Actor Fan Bingbing to appear in Korean drama for first time

Chinese movie star Fan Bingbing will make her first Korean drama appearance in JTBC’s new series “Insider.” According to local cable channel JTBC, the shooting of Fan’s segments in the series was recently completed. The broadcaster did not say whether the actor is making a cameo or appearing in a minor supporting role. “Though the actor has joined ‘Insider,’ detailed information about Fan Bingbing’s role is yet to be revealed, as it is closely r

TelevisionFeb. 21, 2022

[Herald Interview] Yeon Woo-jin ‘thirsty’ for innovative movies like ‘Serve the People’

For Korean actor Yeon Woo-jin, director Jang Cheol-soo’s new project, “Serve the People,” caught his eye because it was full of new challenges and innovative elements. “I thought that I would be jealous to see another actor play the role. I felt this way for the first time,” Yeon said during an interview via Zoom with a group of local reporters. “If I were to choose a safer, more commercially appealing film, I would have chosen a different project, but at the

FilmFeb. 21, 2022

[Exclusive] Silver medal-winning Olympic men’s short track relay team to appear on tvN’s ‘You Quiz on the Block’

Five Korean athletes, who won the silver medal in men’s 5,000-meter short track speed skating relay at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, will appear on tvN’s talk show “You Quiz on the Block,” a CJ ENM official told The Korea Herald on Monday. Speed skaters Kwak Yoon-gy, Hwang Dae-heon, Lee June-seo, Park Jang-hyuk and Kim Dong-wook are slated to record their episode Wednesday, while the program is working on an episode featuring athletes who competed in Beijing 2022, th

TelevisionFeb. 21, 2022

Actor Park effectively wraps up active-duty Navy service

Actor Park Bo-gum began his final military vacation Monday, effectively ending his active-duty service as he is not required to return to his base under an antivirus guideline, Navy officials said. Earlier in the day, Petty Officer Second Class Park left his Navy unit in the Gyeryongdae military headquarters, 160 kilometers south of Seoul, as he started the vacation that would last until his official discharge date on April 30. Troops were usually obligated to be present at their bases on the fi

PeopleFeb. 21, 2022

Top movie stars heat up clash of global streaming titans

Global streaming service Netflix, which launched in South Korea in 2015, has been enjoying the first-mover’s advantage, with its megahit “Kingdom” series, which debuted in 2019, among its successes. Looking to strengthen its foothold in the country, Netflix is scheduled to release long-awaited top actor Kim Hye-soo’s streaming debut “Juvenile Justice” on Friday. But Netflix rivals Disney+ and Apple TV+ are close on its heels, seeking to challenge Netflix&rsq

FilmFeb. 20, 2022

[Video] Meet the designer behind Cha Jun-hwan’s outfits!

Always wanted to know how figure skating outfits are made? Check out our exclusive interview with the designer behind Cha Jun-hwan’s outfits! By Team Konnect Kim Min-jung (minjung.kim@heraldcorp.com) Jung Ji-eun (jungje@heraldcorp.com) Choi Jeong-yoon (jychoi@heraldcorp.com) Kim Jeong-ryul (ryul@heraldcorp.com) By Korea Herald (khnews@heraldcorp.com)

EntertainmentFeb. 19, 2022

[Eye Plus] School supplies shops come to life with start of new academic year

As the warm weather approaches, blue skies mark the beginning of a new school year. At this time of the year, the Cheonho Stationery and Toy Shop Street is busier than ever.  Located around Cheonho Station exit No. 1, the complex greets families looking to purchase school supplies and gifts for children at affordable prices. The complex has shops selling basic school supplies as well as the latest cartoon character toys and party goods that children love.  Packs of colored penc

TravelFeb. 19, 2022

[Photo News] The Blonds close out New York Fashion Week

A model walks the runway for The Blonds fashion show during New York Fashion Week. The Blonds Fall/Winter 2022 collection is modeled at Spring Studios during New York Fashion Week on Wednesday, Feb. 16. Many famous stars, including Adam Lambert, Paris Hilton and Megan Fox attended the show. David and Phillipe Blond have designed iconic costumes for many household names in the music industry, including Katy Perry, Madonna, Rihanna, and Britney Spears. They are famous for their exotic designs and

Arts & DesignFeb. 19, 2022

[Temple to Table] Refreshing spring veggies, stringy stonecrop water kimchi

“I thought for a while what to cook, and chose things that are easy to cook but that can revive one’s appetite in springtime. In fact, we don’t have recipes that require sophisticated preparation or many supplementary ingredients in temple cuisine,” said Ven. Yeoil. Saying her cooking skill is “just knowledge she picked up from everyday observations,” Ven. Yeoil reveals her humility, but the magic in her hands is well-known among her fellow Buddhist nuns fro

FoodFeb. 19, 2022

[Visual History of Korea] Staff Sgt. Reckless -- Korean warhorse celebrated on both sides of the Pacific Ocean

The United States Marine Corps motto “Semper Fidelis,” which means “Always Faithful” does not leave anyone behind on the battlefield. After fighting in the Korean War, also known as “the Forgotten War,” a Korean warhorse named Reckless was not left behind by the US Marines. When the US 5th Marine Regiment returned to California in 1954 following the July 27, 1953 Korean Armistice Agreement, the horse came with them. Standing 1.32 meters tall at the withers,

CultureFeb. 19, 2022

Director Park Chan-wook unveils iPhone film 'Life is But A Dream'

Park Chan-wook, the director of ‘Oldboy,’ and ‘The Handmaiden,’ unveiled a short martial arts fantasy filmed with Apple iPhone 13 Pro on Friday. “Life is But a Dream ‘’ revolves around an undertaker, played by Yoo Hae-jin, who needs wood to build a coffin for the savior of his village, played by Kim Ok-vin, and digs up an abandoned grave. But while doing so, he accidentally awakens the ghost of an ancient swordsman, played by Park Jeong-min, who want

FilmFeb. 19, 2022

[Well-curated] Discover Korea’s first Western-style painter at his home-turned-museum

Ko Huidong Art Museum, located west of Changdeokgung and a 14-minute walk from Anguk Station, is the home of artist Ko Hui-dong, Korea’s first Western-style painter. Surrounded by low-rise housing and hanok, the museum gives off a serene and peaceful vibe. Ko Hui-dong (1886-1965), also known by his penname Chungok, is recorded as the first Korean painter to adopt Western-style painting.  Ko studied French at Hansung French School, influenced by his interpreter father. After becom

CultureFeb. 18, 2022

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Hueree Plum Blossom Festival The Hueree Plum Blossom Festival is scheduled to kick off Feb. 18 and run through March 20 at Hueree Natural Park on Jeju Island. The park, near Hallasan, offers a chance to stroll, relax and enjoy the breeze of early Spring. The annual festival highlights Jeju Island’s splendid scenery and its plum blossoms with photo zones. For children, there is horse riding and a small parade of Jeju black pigs as well. The event is open to people of all ages, and

TravelFeb. 18, 2022

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

Fairmont Ambassador Seoul launches ‘Luxury Wellness’ package Fairmont Ambassador Seoul presents a wellness package that offers moments of genuine relaxation and healing. The package includes a night’s stay in the Fairmont Deluxe room, and a choice of a 60-minute body message treatment or 70-minute facial at ESPA, a luxury spa located within the hotel. A buffet breakfast for two is provided at Spectrum, and two signature cocktails at M29, both located in the hotel. The pack

FoodFeb. 18, 2022

[Herald Interview] Putting localization at the center of hotel experience

When planning a new hotel, incorporating the distinctive culture of its location to the guest experience is one of the top priorities for Serena Lim, vice president of hotel development for Southeast Asia and Korea at the IHG Hotels and Resorts. “Around the world where people can travel, they are travelling,” said Lim about travel in pandemic times during an interview with The Korea Herald on Tuesday at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas. Lim, who has been in the hospitality in

TravelFeb. 18, 2022

[Box Office] Movies in theaters this week

Dune (US) Reopened Feb. 9 Science fiction Directed by Denis Villeneuve In the year 10191, Paul Atreides (Timothy Chalamet) is born into a great destiny beyond his understanding. In his dream, he meets a strange woman from the dangerous desert planet Arrakis. As malevolent forces explode into conflict over Arrakis’ exclusive supply of precious resources that could unlock humanity’s great potential, Paul and his family receive an order to head to the planet.  Death on the Nile (

FilmFeb. 18, 2022

Efforts to recover from ‘blacklist’ scandal still ongoing: culture minister

Five years after a blacklist of cultural figures drawn up by previous administrations was first revealed, efforts to recover from the scandal and prevent a repeat are still ongoing, the minister of culture, sports and tourism said on Thursday. Culture Minister Hwang Hee named a legislation that guarantees status and rights of artists, which is expected to take effect in September, as the biggest accomplishment. Out of the 85 subtasks that had been set, 62 have been completed while the rest ar

CultureFeb. 17, 2022

Follow the scent: Hidden jeon spot in Gongdeok Market

The official campaigning period for the upcoming presidential election kicked off Tuesday, with most candidates heading to traditional markets on the first day. One of the pledges made at these stumps over the past several elections has been revitalization of traditional markets, a pledge clearly aimed at the merchants. Before the onslaught of mass retailers, traditional markets were crowded day and night, humming with vibrant energy. Today, many neighborhood taditional markets struggle to su

FoodFeb. 17, 2022

Christopher Koo appointed as chairman of Kiaf Seoul organizing committee

The organizing committee of international art fair Kiaf Seoul has appointed Koo Ja-yeol, also known as Christopher Koo, as its new chairman. He succeeds Bahk Byong-won, who has led the committee since 2013. Koo, who is also chairman of the Korea International Trade Association, will oversee the direction of the committee and take charge of public activities, including building relationships with enterprises, according to Kiaf Seoul. Koo was appointed chairman of KITA in February 2021 for a th

Arts & DesignFeb. 17, 2022

[Newsmaker] Hong Sang-soo’s ‘The Novelist’s Film’ wins grand jury prize at Berlinale

Filmmaker Hong Sang-soo’s 27th feature “The Novelist’s Film” on Thursday won the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize at Berlin International Film Festival. The 72nd Berlin International Film Festival is being held from Feb. 10 to 20 as an in-person event. “I really didn’t expect this big prize. I’m very surprised. Thank you all the jury members for your appreciation,” Hong said in an acceptance speech in English. “I feel like I should say somethin

FilmFeb. 17, 2022