K-Culture Takes the Spotlight: Yim Si-wan and PUNCH to Headline Korea Travel Fair 2025

Hi Huneybees,

Get ready, Singapore! Korea Travel Fair 2025: Your Gateway to K-Culture is returning to Plaza Singapura from 16 - 18 May 2025 (Friday to Sunday), and this year, all eyes are on two special guests: K-drama star Yim Si-wan and popular OST singer PUNCH.

Organised by the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), this year’s fair also marks a special occasion - 50 years of diplomatic friendship between Korea and Singapore. But it’s the star-studded lineup that’s got fans buzzing.

---

Meet Your Hallyu Idols Up Close

The Opening Ceremony on 17 May will be the can’t-miss moment of the weekend.

PUNCH, known for her soulful voice on countless K-drama soundtracks, will take the stage to perform live, bringing beloved drama scenes to life through her music.

Following that, Yim Si-wan, who was celebrated for roles in Misaeng, Run On, and Boyhood, will host an intimate Celebrity Travel Talk. Expect insider stories from his hometown of Busan, his favourite Korean destinations, and a sneak peek into his upcoming role in Squid Game Season 3, premiering this June.

---

Beyond the Celebrities – Discover the Best of Korea

While the celebrities are a major draw, the fair offers a full weekend of cultural discovery, travel deals, and immersive activities across two areas -  Plaza Singapura’s Main Atrium and The Alley.

Here’s what else to look forward to:

• Over 20 booths featuring travel deals from Jeju, Busan, Gyeongsangnam-do, Jeollanam-do, and major travel agencies like ASA Holidays, Chan Brothers, EU Holidays, and more. All bookings made during Korea Travel Fair 2025 will be entitled to one gift redemption.
  *Additional online promotions, including offers from airlines, travel agents, and OTAs, can be found at: tripzilla.sg/korea.

• Interactive K-beauty and K-fashion workshops with brands like INNISFREE, BEAUTY PLAY, and JUNGSAEMMOOL.

• Fun activities like DIY crafts, digital games, travel quizzes, and themed zones to explore different facets of Korean culture.

• The Passport Challenge, where completing fun tasks across the fair wins you a curated blind box gift. Those who complete all five tasks can redeem a specially curated blind box gift. Daily lucky draws will also be held. 
  *Full programme schedule available here. 

• Daily lucky draws with amazing prizes, including luggage, dining vouchers, and even return flight tickets to Korea for two.

---

Focus on Southern Korea: From Jeju to Jeollanam-do

This year’s spotlight is on Korea’s stunning southern regions:

• Jeju Island and Busan, both favourites among Singaporean travellers.

• Gyeongsangnam-do, home to peaceful mountain temples and scenic port towns.

• Jeollanam-do, known for its lush landscapes, green tea fields, and rich food culture.

Whether you’re planning your first trip or looking for hidden gems, this is the perfect chance to explore it all in one place.

---

Celebrate 50 Years of Friendship Through Culture and Travel

Alongside the celebrity appearances, the Opening Ceremony also includes a special performance by the National Gugak Centre, fusing Korean traditional music with familiar Singaporean melodies, and an energetic showcase by JUMP! Comic Martial Arts.

Korea Travel Fair 2025 promises to bring the very best of K-Culture under one roof - from K-beauty and K-fashion to K-food, K-heritage, and the global K-wave.

Korea Travel Fair 2025: Your Gateway to K-Culture
📍 Plaza Singapura
📅 16–18 May 2025 (Fri–Sun)
🕥 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to connect with Korea’s top stars and culture all in one place.
For more info on Korea Travel Fair, see website here.

Do follow me on my social media for more daily updates...
 Facebook | X | Instagram | TikTok

Read More

K-Pop Fans, Get Ready! MONSTA X’s Joohoney & I.M, Plus Hip-Hop Queen Jessi, Are Bringing the Ultimate K-Culture Playground to Singapore!

Hi Huneybees,

K-pop lovers, mark your calendars because something BIG is coming your way! On May 3, 2025, Singapore will host the first-ever ‘Playground’ festival at the iconic Pasir Panjang Power Station—an epic, all-day event blending K-pop, hip-hop, Korean street food, and thrilling interactive games. If you’re looking for more than just a concert, this is where you need to be! Headlined by MONSTA X’s Joohoney and I.M, alongside hip-hop powerhouse Jessi, this event promises an exhilarating fusion of K-pop and Korean culture like never before.

An All-Out, Immersive K-Culture Experience!

Unlike your usual K-pop concerts or club nights, ‘Playground’ is a 360-degree entertainment experience where YOU become part of the action. Expect:

• Live performances by top K-pop & K-hip-hop artists – including Joohoney & I.M of MONSTA X, Jessi, Gray, Loco, YUNGIN, Holybang, Lil Cherry & Goldbuuda

• ‘Squid Game’-style interactive challenges – Think heart-pounding, adrenaline-pumping survival games that bring out your competitive side.

• Authentic Korean food & signature drinks – From sizzling street eats to smooth, flavorful Korean spirits, get ready for a feast for the senses!

• K-pop Random Play Dance & high-energy DJ sets – Featuring DJ RAW & MC Jasmin from Seoul Searching, turning the festival into a K-pop dance floor like never before!

A Star-Studded Lineup That Will Set the Stage on Fire!

• Jessi – The queen of K-hip-hop, known for her powerful vocals, fiery rap skills, and unapologetic stage presence.

• Joohoney & I.M (MONSTA X) – These two global superstars are bringing MONSTA X’s signature energy to Singapore, and Monbebes better be ready!

• GRAY & LOCO – Heavyweights of the K-hip-hop scene, delivering smooth beats and unforgettable rap flows.

• Lil Cherry & Goldbuuda – The dynamic sibling duo known for pushing the boundaries of K-hip-hop with their unique sound and energetic performances.

• HOLYBANG – The explosive dance crew bringing next-level moves to the festival.

• YUNGIN – A three-time Grammy-winning mixing engineer-turned-producer & DJ who’s ready to turn up the heat!
  
  

Terry Hwayong Lee (Founder of +82)
Photo credit: +82

More Than a Concert—This Is a Movement!

The brains behind ‘Playground’ is Terry Hwayong Lee, founder of +82, a global entertainment powerhouse known for pioneering new ways to experience K-pop and K-culture. With experience working at UMF, CJ, and YG Entertainment, Terry is all about breaking boundaries and redefining how we engage with Korean entertainment.

“At +82, we don’t just bring entertainment—we create immersive cultural moments. ‘Playground’ is more than just a festival; it’s an experience where fans get to live and breathe K-culture like never before.” ---  Terry Hwayong Lee.

Kicking off in Singapore, +82 has big plans to take this one-of-a-kind K-culture experience global—so consider this just the beginning of a worldwide phenomenon! At ‘Playground’, the audience isn’t just watching the show—they’re part of it. Fans will have the chance to interact with performers in real time, shaping the experience as it unfolds. This innovative format blurs the line between artist and audience, transforming each event into a dynamic, ever-evolving spectacle. Every ‘Playground’ edition is a unique, co-created moment, deepening the connection between fans and their favorite stars. 

Get Your Tickets Now!

Tickets are available from SGD 188 to SGD 358 at ticketmaster. Don’t miss out on this groundbreaking event—secure your spot now and immerse yourself in the ultimate K-culture playground!

For more details, visit +82 Official Website or follow @plus82_official_page on Instagram for the latest updates. Grab your tickets now: https://bit.ly/4kDjE2d

Are you ready to play at the ultimate K-Culture festival? See you there! 🚀🔥💃

_________________________________________________________________________________

Photo Credits:
Jessi (UNNI Company Inc)
Joohoney and I.M. of Monsta X (Starship Entertainment)
GRAY (Duover)
Loco (LOCOMOTIVE)
LIL CHERRY & GOLDBUUDA (Angella Choe)
HOLYBANG (MOREVISION)
YUNGIN (All Up In The Mix LLC)

Do follow me on my social media for more daily updates...
 Facebook | X | Instagram | TikTok

Read More

Launching the Samsung Galaxy S10 iKON Style

Hi Huneybees,

To celebrate 10 years of Galaxy and the launch of its latest product innovation, the Galaxy S10 and S10+ in Singapore, Samsung held theUnleash Next Gen Bold event at Resorts World Theatre yesterday evening. The exclusive event saw the unveiling of the latest member of the Galaxy S series together with a performance by K-pop sensation iKON.

At the Unleash Next Gen Bold event, over 1,500 Samsung and iKON fans had a chance to experience the revolutionary features of the Galaxy S10 and S10+ at various product zones. 

They got to watch a live performance by iKON, where fans also had the opportunity to take group selfies together with iKON using the Galaxy S10’s Ultra Wide Lens. iKON fans got to see a side of their idols they have never seen before, while a number of lucky fans took home special momentos and iKON merchandise.

As part of the Samsung Galaxy series’ 10th anniversary celebrations, Samsung will also be holding the Singapore leg of Galaxy Studio for consumers from 22 February 2019. Galaxy Studio will comprise of themed experiential zones and comprehensive product showcase areas, where consumers can enjoy and experience for themselves the all-round multimedia features of the latest Samsung Galaxy devices, through a slew of delightful and immersive activities.

I've got to play with the mobile devices first hand, together with the new range of Samsung wearables, so stay tuned as I update with more information. In the meantime, the Samsung Galaxy S10 and S10+ are already ready for their pre-order registration. You can register your interest in the new devices at the following locations:

• Telecommunication operators (M1, Singtel, StarHub)
• Samsung Store Online / Samsung Experience Stores / Galaxy Studio 
• Selected Consumer Electronics & IT Stores and Lazada Singapore

Don’t forget to stay tuned to my blog / like my blog’s Facebook page / follow me @huney_84 on Twitter & Instagram  for the latest updates!

Read More

KPop Stars Galore At The “YG Family 2014 GALAXY Tour: POWER IN SINGAPORE” Press Conference Presented By Samsung

Hi Huneybees,

For those lucky fans who have purchased "YG Family 2014 GALAXY Tour: POWER in Singapore" concerts for 13 or/and 14 September, congratulation as you have been entertained by some of the hottest names in the K-pop industry: BIGBANG, PSY, 2NE1, Epik High and YG Entertainment's highly anticipated new boy band, WINNER!

For those who was not as lucky to attend the only Southeast Asia stop of this tour, don't be sad, Huney'Z World was at the press conference to bring you some of the up close and personal photos taken during the session.

WINNER

Epik High

2NE1

BIG BANG

It's unfortunate to learn that Big Bang member Seungri could not attend the press conference with the rest of the band as he was involved in a car accident just hours before they were due to fly to Singapore. Fortunately he did not suffer any major injuries but his presence was definitely missed as evidence when the rest of the member of BIG BANG entered solemnly into the press conference.

Nevertheless the session quickly turned lighthearted when the artists were asked various questions submitted earlier by the media.

One such instance was when Big Bang was asked which artist inspires them, TOP answered, “WINNER. They inspire us because they are winners."

My favorite moment was when 2NE1 member Dara mentioned that she would like to do some acting but when suggested by TOP to do a teary scene on the spot, she boldly said that instead of a crying scene, she would rather do a kissing scene and would choose Epik High’s Mithra Jin to be her partner. This prompted Tablo to chant, “Right now!”

Throughout the session, the artistes constantly outdo each other by taking selfies with the latest Samsung mobile phones issued to them.

Here are some of the funny moments taken specially for you!

Samsung is the official sponsor of  "YG Family 2014 GALAXY Tour: POWER in Singapore".

Don’t forget to stay tuned to my blog / like my blog’s Facebook page / follow me @huney_84 on Twitter & Instagram  for the latest updates!

Read More

Enough Of K-Pop, Back To Mando-Pop

Hi Huneybees,

Photo Credits: http://es.drama.wikia.com/

I'm having a such a K-wave headache these days. Everywhere I go, every turn I take, K-pop music is playing. It's kinda not so fun when you shop with music that you don't understand eh?

I agree that the K-pop singers are adorable handsome and pretty but this foreign language and its wave is getting on my nerves. Though the songs are catchy and dance-y, half the time I don't understand what they are singing, so I was like "OK! Enough of K-pop! It's time to go back to my roots!" 

And that was when I was horrified by the Mandopop scene! Starting with my favourite idol - Show Luo 羅志祥, everyone has been saying that his image in the MV of 愛投羅網 is copying the likes of popular K-pop singer of G Dragon of Big Bang. Not just him, there's more! 

Will Pan 潘瑋柏 is looking more and more like Taeyang and even the always known as the sweet, pretty face singer Cyndi Wang 王心凌 is now looking sexier, a little too much resemblance to Hyuna?! Even her latest MV - Baby Boy, was a tad too much like Hyuna's Bubble Pop/Ice Cream?

ARGHH!!! Luckily, there are still those that stuck to their own style, with displaying their vocals as the main target. These are some of the new song releases in the recent few months and one of my favourite has got to be Miss Ko and Khalil Fong 方大同. Their songs are so original and they have both brought in some of their Western influence into their songs. I find that is then the right amount of cross culture and not total copying!
So, well here's leaving you with some my recommendations, including our local pride - Stefanie Sun Yan Zi  孙燕姿 and Kelly Poon Jiali 潘嘉丽, check out those legs of Kelly! Hope you guys like the songs and if you have another more to recommend, do comment!

Don’t forget to stay tuned to my blog / like my blog’s Facebook page / follow me @huney_84 on Twitter & Instagram  for the latest updates!

Read More

MTV World Stage Malaysia 2014 Is Back For The 6th Year

Hi Huneybees,

Save the date, reshuffle your appointments and start planning your trip to Sunway Resort City, Kuala Lumpur, because it is the place to be – come August! MTV has officially announced that MTV World Stage Malaysia is back for the sixth-year running!




The first two artists gracing the MTV World Stage for the first time – homegrown international singer-songwriter, Yuna; and Universal Music Group International’s first K-pop idol group, Boys Republic, with additional performers to be announced at a later date. MTV VJs Alan and Hanli will again be hosting this year’s concert.

Set to welcome an expected live audience of about 15,000 fans, MTV World Stage Malaysia 2014 is sponsored by Sunway, Xpax, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Hong Leong Bank and William Grant & Sons, and supported by Tourism Malaysia, local broadcast partner, Astro, and local radio partner, hitz.fm.

The announcement was triggered by MTV fans following an Unlock #worldstagemy campaign that was first shared on 27 May through MTV’s social media platforms, hitz.fm and with bloggers. Fans successfully unlocked the announcement details on Tuesday, 27 May, which quickly gathered a frenzy of over 15,000 tweets over six hours. Not only did #worldstagemy top trend in Malaysia, but it also listed as one of the top ten trends worldwide.

MTV World Stage is a global series that bring multi-genre talents with global relevance, telecast to an audience in over 550 million households. Recorded ‘live’ at the most exclusive gigs, world renowned music festivals and unique concert locations from around the world, the series is the ‘front row seat’ for music lovers to experience the biggest artists on the globe without leaving the comfort of their sofas. MTV World Stage Malaysia is part of this platform that delivers the MTV brand experience not only on the ground with MTV fans in Malaysia, but with a global airing in 154 countries across MTV Networks. The Malaysia show is also MTV’s first originally-produced MTV World Stage event globally, which started in 2009.

Last year, MTV World Stage Live in Malaysia 2013, which welcomed a whopping 15,000 fans, brought the award-winning and multi-platinum artist, Robin Thicke, along with explosive international sensations, Far East Movement. The concert also featured 12-member K-Pop super group, EXO, and Malaysian Hip Hop pioneer, Joe Flizzow.

YUNA

In a remarkably short period of time, Yuna has risen from a shy, YouTube sensation to full-on international stardom. In the process, the unique singer-songwriter has become the first artist in Malaysia to break into the American market. The ease with which Yuna has transitioned to border defying mainstream success should not be surprising, considering the effortlessly universal appeal of her organic blend of contemporary pop, acoustic folk and soulful R&B.

Yuna experienced success early on, with a quartet of popular indie releases in Malaysia, beginning with her self-titled 2008 EP. That debut disc became a major seller at home, producing the hit single “Deeper Conversation.” The following year, Yuna won the first of several Anugerah Industri Muzik awards, Malaysia’s equivalent of the Grammy. During the same period, the artist also found time to attend law school and open IAMJETFUEL, a successful women’s clothing boutique.

Yuna’s latest album, Nocturnal, was recorded in Los Angeles and marks a major step forward for her. Nocturnal’s 11 sparkling new originals include the warmly intoxicating first single “Falling”, produced by Robin Hannibal of Quadron and the soul-pop group Rhye; the breezy, upbeat “I Wanna Go,” produced by rocker Mike Einziger of iconic modern rock band, Incubus.

Previously, Yuna had worked with man-of-the-moment, Pharrell Williams who produced her hit single, “Live Your Life”.

Yuna’s North American breakthrough saw the artist winning widespread acclaim while achieving several significant career milestones – Rolling Stone magazine praised her combination of “certified indie cred and massive pop potential”, while The New York Times described her music as “gorgeous”. She performed high-profile sets at the hugely renowned Lollapalooza and Coachella festivals, and has appeared on shows of popular personalities such as Jimmy Kimmel and Jay Leno.

For more information on Yuna, visit www.yunamusic.com.

BOYS REPUBLIC

Growing rapidly into one of the most popular K-pop boy bands in the region, Boys Republic is a group produced by Universal Music Group and Jung Hae Ik, who also helped produce first generation idols like H.O.T., S.E.S. and g.o.d. The five-member boy group consists of One Junn, Da Bin, Sung Jun, Min Su and Su Woong.

Boys Republic has been in Universal Music Korea’s pipeline for almost two years until their debut in 2013. The multi-talented boy group was trained in diverse genres of music. Top Korean producer and composer, Keun Tae Park, who has written songs for IU and Ji Young Baek, was appointed as chief music adviser for the group. To ensure strong international appeal, not only did Keun Tae collaborate with Dsign Music, the Norwegian team that wrote for Girls’ Generation, TVXQ and EXO, but the boys have also trained in singing, dancing, acting and the languages and cultures of other countries.

When Boys Republic released their debut single last June, “Party Rock” along with itsmusic video, the chart-topping song peaked at #1 on iTunes single charts in Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand in 2013. Their song “You Are Special” also peaked at #1 on KKBOX Chart in Malaysia in 2013. Their latest single, “Video Game” made #1 on Dwango K-POP daily chart in Japan in 2014.

Since then, the promising K-pop idol group has risen quickly to stardom as Boys Republic was declared “Best New Artist” at the 20th Korean Entertainment & Art Awards 2013. The boys were selected as both Jeju Air’s PR Ambassador for 2013 and as Korean Youth Association Ambassador. Additionally, the group has also appeared on SBS MTV in a special eight-episode feature, “Best New Artist, Boys Republic”, which aired June-July 2013.

Boys Republic returns for their second performance in Malaysia. Voted by fans to close the U.O.X. 2013 in Malaysia, the popular group was the only Korean artist invited for the event.

WIN MTV WORLD STAGE CONCERT PASSES

MTV World Stage passes are not for sale and may be won by fans through game contests that will open on 16 June. Details will be announced in the coming weeks.

NEWS UPDATES ON SOCIAL MEDIA

In the weeks ahead, fans can get direct information by following MTV Asia on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for news updates on MTV World Stage Malaysia 2014.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mtvasia

Twitter: www.twitter.com/mtvasia

Hashtag: #worldstagemy

Instagram: mtvasia

Don’t forget to stay tuned to my blog / like my blog’s Facebook page / follow me @huney_84 on Twitter & Instagram  for the latest updates!

Read More

H.O.T.’s TONY AN HEATS UP tvN K-POP STAR HUNT S2

Hi Huneybees,

tvN is proud to announce that the second season of the popular reality competition, tvN K-Pop Star Hunt S2, will be hosted by pioneering K-pop legendary idol, H.O.T.’s Tony An.

The South Korean singer, who recently wrapped up a year-long stint at tvN’s key signature music show, M-Countdown, will now add the role as host for one of the widely watched shows on tvN to his belt. The last season of tvN K-Pop Star Hunt attracted more than 50 million viewers across Asia with a highly anticipated Season 2 slated to air in Singapore in November 2012.

Out of the eight countries taking part in this regional talent competition, Tony An will also be making a rare appearance in Singapore as his first and only stop for the competition. He will be taking the opportunity to film segments of the show in Singapore as well as to root for the contestants performing at this leg of the regional audition. K-pop enthusiasts and fans alike are bound to be mesmerized by this visiting K-pop legend. The singer will be attending Singapore’s final audition this Sunday, 2 September 2012 at Plaza Singapura, Level 1, Main Atrium.

The first round of audition for Singapore’s leg of the competition will take place on Saturday, 1 September 2012 at StarHub Green. Those who might have missed the deadline for online submission are also welcome for a walk-in audition on the same day.

The top finalists emerging from the first audition will then proceed to perform at Plaza Singapura, Level 1, Main Atrium, for the performance audition the following day, Sunday, 2 September 2012 where the winners will jet off to Seoul for professional training with Cube Entertainment!

To experience the contestants’ journey to fame, join us at Plaza Singapura, Level 1, Main Atrium on Sunday, 2 September 2012 from 1:30pm onwards.

Stay tuned to tvN K-Pop Star Hunt S2 when it premieres on Saturday, 24 November 2012 on tvN, StarHub TV Ch. 824/ 874 (HD).

tvN K-POP STAR HUNT S2

Day 1 Audition		Walk-in Audition
Date	Saturday, 1 September 2012
Time	10.00am & 1:30pm	10:30am to 12:30pm   2.00pm to   4.00pm
Venue	StarHub Green 67 Ubi Avenue 1, South Wing, Level 3 Singapore 408942

Day 2 Audition
Date	Sunday, 2 September 2012
Time	1:30pm
Venue	Plaza Singapura, Level 1, Main Atrium 68 Orchard Road  Singapore 238839

Read More