Korean Wave Digest

If you're a K-pop lover AND a foodie, this post is about to make your day ㅎㅎ You’ve probably heard whispers among the fandom that BLACKPINK’s Lisa recently visited a hidden Thai gem in Seoul with her friends Minnie from (G)I-DLE and Sorn from CLC. Well, it’s true! The restaurant is called Krap Pom (크랩 폼) , and it's located in the stylish backstreets of Apgujeong Rodeo, just a 5-minute walk from the station. Krap Pom has become a mini hotspot among K-pop fans, not only for its connection to Lisa but also for its authentic Thai cuisine and cozy vibe that transports you straight to Bangkok. Tucked into a basement space on 서울특별시 강남구 압구정로 50길 12, 지하 1층 , it’s easy to miss — but once you find it, you’re in for a flavorful adventure. Ready to experience one of Lisa’s favorite food spots in Seoul? Whether you’re craving spicy pork ribs, craving a comforting bowl of pad thai, or just hoping to sit where your bias once did, here’s everything you need to know before heading to Krap ...

If you're anything like me ㅎㅎ, after watching the first episode of Good Day (굿데이) on MBC, you probably felt that post-show craving for something warm, flavorful, and super Korean. You know — that soul-hugging, umami-rich, rice-loving kind of meal? ^^ As soon as I saw G-Dragon in that chill yet creative energy, surrounded by celebs, music, and cozy vibes, I immediately thought, “Yep, it’s pork galbi night.” The program made its debut on February 16, 2025, and honestly, it’s already giving major healing energy. Led by none other than G-Dragon, it’s all about celebrating life’s simple joys — music, food, laughs, and meaningful moments with good people. Each episode revolves around a different theme — whether it’s cooking, jamming in the studio, or just vibing in a new place — but the feeling is the same: relaxed, authentic, and heartwarming. Watching it feels like taking a deep breath after a long week. This week’s episode really hit home with all the food scenes, and it brought ...

If you've been following the hit tvN variety show Sixth Sense (식스센스) , then you already know how much fun the cast has hunting down mind-blowing hidden gems around Korea. Well, they’re back with their latest series, Sixth Sense: City Tour , and their fifth stop brought them to a truly magical place in Uijeongbu—an ice-themed café and bakery called Dallyon (달리온) . ㅎㅎ Yep, you read that right. A café with a giant natural ice wall like something out of Frozen! ❄️ In this episode, the cast (and guest stars!) journeyed through a scenic road trip connecting Uijeongbu, Dobong-gu, and Gangnam along the Jungnangcheon River, all while trying to figure out what was real and what was staged. As always, the show's concept of “anything is possible” brought out some hilarious moments, but the one spot that totally stole the spotlight? You guessed it—Dallyon. Nestled in a peaceful corner of Uijeongbu, this café isn’t just Insta-worthy—it’s jaw-droppingly gorgeous. ㅋㅋ With a dramatic frozen...

Gochujang Pork Neck BBQ Craze Hey foodies~^^ So guess what’s totally trending in 2025 right now? It’s none other than the spicy and juicy 목살 고추장구이 (Gochujang Pork Neck BBQ) — also known as Spicy Grilled Pork Neck or Korean Gochujang Pork BBQ ! ㅋㅋ This dish is blowing up all over TikTok and Insta lately, especially after it made a surprise appearance on the March 29, 2025 episode of the hit Korean variety show 놀라운 토요일 (Amazing Saturday) . Yup, the episode with the cast of the new K-drama 이혼보험 (Divorce Insurance) — Lee Dong-wook, Lee Da-hee, Lee Joo-bin, and Lee Kwang-soo were all there, and omg was it chaotic and hilarious ㅋㅋㅋ. In that episode, they brought back the legendary “마피아 받아쓰기 (Mafia Dictation Game)” after like 8 months, and I swear, it was next-level funny. Lee Dong-wook was acting all suspicious and only wrote one line for the dictation — total mafia vibes ㅋㅋ. Lee Da-hee was savage as always, calling out Lee Kwang-soo like “You’re shameless!” and “So fake!” I mean,...

Ha Ji-won’s Salmon Steak with Tangy Tartar Sauce (연어스테이크 + 타르타르소스) from ‘Please Take Care of My Refrigerator’ Hey foodies~ It's Tae Ho here, your Seoul-born chef and fellow Korean TV addict 😎 Today, I’ve got something super trendy in Korea right now , straight from one of my all-time favorite Korean food shows: ‘냉장고를 부탁해’ (Please Take Care of My Refrigerator) , also widely known as ‘Chef & My Fridge’ . This recipe? Oh, it’s a total stunner— Salmon Steak with Tangy Tartar Sauce (연어스테이크 + 타르타르소스) —and it was featured in the 2025.02.16 episode starring Ha Ji-won (하지원 / Ha Ji-won), the timeless beauty and badass actress who still looks like she’s in her 20s (seriously, she’s 46 and glowing ✨). If you’ve been into K-dramas even a little, you *definitely* know Ha Ji-won. She’s a legend in Korea, and her recent return to variety shows has got everyone talking again. Not only did she melt viewers’ hearts with her pure vibes, but she also spilled the secret to her never-aging ...

Spicy Blue Crab and Chicken Stew (꽃게도리탕) Inspired by NCT Doyoung from “I Live Alone” Hey friends! ^^ It’s Tae Ho here, your Seoul-based Korean foodie and blog chef, and today I’m beyond excited to bring you a recipe that’s not only hot and trending in Korea right now (2025) , but also tied to one of the most beloved K-pop idols out there— NCT's Doyoung! 🎤🍲 Whether you're a longtime fan of Doyoung (real name Kim Dong-young) or just getting into Korean food, this one’s gonna be a total game changer. So here’s the scoop: On the September 27, 2024 episode of the hit Korean reality show “나 혼자 산다” (I Live Alone) —also known as “Home Alone” to international fans—Doyoung made waves by visiting his favorite local restaurant and diving into this seriously comforting and spicy stew called 꽃게도리탕 (kkotge-doritang) . In English, it's best described as Spicy Blue Crab and Chicken Stew , though some might also call it Crab and Chicken Hot Pot . This dish totally blew up on K...