Philstar.com Lifestyle and Entertainment Editor Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo and her kids at the entrance of "Hallyu! The Korean Wave" exhibition of Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
In fact, in London's underground "Tubes" (train system), alongside West End musicals, upcoming concerts of major K-pop acts like Blackpink fill the walls.
In popular shopping districts, such as SOHO and Oxford Street, is not uncommon to see many Koreans carrying shopping bags in one hand, and the hand of a British boyfriend or girlfriend in another.
As such, it is not surprising that the United Kingdom's famed Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum in Cromwell Road, London recently opened "Hallyu! The Korean Wave" exhibition in Gallery 39. Entrance to the museum is free, but one has to pay an additional 20 pounds per person (discounts apply for kids) to see the "Hallyu!" exhibit that is open to the public until June 25.
Curated by lead curator Rosalie Kim, the exhibit, according to V&A, "showcases the colorful and dynamic popular culture of South Korea, exploring the makings of the Korean Wave and its global impact on the creative industries of cinema, drama, music, fandom, beauty and fashion."
From the costumes of K-pop stars like G-Dragon and PSY, to the original sets and props of cult K-dramas like "Crash Landing on You" and "My Love from the Star," V&A's "Hallyu" exhibit is a must-see especially for those who "stan" everything Korean.
Here are the exhibit's highlights:
K-pop lightsticks
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Explanation of K-pop lightsticks on display
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PSY's 'Gangnam Style' costume by DSquared
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Costumes of different K-pop groups ranging from ATEEZ to KARD
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Taeyang's 'Good Boy' music video costumes designed by Gee Eun
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Idol ensembles by Balko, who has worked with some of K-pop's biggest names, including BTS and Blackpink
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G-Dragon sculpture
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G-Dragon's world tour garments (left) and Vivienne Westwood blue suit worn for his 'Crooked' music video shot in London
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'Jewel in the Palace' costumes and props (left); wig worn by Choi Min-sik in 'Oldboy'
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From left: Costumes and props from hit historical K-dramas 'Jumong,' 'Hwang Jini' and 'Love in the Moonlight'
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Posters and props for K-dramas 'A Tale of Two Sisters' and 'Janghwa Hongryeon Jeon'
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Props and official merchandise from hit K-dramas "Endless Love: Winter Sonata" (left) and "My Love from the Star"
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Original poster for 'Crash Landing on You'
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'Squid Game' original costumes
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Part of the original set of Oscar-winning Korean film 'Parasite'
Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Part of the original set of Oscar-winning Korean film 'Parasite'