kind of filtered rice wine – more than Koreans do, and those familiar with stronger spirits like vodka or whiskey often enjoy high-proof drinks like Andong soju, calling them exotic,' Hoang added. A student blends cherries with makgeolli ingredients to create a cherry-flavored drink during a hands-on brewing class at Jasaeng-jeonsul, a traditional alcohol workshop in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province. — Photo: Jasaeng-jeonsul While Jasaeng-jeonsul offers two classes a day for up to eight participants from Tuesday to Saturday, it does not currently offer a regular English-language class. However, they host classes for visiting groups, such as exchange students and tourists, with the assistance of translators. Further information about Jasaeng-jeonsul classes is available in both Korean and English on its blog and social media accounts. More workshops outside big cities While there are hands-on classes at small breweries in big cities, Korea is often said to lack attractions like the wineries and historic breweries commonly found abroad – despite the country's strong drinking culture. To address this, Korea's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has designated 49 local breweries that offer tour programs, including hands-on experiences and tasting sessions. Many of these are larger traditional alcohol breweries located outside major cities, aiming to serve as hubs for local tourism. The list includes sites such as Geumpung Brewery in Incheon, which boasts over a century of history, and the Andong soju distillery in North Gyeongsang Province, where liquor is still produced based on the recipe of the late Cho Ok-hwa, a recognized master of traditional liquor making. Details about these breweries – including whether they offer foreign-language guidance – can be found on The Sool, a website run by the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation. – Lim Jae-seong/The Korea Herald/Asia News Network
