Korea is a trendsetting nation in every sense of the phrase. For instance, Korea is known for its nearly unmatched food culture and it seems that a new food item is released or trending every other day.

Would you try mint-chocolate-flavored fried chicken? Are you curious about the endless varieties of croffle that seem to be available in Korea? These are some of the food trends that took precedent in Korea in recent years. As we've said, however, the food trends in Korea are always changing. As such, we've decided to look at some of the most recent ones.

In case you missed it, we've listed some of the foods that went viral in Korea in 2023 and were endorsed by some of your favorite celebrities.

 

1. Tanghuru

Tanghuru (탕후루 in Korean) is a Chinese traditional snack that has taken Korea by storm. The snack, which is made from fruits covered in a sugar coating, can be found at almost every corner of the city. Some of the fruits used to make tanghuru include grapes, cherry tomatoes, tangerines, strawberries, pineapples, kiwiㄴ, etc.

K-Celebs have been showing their love for this snack throughout the year as it has gained popularity. It has become trendy content to show yourself eating tanghuru for the first time, 새ㅐ.

For example, when Chuu tried tanghuru for the first time, she explained how she had never eaten it before because of how unhealthy it looked but ended up saying it was delicious.

Recently, model Han HyeJin also went viral for her reaction to the super sweet treat considering that she's a health fanatic. Despite not usually eating sweet things, even Han HyeJin was surprised at how much she enjoyed this treat.

Even BLACKPINK's JiSoo and Jennie are known for loving the snack and making it at home. In this video, the duo expertly speak about how important the sugar ratio of good tanghuru is. This video was taken 3 years ago, before tanghuru became extremely popular. Trust the trendsetting icons to be ahead of the trend!

 

2. Yakgwa

Yakgwa (약과 in Korean) is a Korean traditional dessert in the form of a honey cookie. It has a coated sweet exterior and a warm slightly gooey texture on the inside that tastes like honey delight.

2AM's Jo Kwon did a detailed review of the different kinds of yakgwa treats that are available at the moment. This includes the original yakgwa, financiers, cookies, pretzels, cake, and more. He truly showed how delectable the dessert is with some honest and entertaining commentary. Jo Kwon's video also highlighted how the yakgwa trend spread as the traditional dessert took on numerous modern adaptations. These days one can even find yakgwa ice cream at the convenience store!

 

3. Sogeum bbang

Sogeum bbang (소금빵 in Korean) is literally translated to 'salt bread' and is a combination of different bread styles to create a salted butter roll. It has been all the rage with different versions of the bread being sold all over Korea.

In an episode of "I Live Alone", famous golfer Park SeRi ventured to a popular bakery in the Seongsu neighborhood of Seoul in search of sogeum bbang. Unfortunately, the hot item was already sold out. This only shows how popular this pastry is.

Other K-Celebs have also shown their love for their bread, posting it on their social media feeds. For example, DAVICHI's Kang MinKyung has posted several times on her Instagram (both on her Instastories and her feed) about the bread. She even took to her Instastory, sharing a photo of sogeum bbang and asking why there are so many delicious things to eat in this world. Well, that's a question that we're all asking ourselves!

 

4. Mara tteokbokki

Last but not least, we have mara tteokbokki. If rosé tteokbokki and maratang were the food trends in Korea in 2022... 2023 is all about mara tteokbokki which combines the classic tteokbokki with mara sauce. Mara sauce gives off a spicy but slightly tangy and flavorsome taste. This tteokbokki combines the mara sauce with the usual offerings that go into a maratang such as meat, tofu ingredients like noodles, and more.

OH MY GIRL's Mimi ate mara tteokbokki on her famous mukbang channel quite recently. Despite the dish being super spicy, Mimi kept emphasizing how tasty the dish was. It's no wonder that it has become so popular, especially among fans of spicy foods.

Would you try any of the foods that we mentioned? Let us know which one you'd try out in the comments!

Despite it being a decade since their debut, Apink continues to remain ever present within the K-Pop industry. They've certainly solidified their legendary status with hits like 'NoNoNo' and 'Mr. Chu'. But they've also constantly grown, showcasing their evolution with tracks like '%%(Eung Eung)' and more recently 'D N D'.

The girl group have a distinct sound, known best for their refreshing, vitamin-like vocals. While they're most known for their group promotions, Apink is made up of individuals with incredible talent. Over the past week, Apink's Kim NamJoo has been reminding us of this fact with her first solo comeback.

Outside of Apink's innocent image, NamJoo as a soloist is more mature with an alluring sound that would make anyone keep their eyes locked on the idol. Of course she didn't start off like this, making constant improvements throughout her career to become the artist she is today.

 

Early Stages

Apink's debut song, 'I Don't Know' was a song filled with pure innocence, reminiscent of a bright, clear spring day. In addition to their refreshing image, being part of the maknae line added on to NamJoo's cute aura. But behind her sweet visuals were honey-like vocals that became the source of pure joy.

The few years that followed, NamJoo's focus was on group activities. This time proved pivotal in cementing Apink's status among their colleagues and ever-growing idol landscape. It wouldn't take too long for the girl group to really come into their own and prove their mettle, becoming idols that everyone looked forward to.

While immersed in group promotions, NamJoo was able to participate in a few other projects like 'A Year Ago' with fellow groupmate Jung EunJi and Jang HyunSeung, as well as 'Photograph' with BTOB's Yook SungJae. These showed small glimpses of NamJoo outside of Apink and her potential to spread her wings and fly on her own. However, as we now know, those solo endeavors would come much later.

 

Polishing Her Skills

Creating a firm foundation, NamJoo continued to polish her skills, whether it came to her already wonderful vocals, stunning dance lines, and all encompassing stage presence. She participated in collaborations with other artists and even formed a subunit with fellow member BoMi, called Apink BnN. Through all these endeavors, NamJoo continued to showcase her evident talent and knack for performing on stage.

Even when not standing underneath the spotlight on music stages, NamJoo stirred the hearts of Panda everywhere with her reinvigorating presence and bubbly personality. She became known as a true mood maker both within her group and among others.

Although she did a lot in order to develop an artist, in between music show visits and studio room recordings, she even opened up her own YouTube channel. Through this new venture, she greeted fans and viewers with joy-inducing mukbangs that filled both your stomach and your heart. NamJoo is definitely an allrounder, able to captivate on any stage.

 

A Stunning Transformation

Although she led a successful career as an Apink member, when it came time to make her solo debut, NamJoo realized she needed to present a totally different image. And she did just that through her solo debut with title track 'Bird'. In previous years, she was merely spreading her wings to get a feel of the wind, but through her solo debut, NamJoo was able to finally fly off into scary, yet exciting music industry all on her own. With her groupmates and fandom supporting her, she made an incredible transformation into the soloist we see today.

In light of her recent comeback, NamJoo shows she's not done growing as an artist. Through 'BAD' she comes forth more daring and bold than ever before. While she still introduces herself as Apink's NamJoo, there's a clear distinction between her two identities that make up one amazing whole.

Kim NamJoo continues to make headlines, flying higher than ever before. Despite being an established name within the K-Pop industry, she makes multiple strides to improve and become better than ever before.

Have you listened to NamJoo's latest comeback?

Ahead of the 1st "Asia Star Entertainer Awards 2024" ("ASEA"), the final voting to determine the winners has begun on IDOLCHAMP, starting from 10AM on March 15th. The glamorous event looks to become a place where music, stars, and fans become one.

【ASEA2024日本開催決定!!】
アジアを代表するトップアーティストが出演し、世界中のファンと音楽で一つになる授賞式「ASIA STAR ENTERTAINER AWARDS 2024(ASEA 2024)」、その記念すべき第1回目が2024年4月10日に日本で開催される事が決定!!!#ASEA2024 pic.twitter.com/O0T8APQVVu

— ASEA_official_jp【公式】 (@aseaofficial_jp) February 6, 2024

In the ASEA final voting categories, a large number of internationally loved K-Pop artists are nominated for the following categories: 'Best Male/Female Group Award', 'Best Male/Female Soloist Award', 'Trot', 'Virtual', 'Rookie Award', and 'Popularity Award'.

Check out the artists you can vote for down below.

 

Final Nominees

Best Male Group Award

Stray Kids

TXT

EXO

TREASURE

SEVENTEEN

 

Best Female Group Award

NiziU

VIVIZ

TWICE

OH MY GIRL

Kep1er

 

Best Male Soloist Award

Lim YoungWoong

SHINee's TaeMin

BTS' JungKook

Kang Daniel

BTS' Suga

 

Best Female Soloist Award

TWICE's JiHyo

BLACKPINK's JiSoo

MAMAMOO's HwaSa

SunMi

Red Velvet's SeulGi

 

Trot Award

YoungTak

Lee ChanWon

Jung DongWon

Kim HeeJae

Hong JiYoon

 

Virtual Award

PLAVE

SUPERKIND

MAVE

ISEGYE IDOL

RE:Revolution

 

Rookie Award

JD1's Jung DongWon

ZEROBASEONE

PLAVE

TWS

POW

 

Popularity Award

Lim YongWoong

BTS' JiMin

BTS' V

Stray Kids

Kang Daniel

EXO

SHINee's TaeMin

BTS' Suga

BTS' JungKook

NiziU

 

You can participate in the "ASEA" final voting through the mobile fandom apps, IDOLCHAMP and PODOAL. Once the final voting period ends, the results will be announced at "ASEA", which will be held at K-Arena Yokohama in Yokohama, Japan on April 10th.

"ASEA 2024" is hosted by Newsen, Korea's leading entertainment and sports media outlet which boasts 19 long years of valued tradition. They are also joined by '앳스타일' (@star1), an online entertainment media outlet that has been steadily publishing Star & Style Magazine for 12 years. The prestigious event is organized by ASEA Organizing Committee and Japan's ZOZOTOWN.

Additionally, "ASEA 2024" will have world renowned K-Pop artists and Asian singers who've accomplished several significant achievements over the past year take the stage. They will create an extraordinary experience, mesmerizing fans in the audience and watching from home.

 

Kpopmap Exclusive IDOLCHAMP Coupon Sale

For those looking to support their favorite artist via IDOLCHAMP, Kpopmap is here to help! In partnership with the mobile fandom app, Kpopmap users are able to purchase IDOLCHAMP coupons at a Kpopmap exclusive discount price!

You can head here to purchase IDOLCHAMP coupons today and help your favorite K-Pop artist win "ASEA 2024"!

Who will you be voting for?