Good Morning: -7 to 0 is the potential weather condition in Seoul |

Markets

Market: The KOSPI index enjoyed a second consecutive week of growth, rising 2.4% after a previous 2.7% uptick [link]

Korea Events

Seoul Spring Festa will launch in April with exciting K-pop performances and various live shows!

Authorities have identified 174 of the 179 victims of Sunday’s Jeju Air crash, with DNA testing underway to confirm the remaining five, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced Tuesday. Delays in identification were caused by DNA inconsistencies, with final results expected by Friday.

Once autopsies are complete, bodies will be transferred to funeral homes chosen by families, though delivery may not begin until next Monday, according to police.

A U.S. National Transportation Safety Board team and Boeing officials have joined the investigation. Acting President Choi Sang-mok pledged full support for the victims' families and called for special safety inspections of domestic airlines operating Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

The crash, which killed 179 of 181 passengers, occurred when the plane belly-landed and struck a concrete fence. Rescue authorities reported severe fragmentation of the remains, which were divided into 606 parts. Four victims’ bodies have already been returned to their families, while the rest remain in cold storage at the airport.

Korea Trends

The 'skirt over pants' trend is taking the fashion world by storm!

The trend of wearing a skirt over pants has been gaining traction among women as a fashion statement.

Korean online fashion platform Musinsa analyzed search volume data from January 1 to February 18, revealing a notable increase in interest in skirt pants. During this period, searches for the keyword surged by 197% compared to the same time last year. Additionally, searches for related terms like "skirt trousers" and "layered skirt" nearly quadrupled.

According to Musinsa, this style has also attracted global attention under the term "skant," a blend of "skirt" and "pants." The platform noted that skirt pants have become a favored fashion item among its female customers who appreciate distinctive silhouettes and designs.

The appeal of this trend lies in its combination of the practicality of pants with the stylish flair of skirts. It gained particular momentum during the last fall and winter (FW) seasons, when layering pleated midi skirts over pants became popular. This double-layered look, covering the knees, was praised for offering both warmth and style.

Among the standout items in this category are Miseki Seoul’s layered skirt pants set and FLAREUP’s pleated midi skirt. These pieces have consistently ranked among the top-selling skirt items on Musinsa since December.

For the upcoming spring season, the "girlcore" aesthetic—featuring shorter skirts or frilly skirt details over pants—is on the rise. Leading women’s fashion brands on Musinsa are introducing new skirt pants for the 2025 spring and summer (SS) collection.

Hugyourskin, a women’s fashion brand, is set to launch its skirt-layered pants on Tuesday. This design features matching materials for both the skirt and pants, with lace tape on the hem to enhance its girly appeal.

Additionally, the brand’s frill skirt jogger pants, released last month, have been well-received, with two of three color options selling out.

Meanwhile, casual fashion brand Luvistrue has introduced the I Am Pattern Frill Pants for spring, incorporating patterned frill skirts into casual-style training pants for a distinctive look.

Travel Guide Korea

Maybe you are coming in the Summer, right?

From the sunbath heaven of beaches like Busan and Jeju Island to the refreshing mountainous destinations and the bustling soul of Seoul, we have everything you need for a memorable Korean summer [link]

K-pop

K-Pop Paradox: Why Some Acts Achieve Global Fame but Struggle for Recognition at Home

ATEEZ and Stray Kids have achieved unprecedented global success, topping the Billboard 200 and performing at major international festivals like Coachella. However, their domestic presence in Korea remains limited, as they struggle to rank on local streaming charts like Melon and Genie. This reflects a broader trend where K-pop’s international dominance does not always translate to domestic popularity.

K-pop's shift toward global markets began in the mid-2010s, driven by BTS’s rise in the U.S. and the international success of BLACKPINK, TWICE, and EXO. However, domestic trust in K-pop was weakened by controversies over chart manipulation and rigged audition programs, leading to the decline of real-time charts as a measure of public interest.

Instead of broad appeal, the industry pivoted to a fandom-driven model, prioritizing album sales, world tours, and engagement with dedicated fanbases. This shift has propelled K-pop’s global revenue, with overseas markets contributing the majority of earnings for major companies like HYBE, JYP, and YG.

Despite this global focus, groups like aespa, IVE, SEVENTEEN, and NewJeans continue to thrive in Korea, showing that domestic and international success are not mutually exclusive. The industry’s increasing reliance on English lyrics, international collaborations, and world tours underscores its commitment to expanding abroad.

As K-pop evolves into a global phenomenon, the challenge remains: can it maintain domestic relevance while continuing its international rise? The future may depend on whether it can balance its dual identity like Latin music, sustaining success both at home and worldwide.

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