We take an in-depth look at trending issues in entertainment, broadcasting, film, OTT, performances, and sports, focusing on the latest verified facts and official schedules and viewing information.
Some tofu and fermented-food manufacturers have raised concerns about shortages of imported soybean inventories, but the verified materials do not support concluding that tofu is in short supply nationwide. The government plans to supply 65,000 tons of stockpiled domestic soybeans in 2026, while the Rural Development Administration is advancing 11 domestic soybean hubs linking production, processing, and distribution, along with research to expand consumption.
Short-term retail prices for spinach and cucumbers rose sharply in late July 2026, but the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs expected overall supply and demand conditions for fruit vegetables to remain stable in August. Figures based on different survey dates, specifications, and distribution stages should be assessed separately.
The 20th edition of ITE HCMC 2026 was held from August 27 to 29, 2026, at SECC in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Organizers presented more than 520 exhibitors and brands, 260 international buyers from over 40 countries and regions, and more than 21,000 pre-scheduled B2B appointments, but the final visitor count and actual business and transaction results require separate verification.
Noma reopened in Copenhagen on August 5, 2026. Pablo Soto became Executive Head Chef and now leads daily operations, while founder René Redzepi remains owner and Creative Director but has stepped away from day-to-day management. Noma also announced a shift from three seasonal concepts to a “12 Seasons” model featuring a different expression each month. However, the restaurant was not included in the 2026 Michelin Guide at the time of its reopening.
Noma reopened in Copenhagen on August 5, 2026. René Redzepi has stepped back from daily operations to become creative director, while Pablo Soto, Mette Brink Søberg, and Annika de Las Heras share responsibility for the kitchen, R&D, and management. The menu is shifting from three seasonal concepts to a 12-season system with a different expression each month, and Noma is not included in the 2026 Michelin Guide.
Nongshim launched four different potato chip flavors in collaboration with CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, and Emart24 on August 10, 2026, with one flavor assigned to each convenience store chain. CU carries the Salty Butter flavor, GS25 the Spicy Carbonara flavor, 7-Eleven the Butter Garlic Shrimp flavor, and Emart24 the Cream Cheese Sausage flavor. According to Hankook Ilbo, the CU product is priced at 2,000 won, while the other three are priced at 1,800 won each.
Copenhagen’s Noma reopened on August 5, 2026. René Redzepi remains owner and creative director but has stepped back from day-to-day operations, while Pablo Soto, Mette Brink Søberg, and Annika de Las Heras join the new leadership team. The menu is shifting from three seasonal periods to 12 seasons, each featuring a different monthly menu.
The 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo opens on September 5 at the Jinmo District in Dolsan, Yeosu. According to official materials released just before opening, visitor guidance includes a 1.8 km one-way traffic route, 11 shuttle bus routes, 11 temporary parking lots, and response plans for congestion, weather, and emergencies.
Noma reopened its Copenhagen restaurant on August 5, 2026. René Redzepi remains the owner and creative director, while Pablo Soto, Annika de Las Heras, and Mette Brink Søberg are involved in day-to-day operations. The reopening introduced 12 monthly menus, but Noma was not listed in the 2026 Michelin Guide.
The 20th Ho Chi Minh City International Travel Expo, ITE HCMC 2026, was held at SECC in Ho Chi Minh City from August 27 to 29. More than 520 exhibitors and brands and 260 international buyers were expected to participate, while the approximately 30,000 visitors and more than 21,000 B2B meetings were figures projected and planned before the event and should be distinguished from confirmed post-event results.
The 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo will be held in Yeosu from September 5 to November 4. The main venue is the Jinmo District of Dolsan, with Gaedo, Geumodo, and parts of the Yeosu Expo site listed as linked venues. Before visiting, check the operating plan announced just before opening, along with the QR smart web service, transportation and parking information, and whether opening-ceremony tickets and expo admission tickets are separate.
As of early to mid-August 2026, retail prices for spinach, cucumbers, and zucchini had risen sharply from a month earlier, while wholesale prices increased even more. There were also indications that green-leaf lettuce prices had risen, but no specific increase rate was confirmed. The available data does not establish that all four items are experiencing a prolonged shortage, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs expects supply conditions to improve as temperatures fall.
Rain is expected across most of South Korea on August 30. In particular, Daejeon, Sejong, and Chungnam are forecast to receive 80–150 mm from August 30–31, with more than 200 mm possible in some areas; Chungbuk is forecast to receive 50–100 mm, with more than 150 mm possible in some areas. Chungnam Province activated a Level 1 regional disaster and safety countermeasures headquarters at midnight on August 30. Check the latest forecast and heavy rain advisories again.
Rain or showers are expected nationwide from August 29 through 31. Daejeon, Sejong, and South Chungcheong could receive more than 200 mm during August 30–31, while some areas may see torrential rain exceeding 50 mm per hour overnight or before dawn.
Rain is expected to spread nationwide by the night of August 29, 2026. The Capital Region is forecast to receive 5–20 mm, while Daegu and North Gyeongsang are likely to see an additional 10–60 mm accompanied by gusty winds, thunder, and lightning. Humid heat will continue in Busan, Ulsan, and South Gyeongsang despite the rain, and a tropical night advisory is in effect in parts of Busan.
The AI-narrated audiobook The Complete Short Stories of O. Henry was published on August 25, 2026, and is listed on YES24 and Kyobo eBook. The publisher is Aram Books, and the product information identifies the narrator as “odiro Mikhyeong,” with eight episodes totaling approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. However, odiro’s September 1 announcement concerns the end of its AI voice-content creation feature and subscription products. There is no confirmed basis for interpreting it as the shutdown of the entire AI audiobook production service or the suspension of sales or listening access for this title.
Noma reopened in Copenhagen on August 5, 2026. René Redzepi stepped back from day-to-day operations to become creative director, while Pablo Soto, Mette Brink Søberg, and Annika de Las Heras joined the new leadership team. The menu format is also changing from three annual seasons to 12 monthly seasons.
With the 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo set to open on September 5, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety conducted a final on-site inspection on August 28. Here is a summary of the safety measures, 11 shuttle-bus routes, and 6,376 temporary parking spaces visitors should check before attending.
The 4th Gangjin Hamaek Festival is scheduled to continue from 5 PM to 9 PM on its closing day, August 29, at Gangjin Stadium. General admission is KRW 10,000, with the Gangjin Hamaek Rock Festival, free shuttles, and benefits linked to local businesses among the key considerations for visitors.
On August 30, 2026, Vietnam is expected to see marked regional weather differences. Rain, thunderstorms, and locally heavy downpours are possible in the north, while parts of central Vietnam may experience heat of around 37°C, with some areas exceeding 38°C. Showers are expected in the southern and central highland regions during the afternoon and evening, while strong winds and 2–4 meter waves are forecast in some offshore waters.