This is the 13th in a series on producers, MCs, DJs and artists working in the Korean underground hip-hop scene. Translator Ary Kim contributed to this article. ― Ed.After 13 years in the underground hip-hop scene, rapper Vasco is looking for something bigger. In the next year he hopes to sign with a big label, put out a big album and be No. 1 on the Melon chart.His goal is to be successful as a mainstream artist.“Thirteen years in the underground, I’ve done it, I’ve seen it. I did everything. N

PerformanceNov. 3, 2013

It’s been more than 15 years since actor and theater producer Song Seung-whan’s famed nonverbal play “Nanta” premiered in Seoul in 1997, becoming a megahit over the years. Song, now 56, has put together another foreigner-friendly, nonverbal show. And it deals with, in Song’s own words, “one of the most universal events in human life” ― a wedding.The show, titled “Music Show Wedding,” premiered in Seoul last year, and went through a major revision for its second run this year. The latest version,

PerformanceNov. 1, 2013

Who needs drumsticks when an entire kitchen full of utensils can be used make a dynamic and creative percussion ensemble? A group of chefs grab whatever they can get their hands on ― spatulas, chopsticks, ladles, brooms and even knives ― and chop, shuck and dice out sounds in a lively musical preparation of Korean food. This is “Nanta.”  The nonverbal live musical “Nanta,” the creation of famed local actor and theater producer Song Seung-whan, has set a record as Korea’s longest-running performa

PerformanceNov. 1, 2013

When Lee Mi-na opened her spa, “SPA THE EL” in southern Seoul in 2011, she had one goal. On top of facials and body massages, the former TV personality wanted to offer treatments for the mind. The spa specializes in special services such as color therapy and counseling, which aid in improving mood and reducing the risk of depression. Lee, who spent many years in the television industry, says she was severely depressed in high school. “I am the kind of person who cares about what others think abo

PerformanceNov. 1, 2013

Theater“Bungee Jumping in Their Own”: A musical adaptation of filmmaker Kim Dai-seung’s 2001 unusual romance “Bungee Jumping of Their Own” is currently being performed in Seoul. The 2001 film featured late actress Lee Eun-joo and hallyu heartthrob Lee Byung-hun, and deftly linked the themes of magic and curse of first love, reincarnation and even homosexuality. The show tells the story of a man who lost his first love to a car accident in the 1980s. The show runs until Nov. 17 at Doosan Art Cent

PerformanceNov. 1, 2013

 Thor: The Dark WorldOpened Oct. 30Action. Adventure. Fantasy. Directed by Alan Taylor. A year has passed since the Avengers came together. Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is back in the kingdom of Asgard with his brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) locked up in the dungeon for threatening to destroy the world. Meanwhile, on Earth, Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) coincidentally comes upon an ancient weapon that predates the universe itself and was originally owned by the Dark Elves. Malekith (Christopher Ecclest

FilmNov. 1, 2013

 Troublemaker makes risque returnTroublemaker  “Chemistry”(Universal Music) The duo that made a sensation with risque dance moves on the hit single “Troublemaker” is back with another scandalous concept, but this time in the form of an EP, “Chemistry.” The 5-track EP starts surprisingly strong with “Turn Up the Volume,” featuring a refreshing acoustic sound. Hyuna’s vocals aren’t striking, but her unique tone works well with Hyunseong’s clear voice. “There is No Tomorrow” portrays the listless l

PerformanceNov. 1, 2013

At the start of “12 Years a Slave,” a nonfiction account of his experiences as a slave published in 1853, Solomon Northup expressed pleasure at the burgeoning number of books, newspaper articles and other writings that had started to sprout alongside his own memoir.“Since my return to liberty, I have not failed to perceive the increasing interest throughout the Northern States, in regard to the subject of Slavery,” Northup wrote. “Works of fiction, professing to portray its features in their mor

FilmNov. 1, 2013

The hazy, damp air of the hottest April in 40 years finally cooled around our rental apartment near the Pantheon in Rome, enough that it was comfortable for me to put on a long-sleeve collared shirt and my sport-coat above my slacks and black shoes for the first time in five days. I announced to my wife and two children that it was time to take a family stroll.“Where are we going?” asked my son, then 18.“I don’t know ― that’s the whole point,” I said. “It’s called la passeggiata. Families dress

TravelNov. 1, 2013

Vetera n road warriors know how expensive it can be to coordinate business communication from the road. Factor in social media expectations for those making their living online, and travel costs can increase significantly. This is especially true for international travel. Following are a handful of ways you can tackle tech and communication costs while remaining mobile.Calls: While controlling your monthly calling bill in the United States is easily handled with any one of a number unlimited car

TravelNov. 1, 2013

Some might think that steak ― in its seared, juicy glory ― has the last word when it comes to beef. But those who have witnessed firsthand the sheer heft of a prime rib roast over holiday dinner will know that if we are taking about quantity, then the roast would win, hands down. There is something almost overwhelming about a prime rib roast. A towering primal cut of rib, bones still in, this is feast-friendly beef, meant to be consumed in massive amounts by large crowds. In fact, its very size

FoodNov. 1, 2013

Fine dining has taken a step beyond a mix of good ingredients and meticulous presentation to include the setting as well. Sheraton Seoul D Cube City Hotel presents luxury dining at the hotel’s presidential suite. Overlooking the nightscape of Seoul, the 265-square-meter presidential suite on the 39th floor offers an exceptional dining experience. The hotel offers an eight-course menu prepared by Paul Dodd, the new executive sous chef in charge of Western cuisine at the hotel, targeting couples p

FoodNov. 1, 2013

 Taste of Europe at Sheraton Grande WalkerhillSheraton Grande Walkerhill is offering the Taste of Europe promotion featuring a special eight-course menu at its European-style restaurant and bar CLOCK16 from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31. The menu includes an array of authentic European cuisine by world-renowned chefs. Dishes in the menu include salad with cod fish, chickpea soup with grilled prawns, seafood baked in parchment paper, cannelloni stuffed with beef cheek, balsamic vinegar sorbet, charcoal-grill

FoodNov. 1, 2013

Doenjang (fermented soybean paste) is a staple Korean condiment that’s used, among other things, as a base for stew or soup. Its deep, rich flavor is created by several months of fermentation and aging. Doenjang jjigae is a stew, which typically includes meat, tofu and various vegetables. It is one of the most representative dishes of everyday home-cooked Korean meals. Korean home cooks usually save the water used to rinse rice, ssalddeummul, and use it for a stew or soup. The rice water adds st

FoodNov. 1, 2013

Despite being relatively new faces in the K-pop scene, EXO has managed to expand their fan base throughout Asia and is quickly growing into one of the country’s most popular boy bands. At the height of their popularity, the 12 members will be launching their first TV variety program called “EXO’s Showtime” on MBC Every 1, the network announced on Thursday.The premise of the weekly show will be simply following the everyday lives of the young boys, who claim that for the most part, they are just

PerformanceNov. 1, 2013

Heads-up, Pyongyang: Lingerie is headed your way.The North Korean capital on Thursday was selected by popular online demand as a target for a Swedish clothing brand’s campaign to “love-bomb” places with 450 pairs of underwear.Bjorn Borg recently held “Bjorn Borg Says JA! to Weapons of Mass Seduction,” event that had people from around the world nominating locations that need “love and seduction,” on which the company will drop its products.Pyongyang came in first with 27,162 votes, while Chalmer

PeopleNov. 1, 2013