[Herald Interview] Cellist Mun Tae-guk takes up challenge of Bach Cello Suites earlier than expected

For cellists, Bach’s Cello Suites hold deep significance. Many renowned cellists have recorded their interpretations of the masterpieces — some multiple times throughout their careers, others only once in a lifetime. The 30-year-old Korean cellist Mun Tae-guk said he felt significant pressure about recording Bach’s Cello Suites but decided to take up the challenge. “Honestly, I felt a lot of pressure. When I first received the proposal, I had many doubts, wondering if

CultureOct. 7, 2024

Even elite professions split into haves and have-nots

Many young South Koreans dream of becoming lawyers, doctors or accountants, seeing the professions as a way to guarantee financial security and prestige. However, recent data from the National Tax Service reveals that the career prospects in these fields may not be as rosy as they seem. There are significant income disparities within these coveted professions, with the top 10 percent raking in up to 80 percent of the total income in certain fields. According to the data, made public Monday by Re

Social AffairsOct. 7, 2024

[Today’s K-pop] TXT to return with 7th EP next month

Tomorrow X Together will make a comeback on Nov. 4 with seventh EP, Big Hit Music announced Monday. EP “The Star Chapter: Sanctuary” will be the first of its fourth series, which follows “chapters” of dream, chaos and name. The mini album comes about seven months since the band put out previous EP “minisode 3: Tomorrow,” which sold over a million copies on the day of release and swept music charts at home. The sixth EP debuted on the Billboard 200 at No. 3 and

K-popOct. 7, 2024

Assembly audit kicks off with bitter clashes

This year’s annual National Assembly audit kicked off Monday with the rival parties locking horns over a slew of legal issues surrounding Democratic Party of Korea Chair Rep. Lee Jae-myung and multiple allegations against first lady Kim Keon Hee. Seventeen parliamentary standing committees will audit a total of 802 government institutions over 26 days. Ten of the 17 standing committees were scheduled to hold hearings Monday, including the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, the Foreign Af

PoliticsOct. 7, 2024

Korean art in full swing in UK this fall

Korean art will be at the center of attention in the UK this fall, with a variety of exhibitions featuring established Korean artists and projects set to coincide with Frieze London, which runs Wednesday to Sunday. The Korean Cultural Center UK will host events on Thursday and Friday, bringing together artists and art enthusiasts alike for networking and a viewing of the ongoing exhibition “Digital Heritage, Now! AI With You.” The exhibition showcases the beauty and significance of K

Arts & DesignOct. 7, 2024

[Herald Interview] Always around but never understood: ‘Tiger Stripes’ speaks up for teenagers

BUSAN -- Written and directed by Malaysian director Amanda Neel Eu, “Tiger Stripes” follows carefree 12-year-old Zaffan who starts to experience unexpected bodily changes as she is the first to get her period among her group of friends. For Zaffan, puberty becomes something she fights for in front of others after being publicly ostracized at school and in the community. Later, she embraces her anger and wrath to show everyone the beauty of her changing body. “Going through pube

FilmOct. 7, 2024

Seoul shares rise over 1.5 % on US jobs data; won sharply down

Seoul stocks finished over 1.5 percent higher Monday, bolstered by US employment data, and modest gains in chip and battery shares. The local currency sharply fell against the US dollar. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index moved up 1.58 percent, or 40.67 points, to 2,610.38. Trading volume was moderate at 336 million shares worth 10.2 trillion won ($7.57 billion), with gainers outpacing losers at 618 to 259. Institutions and foreign investors together bought a net 98 billion won, whi

MarketOct. 7, 2024

[Herald Review] 2NE1 returns better than ever

“Come Back Home” echoed through the Olympic Hall in Olympic Park, Seoul, on Sunday evening, sparking ecstatic cheers from fans as all four members of the iconic K-pop girl group 2NE1 took to the stage for their first concert in over a decade. The group, comprising Sandara Park, CL, Park Bom and Minzy, dazzled in their signature eclectic outfits that have long defined their unique style. CL sported a striking red jacket with a large red ribbon, while Sandara Park showcased a bold bole

K-popOct. 7, 2024

Diverse fitness offerings at Wellness Seoul 2024

Laughter and cheers from parents filled the air during the Balance Bike Race With Yamaha Motor, part of the inaugural Wellness Seoul 2024 held at Sebitseom Banpo along the Han River in southern Seoul on Sunday. The event, designed for children aged 3 to 5, allowed them to race on pedal-less bicycles, helping them develop balance and enjoy the thrill of riding on two wheels before transitioning to traditional bikes. On the other side, teenagers had the opportunity of minibike riding. Big smiles

IndustryOct. 7, 2024

Seoul’s income initiative boosts welfare exits, earned income

More people are leaving the city's welfare rolls while continuing recipients are earning higher incomes under the Seoul city government's Stepping Stone Income welfare initiative, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government on Monday. The city government hosted an international forum titled “Solutions for Alleviating Poverty and Income Disparity” on Monday at Dongdaemun Design Plaza, bringing together experts in economics, social welfare and sociology to discuss the city

Social AffairsOct. 7, 2024

Seoulites celebrate coexistence at Wellness Seoul 2024

In celebration of the health, mindfulness, and well-being of global citizens, Herald Media Group hosted Wellness Seoul 2024 on Sunday, a day-long festival held by the Han River in southern Seoul. Despite the cloudy weather, more than 10,000 participants filled the main venue and surrounding area all day long. Under the shared vision of "Creating A Life Of Wellness," the opening ceremony featured Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, Olympic marathon gold medalist Lee Bong-ju, Daewoo E&C Chairman

IndustryOct. 7, 2024

China, N. Korea mark 75th anniversary of ties with little fanfare

China and North Korea marked their 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations Sunday with no publicly reported major events, in contrast to earlier pledges from both leaders to celebrate the milestone with displays of camaraderie in the designated "Year of Friendship." In their New Year messages, Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un pledged to organize activities throughout the "Year of Friendship" and deepen cooperation across various sectors, inclu

Foreign AffairsOct. 7, 2024

More Korean content getting Japanese adaptations

Japanese adaptations of popular Korean content are increasing, driven by growing challenges the Japanese content industry faces in importing Korean content as well as broadcasters' desire to air potential hits on their own terms. Naver Webtoon's "Hell is Other People," a horror that enjoyed immense popularity as both a webtoon and TV show, has since been adapted into a Japanese film set to release in theaters in Japan on Nov. 15. Directed by Wato Kodama, known for horror projects

TelevisionOct. 7, 2024

'Culinary Class Wars' producers deny trying to spice up results

Netflix's "Culinary Class Wars" is indisputably one of the hottest shows in Korea right now. The 12-episode series features 100 participants divided into two teams: the white team of star chefs and the black team of lesser-known cooks and local restaurant owners. The contestants face various elimination challenges judged by popular restaurateur Paik Jong-won and Korea’s only Michelin three-star chef, Ahn Sung-jae. Since the first episode was released on Sept. 17, the show ha

TelevisionOct. 7, 2024

Mutts strut alongside dog-loving Seoulites

Finding a moment of respite from their busy lives in the bustling city, some 2,500 pet owners and their 500 canine companions flocked to Sebitseom Banpo Han River in southern Seoul on Sunday to participate in the Slow Marathon with Pets. The marathon -- held under the inaugural Wellness Seoul 2024 event hosted by Herald Media Group, the publisher of The Korea Herald and Herald Business -- invited participants and their dogs to walk or jog leisurely side by side along the Han River. The event,

Social AffairsOct. 7, 2024

LS Electric partners with Japan's Kyudenko to expand battery storage market

Korean electrical equipment manufacturer LS Electric announced a partnership with Kyudenko, a Kyushu Electric Power Company subsidiary, to enter Japan’s growing battery energy storage system market. The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas Hotel on Sunday, with LS Electric Chairman Koo Ja-Gyun and Kyudenko Vice President Masaaki Jono in attendance. Kyudenko, based in Fukuoka, is a major player in Japan’s electrical construction

IndustryOct. 7, 2024

Interactive booths highlight wellness, pet care

A diverse range of institutions -- from medical experts and ESG-focused companies to art students and pet care providers -- engaged visitors through interactive booths at Wellness Seoul 2024, offering a blend of health, creativity and eco-friendly initiatives aimed at inspiring a higher quality of life for all. Among the most popular booths was that of the Seoul Korean Medicine Association, a community of Korean medicine doctors based in Seoul. The doctors provided on-site consultations and offe

IndustryOct. 7, 2024

Samsung chief calls for active MLCC response in Philippines

Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong visited the production base of multilayer ceramic capacitors for Samsung Electro-Mechanics, the electronic parts manufacturing affiliate of Samsung Electronics, in Calamba, Philippines, Sunday, according to the tech giant on Monday. The chairman reviewed business strategies and stressed the importance of taking advantage of opportunities arising from expanding markets such as artificial intelligence, robots and electric vehicles. Lee also discussed futur

IndustryOct. 7, 2024

Musical artists dazzle at Wellness Seoul 2024’s grand finale

Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Banpo Bridge’s fountains cascading over the Han River, Wellness Seoul 2024 concluded on Sunday evening with performances by an orchestra, popera singers and a guitarist -- all delivering a message of embracing a quality, healthy life through the appreciation of music in everyday life. The highlight of the evening event -- the namesake Wellness Seoul Concert -- was British popera singer Paul Potts, who performed pieces including “Impossible Dr

PerformanceOct. 7, 2024

LG Energy Solution pledges to double sales by 2028

LG Energy Solution on Monday vowed to double its annual sales by 2028 based on expanding and diversifying battery businesses outside of electric vehicles while continuing to secure technological leadership in the EV battery sector. “We will not settle at producing and selling batteries anymore, but we will establish a paradigm of subscription economy for batteries based on our battery diagnosis and management technologies,” said Kim Dong-myung, CEO of LG Energy Solution, during the c

CompaniesOct. 7, 2024