The 2025 O-NE Superrace Championship is returning to Everland Speedway for its two-race finale, which will determine this season's champion. This finale promises to be exciting, featuring a drifting exhibition by Park Shi-hyun, as well as a night race featuring professionally-tuned cars from the upcoming TVING original series, "Superrace Freestyle."
Focusing on the main event, the Toyota Gazoo Racing 6000 Class, the first race saw Jung Eui Chol as the winner, while Lee Changwook finished 2nd, and Oh Han-sol finished 3rd. The finale saw Changwook seal his status as the 2025 Superrace Driver Champion after winning the race, while Jang Hyun-jin finished 2nd and Lee Jung-woo finished 3rd.
As Changwook was named this season's driver's champion, the racing team he was on, Kumho SLM, was named this season's team champion. Tire manufacturer, Nexen Tire, is named this season's tire manufacturer champion.
Screengrab from Superrace
This concludes the 2025 O-NE SUPERRACE CHAMPIONSHIP. See you next season and don't miss the TVING original series, Superrace Freestyle, this November 7th, 2025. See how South Korea's top racing teams limitlessly tune their cars and compete in races to determine Superrace's best professionally-tuned car.
From concept to reality, Kia's first dedicated multipurpose PBV (purpose-built vehicle), the PV5, wants to be a modern-day successor to Kia's legendary passenger vans, such as the Bongo, the Besta, and the Pregio, and you can have one for 45,400,000 Won plus additional costs. So, what's it all about, the PV5?
2026 Kia PV5
2026 Kia PV5
One look at the first-ever Kia PV5 and you'll know almost everything from the concept car has been passed on to this mass-produced model. Unlike its ICE-powered ancestors, the PV5 goes for the semi-hood look rather than the box-type for "health and safety reasons" because this is the "new normal" we live in.
2026 Kia PV5 interior
The same applies to the interior. While its ICE-powered predecessors, such as the Bongo, Besta, and Pregio, offered numerous seats, the PV5 opts for a two-row, five-seater layout. This configuration doesn’t quite fit the definition of a multipurpose van. On the plus side, the foldable seats showcase their multitasking capabilities for business and leisure, not to mention the hidden storage compartment at the back, which is sure to come in handy. Other notable features include the new i-PEDAL feature, which works similarly to today's Nissan Leaf, and Steering Wheel Grip Detection, which detects the firmness of your grip on the steering wheel.
If interested, you can add various amenities to the PV5, such as a luggage leveling deck, an LED tailgate lamp, cup holders, magnetic holders, an umbrella stand, sunglasses case, a roof rack, an electric water system, a smart card key, a steering wheel table, a display phone stand, a car camping sunshade, air mattress, and an umbrella.
2026 Kia PV5
Running on a signature E-GMP.S platform dedicated to PBVs like this, this five-seater Passenger version of the Kia PV5 is offered exclusively in Long Range with the 71.2kWh battery generating 120kW of power through the front wheels. It has 358km of combined driving range.
The PV5 is packed with numerous safety features, such as pedal misoperation safety assistance, Highway Driving Assist with Lane Keeping Assist 2, rear monitor, navigation-based smart cruise control, forward collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, and rear parking collision avoidance assist.
The Kia PV5 may have a long way to follow the footsteps of the Bongo, the Besta, and Pregio, but this PBV is on the roll to change the meaning of mobility, the Kia way. Post-launch, the PV5 will be expanded with various variants such as the seven-seater variant and the taxi variant. It's a good start.
Available Colors: Clear White, Steel Grey, Aurora Black Pearl, Frost Blue, Cityscape Green, Soft Mint, and Lakehouse Grey.
RM of BTS will become the first K-pop artist to deliver a keynote address at the APEC CEO Summit!
According to the APEC program, RM is scheduled to speak on October 29—the second day of the CEO Summit—on the theme “Cultural and Creative Industries in the APEC Region and the Soft Power of K-culture.”
APEC introduced him by saying, “As a creative powerhouse and avid art enthusiast, RM is renowned for crafting profound lyrics often inspired by various art forms. His flexible and philosophical approach to music and ability to push creative boundaries with cutting-edge collaborations has led him to work with a diverse range of artists” He is the first K-pop artist to appear as a speaker at this event.
Meanwhile, HYBE is participating as an official sponsor of the APEC CEO Summit, being the only entertainment company to do so.
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the "Run, Hany" series, an all-new animated movie has been released just in time for the Chuseok holidays, offering a fresh take on a beloved comic-turned-anime series from the 1980s.
Run Hany: Bad Girl
The newest "Run, Hany" movie, titled "Bad Girl", is an original film created in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the "Run, Hany" series. This anime movie features a brand-new voice cast for the series' most iconic characters. Jeong Hye-won, known for her roles in "Rainbow Bubblegem" and "Shooting Star Catch! Teenieping", voices the titular character, Hany. The cast also includes Kang Shi-hyun from "Bread Barbershop" and "Shapes" as Na Aeri, along with Hong Beom Ki (also from "Bread Barbershop"), Lee Sae-byeok ("Yellow Muzi and Friends"), Lee Sang-ho, Kim Hyun-wook ("Cookie Run Kingdom"), and Kwak Gyu-mi.
"Run, Hany" is back like never before, offering a modernized and mature take on the classic Korean anime that '80s kids grew up watching. Fans will appreciate how it stays true to the original series while still evolving the story. The rivalry between Hany and Na Aeri continues to intensify, especially as they now compete for a spot on the youth national team. Times have changed, but a good story like this never changes.
A nostalgia reborn for the big screen, this is what '80s kids who grew up watching this anime have been waiting for since the series finale a long time ago. With the rivalry between Hany and Na Aeri back on, this is one way to celebrate 40 years of the "Run, Hany" series.
The first-ever Hyundai IONIQ 6 N is here. Starting at 79,900,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, the all-electric high-performance super saloon you've been waiting for from the start is coming at you. Ready to find out what makes the IONIQ 6 N the EV super saloon you want to drive? You're in luck.
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 6 N
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 6 N interior
Based on the recently updated IONIQ 6 electric saloon, the IONIQ 6 N features a similar semi-racing appearance inspired by the RN22e Concept, which was derived from the pre-facelifted IONIQ 6. It's been three long years since the RN22e Concept shocked the world, and now, one of Hyundai N's rolling lab experiments has become reality.
The interior of the IONIQ 6 N retains the same functionality and feel as the standard IONIQ 6, but it features several distinctive additions. These enhancements consist of sports seats, an N steering wheel, and exclusive elements not found in the IONIQ 6 N Line. Notably, it features the N Active Sound + system, which adds a dynamic audio experience to driving, and the N Ambient Shift Light, a unique interior lighting feature that visually indicates precise shift points for optimal performance.
Compatible with the Hyundai N App, you can check how well your IONIQ 6 N performs on tracks like Everland, Inje, and Korea International Circuit.
Armed with an 84kWh Li-ion battery pack and two electric motors powering the front and rear wheels, the IONIQ 6 N produces up to 650PS of power and 770Nm of torque courtesy of the 10-second N Grin Boost. With N Launch Control set, it sprints from 0-100kph in 3.2 seconds and flat out in 257kph, 3kph slower than the IONIQ 5 N but faster than a high-performance European saloon. As for the driving range, it's good for 366km on one full charge.
Although aerodynamics play a crucial role in this car, its trump card is the new stroke-sensing ECS (Electronically Controlled Suspension) dampers, allowing this car to adapt to various road conditions, even on track days. Coupled with the N Torque Distribution and N Drift Optimizer, the result is a highly addictive driving experience you can't get enough of. Not bad for a grippy heavyweight Korean EV super saloon.
Although controversial, the IONIQ 6 N features numerous gimmicks such as the N e-shift system, where a virtual 8-speed DCT comes out for the play, and with the manual mode set, it shifts like you were in a video game.
Like the normal IONIQ 6, the N features a host of safety features such as Remote Smart Parking Assist, Surround View Monitor, and Hyundai SmartSense, among many others.
The IONIQ 6 N is a highly anticipated Korean electric super saloon that enthusiasts have been eager to see since the RN22e Concept. This car promises impressive performance, leaving us with a strong desire to drive it one day. It's high time to put this car under Red Notice.
Available Colors: Performance Blue Pearl, Serenity White Pearl, Nocturne Grey Metallic, Abyss Black Pearl, and Nocturne Grey Matte.
Launched three years ago, the Hyundai IONIQ 6 proved that electrification is addictive and worth exploring due to the wondrous features it possesses. For a Korean-made electric saloon, this is pretty impressive, and it could be the Sonata of the new age, which is outlandish to say. With the introduction of its 2026MY Minor Change, the new IONIQ 6 continues to redefine the electric saloon category with new ways and means.
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 6
With the starting price of 48,560,000 Yen plus additional costs, there's never a good time to reintroduce the Hyundai IONIQ 6 to the world with this latest minor change, and things couldn't get even more promising than before.
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 6
Beginning with the exterior, the front headlights have been shortened and feature a new front bumper design to improve their aerodynamic properties. At the back, the rear bumper looks more subtle than before, and the rear spoiler is now a ducktail, in the name of streamlining. For the first time ever, the IONIQ 6 N Line was added to the lineup, featuring a sporty exterior design and a blackened trunk to match its credentials. Either way, it's still the IONIQ 6 the world knows.
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 6 interior
The interior's slightly revised for this minor change. It now features a revamped center console, a larger air conditioning touch panel, USB-C ports, improved door panels, and improved software with the new AI assistant that responds to your voice, among others. The N Line, meanwhile, features a unique N round steering wheel with a red drive mode button and metal pedals.
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 6 N Line
Onto the IONIQ 6 N's electric powertrain. The rear-wheel-drive Standard model runs on a 63kWh Lithium-Ion battery to produce 170PS of power and 350 N · m of torque with a driving range of 437km. The Long Range model, meanwhile, runs on the 84kWh Lithium-Ion battery to produce up to 325PS of power and up to 533km of driving range for AWD variants. Both models come with the all-new adaptive regenerative braking system, which now uses navigation data to adjust regeneration strength, such as speed camera locations, speed bumps, and roundabouts.
The driving experience has been improved thanks to its revised frequency-selective dampers, low-rolling-resistance tires, increased sound insulation, reduced high-frequency noise, and the new Smooth Mode that reduces the throttle and brake pedal sensitivity.
Like before, it features Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of active safety features such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2, rear-side collision avoidance assist, lane departure prevention assist, Highway Driving Assist 2, navigation-based smart cruise control, high beam assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assistant 2.
With its latest improvements compared to the pre-facelift model, there's never a better time to get familiarized with the award-winning Hyundai IONIQ 6 with this updated version.
Available Colors: Ultimate Red Metallic (N Line only), Serenity White Pearl, Aero Silver Metallic (N Line only), Nocturne Grey Metallic, Bio Philic Black Pearl, Gravity Gold Matte, Transmission Blue Matte, and Nocturne Grey Matte.
Come weekdays, both the Honda Civic Type R and the Hyundai Avante N showcase their "everyday hero" potential, but come race weekends, their true colors as TCR competitors will shine. Here in Gran Turismo 7, I got to sample the two Asian turbocharged everyday heroes that became staples for their TCR alter egos.
How do these two Asian turbocharged everyday heroes differ from each other? Let's begin with the Korean super saloon first, before the Japanese super hot hatch.
Launched in 2021, the Hyundai Avante N is the first N saloon based on the Hyundai Avante/Elantra CN7. Powering the Avante N is the same 2.0L Turbo GDI engine from the Veloster N, producing 280PS of power while mated to either a 6-speed MT or an 8-speed wet-type Dual Clutch Transmission. With N Grin Shift, the car gets a 10PS boost, sprinting from 0-100kph in 5.3 seconds and an electronically-governed top speed of 250kph.
By calling the Avante N the road-legal version of its TCR machine, it has been festooned with numerous dynamic upgrades underneath, such as the N Corner Carving Differential, integrated drive axle, electronically controlled suspension, R-MPDS, rear stiff bar, and large capacity high-performance brakes.
In 2023, the Avante N received a minor change, featuring the same sharp looks as the normal Avante CN7 while maintaining the familiar specs from the pre-facelift model. A year later, a special TCR Edition of the Avante N was unveiled, complete with the same rear spoiler from its TCR equivalent.
Now, let's talk more about Honda's Super Hot Hatch, the FL5 Civic Type R.
Based on the 11th-generation Honda Civic hatchback, the FL5 Civic Type R eschews the obvious styling from its predecessor in favor of a more subtle approach while retaining the triple exhaust setup from the FK8. For the first time since the FD2, the FL5 Civic Type R is back to being a Japan-made hot hatchback.
It runs on the same K20C1 2.0L VTEC Turbo engine as the previous FK8, but it's been boosted to produce 330PS of power and 420Nm of torque while mated exclusively to a 6-speed MT.
With the improved suspension setup, electronically controlled dampers, improved braking performance, and new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires built exclusively for this car, it smashed the Suzuka Circuit's FF lap record in 2:23.120 and recently, the Nurburgring Nordschleife's FF lap record in 7:44.881.
The FL5 Civic Type R became the 2022-2023 Japan Performance Car of the Year winner.
Recently, in 2025, a special Racing Black Package was offered for the FL5 Civic Type R, featuring a black interior.
To see which H-logoed car is the best, I went to Watkins Glen to have these two H-logoed turbocharged cars settle the score. Will it be the one with the H in the square or the other one with the H in the circle? It's Japan vs South Korea again. Let's roll the tape.
And here are the results...
FL5 Type R - 2m13.481s
Elantra N - 2m17.417s
Looks like the Japanese Agent H beats the Korean Agent H in the end. The Civic Type R has beaten its arch-rival, the Hyundai Avante N, by a huge margin. Looks like the Koreans aren't pleased about getting their behinds karate-chopped by the Japanese.
Both the Honda Civic Type R and the Hyundai Avante N worked well as everyday heroes. On weekdays, they are too busy to drive to work. On weekends, however, they became TCR superheroes ripping through the world's challenging racetracks.
TCR or not, both of these Asian turbocharged everyday heroes never fail to impress their followers, but in the end, it's the Civic that grabs more than the Avante.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is the biggest break in the history of electric cars, and here in Gran Turismo 7, I got the chance to sample the first-ever all-electric N car from the rapidly growing South Korean motoring titan.
First and foremost, what is the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N?
Unveiled in 2023, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is the high-performance version of the award-winning IONIQ 5 all-electric crossover and the first all-electric N car ever made.
The IONIQ 5 N features an 84 kWh lithium-ion battery and dual electric motors, delivering 609 PS and 740 Nm of torque. With the N Grin Boost, it can reach up to 650 PS for ten seconds. It boasts a 0-100 km/h time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 260 km/h. Recognized with the 2024 World Performance Car award and Top Gear's 2023 Car of the Year, the IONIQ 5 N also set a new record at Pikes Peak with a time of 9 minutes and 30.852 seconds in its class, showcasing its impressive performance and design.
In Gran Turismo 7, use the IONIQ 5 N's N Grin Boost by pressing and holding the right analog stick, great for overtaking. While the boost enhances acceleration, the handling can be challenging, especially on Sports Hard tires, with tense and fierce braking. I’ve experienced it myself.
I visited Fuji Speedway to demonstrate the IONIQ 5 N's capabilities, reminiscent of when IONIQ 5 N cars raced against other electrics at this track. Let's roll the tape.
As I said, the handling is challenging indeed, and the braking is fierce and tense, but I managed to lap around the track in 1m57.216s. In my standards, that breaches GR Supra territory. All thanks to the IONIQ 5 N's N Grin Boost feature that surely comes in handy in the straights. A real 10-second car with a ten-second overboost to hit.
The IONIQ 5 N proved to the world that even electric cars can break common sense in the pursuit of happiness behind the wheel. A real everyday racer for the everyday driver. Well done, Hyundai.
Round 7 of the 2025 O-NE SUPERRACE CHAMPIONSHIP continues with the Jeonnam GT, the biggest spectacle in South Korean motorsports, at Korea International Circuit.
The day before the race, fans were greeted with a gridwalk and special musical performances by One Shooting, Mighty Mouse, and M51. Come Race Day, fans are witnessing heated races from the top-tier Toyota Gazoo Racing 6000 Class, sportsbike, sports prototype, and GT classes, among others.
Screengrab from Superrace
Focusing on the Toyota Gazoo Racing 6000 Class, Kumho SLM's Lee Jang Wook is the winner, while Seohan GP's Kim Jung Gun finished 2nd, and One Racing's Choi Kwang Bin finished 3rd.
Don't miss the two-race finale of the 2025 O-NE SUPERRACE CHAMPIONSHIP held at Everland Speedway this November 1-2, 2025. Who will be named this season's champion? Don't miss it!
A new bipartisan caucus dedicated to supporting Korea's comics and webtoon industry will officially launch in the National Assembly this month.
The Manhwa Webtoon Association General Federation announced that the inaugural ceremony for the “National Assembly Members Who Love Comics and Webtoons” caucus will be held on September 25 (KST) in the second conference room of the National Assembly Members' Office Building.
The group, formed with participation from lawmakers across party lines, aims to strengthen the cultural and industrial status of comics and webtoons as one of Korea's representative content sectors. The caucus was initiated by Rep. Young-seok Seo of the Democratic Party and Rep. Seung-su Kim of the People Power Party.
Organizers emphasized that the caucus will promote policies to enhance the rights of creators, foster a healthier industry ecosystem, create a safe environment for young readers, and expand global market opportunities.
The launch marks the first formal cross-party effort within the National Assembly to shape policies tailored to the growth of the webtoon sector. Industry officials say the caucus could serve as an important focal point for building practical policies and institutional support that benefit creators, companies, and readers alike.
September 17 is Character Day in South Korea, a celebration of the most iconic characters in South Korean media. In honor of this unique occasion, I would like to share a list of my 10 favorite South Korean characters.
10) Baby Shark (Pinkfong) - This song is forever stuck in our brains since the day it came out and went viral.
9) Pororo - The beloved penguin has been a household name for Korean families since his debut in 2003. Now, over two decades later, Pororo and his friends continue to enchant us with their fun-filled adventures.
8) Pinkfong - Without the adorable pink fox named Pinkfong, there would be no Baby Shark, Bebefin, or Sealook. Let's give Pinkfong a big thank you and a hug.
7) Minjjeomi - The name says it all: she's a mega-popular internet sensation with countless characters. No matter which persona she embodies, she's still Minjjeomi.
6) Pengsoo - The giant penguin mascot debuted in 2019 on an EBS TV show called Giant Peng TV, attracting so much attention that even mega-popular Korean celebrities interacted with him.
5) Tayo (Tayo The Little Bus) - This charming blue bus enjoys adventures around the city and beyond. With his road-going friends by his side, Tayo has changed our perception of touring. Our adventurous spirit would not be the same without this delightful talking blue bus.
4) Harp (Harp and Friends) - Popularized by the ToyTron toy line, which later spawned a TV cartoon aired on EBS, the adorable baby white seal named Harp and his friends have a penchant for adventures and random magical jellies.
3) Banzi (Banzi's Secret Diary) - Banzi is the perfect combination of cuteness, girl power, and mischief.
2) Heartsping (Catch! Teenieping) - This super-adorable Teenieping captivated our hearts for five years since the series began in the Spring of 2020, and she is still going on cute.
1) Shinbi (Shinbi's Haunted House) - There's no denying that the iconic green goblin Shinbi from the megahit South Korean animated series, Shinbi's Haunted House, is at the top of my list of cutest Korean characters. There are so many reasons why this little guy became a household name for every South Korean family who loved this show, but there's one big reason: IT'S SHINBI!
Happy Character Day to the best characters from The Land of the Morning Calm!
Started out in life as a concept two years ago, the first-ever Kia EV5 has sprung to life for the general Korean public, and you can have one with a starting price of 48,550,000 Won plus additional costs. So, what's it all about with Kia's FF-only EV SUV?
2026 Kia EV5
First and foremost, no, the Kia EV5 is not a fully imported model from the People's Republic of China. It is manufactured in South Korea. While the EV5 was initially produced and sold in the Chinese market before expanding to the rest of the Belt and Road Initiative, South Korean manufacturers don't typically consider this an "import." Kia prefers to build the EV5 from its home base in South Korea rather than importing it from China. In summary, the EV5 is made in South Korea.
2026 Kia EV5
Amid the "where is the Kia EV5 made" query that will pop up in everyone's minds, the styling of the EV5 remains faithful to the concept car. Kia's Opposites United design language is making a first impression for this front-wheel-drive EV crossover. The same goes for the range-topping GT-Line variant.
2026 Kia EV5 interior
Although the interior lacks the swiveling seats seen in its concept version, it can still comfortably accommodate up to five passengers. The driver's side is equipped with a panoramic wide display that shows vehicle information on one screen and controls typical infotainment features, AI assistance, and downloadable apps like Netflix and Disney+ on the other. It also includes a center console with cup holders and a wireless charging port, Dynamic Ambient Lighting, and Harman Kardon Premium Sound.
On the passenger side, you'll find several convenient features, such as a seatback table, an extendable center console, three-zone air conditioning, and a sliding cover armrest for the second row. Additional features in the EV5 include the Built-in Cam 2 Plus, Smart Power Liftgate, Kia Digital Key 2, and Pet Mode, making it a practical choice for various needs.
Asked about boot space, the EV5 has 566 liters of boot space with the rear seats present, and with the seats folded down, it has the maximum boot space of 1650 liters.
2026 Kia EV5
Running on the E-GMP platform, the EV5 features an 81.4kWh nickel metal battery and a 218PS electric motor powering the front wheels. It sprints from 0-100kph in 8.4 seconds and flat out in 165kph. As for the driving range, it's good for 460km. Not too bad.
The EV5 exemplifies a common-sense approach to driving safety, highlighted by its impressive safety features. It boasts a Euro NCAP 5-Star rating and a KNCAP Grade 1. Among its advanced safety systems are Highway Driving Assist 2 with Hands-On Detection (HDA 2 with HOD) and Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA 2). Additional safety technologies include Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance (RCCA), Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA), and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA).
Although it feels so close for Kia to bring the EV5 to the Korean market, the decision to be Korean-made rather than being an import from China kinda spoils the party. Amid geological headscratching, it's a common-sense EV people carrier that caters to Korean families with ease. So glad the EV5 found its home in the Land of the Morning Calm.
Available Colors: Snow White Pearl, Iceberg Green, Frost Blue, Dark Ocean Blue, Ivory Silver, Magma Red, Gravity Gray, Fusion Black, and Iceberg Matte Green.
The satirical cartoon Suk-yeol Yoon Train, which sparked controversy in 2022 for its portrayal of former Korean President Yoon and his wife, will return to public exhibition at the Bucheon International Comics Festival for the first time in three years.
The Korea Manhwa Contents Agency (KOMCA) announced on September 3 that the 28th Bucheon International Comics Festival will take place from September 26 to 28 at the Korea Manhwa Museum in Bucheon. This year's program includes a special showcase of past winners from the Student Comics Competition, featuring works from 2021 to 2025. Among them is the 2022 Gold Prize winner, Suk-yeol Yoon Train.
The cartoon depicts a train with Yoon's face at the front, piloted by a figure widely interpreted as his wife, Kim Keon-hee. Passengers inside the train include prosecutors wielding swords, while startled citizens appear to flee from its path.
When the cartoon was first displayed at the 2022 Bucheon International Comics Festival, it became a flashpoint of political controversy. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism issued a stern warning to the agency, withdrew sponsorship recognition, and significantly reduced government subsidies. As a result, the work was excluded from exhibitions for the past two years.
The reinstatement marks the cartoon's first public display since the suspension.
Suk-yeol Yoon declared martial law on December 4, 2024. Yoon cited opposition party resistance to his governance as the reason for the declaration. Following the declaration, President Yoon attempted to abolish the National Assembly and arrest opposition lawmakers and media figures. He was impeached earlier this year.
The Ber months have arrived, and the 2025 Superrace season is back to normal daytime race weekend activities with its sixth round at the Inje Speedium. From the GTA/B classes, the Prius PHV class, the Alpine Class, the M Class, and the top-level Toyota Gazoo Racing 6000 Class, Inje has never felt so alive at the start of the Ber months.
Screengrab from Superrace
At the TGR6000 class, Kumho SLM driver Noh Dong Gi wins the sixth round of this season, with Seohan GP drivers Kim Jung Gun and Jung Eui Chul taking the last two spots on the podium.
With the sixth round of this season in Inje wrapped up, the driver of the #88 F-body M2, Kim Hyun Soo, was crowned as this season's M Class Driver Champion, while the driver of the #110 O-NE RACING Mercedes-AMG GT4, Kim Hwa-rang, was named GT4 Driver Champion.
There are three races left this season. The 2025 O-NE SUPERRACE CHAMPIONSHIP is heading back to the Korea International Circuit for Round 7 this September 21, 2025.
North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un will attend a military parade in Beijing next week, China's foreign ministry has said - in what is believed to be his first international level meeting of leaders.
The so-called "Victory Day" parade will mark the 80th anniversary of China's war against Japan and the end of World War Two.
Russia's President Vladimir Putin will also be among the 26 heads of state expected to attend the event and comes days after US leader Donald Trump said he wanted to meet Kim.
China is expected to display its latest weaponry including hundreds of aircraft, tanks and anti-drone systems - the first time its military's new force structure is being fully showcased in a parade.
The highly choreographed parade will see tens of thousands of military personnel march in formation through Tiananmen Square, including troops from 45 of the so-called echelons of China's military as well as war veterans.
The 70-minute parade, which will be surveyed by Chinese leader Xi Jinping, is expected to be closely watched by analysts and western powers.
In a press conference given by China's foreign ministry on Thursday, Beijing - one of Pyongyang's closest allies – praised its neighbour for their decades-long "traditional friendship" and said the two countries will continue to collaborate on "regional peace and stability".
Kim's attendance is an upgrade from China's last Victory Day parade, which happened in 2015 - during which Pyongyang sent one of its top officials, Choe Ryong-hae.
Kim attending the parade in the centre of Beijing standing alongside Russia's Putin and China's Xi will be quite the photo op.
But it will also be a key diplomatic win for Xi.
US President Donald Trump is trying to make a deal with Putin to end the war in Ukraine. He has also in the last week announced he wants to meet Kim again.
The Chinese leader is signalling here that he holds the geopolitical cards in this game. He has influence – although it is limited – on both leaders.
The timing is also key. The White House has suggested that President Trump could be in the region at the end of October and is open to meeting Xi.
The Chinese leader would go into any summit with the US president fully briefed by Kim and Putin and will know he is not being left out of the loop.
It's been six years since Kim visited Beijing - he last attended the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2019.
The reclusive North Korean leader also visited Beijing three times in 2018, marking a particularly busy year for international trips as he rarely travels abroad.
Most Western leaders are not expected to attend the parade, in part due to their differences with Russian leader Putin over the Ukraine war.
Japan had earlier also reportedly urged foreign leaders not the attend the parade, saying it had "anti-Japanese overtones".
But there is now the question of whether South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung will attend the parade, thereby providing the first opportunity for the leaders of North and South Korea to meet since their relations broke down in 2019.
Lee has been invited, but has not accepted the invitation. The government was planning to send a lower-ranking politician in his place.
Lee, who was elected in June, has repeatedly said he would like to speak to Kim Jong Un and establish peaceful relations with North Korea. On Monday, when Lee met President Trump in the Oval Office, he asked Trump to act as a peacemaker on the Korean peninsula. Lee has also stated he wants to strengthen ties with Beijing.
But the North has repeatedly criticised Lee, rejecting all his attempts to engage. Just yesterday its state news agency, KCNA, labelled Lee "a confrontational maniac".
If Lee were to attend the parade, it would get him physically close to Kim, but it is a risky move. If Kim publicly ignores or rebuffs the South Korean leader, or even another of its politicians, it would be a major embarrassment.
The optics of Lee appearing next to the presidents of Russia, Belarus and Iran is also something South Korea may want to avoid. South Korea's Presidential office has not commented today on whether he will attend.
South Korea's top court ruled that the globally popular South Korean children's song "Baby Shark" was not plagiarized, rejecting a copyright claim filed by a US-based composer.
With its catchy lyrics, the "Baby Shark Dance" video is the most viewed on YouTube, with more than 16 billion views, roughly double those of the runner-up, "Despacito," and third-place "Wheels on the Bus."
In 2019, New York composer Johnny Only, whose legal name is Jonathan Wright, filed a lawsuit in Seoul, alleging that the 2015 hit "Baby Shark" by South Korean education startup SmartStudy copied a song he had released in 2011.
Only demanded 30 million won in compensation, accusing the firm of copying elements of his work, including its bassline and rhythm.
SmartStudy, now known as The Pinkfong Company, argued that its version was an adaptation of a classic North American children's tune that is not protected by copyright.
A South Korean lower court initially cleared the company of the charges at a trial in 2021, finding that there was insufficient evidence of copyright infringement. That ruling was upheld by an appeal court in 2023.
Only then challenged the 2023 decision, but South Korea's Supreme Court affirmed the lower court rulings on Thursday.
"All appeals were dismissed and the lower court's rulings were upheld," according to court documents.
The Pinkfong Company said in a statement that the Supreme Court's decision confirmed "Baby Shark" was "based on a traditional singalong chant that has entered the public domain."
The company said it had given "a fresh twist to the chant by adding an upbeat rhythm and catchy melody, turning it into the pop culture icon it is today."
Only did not immediately reply to a request for comment. He told Canadian public broadcaster CBC in 2019 that he had created a toddler-friendly version of "Baby Shark" in 2011, revising the original song, which was about a gory shark attack.
"I was the first one that did that (rewriting the song), you know? And basically Pinkfong's version does the same thing," he said in the interview.
The third and final Summer Night Race of the 2025 O-NE SUPERRACE CHAMPIONSHIP season took place in Inje Speedium.
The event showcased a variety of races, ranging from entry-level GT classes to the elite Toyota Gazoo Racing 6000 Class. In addition to the racing, there were musical performances by Park Woo Jin, Mighty Mouse, Vincent Blue, and others. The final summer night race of the season included exciting features like Gridworks, a fan zone, track events, and food trucks, making it a comprehensive experience for all attendees.
Screengrab from Superrace
Sticking to the main event, the Toyota Gazoo Racing 6000 Class, Kumho SLM driver Lee Chang Wook managed to get away with a win, problem-free, while Lee Jung Woo of O-NE RACING finished 2nd, and Hwang Jin Woo of JUN-FITTED racing finished 3rd.
The Summer Racing Season of the 2025 O-NE Superrace Championship has concluded, but three races remain this season. The next event, Round 6, will take place in Inje on September 7, 2025.
In a move to boost the global competitiveness of South Korea's webtoon industry, the government announced plans to introduce tax credits covering 10–15% of production costs for digital comics.
As part of the 2025 tax reform plan the Ministry of Economy and Finance unveiled on July 31, the new measure aims to strengthen the nation's cultural soft power by supporting one of its most internationally successful content sectors.
Eligible content includes webtoons and digital comics as defined under Korea's “Promotion of Comics Act” and must be distributed via an online network. Covered expenses include planning and production labor costs, licensing fees for source novels, and software costs related to webtoon creation. Indirect costs such as marketing or promotional expenses are excluded.
The tax credit will be 10% for large companies and 15% for small- and medium-sized enterprises. The credit will apply to expenses incurred in the fiscal year in which the webtoon is released online and will remain in effect through the end of 2028.
An absurdly unique and popular webtoon that inspired a TV anime series aired a long time ago; the story of Jung-hwan and his zombie daughter, Soo-ah, came to life on the big screen. It's another webtoon-turned-live-action-movie since last week's megahit Omniscient Reader movie.
My Daughter is a Zombie (movie)
Starring Jo Jeong Seok, Lee Jeong Eun, Jo Yeo Jeong, Yoon Gyeong Ho, and Choi Yuri, the Zombie Daughter has sprung to life on the big screen.
Just like the webtoon it was based on, Jung-hwan and his daughter, Soo-ah, have witnessed a zombie outbreak. As they're escaping the zombie hellhole, Jung-hwan finds out that his daughter, Soo-ah, got bitten by a zombie and she's starting to become one. Afraid of losing his only daughter, Jung-hwan seeks help from his mom, named Bam-soon, and a cat named Ae-yong, as well as his old friend, a veterinarian named Dong-bae, to do something no one has ever done in a zombie apocalypse: taming a zombie daughter like taming a wild animal. As the zombie hunter Yeon-hwa, another old friend of Jung-hwan, is tracking down zombies like her, it's up to Jung-hwan to maintain this wild-but-sensitive secret away from her prying eyes.
Sadly, you don't see Ae-yong doing Ae-yong things. Neither is Dong-bae punching a zombie in the face, nor is that XXL-sized granny that made one zombie surrender to the authorities. Kinda like her soups, though. It's just Jung-hwan doing his best to tame his zombie daughter by all means.
True to the webtoon roots, this is a rather unique family movie showcasing the true meaning of "family" in the midst of the zombie apocalypse. You will either laugh or cry in some of the most memorable moments plucked from the pages of the webtoon in this movie. It's heart-warming until the very end.
If you've enjoyed either the webtoon or the TV anime series, this live-action Zombie Daughter movie deserves to be on your must-watch movie list for 2025. With a blend of horror, comedy, drama, and family values, it's another must-watch Korean movie of the season.
Based on a megahit webtoon series, the world of Omniscient Reader comes to life on the big screen. It’s the end of the world as he reads it...unless he can stop it.
Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy
Starring Ahn Hyo Seop (K-POP Demon Hunters), Lee Min Ho (The King: Eternal Monarch), Chae Soo Bin, Shin Seung-ho, Nana (GLITCH), and Kwon Eun Seong. The live-action movie adaptation of the megahit webtoon features Ahn Hyo Seop as Kim Dok Ja. One fateful day, the novel he frequently read, titled How to Survive the Apocalypse, became a reality. To avert the apocalypse as happened in the novel, Dok Ja teams up with the novel's protagonist, Yoo Joong Hyuk, played by Lee Min Ho, and races against time to alter the ending by all means.
For fans of the hit webtoon, it's disappointing not to see Dok Ja wearing his iconic white coat in the movie, which is one of the drawbacks of this live-action adaptation. However, Lee Min Ho's portrayal of Yoo Joong Hyuk truly stands out. Staying true to the webtoon’s roots, this movie delivers an all-out action thriller as the countdown to disaster begins. It is a gripping rollercoaster ride all the way to the end of the movie, although it feels annoying that a movie adaptation of a popular webtoon ended up getting a pat on the head by most anime websites for no reason.
Whatever the reason, this movie is a must-watch Korean film for the summer. If you're a fan of the webtoon it’s based on or the main characters, you’ll likely be drawn to Hyo Seop, who transitions from playing the villainous leader of the Saja Boys, Jinu, to the role of Kim Dok Ja. Be sure to check it out!
