Winner draws support from YG labelmates

K-pop rookie group Winner received messages of support on Twitter from its labelmates after the release of the group’s debut album on Tuesday. 　Psy, G-Dragon and Tablo of Epik High, all under YG Entertainment alongside Winner, showed their support for the newest band from their agency. 　(OSEN)“If this is the way, it is okay to take a long time (to release an album),” Psy wrote on his Twitter on Wednesday, sharing the link to the music video of Winner’s title track “Empty.” 　G-Dragon also shared

Aug. 13, 2014

Park Shin-hye’s B Cut jewelry pictorial

Actress Park Shin-hye’s B Cut editorial for jewelry brand Agatha Paris has been revealed. The actress looked lovely while showing off her cute and feminine side in petite watches and thin metallic bracelets. The official ad can be see here: http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140801000539By Cho Han-na, Intern reporter (hnncho@heraldcorp.com)(Photo credit: S.A.L.T Entertainment)

Aug. 13, 2014

2PM’s Taecyeon sends warning to obsessive fans

K-pop boy band 2PM’s Taecyeon became the latest idol star to send a warning message to his obsessive fans.　“Do you really have to follow me in my private time, take pictures and post them?” Taecyeon wrote on his Twitter Tuesday.  (OSEN)Ok is not the only one who suffers from some fans’ extreme behaviors. 　For example, it is widely known that the boy group EXO has also seen their fans stalking them around the clock, or even breaking into their dormitories to steal personal belongings. 　Another bo

Aug. 13, 2014

Go Ara’s femme fatale fall makeup

Actress Go Ara, the main model for cosmetic brand Lirikos, posed for the camera in alluring makeup in fall colors. The actress, who is known for her “pure” image, showed off her mature side with a voluminous hairstyle and brown smoky makeup.By Cho Han-na, Intern reporter (hnncho@heraldcorp.com)(Photo credit: Lirikos)

Aug. 13, 2014

Planned art exhibition child’s play for IAC

The International Artist Community and the Professional Artist Network Korea are inviting artists to reflect on their creative growth by recreating art from their childhoods.The idea for the “Revisited: Interpretations of our Past Creations” exhibition came when IAC head Mike Stewart saw a picture he drew at 4 years old posted on Facebook by his mother.“I thought it would be interesting to see what I could do with that image or design at my age now, just as a goof and as a silly personal challen

Expat LivingAug. 12, 2014

Ulsan-based kids’ team competes in Norway Cup

A team from Ulsan became the first Korean side to compete in the Norway Cup this year. Here one of the players talks about the experience. ― Ed. On July 24, 11 players and three coaches from Rising Star Football Academy in Ulsan embarked on a quest as the first team to enter the Norway Cup from the Republic of Korea. With a journey full of unforgettable experiences in front of us, we couldn’t wait to get started.The Norway Cup is an international football tournament for youths aged 10-19, held e

Expat LivingAug. 12, 2014

Gwangju center seeks volunteers for GIC Day

Gwangju International Center is looking for talent show participants and people to run booths for the 20th annual Gwangju International Community Day in October.Boram Lee said the objective behind GIC Day is to help promote multiculturalism in Gwangju and Korea. Her team hopes to have as positive a turnout as last year’s GIC Day, where people from around the city showcased their cultures.The novelty of the performances, Lee explains, is what makes them exciting.“Last year the Indonesian team won

Expat LivingAug. 12, 2014

Catholic singers to spice up papal Masses

As Pope Francis prepares to make his way to Korea for his first papal visit, several renowned Korean singers will lend a hand in welcoming the pontiff by performing at major events during his five-day stay from Aug. 14-18.Internationally acclaimed soprano Jo Su-mi and veteran singer Insooni, both devout Catholics, will stage special performances during the Mass on the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary, to be held at the World Cup Stadium in Daejeon on Aug. 15.Jo is scheduled to perform a numbe

CultureAug. 12, 2014

Manuscript of ancient map reveals cartographer’s endeavor

A newly discovered manuscript offers a new glimpse into the endeavors behind a famous ancient map of Korea which is regarded as the greatest cartographic achievement before the modern period. The manuscript, unveiled by the National Library of Korea on Monday, is believed to be one of several early drafts drawn by 19th century cartographer Kim Jeong-ho before he carved the “Daedongyeojido” on woodblocks in 1861.  Part of the manuscript for “Daedongyeojido (The Detailed Map of the Great East).” (

CultureAug. 12, 2014

Japan architects sell a lifestyle on global stage

TOKYO (AP) ― A new generation of Japanese architects is scoring success by reinterpreting the past. Unlike their predecessors, who modernized Japan with Western-style edifices, they talk of fluidly defining space with screens, innovatively blending with nature, taking advantage of earthy materials and incorporating natural light, all trademarks of Japanese design. And their sensibility that speaks to a human-oriented yet innovative everyday life is proving a hit abroad, said Erez Golani Solomon,

Arts & DesignAug. 12, 2014

YG’s Winner debuts at No. 1

Winner (YG Entertainment)Rookie K-pop group Winner topped major music charts with its debut album Tuesday. As the YG Entertainment boy band dropped its debut EP “2014 S/S” at midnight on Aug. 12, one of the two main tracks, “Empty,” instantly appeared at the top of the nine major Korean music charts, including Mnet, Olleh Music and Naver Music. The other tunes on the album, including the other main track “Color Ring,” made the top five on the charts. The group’s five members ― Kang Seung-yoon, L

Aug. 12, 2014

Lana Del Rey latest to postpone Israel show

U.S. singer Lana Del Rey performs on the Pyramid Stage on the second day of the Glastonbury Festival of Music and Performing Arts in Somerset, England, June 28. ( AFP)Washington (AFP) ― Lana Del Rey has become the latest Western musician to call off a concert in Israel as security fears from the Gaza conflict take a toll on the entertainment industry. The U.S. pop balladeer, whose latest album “Ultraviolence” debuted at No. 1 on the U.S. charts, had been scheduled to play her first concert in Is

PerformanceAug. 12, 2014

Jo Jung-rae wins first Simhun Literary Award

Jo Jung-rae, the author of popular history saga “Taebaek Mountain Range,” has been chosen as the recipient of the first Simhun Literary Award, the organizers of the award said Tuesday. The 70-years-old writer edged out six final contenders, including four Koreans, a Japanese and a Vietnamese, to take the 20 million won ($19,500) in prize money.  Korean novelist Jo Jung-rae. (Kim Myung-sub/The Korea Herald)The organizers, the Simhun Sangnok Cultural Festival Committee, praised Jo for his “continu

BooksAug. 12, 2014

JYJ holds autograph session for fans

K-pop trio JYJ hosted an autograph session on Monday to celebrate the release of its second full album “Just Us.”The event was held at the Yeouido IFC Mall in Seoul. JYJ will hold its “The Return of the King” concert tour in eight cities across Asia including Seoul, Hong Kong and Shanghai.By Kim Min-jin, Intern reporter (minjin103@heraldcorp.com)[Photo Credit: OSEN]

Aug. 12, 2014

EXO to release first photobook next week

K-pop sensation EXO will release a photobook titled “Die Jungs (The Boys)” on Aug. 18, which is a compilation of pictures documenting their time in Germany. The album presents pictures of the 11 members posing on the streets of Germany, highlighting their cheeky and mischievous teen image. The upcoming photobook will be released in three versions ― EXO, EXO-K and EXO-M ― to showcase the members’ individual charms. EXO-K and EXO-M are subunits of EXO that specifically target Korean and Chinese au

Aug. 12, 2014

Choi Min-sik’s ‘Lucy’ tops worldwide box offices

Korean actor Choi Min-sik’s Hollywood debut film “Lucy” is sweeping international box offices. The Hollywood blockbuster, costarring Scarlett Johansson and Morgan Freeman, soared to the top of the box office in North America. The movie was released there on July 25.  Scenes from “Lucy.” (EuropaCorp)“Lucy” also topped the box offices of Australia, Bulgaria and the Netherlands in the first weekend of its release. So far, the film has earned more than $100 million worldwide. The film is set to hit

Aug. 12, 2014

G-Dragon praying against wall painting

G-Dragon posted a picture of him praying on his Instagram on Monday. 　In the photo, the K-pop artist, wearing fashionable overalls, has his head lowered and hands together, against a painting of praying hands on the wall. 　“Born to amuse, to inspire, to delight here one day,” the painting reads. 　G-Dragon took the stage as a headliner at KCON 2014, held from Aug. 9-10 in California, the U.S.　(laeticia.ock@heraldcorp.com)

Aug. 12, 2014

Kris moves back into spotlight amid ongoing legal battle

Kris, a former member of K-pop idol group EXO, is following in former Super Junior member Hangeng’s footsteps and will star with him in a joint Korea-China film.　According to local news reports on Monday, Kris won a role as one of the male leads in the romantic flick “Xiao You Qiao Mu,” directed by Korean filmmaker Jo Jin-kyoo.  　Kris is the latest addition to the cast and joins Hangeng and Korean actor Joo Won. In the film the three stars compete to win the heart of the same woman. 　Kris’ move

Aug. 12, 2014

Kris, Hangeng to costar in Korea-China film

Kris, an ex-member of K-pop idol group EXO, was cast to star in a Korea-China film, along with Hangeng, formerly of boy band Super Junior, according to news reports on Tuesday.　Kris won the role as one of the male leads in the romantic flick “Xiao You Qiao Mu,” directed by Korean filmmaker Jo Jin-kyoo.Kris is the latest addition to the two other male leads, Hangeng and Korean actor Joo Won. The three stars will compete to win the heart of a woman in the film. 　Kris has been in the spotlight afte

Aug. 12, 2014