K-Pop Calendar becomes worldwide sensation

The 2012 K-Pop Photo Calendar (photographed by Hwang Dana and Cindy Ji-Eon Kim)

In light of the ever-growing K-pop craze, a government-produced calendar featuring K-pop icons is causing a sensation among K-pop fans and youths around the globe.

The 2012 K-Pop Photo Calendar, designed and distributed by the Korean Culture and Information Service (KOCIS), instantly went out of stock upon arrival at about 170 embassies, consulate offices, and overseas Korean Cultural Centers. The unexpected level of popularity compelled the Culture Ministry-affiliated organization to release a second batch, less than two months after the official release of its first run.
On December 25, the calendar became the top search word on one of Korea's most frequented search engines, Daum (www.daum.net), spreading quickly through clicks and "word of mouse" via social networking channels.