Culture · Seoul
JYP Entertainment confirmed that TWICE member Nayeon is preparing a new solo project, targeting a release during the third week of November. The upcoming record marks her first solo release in nearly two and a half years since her second mini-album 'Na' arrived in June 2024. Exact tracklists and promotional dates will be released through official group channels over the coming weeks.
So what
Look out for pre-order announcements and teaser drops on JYP platforms if you plan to collect Nayeon's upcoming album.
Safety · Seoul
Seoul's Gwangjin-gu district announced a special Halloween crowd safety plan running from October 23 through November 1. If crowd density around the Konkuk University Station area exceeds five people per square meter, officials will request that subway trains skip the stop without opening doors. Artificial intelligence CCTV cameras will monitor real-time crowd density across nearby commercial dining alleys and pop-up night market zones.
So what
If you plan to celebrate Halloween around Konkuk University, prepare for possible subway bypasses and consider walking from adjacent stations.
Weather
A wave of chilly air pushing down from the north has caused morning temperatures across South Korea to plunge by around 10°C, lowering Seoul's morning low to 5°C on Thursday. Several inland districts in Gyeonggi and Gangwon provinces face sub-zero temperatures, accompanied by morning frost and patchy ice. Forecasters caution that daily temperature differences between morning and afternoon will span roughly 15°C.
So what
Bundle up in layers and keep a heavy outer jacket handy if you are heading outdoors during early mornings or late evenings.
Culture · Seoul
Netflix has announced a new survival audition format titled 'We Go High', spotlighting students attending specialized arts and media high schools across South Korea. Casting applications opened on October 21 for currently enrolled arts high schoolers and incoming 2027 freshmen, aiming to launch a new K-pop girl group. The streaming platform signed a partnership with agency SM C&C to handle long-term group training and international promotions once the show concludes.
So what
Add this to your Netflix watchlist if you enjoy tracking the formation of rookie K-pop idol teams from school to debut.
Events
The 2026 Osong Cosmetics & Beauty Industry Expo launched on Thursday, October 22, for a three-day run at the OSCO convention center in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province. A record 254 beauty companies are participating in the event, which showcases export-focused Korean cosmetics brands alongside consumer activities like DIY perfume workshops. The event combines business matchmaking with public skincare and makeup experience zones.
So what
Make a day trip to OSCO in Cheongju before October 24 if you want to explore emerging K-beauty labels and hands-on cosmetic workshops.
Food
The 31st Namdo Food Culture Festival opens on Friday, October 23, running through October 25 at the Yeongsan River Garden area in Naju, South Jeolla Province. The annual festival gathers representative recipes and regional dining traditions from across the Jeolla region, famed throughout South Korea for its rich banchan spreads and seafood specialties. Visitors can browse tasting pavilions, culinary displays, and regional farm markets during the three-day event.
So what
Plan a weekend food excursion to Naju if you want to sample authentic southwestern Korean regional cuisine in a single venue.
Life · Busan
A 3.5-meter (11.5-foot) female dusky shark nicknamed 'Bukang-i' was successfully guided out to open sea on Wednesday after lingering in Busan for over a month. The shark had entered an artificial canal at the Busan North Port Waterfront Park on September 18 and resisted earlier relocation attempts. Marine authorities conducted a 10-hour guidance operation with marine biologists and installed barriers to keep the animal from swimming back into the harbor.
So what
Enjoy your visit to Busan's North Port Waterfront Park knowing the canal area is clear and under routine coastal safety supervision.