[Herald Review] ‘Quidam’ brings dreamy enchantment to Seoul

A scene from "Quidam" (Mast Entertainment)Nothing short of jaw dropping, Cirque du Soleil’s performance of “Quidam” is a shining example of how a live production can both defy gravity and Murphy’s Law by making the impossible possible.Returning to Korea for the first time in eight years, the Franco-Canadian circus extraordinaire introduced itself to the Korean masses for the first time in 2007 and set a new record for performances, ranking No. 1 in ticket sales for more than nine consecutive wee

PerformanceSept. 22, 2015

Hyun Bin to star in action flick ‘Cooperation’

Actor Hyun Bin is returning to the big screen with “Cooperation,” directed by Yoon Je-kyoon, his agency O& Entertainment said Tuesday. 　The action-packed movie centers on the first unofficial inter-Korean investigation, with 10 billion won ($8.5 million) already invested into the production. Hyun Bin (OSEN)　Director Yoon, famous for “Ode to My Father,” has been working on the film over the past four years. 　Hyun Bin will play the role of a North Korean detective, ending his two-year hiatus.　　By

EntertainmentSept. 22, 2015

Lee Min-ho, Suzy deny breakup

Hallyu power couple Lee Min-ho and Suzy on Tuesday denied reports that they were no longer together. 　“They are still dating,” their respective management agencies said.  Lee Min-ho (left) and Suzy (OSEN)Earlier on Tuesday, a local news outlet broke the news that the two recently parted ways, ending their six-month relationship. The reason given for the split was their busy schedule, said the daily, citing the acquaintances of the two.Lee, 27, and Suzy, 20, confirmed their romantic relationship

Sept. 22, 2015

Ballett Basel, Seoul Ballet Theatre to perform together in Korea

Europe’s leading contemporary dance group Ballett Basel will host joint performances over the next two weeks in Korea with Seoul Ballet Theatre, one of the four professional ballet companies here. The shows will feature unique choreography spotlighting cross-cultural synergy and artistic synthesis. The performances, titled “Moves,” will be held at Gwacheon Citizens’ Hall on Sept. 24-25 at 8 p.m. and the National Theatre of Korea on Oct. 1-2 at 8 p.m.  Ballett Basel performers. Ismael LorenzoThe

CultureSept. 21, 2015

Korean craft and design on show in Paris, London

Delicate curved lines of moon jars, glistening mother-of-pearl inlay, geometric aesthetics in Korean traditional costume hanbok and alphabet Hangeul -- representative aesthetics of Korean craft and design are on view in Paris and London.In Paris, “Korea Now,” which kicked off at the Decorative Arts Museum on Friday, presents a wide spectrum of Korean art from traditional craftworks to contemporary fashion until Jan. 3, 2016. Celebrating the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea

PerformanceSept. 21, 2015

[Herald Review] ‘Right Now, Wrong Then’ captures lost chances

There are moments in life when we wish we could venture back in time and relive the same set of events, but correct what we’ve done wrong. These lost chances of what could have been and what turned out to be are what director Hong Sang-soo explores in his recent film “Right Now, Wrong Then,” which offers another intriguing character study through an experimental, mirror-like format.The first half of “Right Now” features a semi-romantic relationship between film director Ham Chun-soo (Jung Jae-yo

FilmSept. 21, 2015

Ailee to drop new album

YMC Entertainment said Monday that singer Ailee will drop her first full-length album on Sept. 30. (YMC Entertainment)The album contains 10 tracks, which will clearly show her music style, it said.Before her official debut, Ailee entered the entertainment industry by taking part in KBS TV drama “Dream High 2” in 2012. She began her music career by dropping single “Heaven” in the same year and has put out an array of hits, such as “I’ll Show You,” “Don‘t Touch Me” and “U&I.”The singer recently in

Sept. 21, 2015

Kim Hye-soo joins star-studded ‘Signal’

Veteran actors Kim Hye-soo, Jo Jin-woong and Lee Je-hoon have confirmed their roles in the upcoming cable TV drama “Signal.” 　　With the first installment slated for January next year, “Signal” has grabbed public attention from its infancy as a collaboration between “Ghost” screenwriter Kim Eun-hee and “Misaeng” director Kim Won-seok. 　 (OSEN)　The star cast of seasoned actress Kim Hye-soo, actor Jo Jin-woong from 10-million-plus-viewer movies “Roaring Currents” and “Assassination” and rising rook

Sept. 21, 2015

So Yoo-jin, Baek Jong-won welcome baby girl

Actress So Yoo-jin gave birth to a baby girl, her management agency said Monday. 　  (So Yoo-jin's Instagram)　Star-J Entertainment said both the mother and her second baby were in good health, adding that So would return to work late this year or early next year. 　　So, 34, married celebrity chef Baek Jong-won, 15 years her senior, in January 2013. The two had their first child, a boy, in April last year. 　By Lim Jeong-yeo (kaylalim@heraldcorp.com)

Sept. 21, 2015

[Music Review] Striving for ‘iKON’ status

We watched them week after week in their relentless pursuit of stardom, and laying their hearts on the line on-camera for the whole world to see; and now, the seven members of iKON are ready to finally bask in the fruits of their arduous labor.Last week, the rookie group dropped its first official single, “My Type,” and not only nabbed the No. 1 spot on all of the country’s major online music charts, but also reigned the iTunes’ singles albums chart in seven regions, including Hong Kong, Thailan

PerformanceSept. 20, 2015

Exhibition shows creative process of webtoons

In the digital age, drawing cartoons and characters does not require pencils and paper anymore.All you need is a computer -- a PC, laptop or tablet -- and electronic pens and pads, as most Korean comics are now being consumed by readers in the form of webtoons. The new, digitalized creative process of comics is the focus of an exhibition currently on at the National Library of Korea in southern Seoul. Visitors draw webtoon characters on computers at the National Library of Korea. (National Libra

CultureSept. 20, 2015

Singer Lee Seung-hwan breaks record with six-hour concert

Singer Lee Seung-hwan performs a six hour-long concert on Saturday in Seoul’s Uniqlo Ax Hall. (Dream Factory)Iconic balladeer-rocker Lee Seung-hwan held a six hour and 21 minute-long concert for his 26th anniversary show on Saturday, Sept. 19, surpassing his own record set in 2012 for the longest single performance held in Korea and cementing his longtime reputation as the “god of live shows.” The spectacle-filled concert, titled “Bar Day -- 26 years” and held at Seoul’s Uniqlo Ax Hall, lasted f

PerformanceSept. 20, 2015

[Album Review] Up10tion makes a splashy start with ‘Top Secret’

Up10tion"Top Secret"(Loen Entertainment)Ten-member boy band Up10tion is the latest addition to the K-pop scene, and their debut EP “Top Secret” shows they are determined to get attention with flashy music reflecting the latest trends. After an intense intro, the album heads straight into the lead track “So, Dangerous,” produced by the composer who wrote EXO’s megahit “Growl.” The pounding dance track is reminiscent of “Growl,” with a dramatic structure and lyrics about wanting to protect a girl

PerformanceSept. 20, 2015

[Album Review] LYn demonstrates stylistic range on 9th album

LYn“9x9th”Loen EntertainmentLYn amplifies the emotional depth of her voice to express the wistfulness of a woman who longs for an absent love on her ninth studio album “9x9th.” With six tracks having lyrics written by LYn, the album also represents her growth as a singer-songwriter.The album steps away from her well-known R&B style to take on overarching blues and jazz themes. The lead single “Love Moves On” features a waltz rhythm that allows LYn’s voice to meander in a gypsy style, while “A Bi

PerformanceSept. 20, 2015

[Album Review] Kangnam escapes hip-hop for solo EP

Kangnam“Chocolate”CJ E&MOn the first two tracks of “Chocolate,” hip-hop vocal Kangnam of M.I.B. teams up well with heavyweight rappers Microdot (on “Tell Me What”) and San E (on lead track “Chocolate”). The lead track is lighthearted and flirty, with a piano theme and San E’s naughty lyrics putting a mischievous turn on Kangnam’s seemingly innocent song.The album suddenly goes pop rock with “Stay,” where listeners can see what Kangnam is like as a standalone vocal, without his fellow M.I.B membe

PerformanceSept. 20, 2015