RISE OF “NEWTRO” TREND

[Anchor Lead]

The newly coined word "newtro" which combines new and retro is all the rage these days. It refers to a revival of past cultures which would normally be neglected and forgotten. "Newtro" is a source of nostalgia for the middle aged, while it draws novel interest from younger people. Take a look.

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An LP circles on a turntable, as melodies of the past fill the room. Here, visitors can listen to and buy LP records. Even in the digital age where consuming music is just a mouse click away, some 15-hundred people visit this place every day. LP sales in Korea also recorded around 600-thousand copies last year, more than double compared to three years ago.

[Soundbite] KIM JI-EUN(CUSTOMER) : "Many people stream songs these days but this would be a more sincere way should I say of listening to music."

Here at the Dongmyo street market, which has been popular amongst the elderly, is now seeing more young fashionistas.

[Soundbite] "This would be nice for the spring."

There are piles of second hand clothes everywhere. Customers are out for a treasure hunt trying to pick out the gems.

[Soundbite] KIM SEO-HEE(VISITOR) : "I think vintage clothes work better on people in their 20s."

Alleyways and stores that have been reconstructed with a late 1900s appearance are also becoming popular. Old movie posters and signboards displayed on walls feel somewhat familiar despite their age and still arouse sentimental feelings. Video arcade games which adults used to enjoy when they were young still appeal to today's children.

[Soundbite] YOO YUN-SEOK(VISITOR) : "I feel like watching my younger self."

[Soundbite] PARK SEO-JIN(VISITOR) : "At first I thought it would be boring but it was so fun."

"Newtro" is much more than a nostalgic pastime solely for the middle aged. It's also a great source of entertainment for the younger generation and in this aspect, it's very different from the ordinary retro we know of. The popularity of "newtro," which encompasses both the analogue and digital worlds, is expected to continue for the time being.