Within a year since its launch, K-pop Herald (www.kpopherald.com) has hit 300,000 likes on its Facebook page, establishing itself as the go-to website for the most credible, up-to-date news and information in English on Korea’s pop culture trends and entertainment scene.

The K-pop Herald crossed the milestone on its first anniversary on Sept. 24, and, as of Wednesday, the website has 304,168 followers on its Facebook page. 

Run by the nation’s No. 1 English news outlet, The Korea Herald, the K-pop Herald has seen tremendous growth since its initiation on Sept. 24, 2014, rising from 50,000 likes in October 2014, to more than 200,000 likes in April 2015.

“Not many people expected the website to grow this fast,” said Shin Yong-bae, the former digital contents editor who helmed the site’s launch. “It’s a reflection that an increasing number of people are interested in K-pop and Korean culture. I hope the site caters to the growing interest of hallyu and hits 1 million likes in the near future.”

More than 90 percent of the site’s unique visitors are from outside of Korea, with users from Myanmar and the Philippines ranking top on the list -- accounting for 42 percent and 16 percent of the total visitors, respectively. Pakistan, Cambodia, Iraq, Nepal and Mongolia, follow in terms of the number of visitors.

Fifty-five percent of the audiences are female, and the most are aged 18-24, reflecting the demographic of general hallyu fans. 

Stories regarding young male stars are among the favorites, garnering the most likes and comments. Other popular topics on the website are love scandals, male celebrity’s military enlistments and beauty tips and secrets of A-listers.

The website is largely divided into four sections -- Music, TV and Film, Fashion and Beauty, and Feature -- allowing readers to navigate easily between stories.

In the TV and Film and Music categories, visitors can access current stories on idol groups, singers, actors and actresses.

The Fashion and Beauty category offers the latest high-street fashion trends and celebrity styles, and visitors can check out what stars are wearing on-screen and on the streets. Young stars’ beauty tips are very popular, mirroring the ever-surging cosmetics and fashion industry.

The Feature section takes a closer look at diverse Korean culture, from popular exhibitions to rising hot spots in Korea, travel tips and food guides.

Discover the latest hallyu news at www.kpopherald.com.

By Ahn Sung-mi (sahn@heraldcorp.com)