K-Pop Calendar becomes worldwide sensation

The 2012 K-Pop Photo Calendar (photographed by Hwang Dana and Cindy Ji-Eon Kim)

In light of the ever-growing K-pop craze, a government-produced calendar featuring K-pop icons is causing a sensation among K-pop fans and youths around the globe.

The 2012 K-Pop Photo Calendar, designed and distributed by the Korean Culture and Information Service (KOCIS), instantly went out of stock upon arrival at about 170 embassies, consulate offices, and overseas Korean Cultural Centers. The unexpected level of popularity compelled the Culture Ministry-affiliated organization to release a second batch, less than two months after the official release of its first run.

On December 25, the calendar became the top search word on one of Korea's most frequented search engines, Daum (www.daum.net), spreading quickly through clicks and "word of mouse" via social networking channels.

Inquiries on the further availability of the K-pop calendar inundated the overseas diplomatic offices in countries like Japan, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Saudi Arabia, as reported by local staff. Being a not-for-sale edition, the calendar left a great deal of K-pop fans and collectors craving their own.

The calendar presents twelve K-pop groups -- one for each month, including Super Junior and f(x) from SM Entertainment, BIGBANG and 2NE1 from YG Entertainment, and Wonder Girls, 2PM, and Miss A from JYP Entertainment, alongside KARA, 4minute, BEAST, T-ara and SISTAR.

Motivated by the urge to promote a variety of Korean music, KOCIS added a brief introduction of twelve traditional Korean musical instruments mingled with the pictures of K-pop stars, portraying an exciting mix of traditional and contemporary culture.

Inside the calendar is presented Taepyeongso, a traditional Korean musical instrument, side by side with the Wonder Girls (photographed by Hwang Dana).

On the front and back covers, the calendar displays a QR code leading to an introductory video on Korean culture, which can be viewed on smartphone devices. The calendar package also includes a photo frame and paperweight offering suggestions for future uses of the calendar even after the end of the year.

Meantime, Korea.net is hosting a promotional event to mark the 40th anniversary of KOCIS in conjunction with the release of the calendar. Upon reaching 10,000 followers on its Twitter page (http://twitter.com/koreanet), the 2012 K-pop calendar will be sent to 40 selected followers who participated in the event. To find out more, click here. A printable version of the calendar can be downloaded at: www.scribd.com/doc/73098259/K-Pop-Calendar-2012.

By Hwang Dana
Korea.net Staff Writer