SM Entertainment hit by Chinese idols’ defections

Luhan, a member of K-pop boy band EXO, became the third Chinese idol to launch a legal battle against his label SM Entertainment, spawning speculation over the reasons behind their defections.Luhan filed a lawsuit against SM and its chief executive Kim Young-min, demanding the termination of the contract he signed with the nation’s largest talent agency in 2010. The exact reason for the lawsuit was not publicly revealed.K-pop insiders, however, speculate that the legal action resulted from mistr

Oct. 12, 2014

Ojingeo muchim (spicy squid salad)

Ojingeo muchim (spicy squid salad) Korean BapsangOjingeo muchim is a spicy, sweet and tangy dish that’s made with boiled squid and fresh vegetables. It’s also called ojingeo cho (vinegar) muchim. Along with ojingeo bokkeum, stir-fried squid and vegetables, ojingeo muchim is one of the most popular ways to prepare squid in Korea. Cucumber and Korean radish (mu) are common vegetables for this dish. I did not use radish in this recipe to keep it simple, but try it for an extra crunch factor. If you

FoodOct. 10, 2014

Calendar

Theater“On Golden Pond”: Based on American playwright Ernest Thompson, “On Golden Pond” will be staged with veteran actors and actresses including Lee Soon-jae, Na Moon-hee and Shin Goo. The play is about aging couple Ethel and Norman, who spend each summer at their vacation home on Golden Pond in Maine. As they are visited by their daughter Chelsea, whom they haven’t seen for years, and her fiance, Norman tries hard to mend his strained relationship with Chelsea while preparing for his death. T

CultureOct. 10, 2014

Eyelike: Streisand’s timeless ‘Partners’ soars

Streisand’s timeless ‘Partners’ soarsBarbra Streisand“Partners” (Sony)Barbra Streisand’s “Partners” isn’t just about star-powered duets, but partnerships of love and family. It’s a love album for the ages, as fit for your anniversary as your parents’ or your child’s wedding. It could have been called “Timeless,” but Babs already used that title in 2000.Streisand sings with a stellar list of partners on her 34th studio album, including the awesome and unexpected: Andrea Bocelli, Kenneth “Babyface

PerformanceOct. 10, 2014

Box Office: My Love My Bride, Slow Video, Whistle-Blower

My Love My Bride (Korea)Opened Oct. 8Romance, Comedy. Directed by Im Chan-sangA remake of the popular 1990 movie of the same title, “My Love My Bride” centers on a newlywed couple, poet Young-min (Jo Jung-suk) and art teacher Mi-young (Shin Min-ah). The couple tied the knot after being madly in love for four years. The sweet honeymoon period is short-lived as the couple faces the reality of married life. Small troubles and misunderstandings pile up and they begin to wonder whether their marriage

FilmOct. 10, 2014

Drummer keeps the beat or takes a beating in ‘Whiplash’

We only hear about them if there’s video or audio ― coaches, mostly ― a Bobby Knight, grabbing and choking players, a Mike Rice, hurling basketballs and the foulest abuse at a recruit.We hear the rationalizations, shake our heads and watch the court of public opinion take them down.Terence Fletcher is Bobby Knight with a baton, the tyrant of the jazz band program at New York’s prestigious Shaffer Conservatory. A mercurial bully, he charms and flatters only so he can tear down those he charms and

FilmOct. 10, 2014

Colorful, multicultural Curacao flavors Dutch roots with Caribbean flair

WILLEMSTAD, Curacao ― It looks like Amsterdam. Or a little bit like South Beach in Miami.With its waterfront and fairy tale-colored colonial buildings, Willemstad shares some similarities with the Dutch city and South Florida. But Willemstad is very Caribbean.It became a Dutch trading center in 1634 because of its natural harbor, one of the prettiest anywhere in the Caribbean.A long channel, Sint Sannabaai, divides the Punda (the point) area on the east bank and the Otrobanda (the other side) ne

TravelOct. 10, 2014

A Closer Look: What map apps can do for you

CHICAGO (AP) ― Many people use smartphone apps to map their drive to dinner or find a less-congested route to work. But did you know that you can use them for public transit, too? You can even access some maps offline, when you have a spotty connection or are in the subway.Here’s a look at what leading free map apps can do for you, whatever mode of transportation you choose:Bumper to bumper Most major map apps show you current traffic conditions. The best guide you toward a little-known shortcut

TravelOct. 10, 2014

Popular Japanese treat lands in Seoul

Croissant Taiyaki, a popular Japanese dessert brand that specializes in red bean-filled, fish-shaped waffles called taiyaki, launched its first Seoul outlet this month. While taiyaki ― called bungeoppang in Korean ― is an age-old street snack prevalent throughout Japan and Korea, Croissant Taiyaki’s variation of the traditional sweet is a drastic departure from the fish treat of yore. A special croissant dough is used in lieu of the usual flour-based batter and then sprinkled liberally with a Ja

FoodOct. 10, 2014

Around the hotels

Fall trekking around JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul presents a trekking package which invites guests to explore the historic places surrounding the hotel. Guests can choose from three packages: a room-only package, a room and breakfast package and the executive room package. The package, available until Nov. 30, is priced at 299,000 won for the Deluxe Room, 349,000 won for the Deluxe Room with breakfast for two at Tavolo 24 and 369,000 won for the Executi

FoodOct. 10, 2014

Akdong Musician makes chart-topping comeback

Brother-sister duo Akdong Musician’s new track “Time and Fallen Leaves” topped major K-pop charts within hours of its release at midnight on Friday. Siblings Lee Chan-hyuk, 17, and Soo-hyun, 14, topped all nine Korean online charts with their new digital single. “Time and Fallen Leaves” is written and composed by the brother Chan-hyuk, who also composed most of Akdong Musician’s songs. The song was originally made for their debut album “Play,” which came out in April. But label YG Entertainment

PerformanceOct. 10, 2014

EXO Luhan sues SM to end exclusive contract

Luhan, the Chinese member of K-pop boy band EXO, filed for the termination of his exclusive contract against S.M. Entertainment chief executive Lee Young-man and the star agency on Thursday.Luhan submitted the legal documents to the Seoul Central District Court allegedly to partially nullify the exclusive contract that he had signed on entering the country’s largest entertainment agency by market capitalization. Although the specific cause of the lawsuit was not publicly revealed, he is expected

PerformanceOct. 10, 2014

EXO Luhan sues S.M. to end exclusive contract

Luhan, the Chinese member of K-pop boy band EXO, filed for the termination of his exclusive contract against S.M. Entertainment chief executive Lee Young-man and the star agency on Thursday.EXO Luhan (OSEN)Luhan submitted the legal documents to the Seoul Central District Court allegedly to partially nullify the exclusive contract that he had signed on entering the country’s largest entertainment agency by market capitalization. Although the specific cause of the lawsuit was not publicly revealed

Oct. 10, 2014

Somerset Palace offers Georgian wine tasting

Somerset Palace Seoul held a special tasting event featuring food and wine from Georgia in its rooftop garden Tuesday with the sponsorship of the Georgian Embassy.Georgia, located on the Black Sea, has been making wine for more than 6,000 years and is thought to have been the world’s first wine producer. In particular, it is known for its unique wine jars, which were buried to harness the same principles as Korea’s kimchi. Georgian Ambassador Nikoloz Apkhazava and more than 100 guests of the Geo

CultureOct. 9, 2014

[Newsmaker] Young writers debut on global literary scene

When people think of Korea, many identify the country with K-pop, TV dramas and, to a lesser extent, films. As the Korean wave, or Hallyu, has been shaped around the popular Korean culture, the country is taking the chance to prove the excellence of other aspects of Korean culture. This time, young Korean writers and editors have gathered to introduce contemporary Korean literature. Under the title “K-fiction,” the project has released Korean-English translations of short stories by young, emerg

BooksOct. 9, 2014

[Herald Review] Mariah Carey fails to prove 'elusive chanteuse' title

One of the most respected names in R&B, Mariah Carey finally made her way back to Seoul for the diva’s first concert in Korea in 11 years. But rather than leaving her local fans shouting for more, many in the audience seemed to have one overwhelming feeling ― the show was not worth the money.The self-proclaimed “elusive chanteuse” serenaded thousands of local fans with an outdoor concert at the 88 Field at Seoul Olympic Park on Wednesday night. The singer opened the show to much anticipation wit

PerformanceOct. 9, 2014