[Herald Interview] Strings of inspiration: Classic guitarist Deion Cho talks about decadelong journey to victory

The story reads like a movie script where the protagonist, after 10 attempts, finally clinches a grand prize. Such is the story of classical guitarist Deion Cho, who emerged triumphant at the 56th Francisco Tarrega International Guitar Competition in Spain this September. Previous winners of the prestigious competition established in 1967 in honor of Francisco Tarrega (1852-1909), the composer of “Memories of the Alhambra,” includes world-renowned guitar virtuoso David Russell. Cho,

PerformanceNov. 28, 2023

Cheong Wa Dae to open for winter night stroll event

The former presidential office compound of Cheong Wa Dae will open its gates at night for six days next month, allowing visitors to enjoy the venue's beautiful landscape and nighttime atmosphere. From Dec. 6 to 11, Cheong Wa Dae will accept 2,000 visitors per day from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism said Tuesday. Visitors can explore the compound's main garden, the main building, the moonlit small garden, the former presidential residence buildings, the

CultureNov. 28, 2023

Violinist Yoo Da-yoon wins 2nd prize at Long-Thibaud competition

Violinist You Da-yoon has won the second prize at the 2023 Long-Thibaud International Competition, according to the Kumho Cultural Foundation on Tuesday. You, 22, performed Sibelius’ Violin Concerto in D Minor Op. 47 with Orchestre de la Garde republicaine at the final that took place at the University of Paris II, Grand Amphitheatre on Sunday. This year's competition took place from Nov. 22 to 26 in Paris, France, with 21 violinists selected from a pre-selection round. The violinis

CultureNov. 28, 2023

[Herald Review] ‘Single in Seoul’ a bland rom-com about modern single life

Im Soo-jung and Lee Dong-wook seem like a good match in Korean romance flicks – as seen in Lee’s special appearance as Im’s ex in “Search WWW” (2019) -- but their reunion in “Single in Seoul is something of a disappointment. Directed by Park Bum-soo and produced by the team behind “Architecture 101,” a 2012 hit film about young love, this romantic comedy film revolves around Young-ho (Lee) and Hyun-jin (Im), who slowly fall in love despite their di

FilmNov. 28, 2023

15-year-old girl saves 5 lives with organ donations after death

The state-run organ donation agency on Monday revealed the story of a 15-year-old middle school student, whose post-mortem donation of her vital organs gave five people a new lease on life. Lee Ye-won, who passed away last year on May 11 after extensive damage to her brain from a cerebral hemorrhage, had her heart, lungs, liver and both kidneys donated to five individuals, said the Korea Organ Donation Agency, an affiliate of the Ministry of Health and Welfare. The child collapsed on April 26 of

PeopleNov. 27, 2023

'12.12: The Day’ attracts 1.8m moviegoers in five days since opening

“12.12: The Day,” a political drama revisiting a military-led coup that took place in 1979, has attracted 1.87 million moviegoers in the first week of release, according to Korean Film Council data on Monday. The movie, which was released on Nov. 22, recorded the second-highest number of moviegoers in the opening week this year. “The Roundup: No Way Out” recorded 4.5 million admissions during its opening week in June. On Saturday and Sunday, a total of 1.2 million moviego

FilmNov. 27, 2023

[Herald Review] Korean and Welsh dance companies share creativity in 'Wales Connection'

The striking costumes of the three dancers immediately captured the audience's attention. From hats to sunglasses, and even socks, everything appeared to be mismatched, yet the patterns were vibrant and eye-catching. In “Catachory,” the dancers existed in their own bubbles, at times making rhythmic leaps while sitting or lying down, wriggling like caterpillars, at other times appearing like broken mannequins. The scene is from "Wales Connection," a collaborative projec

PerformanceNov. 27, 2023

Van Cleef & Arpels touring exhibition brings sparkles to Seoul

The 118-year history of Van Cleef & Arpels, a French luxury jewelry brand, is showcased at a world-touring exhibition titled “Van Cleef & Arpels: Time, Nature, Love" which opened in Seoul on Nov. 18. More than 300 jewelry creations, watches and precious objects and more than 90 original archives are brought together at the exhibition, which arrived in Seoul after touring Italy in 2019, China in 2022 and Saudi Arabia earlier this year. The delicate beauty of the gems is breatht

Arts & DesignNov. 27, 2023

‘The Nutcracker’ to bring year-end magic to stage

The iconic ballet “The Nutcracker” is set to make a festive return for year-end magic on the stage, as major ballet companies gear up for the holiday season. The classic Christmas spectacle wraps up the year with a colorful stage, glittering costumes and familiar melodies from Tchaikovsky’s score. Based on children’s story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” (1816) by German writer Ernst Hofmann, the heroine (Marie or Clara in different renditions) receives a

PerformanceNov. 26, 2023

‘Smugglers’ wins best picture at 44th Blue Dragon Film Awards

Director Ryoo Seung-wan’s blockbuster “Smugglers” on Friday won best picture at the 44th Blue Dragon Film Awards, a prestigious film awards show in South Korea. The 130-minute crime action film tells the story of a group of “haenyeo”-- female divers from Jeju Island -- who become involved in illegal smuggling to make ends meet. “Smugglers” secured an additional three trophies, including best supporting actor for Zo In-sung, best new actress for Go Min-

FilmNov. 26, 2023

Jeju Island offers many choices for holidaymakers with pets

If you visit Jeju Island, popular tourist spots, well-known landmarks, Instagrammable cafes and restaurants may be filled not only with holidaymakers but also with their pet dogs. A total of 307 pet-friendly destinations beckon pet owners looking to enjoy the southern resort island, worry-free. It is an increase of 130 places from 2022, taking into consideration the 23 spots that closed this year, according to Jeju Tourism Organization. Recognizing that most pet-welcoming places are restaurants

TravelNov. 25, 2023

[Box office] Movies in theaters this week

“Five Nights at Freddy'” (US) Opened Nov. 15 Horror/Mystery Directed by Emma Tammi Mike starts working as a security guard at Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria. Spending his first night shift on the job, he soon notices that his work at Freddy's won't be so easy to endure. “The Boy and the Heron” (Japan) Opened Oct. 25 Animation Directed by Hayao Miyazaki Twelve-year-old Mahito finds a new home following the death of his mom. But after encountering a talking

FilmNov. 25, 2023

[Eye Plus] Korean traditional painter helps haegeum blooms

As a staff of Haegeum Laboratory Moogung, Kim Da-rae draws traditional Korean paintings on haegeum, a traditional Korean instrument that consists of a wooden body with two strings and a bow. “I am a haegeum creator who imbues a fresh wave into haegeum,” Kim said. Kim majored in Korean art both in college and graduate school. She says it was lucky that she was able to become a designer after a long journey to find the right career for her. “I had a dream to be an artisan who pro

CultureNov. 25, 2023

PKM Gallery sheds light on Toby Ziegler, Kwon Jin-kyu

PKM Gallery, one of the leading commercial galleries in South Korea, is offering two exhibitions of artists with whom it has long-standing relationships: British contemporary artist Toby Ziegler and Korean sculptor Kwon Jin-kyu. The gallery, located in Samcheong-dong in northern Seoul, brought together works by the two artists in separate exhibitions, “Toby Ziegler, Broken Images” and “Kwon Jin Kyu: The Reliefs.” Ziegler has shown his works at the Seoul-based gallery ever

Arts & DesignNov. 24, 2023

[Herald Interview] Cha Seung-won feels less stressed about juggling different roles

The 2018 crime action film “Believer” gave Cha Seung-won a new image as the merciless villain Brian Lee recognized by his white suit and signature bob-cut hairstyle. Cha reprises the role as the director of an industrial company that secretly operates an illegal drug testing lab in the second installment of the franchise, “Believer 2,” which was released on Netflix on Nov. 15. “Believer 2” was ranked No. 1 on Netflix’s global top 10 non-English film sect

FilmNov. 24, 2023

After 13 years, Naver's 'OnStage' music show bids farewell

"OnStage," a weekly music show on Naver that has been praised for discovering indie musicians and expanding the domestic music scene, has come to an end after 13 years, Naver Cultural Foundation said Friday. It aired its final episode on Nov. 16, a video on the Korean rock band Peppertones, the foundation said in a blog post. "Over the past 13 years, various live video platforms have emerged, making it easy for anyone to create video content and directly connect with music fans. T

CultureNov. 24, 2023

Chung Myung-whun, Clara Jumi Kang to take stage with Munich Philharmonic

Two of the most sought-after Korean classical musicians will take the stage with the Munich Philharmonic next week. Maestro Chung Myung-whun and violist Clara Jumi Kang, whose relationship dates back more than a decade, will perform Beethoven's Violin Concerto with the orchestra. “Since childhood, I frequently listened to live recordings of Beethoven's Symphony by the Munich Philharmonic and Sergiu Celibidache. The distinct, sharp yet warm and intricate sound unique to the Munich

CultureNov. 24, 2023

Kim Hye-soo to step down as host of Blue Dragon Film Awards after 30 years

Actor Kim Hye-soo will wrap up 30 years of hosting one of South Korea's most prestigious film awards on Friday. Kim will host the Blue Dragon Film Awards ceremony, the 44th edition, for the last time at KBS Hall in Yeouido, Seoul. Fellow actor Yoo Yeon-seok will co-host the ceremony. Kim first took on the role as emcee in 1993 after rising to stardom through her debut film “Ggambo” (1986). She has since hosted the ceremony every year, except for in 1998. During her decadeslong

FilmNov. 24, 2023

[Photo News] Sisters acting on stage

The remake of stage musical "Sister Act" began its Seoul run on Tuesday at D-cube Link Arts Center, following eight days in Busan. The adaptation of “Sister Act” is based on the hit 1992 film of the same title. The musical originally made it to the stage in 2006. The recently updated rendition retains the music and lyrics of the original musical while infusing vibrant colors into the stage design, costumes and physical movements. The cast members highlight diversity, with s

CultureNov. 24, 2023

[Well-curated] Seokchon Lake light festival, indoor zoo and Singaporean fashion

Enjoy luminous night view at Seokchon Lake With the days getting shorter, more light festivals illuminating the long dark nights of winter are on their way. Seokchon Lake -- a popular destination for watching cherry blossoms in spring --- in Jamsil, southeastern Seoul, seeks to become a beautiful night view spot. The lake’s 4.17-kilometer circular walking trail is decorated with various lamps, lanterns and media art, entertaining those who stop by. While strolling along the path, you can s

CultureNov. 24, 2023