“K-Pop Demon Hunters” qualifies for Oscars, SKIMS invades Seoul, and aespa becomes Shin Ramyun’s first global ambassador — Hot Takes & Cold Tea for the week of November 24th!
1) “Kpop Demon Hunters” Plans to Takeover the Oscars
Just a week after being snubbed by BAFTA, “Kpop Demon Hunters” finally gets some good news — it has officially qualified for Oscar consideration.
On November 21, the Academy revealed the full list of entries for the 98th Oscar Awards across animation, documentary and international film categories.
A total of 35 animation features were submitted including Netflix’s most successful movie yet to date, “Kpop Demon Hunters”. Academy members will vote for the final five nominations early next year. Competitors include Disney/Pixar titles like “Elio” and “Zootopia 2”.
Final nominees drop on January 22, with the Oscars airing in March 2026.
👩🏻🍵 Kayla’s Thoughts
Congratulations are in order for Netflix. 👏
And honestly? Can I just give them the trophy already? 🤭
It’s a no-brainer that K-Pop Demon Hunters deserves an Oscar nom. If it doesn’t get one, I will personally be offended. The film literally swept the world with girl-power K-pop chaos in 2025! ✨
2) SKIMS Opens First Pop-Up Store in Seoul
Finally! Kim Kardashian’s shapewear and underwear brand SKIMS has landed in Seoul with not one but two pop-up stores.
They opened on November 21 in both Seongsu — Seoul’s trendiest fashion hub — and The Hyundai Department Store.
- Seongsu pop-up runs until December 30
- Hyundai pop-up runs until January 25
Both locations are showcasing the Holiday collection, along with the viral long-sleeved black tee worn by aespa’s Ningning.
Reports already claim that fans have waited up to 3 hours in line (😱) to see what the hype is all about. 😱
👩🏻🍵 Kayla’s Thoughts
Ha! I KNEW IT! 🥸
There had to be a reason Kim Kardashian “secretly” visited Seoul — it was never just for Botox and K-BBQ. 😭
I was praying she had something cooking behind the scenes… and here we are. SKIMS in Korea! 🤗
Honestly, I’m hoping this doesn’t stop at pop-ups. Manifesting a SKIMS flagship store in Seoul. A girl can only dream. 🙏🙏
3) aespa Named as First Global Ambassador of Shin Ramyun
Shin Ramyun is about to get four times spicier — they’ve officially named aespa as their first-ever global ambassador.
On November 19, Nongshim announced that aespa will lead the brand’s new global slogan:
SHIN — Spicy Happiness in Noodles.
They’ve also ditched their usual ad format and went full K-pop concept.
In the new commercial, aespa performs a special version of Spice Girls’ “Spice Up Your Life”, complete with choreography showing how Shin Ramyun is made and eaten.
Nongshim will even release limited aespa packages featuring group and individual covers plus photocards — essentially K-pop album strategy… but for ramyun.
👩🏻🍵 Kayla’s Thoughts
Shin Ramyun appointing a global ambassador — and making it a K-pop girl group — might be one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen. 😭
No hate to aespa (I actually like them!), but… a ramyun having a global ambassador? 🙄
And don’t get me started on the “Spicy Happiness in Noodles” slogan. 😒
Also the photocards??? And multi-cover packaging???
They really said: “Let’s K-pop-ify noodles.” 😬
Personally, I think Shin Ramyun is already iconic without all this. But hey — I’m not their marketing team. Let’s see if this strategy actually works… 😑
Another fun week with all sorts of Korea and Hollywood ties! Do you like my takes? If you do, hit up a a comment below! ⬇️
