Must Read News Updates from Korea You May Have Not Heard Before

  • Arcade rhythm game Pump It Up series debuts on Steam for the first time

    Andamiro’s flagship rhythm game series, Pump It Up, has launched globally on the Steam platform for the first time in its 25-year history with the early access release of its latest title, PUMP IT UP RISE.
    PUMP IT UP RISE retains the essence and tactile rhythm action of the original arcade game while optimizing controls and content for PC environments. Staying true to the series’ distinctive arrow-based step charts, the game supports various input devices such as keyboards and controllers. It offers familiar control experiences for rhythm game fans through single (5-key) and half-double (6-key) modes.

    Gameplay of the popular Pump It Up track “Beethoven Virus” | Image provided by Andamiro

    The game features three main modes—Warm-up, Division, and Challenge—designed to cater to both beginners and experienced players. The early access version includes over 200 tracks. A customization system is also included, allowing users to tailor the game environment to their preferences.


    The title launched simultaneously worldwide and supports nine languages: Korean, English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, French, Spanish, German, and Portuguese.

    The game can be accessed through its official Steam page.


    Gameplay screen from the 6-key mode, featuring the remastered track “Radetzky Can Can” | Image provided by Andamiro

    Andamiro views its Steam debut not merely as a platform expansion but as a gateway for a new generation of players to discover Pump It Up. The company plans to incorporate player feedback throughout the early access period and aims for an official launch in January 2026.


    Founded in 1999 with the debut of the Pump It Up series, Andamiro is a leading arcade game company in the global rhythm game market. The series has garnered a broad international fan base, and RISE marks its first official release on Steam, designed to make the franchise more accessible to today’s players.


    Andamiro, which launched the Pump It Up series in 1999, has led the global rhythm game market as a dedicated arcade game developer. The Pump It Up franchise has earned a strong international following, and RISE is the first official Steam release in the series, tailored to help new players experience the game more easily.

    The “Over” screen appears when the gauge reaches its maximum value. This playful sequence is a signature element of the series | Image provided by Andamiro

  • LK Samyang launches new Prima Series lenses AF 16mm F2.8 P FE and AF 85mm F1.8 P FE

    New Prima Series | Photo provided by LK Samyang

    Global optical specialist LK Samyang has strengthened its lineup of prime lenses with the launch of two new models in its Prima Series—AF 16mm F2.8 P FE and AF 85mm F1.8 P FE—on July 15, 2025. The Prima Series targets hybrid content creators and entry-level photographers.
    The new lenses represent the wide-angle and short-telephoto ranges, respectively, offering excellent portability and optical performance. Along with the previously released AF 35mm F1.4 P FE in 2024, they complete a Prima Series trio of 16mm, 35mm, and 85mm focal lengths, meeting various shooting needs.

    AF 16mm F2.8 P FE attached to Sony Camera | Photo provided by LK Samyang

    The Prima Series is a lineup of prime lenses designed for photography and video beginners, as well as hybrid content creators. Under the concept of “Your first lens” and “The lens you reach for first,” these lenses combine a compact and lightweight form with outstanding optical performance, delivering an optimized shooting experience.

    • AF 16mm F2.8 P FE: A 207g ultra-wide-angle F2.8 prime lens optimized for vlogging and landscape photography
    • AF 35mm F1.4 P FE: A 470g all-rounder suitable for daily and travel snaps
    • AF 85mm F1.8 P FE: A 272g short telephoto lens optimized for portraits, offering shallow depth of field and smooth bokeh
    AF 16mm F2.8 P FE | Photo provided by LK Samyang

    Both lenses feature a minimal design that boldly omits the traditional red ring. They use high-strength engineering plastic developed by LK Samyang, delivering lightweight yet durable and premium tactile quality. Enhanced user control is achieved through new design elements, including a redesigned focus ring pattern.


    AF 16mm F2.8 P FE – A compact ultra-wide lens that captures daily life
    With a length of 70.5mm and a weight of 207g, this ultra-light lens offers a broad field of view, a maximum magnification of 0.33x, and a short minimum focusing distance of 0.12m, enabling diverse shooting possibilities. When mounted on APS-C bodies, it provides an effective focal length of approximately 24mm and 0.5x magnification, thereby expanding creative expression.


    AF 85mm F1.8 P FE – A lightweight short telephoto lens optimized for portraits
    Despite its bright F1.8 aperture, the lens is lightweight at just 272g and compact at 71.5mm in length. Featuring three ED lenses and a 9-blade circular diaphragm, it delivers high resolution and smooth bokeh at portrait-friendly distances. The lens produces natural, seamless depth transitions that add emotional depth to photographs.

    AF 85mm F1.8 P FE attached to Sony Camera | Photo provided by LK Samyang

    LK Samyang emphasized that the Prima Series aims to be the creators’ first and most frequently used lenses. The company highlighted that the new models deliver superior portability, durability, and optical performance, making them dependable partners for both everyday use and creative production.


    The new AF 16mm F2.8 P FE and AF 85mm F1.8 P FE lenses were released globally on July 15, 2025, through major online and offline retail channels. A 10% discount promotion will run from July 15 to July 25 at major Korean retailers.

    Formerly known as Samyang Optics, LK Samyang has over 50 years of expertise in developing and manufacturing interchangeable lenses for photography, videography, and cinema. The company exports to over 70 countries worldwide. Leveraging its strong optical technology, LK Samyang is expanding into new sectors, including thermal imaging, machine vision, and aerospace (drones and satellites), thereby securing new growth engines for sustainable development.

    AF 85mm F1.8 P FE | Photo provided by LK Samyang
  • Hyundai unveils IONIQ 6 N, redefining high-performance electrification

    Hyundai Motor Company IONIQ 6 N | Photo provided by Hyundai Motor Company

    Hyundai Motor’s high-performance brand N unveiled the IONIQ 6 N for the first time globally on Thursday, July 10, at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the UK’s largest automotive event.

    The IONIQ 6 N combines Hyundai’s cutting-edge electrification technologies with data from its “rolling lab”—a testbed for motorsports performance. Designed to satisfy both track and daily driving, this is Hyundai N’s second high-performance electric vehicle (EV).

    Built on N’s three core performance pillars—Corner Rascal, Racetrack Capability, and Everyday Sports Car—the IONIQ 6 N brings the joy of high-performance driving into the electrified era.

    The IONIQ 6 N delivers a combined output of 478kW (650PS) and 770Nm of torque through a dual-motor AWD system and an 84.0kWh high-capacity battery, with next-gen suspension geometry for agile handling and excellent control.

    After its debut in PURE ETCR (Electric Touring Car Racing), Hyundai N has continued developing EVs that excel on both the racetrack and everyday roads. The IONIQ 6 N marks a new benchmark in this evolution.

    “Through the IONIQ 6 N, Hyundai N will deliver an electrifying driving experience based on high-performance EV powertrains for both daily use and the track,” said José Muñoz, President and Global COO of Hyundai Motor Company.

    Blistering performance meets precise handling.

    With launch control activated, the IONIQ 6 N accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds. Under standard conditions, it produces 448kW (609PS) and 740Nm of torque, which boosts to 478kW and 770Nm when using the N Grin Boost (NGB) function.

    The N Battery system optimizes temperature and power output via three modes: Drag, Sprint, and Endurance. These help deliver peak performance in varied track conditions.

    Its streamlined sedan profile gives it a lower drag coefficient (Cd 0.27) and center of gravity than the IONIQ 5 N, improving high-speed handling and stability. The addition of a large rear wing spoiler, aerodynamic components like active grille flaps, front splitters, and underbody diffusers, all work together to enhance downforce and airflow.

    With 20-inch forged wheels and 275/35R20 tires co-developed with Pirelli, the IONIQ 6 N offers maximum grip. A widened fender design and a new exclusive color, Performance Blue Pearl, convey a bold, dynamic presence.

    Enhanced suspension and body rigidity

    The IONIQ 6 N features next-generation suspension geometry and stroke-sensitive ECS dampers. Adjustments such as a lower roll center, increased front caster trail, and stiffer rear springs contribute to precise, stable cornering at high speeds.

    Chassis reinforcements and front hydro G bushings improve structural response, while dual-layer bushings in the rear enhance ride comfort. The overall result is a highly responsive and comfortable performance sedan.

    “The IONIQ 6 N is a new standard in automotive engineering—combining raw power, smart battery management, aerodynamic efficiency, and advanced suspension,” said Manfred Harrer, Executive VP of Vehicle Development at Hyundai Motor.

    Next-gen EV driving experiences

    The IONIQ 6 N includes several high-performance driving enhancements: N e-Shift, N Ambient Shift Light, and N Active Sound+.

    N e-Shift simulates gear shifting for a more connected, sporty experience, while the ambient light system cues drivers on optimal shifting points. N Active Sound+ produces immersive synthetic engine noises with multi-channel sound control and new effects like Lightspeed and NGB audio.

    Track-ready features include N Drift Optimizer, N Torque Distribution (adjustable across 11 levels), N Pedal for regenerative cornering, and N Track Manager with track map recording and lap timing. Custom TPMS settings, built-in dashcam overlays (N Race Cam), and a roof-mounted action cam holder support content creation and post-run analysis.

    Debut at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed

    The IONIQ 6 N made its public debut on the iconic Hillclimb course at Goodwood, alongside its Drift Spec variant and models outfitted with N Performance Parts.

    Hyundai also showcased the IONIQ 5 N and IONIQ 5 N TA Spec at its dedicated display area, giving visitors a hands-on look at the brand’s high-performance electric lineup.

    In Korea, the IONIQ 6 N will be exhibited at Lotte Premium Outlet in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province, from July 12 to 20, alongside other IONIQ 6 models to promote the full lineup to domestic customers.