Land of the flightless kiwi birds and the majestic landscape that served as the backdrop to the beloved “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, New Zealand is truly a country of natural wonder. But its picturesque pastures and clear water are more than just scenic; they provide a pristine environment for growing quality ingredients. “There are many different styles of cuisine in New Zealand, but it mainly comes down to the product. Restaurants base their menu on season,” guest chef Shannon Persterer sa

FoodDec. 4, 2013

Actor Joo Sang-wook and actress Han Ji-hye were named this year’s best dressers at the 2013 Herald·Donga TV Lifestyle Awards on Wednesday.Joo enjoyed much popularity this year for his role as the charismatic surgeon in the SBS drama series “Good Doctor,” while Han earned recognition for playing double roles in the MBC drama series “Pots of Gold.”Actress Kim So-yeon and actor Bae Soo-bin won the best style awards for their sense of style. Bae this year starred as a social outcast who falls in lov

CultureDec. 4, 2013

Kim In-chul, a professor in the department of public administration at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, was named its new president, the university announced on Wednesday.Kim, 55, received 65 percent of votes by faculty members in the Nov. 22 election, and the school board confirmed the result on Wednesday, according to the university.He will begin his four-year term from March 2014, succeeding Park Chul.Kim previously served as a commissioner of the Board of Audit and Inspection and presid

PeopleDec. 4, 2013

K-pop girl group 9muses made its comeback with a new single, “Glue,” on Wednesday.The nine-member group kicked off online sales of the song and released a music video on its official YouTube channel. The song’s lyrics are about a woman who is “glued” to the memories of her days with a boyfriend she recently split up with. It is a medium tempo dance number with a 1990s-style disco rhythm. 9muses will perform on cable channel Mnet’s “Mcountdown” for its comeback show on Thursday. (minsikyoon@heral

PerformanceDec. 4, 2013

A total of 120 businesses and 120 individual artists or ensembles joined hands on Tuesday to nurture the arts as part of the Korean Mecenat program at a ceremony held at the Samcheonggak restaurant near downtown Seoul.According to the Korean Business Council for the Arts, the companies, including 47 new council members, will provide 4.7 billion won ($4.4 million) to artists ranging from Korean traditional music groups to actors and dancers. They will participate in the “Arts & Business” program

CultureDec. 3, 2013

Seoul Players takes a silly turn for its end-of-year performance, with “The Real Inspector Hound,” a comedy by Tom Stoppard.The farce centers on a play within a play, with two pompous theater critics sent to review the play initially commenting from the sidelines ― sometimes more about themselves than the murder mystery they are supposed to be evaluating. As the drama proceeds, the critics find themselves trapped in the action, and the boundary between the play’s onstage and offstage worlds is b

Expat LivingDec. 3, 2013

Helping Others Prosper through English is looking for donations and volunteers for three Christmas for Children Programs this month.As well as professional entertainment from a clown magician and a Psy look-alike, HOPE will provide winter-related children’s games, fun English activities, homemade cookies and ice cream, and a visit from Santa.The events will be held Dec. 15 at the children’s cancer ward at Severance Hospital in Sinchon, Dec. 21 at Goodtree Children’s Center in Nowon-gu and Dec. 2

Expat LivingDec. 3, 2013

CLASH is gearing up for its final charity show of the year Saturday, with music from Korean hip-hop artist Deegie and tenor Yong Joon Ho.CLASH brings together Korean and expat performers in hip-hop, rock and indie to perform charity concerts for different causes.This event will raise money for Angel House, a shelter for the disabled that is home to 50 people aged from 1 to 70.“The owner is also a disabled person who set up the house for one of her children, who is disabled,” said Kiki Katsika, o

Expat LivingDec. 3, 2013

Celebrated fashion designer Jung Kuho is no stranger to dance performances, having directed a number of pieces in collaboration with the nation’s top troupes.Jung, who abruptly announced last month his departure from his 10-year position as executive director at Cheil Industries, which acquired his brand KUHO in 2003, is directing a dance piece for the third time. Under Jung’s leadership, the label’s sales have increased 13-fold over the past decade. Jung’s departure came about two months after

PerformanceDec. 3, 2013

Piles of junk take up a corner of the gallery space with signs saying the clutter is not garbage to be removed. The blinking lights from fluorescent lamps and neon acrylic boards are also carefully placed for a seemingly artistic vibe. The junk installation is one of the recent works by German artist Anselm Reyle, a rising artist in the international contemporary art scene. His works are being showcased at Kukje Gallery until the end of the year. “These are pieces that we consider as garbage. So

PerformanceDec. 3, 2013

NEW YORK (AP) ― “If you’re trying to assign the trait of maturity to us, frankly, it won’t wash.”A conversation with the filmmaking brothers Ethan and Joel Coen has only just gotten started when Ethan, quite gleefully, puts a stop to any discussion of growth, evolution or development. Now in their late 50s, the Coens have a host of awards, including best picture for their tense, bone-dry Cormac McCarthy adaptation “No Country for Old Men.” Their last film, the much Oscar-nominated Charles Portis

FilmDec. 3, 2013

Heroes are the idols of many a wee child’s dreams. All those action figures and games play into the fantasy of being that charismatic warrior that everyone looks up to. For hallyu star Kim Hyun-joong that fantasy has become reality. The 26-year-old K-pop idol is returning to the small screen as Shin Jeong-tae, a swift-fisted thug who grows up to be the best fighter in the land. Kim’s new series, titled “Inspiring Generation” (working title), represents his first since MBC rom-com romp, “Naughty

TelevisionDec. 3, 2013

Hallyu entertainer Jang Geun-suk has donated approximately 100 million won ($94,200) to UNICEF to help with typhoon relief efforts in the Philippines, where thousands have died and millions more have been displaced without food or water. “Jang Geun-suk receives love and support from his fans from all over the world, especially with his reappearance on the small screen. He wants to give back to his fans through this donation,” a representative of the star said in a statement.Jang began working as

Dec. 3, 2013

Singer-songwriter Jang Jae-in has signed with agency Mystic 89, joining a pool of other talented artists such as Cho Jung-chi, Lim Kim and Park Ji-yoon. “Jang Jae-in is a unique singer-songwriter unlike anyone in Korea,” the agency said in a statement, adding, “Not only musically, but as a brand and beauty model she is a diverse artist and is a good addition to Mystic 89.” Jang became recognized for her unique voice and talent through popular audition program “Super Star K2” on Mnet in 2010. The

Dec. 3, 2013