[LIVE] K-Culture Dive (2026-05-27)

Added: 2026-06-01

[00:00:05]You see beautiful little octopus shape.

[00:00:18]Yes.

[00:00:19]Perfect.

[00:00:26]Ah, they suck.

[00:00:48]Ah, ah.

[00:01:13]Heat. Heat.

[00:01:33]I'm and this is K culture dive. Join us in exploring everything in Korean culture from K entertainment to AI news, K culture in photos. And for our Halu people segment today, we dive into the story of a hya diving in the waters of Tju. And with that, let's dive into our show. Joining us this Wednesday is my co-host, Walterly. Walter, happy Wednesday.

[00:02:02]>> Happy Wednesday. So, and hello to everyone joining us on Cake Halter Dive today. I'm Walter Lee here to co-host alongside SoA and bring you the latest in K entertainment news.

[00:02:13]>> So today on K enter water, we're going to focus on boy groups and we're going to start in the city of Las Vegas which was lit up in the color of red. Yes. And you're going to tell us why.

[00:02:25]>> Yes indeed. It seems like the track that BTS have swim is bringing water wherever it goes because BTS transformed Las Vegas into a sea of red with its large scale fan event BTS the city adidang in Las Vegas. Now, the city uh project is an immersive offline experience held in cities hosting BTS's concerts uh allowing fans to enjoy a wide range of BTS themed content throughout the city beyond the concert venue itself. Now, the event was timed to coincide with BTS's four concerts in Las Vegas. The last concert being May 28th, local time.

[00:03:08]Now, across the Las Vegas strip, iconic landmarks and hotel buildings such as the High Roller, the Paris's Las Vegas Eiffel Tower, and the Las Vegas Gateway Arches were illuminated in red. The signature color of BTS's latest album, Adidang. Now, one major resort in the heart of the strip even hosted a 6-minute firework display set to BTS's new tracks, Normal and Hooligan.

[00:03:36]According to Big Hit Music, fans responded fans responded enthusiastically as they experienced BTS's music and concept, creating a festival-like atmosphere atmosphere through what's known as Sin City.

[00:03:49]>> Right. And I can imagine that the excitement surrounding the remaining performances is growing even bigger after BTS's huge win at the American Music Awards. But uh Walter, let's move on to some records achieved by another big boy group.

[00:04:06]>> Yes, indeed. According to JYPp Entertainment on Tuesday, Stray Kids achieved cumulative shipments of just over 40 million copies as of April 2026 across their 28 albums released in Korea and also Japan. Now, their 19 Korean albums recorded more than 35 million cumulative shipments based on circle chart data, while their nine Japanese released reached around 4.5 million copies. Now, since debuting in 2018, Stray Kids have gained immense popularity with songs such as Chick Boom and Backdoor. The group have found success not only in Korea but also internationally setting a new record last year when their album Do It reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart for the eighth consecutive chart topping album. Stray Kids are set to headline the New York's Governor's Ball Music Festival on June 6th and Brazil's Rock in Rio on September 11th local time.

[00:05:05]>> Wow. Headlining those major stages really shows how big the influence of Stray Kids has grown on the global music stage. But Walter, we're going to wrap up with another boy group and this time we're talking about a debut anniversary and a very meaningful gesture.

[00:05:22]>> Indeed, we are. So, so yes, 17 marked their debut's 11th anniversary on Tuesday by making a donation to Korean National Commission for UNESCO. The exact donation amount was not revealed.

[00:05:36]However, according to the organization, the group chose for the funds to be sent to support a scholarship program helping students in Laos continue their secondary education. Now, the secretary general of the Korean National Commission for UNESCO expressed gratitude for 17's ongoing support since 2022, stating that the latest donation will help disadvantaged students in Laos pursue a more stable education and create better opportunities for their future. In June 2024, 17 also became the first K-pop artist to be appointed UNESCO youth Goodwill Ambassadors.

[00:06:13]Walter, I can't believe it's already been a year since we talked about their big 10-year anniversary when they had their bday party here in >> Yes, I remember.

[00:06:21]>> But thank you very much for those updates, Walter. And stick around.

[00:06:24]>> We'll do.

[00:06:25]>> All right, now we move on to our AI anchor, Aarang, for more on the culture front. Aang, >> thanks. Here's your AI guide to the latest cultural headlines from Korea.

[00:06:38]Let's begin with our top story.

[00:06:41]Culture Minister Chuyong has congratulated K-pop artists for their big wins at the American Music Awards.

[00:06:47]In particular, he praised BTS, who took home awards in three categories, including artist of the year, saying the achievement reflects the group's full return to the global music scene and underscores their unrivaled presence. He added that the milestone would leave a lasting mark on pop music history. The EMAs are considered one of the three major US music awards shows alongside the Grammy Awards and the Billboard Music Awards amid controversy over price gouging by some accommodations ahead of BTS's World Tour concert in Busousan next month. A fair stay challenge offering free or lowcost lodging is gaining momentum.

[00:07:24]Local temples will offer temple stays free or at fair prices while universities and public institutions have also joined the initiative.

[00:07:32]Participating organizations include Bamasa, Hungupsa and Sanamsa Temples as well as Busousan National University, Pugang National University and Busousan Metropolitan City Corporation's Arpina Hotel. More than 100 rooms are being made available through the challenge accommodating over 400 people. Many stays are free while the highest rate is capped at 130,0001 or roughly $87.

[00:08:00]A 4.3 km street side garden has been created connecting Kyouong Palace and the Blue House. Designed to provide a walkover space that blends seasonal scenery and historic landmarks, the street garden links and the Blue House. A total of 346 million1 or around $230,600 was invested in the garden project over the past 3 years. Jonobo district pledged to continue transforming the area into a vibrant green corridor known for its scenic streets and pedestrian friendly spaces.

[00:08:34]That's all from me. Turning now to a quick look at more K culture stories making headlines today.

[00:09:01]Through a single photo at a time, we take a closer look at a culture in Korea. This is K culture in photos. This week in Korea, one word perfectly captures the mood. Choy or early summer.

[00:09:14]It's that short seasonal moment when spring begins to end and summer starts to settle in.

[00:09:20]These photos show people enjoying the turquoise waters of Hamdok Beach on Chudu Island, one of Korea's best known early summer spots. Warm sunshine, ocean breezes, and clear skies are drawing people outdoors earlier than usual this year. And honestly, some scenes already look like midsummer.

[00:09:41]At beaches in Busan, people are wearing swimsuits, short sleeves, and even going into the water. With crowded shorelines and bright sunshine, it already feels like peak vacation season in parts of Korea. But early summer in Korea isn't only about beaches.

[00:10:00]These photos show people relaxing beneath giant pine trees enjoying the cool natural shade. And finally, one of Korea's signature early summer foods, Changang corn. Known for its extra sweetness and juicy texture, this seasonal corn is especially popular in June. For many Koreans, it's a taste that signals the beginning of summer.

[00:10:25]At first glance, this photo almost looks like a sudden strip storm, but these people are actually taking part in the Chun Mine Festival, one of Korea's most famous outdoor performance festivals held every year in early summer in Chun, Towando Province.

[00:10:44]One of the festival's most popular events is a giant water celebration.

[00:10:48]Powerful water sprays shoot into the air as crowds dance, run, and cool off together. And from above, the scene almost looks like a huge summer party filled with colorful outfits, water guns, and even bubbles floating through the streets.

[00:11:05]But the festival is not only about water play. Visitors can also enjoy mine performances, street art, music, and interactive shows that turn the entire city into an outdoor stage.

[00:11:17]And after sunset, the atmosphere becomes even more dramatic. Nighttime events like the famous Goblin Party fill the streets with fire performances, music, and dancing, creating one of Korea's most energetic early summer festivals.

[00:11:35]Look at these heels. What kind of shoes do you think they are? These ultra high platform shoes, sometimes reaching nearly 20 cm, are becoming known online in Korea as standing shoes.

[00:11:49]And here's why. Fans wear them at standing concerts to get a better view of their favorite K-pop idols. Honestly, some people almost look like they are standing on top of the shoes rather than wearing them.

[00:12:02]The trend has grown so much that rental posts are now appearing online and the shoes come in many different styles and heights.

[00:12:12]But there are also safety concerns because the platforms are extremely high. Some people worry about falls or injuries in packed concert venues.

[00:12:21]Still, many fans say the chance to clearly see their favorite idols makes the shoes worth trying. Carefully, of course.

[00:12:30]In Korea these days, some young people say collecting luck is harder than collecting gold. The trend is called lucky maxing, a newly coined term describing people trying to attract as much good fortune as possible through everyday habits and rituals.

[00:12:48]These small horses and cat dolls are part of the trend. Many people hang them at home hoping for protection and good luck. And this crowded hiking scene at Quanaka Mountain reflects another growing belief among young Koreans that certain places can bring specific kinds of fortune like exam luck or career luck.

[00:13:11]Stationary stores are selling cute lucky charms with messages like everything will go well. While even museums and discount stores are releasing fortune themed tickets near Hungai station, vendors selling fourleaf clover items are also drawing attention from younger shoppers looking for a little extra luck in daily life.

[00:13:34]Today's photos capture the energy, emotions, and new trends shaping life in Korea. down.

[00:13:52]A unique community of women divers known as Henya have been harvesting food from the seas around Tedu for generations.

[00:14:01]They dive without oxygen tanks, showing their incredible fitness and bravery.

[00:14:06]Recently, the Tedu Henyo Museum has been hosting a special talk show where Henyo themselves share stories of their lives directly with visitors. Today, we're joined by Chong Yun, a young Heno who leads these talk shows and also serves as an English interpreter to learn more about Ted's Hyo culture and their deep connection with the sea. Welcome, Tong Yun.

[00:14:30]>> Thank you so much for having me. I'm very excited. We are so happy to have you here on the show today and especially because you probably came from Tedju all the way to So to be here with us.

[00:14:39]>> That's right.

[00:14:40]>> So uh Okay, Chongyun, you just recently became a Heno and actually I heard this from Walter who introduced you to our show. So could you please introduce a bit about yourself and what inspired you to become a >> Hyo? So I am a secondyear diver and that's still considered a baby diver, a novice diver or a henya in Jesu language. Um, and I've been um just fascinated by Jedju Hya's grit and their spirit and I always just imagine living in Jedju and being a diver there. So that's what I'm doing right now.

[00:15:12]>> Okay. Does it take a long time to officially become a Heno?

[00:15:16]>> Um, it depends on the village. So there are 103 fishing villages in Jedju and every village's regulation is all very different. So my village kind of um you know had an intern period of one year and a half kind of figuring out whether I can be a fit hya and this year in April I got my hya license for the for the very first time and very excited for that.

[00:15:37]>> Wow congrats.

[00:15:39]>> Thank you.

[00:15:39]>> And uh recently the Tedu Hyo Museum has been operating a program called the P talk show. So please could you explain what P talk means?

[00:15:50]>> Sure. So, what I'm wearing is traditional Jedju Hya diving clothing.

[00:15:54]Obviously, we don't wear this anymore, but back in the days until 1970s, we would wear only this. And this white thing, uh, we just put on after diving.

[00:16:02]So, it'll be only this onesie kind of sleeveless thing. So, after diving in winter, of course, is very cold. So, we needed this fireplace. And that fireplace is called Brut.

[00:16:13]>> And so, after diving, we would come out, the hen will gather around and we would try to warm our body a little bit. And Brut was not a place to warm ourselves but a place for community where we share food or raise our children or talk about village gossip. So that kind of spirit is um related to pur talk. So we wanted to bring that name and have this talk show at Hyo Museum so that we can share the spirit of Hyo with the visitors.

[00:16:40]>> Right. And I've noticed you know I've been keeping an eye on you through social media that you're a very wellspoken person. And so I think you're the best kind of person to provide English interpretations especially about this historical thing as heno culture to foreign visitors right now especially at the museum. How do international audiences tend to view Jedju's heny culture and are there particular aspects that surprise or fascinate them the most? I mean every time I interpret for the BT talk show I'm so touched by uh the interest and also just um you know the zeal zeal the international visitors have for hya. So pretty much they get uh informed by Hya by watching K drama or being interested in Korean culture through you know fiction or story book and they are specifically in Jedju most of the time to meet Hya and I've met so many people from different countries like all the way from Indonesia, Malaysia, Italy, Israel uh Ukraine and a lot of them are very touched to meet Hya in person. Maybe not really me because uh with me I have along um the older Henya who have been diving for 50 60 years and a lot of them are in tears just to meet them and I think it's not like a pity- like tears but just happy tears that oh you lived this hard life but look at you with your spirit and courage you have lived your life and you raised your children I admire you that kind of stuff. So I think um yeah they're just so excited and happy to see our >> hya I feel like uh after the K drama when life gives you tangerines, maybe more foreign visitors are interested into hyo culture as well.

[00:18:22]>> Absolutely. And this program probably uh runs for a couple more months, right?

[00:18:26]>> Uh so we started in March and I interpreted a couple of times last year.

[00:18:30]So it's monthly thing every third or fourth Wednesday of the week and we go from March to November.

[00:18:37]>> Okay. So still a lot of time. Also, if we ever get to, you know, make a trip to Tedu later this year, I'll try to check out the talk show myself.

[00:18:45]>> But Tongun, let's talk a little bit more about Tedu Island and Hyo culture and more of that. Tedu is often referred to as Samadu, uh, meaning the island of three abundances, wind, rocks, and women. So, how do you see the relationship between the lives of Hyo and this unique these unique cultures of >> Tezu? And it's really uh just impossible to take Hya apart from Jujedu's nature because our life in Jedju is really just uh entangled with the nature and catering to what's given to us and also just making the best out of what's given to us. So it's very windy and it's very rocky. So it's very hard to farm. So going out to the ocean and try to get food and sell that seafood to make a living for your uh your family was very important to Henya. And so uh Henya's history, Henyo's life is Jedju's history and Jejo's life and it still continues on to this day. Unfortunately um Henya's number are greatly reducing at this point but um I I want to continue on with the tradition. So I want to carry on uh the importance of being one part of that that one uh three things the wind rock and the women as a hyen woman.

[00:19:59]M >> yeah I do definitely see your passion for it when I watch your stories or post on Instagram or even through your partner's Instagram. He's very proud of you. He shows off everything that you do and I very much keep a close eye on how you you know you how important this is for you. So Jedju's heny culture is recognized globally as a truly unique cultural tradition and it's very interesting. But in your opinion, what are its greatest values and appeals?

[00:20:31]>> So, not only the practice of diving our work, but I think the community is the most important thing and that's very unique because going out and working hard, everybody does it, but I think risking life and being out in the wild, in the nature, and just being in that dangerous situation, that's very unique about Henya's diving practice. And so uh making sure your colleagues are safe and watching out for each other and always um sharing so as women get older or weaker you know they can maybe not dive as well as before and we'll try to look out for the older hangout maybe share our catches and make sure that everybody's safe and um you know well fed >> right so that quite a dangerous job in itself like it does seem very dangerous but uh why do you think ho culture is increasingly being discussed not simply as an occupation per se but as a important cultural heritage for the younger generations. M >> I felt um the community is so important after I joined the Henya community because I lived and worked in soul for 13 years and this life was fun too but I never really felt I was part of anything really and to be in a very tight-knit community and to share food and lives together. I truly feel like this is the life for me and I feel happy. I feel safe. I feel like I have a place to go.

[00:21:56]I have people to talk to. So for younger generation, I don't think we get to experience that a lot. Um even though there are great communities out there.

[00:22:05]So to be in this situation and learn the values of the communities u values and help I think people want to emulate that in their communities as well.

[00:22:15]>> Right. It really seems like it's not just only a job but it is really about community. And uh Tongyun we understand that Heno see the sea as more than just a place of livelihood. So, what does the sea represent to Henya?

[00:22:30]>> I think it's our kitchen. It's our playground. When I ask our older hya, why did you become a hya? They're like, I didn't have a choice. This was just part of my life. So, when they first start training as a hya, they don't know if they're being trained. They're just out there playing. And then eventually, you'll start catching. And then age 13 or 14, uh, they wanted to help out with the family. So they had no choice but become a hya and not go to school or learn anything at school. So sea is just place of life. That's where life begins.

[00:23:03]That's where you catch seafood for your family and that's where you want to get older by. And so in my village >> recently three hen retired and even though they're not diving anymore, they would come out to the ocean. they ride their little motorcycle and they just want to observe the sea because that's what they've done uh for the past seven decades. So they want to continue just being by the ocean.

[00:23:29]>> So they would be part of the brut too.

[00:23:31]>> Um so yeah so brut was a of a practice in the past. I think brut started to disappear in 1970s because now we have something called changing room. Oh >> so we have a building with warm you know heated seat and hot water running. So the changing room is like a modern day purtop for henya.

[00:23:48]>> Nice.

[00:23:49]>> Right. And just before our last question, Chong Yun, I have uh noticed a massive change with you and your partner as soon as you moved to Jedjedu. I heard about it long before you actually moved.

[00:23:59]And you give the international audience so much back to Jedju. I think Jedju is very much appreciative of people like you. I mean you document a lot of stuff, you talk about a lot of stuff, you have your own radio show, etc. I really think that Jedju has found great residence in yourself and in your partner. So, you know, on behalf of Jedju, I'm sure they're very, very proud to have you there. And last but not least, becoming a Hen likely changed the way that you view the ocean itself. Uh, are there any life lessons or wisdom you have learned from the sea?

[00:24:35]>> From the ocean, I think, um, the grit and spirit of Jehoa's wisdom lives with me every day. So whenever I dive, there are times when I think I saw a seafood, a kunch maybe, and then I'll dive and then um it wasn't a kunch, it was a rock, and I'll come out empty-handed.

[00:24:53]And the henyos will tell me, "No, you never cannot cannot come out empty-handed. You have to come out even at least a rock or something." So they're saying if you are holding your breath, risking something to go out and get something, then you just have to come out with something in your hand. So that kind of just uh courage and grit of you know just making your life uh that's something I learned from them.

[00:25:17]>> Wow. Fascinating. Tongyun. Thank you very much for sharing your story with us today. I I think you're going to be a big inspiration especially to the coming generations who want to become a heno.

[00:25:28]So thank you very much and keep in touch.

[00:25:30]>> Thank you.

[00:25:30]>> Thank you so much for having me. And thank you Walter as always. We're going to have you here back soon.

[00:25:35]>> Very. See you very soon.

[00:25:37]Thanks for watching and your interest in everything K culture. Please tune in again tomorrow, 2 p.m. Korea time. Keep diving.

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