MAM
Hallyu Korea in India! SOCIAL brings an immersive Korean festival across all its pincodes in India
Mumbai: SOCIAL, India’s favourite neighbourhood and community café, is unveiling ‘Kore-yeah’, a one of its kind, immersive month-long Korean festival. An industry first initiative, the festival aims to celebrate the rich culture of Korea, giving SOCIALites across 53 pincodes a glimpse of the energy, the vibe, and the wave that has taken over the entire world.
The ‘Kore-yeah’ festival features a special menu (K-Food), themed beverages (K-Drinks), and a variety of culturally enriching activities, including K-Pop karaoke and Korean workshops. Throughout July, SOCIAL is offering engaging experiences such as Kimchi making workshops, K- Pop dance classes, chow-down challenges, and pop-up markets. With Korean culture’s growing popularity among India’s youth, this festival transforms SOCIAL into vibrant hubs for K-Culture fans, offering an authentic Korean lifestyle experience.
The food menu has been curated by Chef Yen Valavalkar and Chef Soonye Choi of Sattori Food Lab, alongside Chef Shamsul Wahid, Group Executive Chef, Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. The menu has been created using Korean ingredients such as Korean rice cakes, kim (seaweed), kimchi, Gochujang sauce, the ever-popular Soju and much more. The K- Food comes with a range of small plates, Tteokbokki, Bibimbap, fried chicken, and much more. Furthermore, SOCIAL has collaborated with Nestlé MAGGI® Korean Noodles to develop a range of ramen bowls. SOCIAL has also crafted special K-Drinks for the festival inspired by Korea, such as Soju Kimchi Highball, Somaek, The Atypical Sangria, and Hallyu Litchi Boba, among others.
SOCIAL has curated this experience in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to bring the vibrant and dynamic essence of Korean culture to its outlets. To recreate the Korean lifestyle, SOCIAL has partnered with Universal Music Group India, to bring the best of K-Pop Jams and experiences, and WinterBear, the one-stop destination for official merchandise in India, and similar other brands.
Divya Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer, Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. shares her thoughts on the latest festival, “At SOCIAL, we’re always seeking innovative ways to bring unique and engaging experiences to our guests. The ‘Kore-yeah’ festival is a testament to our commitment to celebrating pop-culture and creating immersive environments that resonate with our community. By partnering with renowned chefs and leading brands, we’ve curated an
authentic Korean experience that goes beyond food and drink. This festival allows our guests to dive into the vibrant world of Korean culture, right in their neighbourhood café.”
Chef Yen and Chef Soonye Choi of Sattori Food Lab share their thoughts on this exciting experience, “We are proud to associate with SOCIAL for the Korean festival as it is India’s favourite neighbourhood café, where connections and communities flourish. Now we are bringing the savoury delights from South Korea where consumers can experience a symphony of flavours and culture of Korea. Whether it’s the bold and spicy Choi’s kimchi ramen or the succulent Korean Fried Chicken glazed in the signature gochujang sauce, every dish promises to transport guests to the bustling streets of Korea. Complementing the experience are meticulously crafted cocktails and mocktails, adding an extra layer of energy and excitement.”
Brands
Maharashtra panel orders Lodha to refund Rs 5 crore to homebuyers
Consumer court flags unfair practices in long-running property dispute case
MUMBAI: In a sharp rebuke to one of India’s biggest real estate players, the Maharashtra State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed Macrotech Developers to refund nearly Rs 5 crore to a senior citizen couple, Uttam and Anindita Chatterjee. The ruling, delivered on March 13, 2026, calls out the developer for “deficiency in service” and “unfair trade practices”, bringing closure to a dispute that has stretched over a decade.
The case traces back to 2015, when the couple booked a 3-BHK flat at World Towers in Lower Parel for Rs 12.22 crore, with possession promised within a year. What followed was a series of changes that complicated matters. After deciding to exit the project, they were persuaded to shift to a 4-BHK in another development priced at Rs 8 crore, with delivery scheduled for 2018. However, within months, the price was allegedly increased to Rs 10 crore. After demonetisation reshaped the market, similar flats were reportedly being offered at lower prices, but the couple were not given the benefit.
Despite paying over Rs 2.83 crore, the couple neither received possession nor clarity. Instead, in 2018, the developer unilaterally cancelled the booking, retained part of the amount as earnest money, and argued that the buyers were investors rather than consumers. The commission rejected this claim, observing that casual references to “investment” do not take away consumer rights when the purchase intent is residential.
The bench also held that the developer could not penalise buyers for payment delays while failing to meet its own delivery commitments. It noted the lack of formal documentation for revised terms and termed the prolonged retention of funds without delivering a home as exploitative.
As part of its order, the commission directed the developer to refund Rs 2.83 crore paid by the couple, along with interest at 10 per cent per annum, amounting to around Rs 2.12 crore. In addition, Rs 1 lakh has been awarded for mental agony and Rs 50,000 towards litigation costs, taking the total payout to over Rs 5 crore. The developer has been asked to comply within two months.
For now, the ruling serves as a reminder that in real estate, shifting terms and delayed promises can carry a significant cost.
