“Why young people choose to cut ties with their relatives?”: Trending hashtag on Chinese social media
In recent years, the term “cutting off family ties (断亲)” became a buzzword on Chinese social media primarily due to various stressors, including the economic downturn and heightened social isolation for a prolonged pandemic. Due to a recent incident surrounding a severely depressed Chinese girl who a doctor advised to break off all contact with […]
Christmas in Korea: Resembles the West’s Valentine’s Day more than Christmas
Christmas in Korea is one of the major holidays of the year, although it’s not celebrated as widely as it is in many Western countries. It is observed as a public holiday, with Christmas trees, cakes, and carols adorning many places. Christians make up about one-fifth of Korea’s population, and while many celebrate Christmas at […]
Xiaohongshu’s Foodie Marathon boosts Shanghai’s culinary scene
On the 17th of July 2023, the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu launched the “100 Stores Exploration Plan” (100家探店计划), which will end on the 31st of December, 2023. This event was launched in several big cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Beijing. The event involves visiting 100 stores and sharing relevant posts on the platform. […]
Peking Duck Burgers: The rise of Tastien and China’s local fast-food industry
The fast-food market size in China was worth RMB 1.3 trillion in 2022 and is expected to reach RMB 1.8 trillion in 2025. This growth can be attributed to urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and increasingly busy lifestyles. Young adults aged 25 to 34, making up 44% of fast-food consumers, find fast food a convenient choice […]
South Korea’s travel industry: Exploring novel experiences such as farming and workcations
South Korea’s travel industry has witnessed a significant shift as more locals opt for domestic travel. South Koreans are favoring lesser-known destinations over traditional tourist spots, reshaping travel preferences and offering the local tourism sector opportunities to promote hidden gems and unique experiences. Read our Korea’s consumer trends report Travel themes: Unveiling travel experiences in […]
Generative AI in China applied: from virtual doctors to game realms
Chinese firms are racing in a competitive frenzy to harness the potential of generative artificial intelligence (AI), a realm thrust into the limelight by models like ChatGPT. With a projected market size of RMB 38.8 billion in 2023 and an anticipated annual growth rate of 27.32% between 2023 and 2030, generative AI in China is […]
South Korea’s rapidly aging population: The emergence of “active elders” and their consumption habits
In South Korea’s aging population, people have started to pay more attention to the consumption habits of the elderly. Industries ranging from healthcare, leisure, retail, and technology are being influenced by the emergence of “active” seniors. Analyzing the elderly consumption habits not only provides valuable insights into the nation’s shifting market dynamics but also unveils […]
Green giants in action: Pioneering ESG practices in China
In the past few years, there has been an increasing number of Chinese A-share companies choosing to voluntarily disclose Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) information. These changes are mainly motivated by the heightened expectations of both customers and investors. Leading the change in ESG practices in China, Alibaba, Ping An, and A Living Smart City […]
South Korea’s gaming industry surpasses K-pop in global content exports
South Korea ranks as the fourth largest gaming market in the world. With a market size of USD 16.3 billion in 2021, it is behind the United States, China, and Japan. Games have become an important export sector for the country. They made up almost 70% of the total contents exported, including K-pop music, movies, […]
Convenience stores in South Korea: transcending the mere label of convenience
Convenience stores in South Korea are continuing to grow, surpassing 50,000 stores in 2022. CU, GS25, and 7-Eleven are three of the biggest convenience store chains in the country. With these three leaders, the market size for convenience stores in South Korea is expected to be USD 25.08 billion in 2023, marking an estimated growth […]
Beyond rankings: the course of ESG in China towards Common Prosperity
In recent years, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations have emerged as pivotal elements reshaping the landscape of corporate practices and investment strategies globally. This transformation is notably pronounced in China, which is witnessing a significant surge in ESG awareness and implementation. According to a survey of 262 executives from Chinese listed companies, over half […]
Keeping up with trends in the highly sensitive fashion industry in South Korea
In the fashion industry in South Korea, staying in tune with trends is crucial. South Korea consumer trends evolve rapidly, requiring businesses to adapt swiftly to changing preferences. The 20s to 30s age group, in particular, shows remarkable sensitivity to fashion trends compared to other age groups. Specifically, the trend awareness scores for women in […]