G-Dragon composes track for iKON’s new album

iKON (YG Entertainment)YG Entertainment’s latest boy band iKON is preparing its first studio album release, which will feature a track cowritten and composed by fellow labelmate artist G-Dragon, one of the biggest figures in K-pop. The boy band’s upcoming track “I Miss You So Bad” was written in collaboration with G-Dragon and iKON rappers B.I and Bobby, and composed by G-Dragon and Dee.P.The track marks the first time that K-pop veteran G-Dragon has written and composed a song for an artist out

PerformanceDec. 20, 2015

Won Bin, Lee Na-young welcome first child

Lee Na-young (left) and Won Bin. (Eden 9)Seven months after tying the knot at their quiet Gangwon Province wedding, celebrity couple Won Bin and Lee Na-young have welcomed their first child. Their baby boy was reportedly born Saturday at a hospital in Gangnam, Seoul. “Lee Na-young has given birth to a son, and the mother and child are both very healthy,” said a representative from Lee’s managing agency. Won and Lee married on May 30 in a low-key wedding, which many in the public eye referred to

PerformanceDec. 20, 2015

Joo Young surprises with sudden enlistment last month

Joo Young (Starship Entertainment)Representatives at K-pop management agency Starship Entertainment announced Saturday that its solo singer-songwriter Joo Young had enlisted in the military last month. “Joo Young enlisted on Nov. 26. After going through four weeks of basic training, he will be fulfilling his services as a public welfare solider for two years,” the agency said in a statement.  Joo Young, 24, first made his debut as a R&B soloist in 2010 with his EP “Same as You.” Although still r

PerformanceDec. 20, 2015

Korean art auctions lead strong sales

Korea’s two biggest auction houses -- Seoul Auction and K Auction -- led strong sales at their winter auctions last week, thanks to record sales and strong bidding for “dansaekhwa” monochrome paintings. Kim Whanki’s 1940s painting “Island Sketches” sold for 1.6 billion won ($1.3 million) at K Auction in Seoul last week. (K Auction)The two auction houses achieved hammer prices of 10 billion won ($10 million) with 80 percent of auctioned items sold. With works by Kim Whanki and Lee U-fan leading s

Life&CultureDec. 20, 2015

“Master” boasts stellar cast

(From left) Kang Dong-won (CJ E&M), Lee Byung-hun (BH Entertainment), Kim Woo-bin (SBS) Upcoming crime action flick “Master” boasts a stellar cast featuring Lee Byung-hun, Kang Dong-won and Kim Woo-bin, three of the most in-demand actors in the Korean film scene today. 　“Master,” set to start shooting in early 2016, tells the story of an investigative team chasing after a wanted scammer and his posse. 　Kang Dong-won, who recently appeared in the box-office hit “The Priests,” will take on his fir

FilmDec. 18, 2015

Culture promotion office aims to raise global 'hallyu club' membership

A South Korean culture promotion office said Friday that it aims to increase the number of people joining global "clubs" as it pushes to keep up Korean culture popularity worldwide. KCON, a global ``hallyu'' festival, hosts a k-pop music concert in Los Angles in August. Yonhap   Currently, those joining clubs intended to enjoy Korean culture together are estimated at around 21 million. The office launched by the culture ministry said that it will push to raise the number to 40 million by the end

CultureDec. 18, 2015

Lee Hwi-jae, Hani, Taecyeon to host KBS Song Festival

KBS, the state-run terrestrial broadcasting company, confirmed Friday that TV personality Lee Hwi-jae, EXID’s Hani and 2PM’s Taecyeon will host the upcoming year-end KBS’ Song Festival.Lee and Taecyeon also hosted the event last year, while Hani is taking to the stage for the first time.  (OSEN)Lee has shot to stardom with the image of a friendly yet thoughtful father for his lovable twin sons in KBS’ child-rearing show “Superman Is Back.” His peculiar wit and banter are expected to enrich the f

PerformanceDec. 18, 2015

[EYE] Turning everyday people into heroes

When we met on Monday afternoon for a photo shoot at Seoul Plaza where his sculptures were being installed, Yi Hwan-kwon had to be cajoled into giving a big smile for the camera. And when he finally did, it was a disarming, child-like smile.　And that is the kind of smile often on the faces of people viewing Yi’s works that depict ordinary people in unexpected dimensions -- elongated out of proportion or squeezed squat. Even on that rainy afternoon, passersby stopped to look at the three towering

PerformanceDec. 18, 2015

[Weekender] Seoul clubs: the party animal's paradise

Many cities around the world call themselves “the city that never sleeps,” but few live up to that reputation as well as Seoul. The raging nightlife has become a trademark for Korea’s capital, with countless bars, clubs, coffee shops and noraebang (karaoke bars) that welcome in party animals right up until sunrise.　Naturally, Seoulites have developed a high standard for what they are looking for in the perfect club party experience. 　Clubs in Seoul boast some of the most stylish venues in the wo

CultureDec. 18, 2015

[Weekender] DJ, an evolution from turntablist to performance master

Clubs are a cultural touchpoint, where music, fashion, visual art and performing arts intersect, influence and blend with one another, says DJ KingmckA DJ, or disc jockey, is much more than just a person who plays recorded music for the audience -- he or she is the director of the performance, headliner of the night’s show, and a trademark of the club industry. DJ Kingmck (Deadend Movement)　Amid the fast-changing cultural trends of these days, it is also an occupation that needs to be redefined

CultureDec. 18, 2015

[Weekender] Words you need to know for clubbing in Korea　

While clubbing in Korea, you may hear a lot of familiar words with unfamiliar meanings or completely new terms altogether. Provided here by The Korea Herald is a dictionary of sorts to help you sail smoothly through the country’s nightlife scene. Syndrome (Syndrome-Redcool Photography)　Clubs, nightclubs, “booking” and cabarets　In Korea, there is a clear distinction between clubs and nightclubs. Clubs are your traditional jam-packed dance halls filled with hip-hop or electronic dance music.　Meanw

CultureDec. 18, 2015

[Weekender] Where to turn up after sunset -- Seoul’s hottest clubs

A team of Korea Herald reporters went on a weekend crawl of clubs in Seoul’s infamous clubbing districts of Gangnam, Hongdae and Itaewon. The following is our tried and tested list of the hottest clubs in Seoul now. Gangnam, glitz and glam　The inspiration behind that galloping hit track by rapper Psy, Seoul’s well-off Gangnam area is the home ground of some of the most glamorous and sophisticated clubs not only in Korea, but worldwide. Club of clubs: OctagonOctagon (Octagon)　To play it safe, Oct

CultureDec. 18, 2015

[Weekender] Tips for party look: Go simple, but bold

How exactly do you look good in dimly lit dance clubs and stay fresh until the morning after? The Korea Herald took tips from local makeup and fashion celebrities on how to become a holiday queen.The keywords for this season’s party look are ‘bold,’ ‘dramatic’ and ‘fancy’ (Pony Effect)According to makeup guru Pony, who has recently launched her own brand Pony Effect, the key words for this season’s party makeup trends are “bold,” “dramatic” and “fancy.” Cosmetics brands have released vibrant sha

CultureDec. 18, 2015

Hip pasta at the Doughroom

At the Doughroom in Seoul’s Seorae Village, pasta is a must. 　Head chef Yoon Dae-hyun and team make eight varieties of pasta from scratch, proofing pasta dough for four to 24 hours before crafting coils of gossamer thin capellini and curved shells of cavatelli. 　“Pasta is our main event,” said Yoon, 29, before explaining that each variety of pasta is used in its own special dish to bolster awareness of pasta’s diversity. 　For example, one can order “ravioli, tomato” or “orechiette, spinach” off

FoodDec. 18, 2015

Home Cooking: Galbitang (beef short rib soup)

Galbitang is a hearty, nourishing soup made with beef short ribs. Typically, the ribs are boiled along with Korean radish (mu), onion, garlic, and ginger until fork tender. A good soup soy sauce is also important for the flavor of this soup. It’s common to add starch noodles (dangmyeon) to the soup at the end of cooking. Beef short ribs are an expensive cut of meat, so this soup is considered a luxury among Korean soups and often served for special occasions such as wedding receptions. 　Galbitan

FoodDec. 18, 2015

Weekend Box Office Guide: Dec. 19-20

Star Wars: The Force Awakens (U.S.)　Opened Dec. 17　Action, fantasy. Directed by J.J. Abrams　　Many of the cast from the original “Star Wars” series return to reprise their roles in the seventh installment of the franchise, taking place 30 years after the death of the Sith Emperor. Despite his death, the Empire is still strong and under the new command of Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), a mysterious Sith, who is threatening the peace the Rebels fought so hard to achieve.　　Our Little Sister (Japan)　Opened

FilmDec. 18, 2015

[Travel Bits] K-Travel Bus connects Seoul, countryside

K-Travel Bus connects Seoul, countryside　A bus service connecting Seoul with other provincial areas has commenced, the Visit Korea Committee said.　The so-called “K-Travel Bus” is available for foreigners who wish to visit notable sites outside the capital, including those in Gangwon, Chungcheong, Jeolla and Gyeongsang Provinces. 　An overnight package is also available. After its tentative run this year, the bus will start operating on a regular basis in 2016 in time for the PyeongChang Winter Ol

TravelDec. 18, 2015

[Around the Hotels] Movie time at Grand Hyatt Seoul

Sheraton Incheon gets new name　Sheraton Incheon Hotel in Songdo City has changed its brand name to Sheraton Grand Incheon.　Sheraton is part of the Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, a leading hotel and leisure company. 　The new premier tier -- Sheraton Grand -- is only granted to properties where guests can get exceptional and sophisticated services.　The purpose of introducing Sheraton Grand is to recognize the best Sheraton properties that are committed to impressive design, exemplary service

FoodDec. 18, 2015

Hotelier reveals his passion in photo essay book on Korea

　My Korea: Musings with a Camera and Pen　by Baek Seung-woo　(Canopus)Baek Seung-woo may have worked more than 30 years as finance director for Hyatt Hotels Corp., but his real passion is photography. His new book, “My Korea: Musings with a Camera and Pen,” an English photo essay book, features a variety of photographs introducing Korean sites foreign tourists would be interested in knowing more about.Baek’s photographs of the Deoksugung Palace, Sareung or the Royal Tomb of Queen Jeongsun and a jj

BooksDec. 17, 2015