Restoration of national treasure pagoda completed

The restoration process of a Goryeo-era stone pagoda -- South Korea’s national treasure No. 209 -- has been completed, the Cultural Heritage Administration said Sunday.According to the officials, “Stone Pagoda of Casket Seal Dharani,” comprising of five parts, has been dismantled and put back together to more closely resemble its original form.The structure, designated as a national treasure in 1982, was been found to have been inappropriately assembled during the CHA and Jung-gu Office’s joint

CultureJan. 14, 2019

[Graphic News] Number of global 'hallyu’ fans soars close to 90 million

　The number of dedicated global fans of “hallyu,” or the Korean Wave, is estimated to have surged to about 90 million at the end of last year, a government-affiliated foundation said.　The Korea Foundation said in a report that there were 1,843 hallyu fan clubs in 113 countries worldwide, excluding South Korea, as of December 2018.　The global hallyu fan clubs had a total of 89.19 million members, marking a surge of 22 percent, or 16.07 million, from 73.12 million in 2017, said the foundation, whi

CultureJan. 13, 2019

College brings BTS to entrance exam, sparking debates

K-pop group BTS has appeared as a drawing topic for a college entrance exam in Seoul, touching off a debate about its fairness.  (Yonhap)The 2019 Art and Design drawing test for Seoul Women’s University’s Ceramics & Fiber Arts major was to “draw a craft object based on your image of BTS.” The university provided a side note clarifying that BTS are singers. The test details prompted some internet users to take issue with its fairness, especially for those who are not familiar with BTS. In the hyp

PerformanceJan. 13, 2019

Christie’s defends sale of Korean gallery’s Francis Bacon painting

Christie’s has defended itself in regards to claims that it sold a Korean gallery’s painting for less than it was worth as part of a sweetheart deal, saying it acted to settle a loan it had made reasonable efforts to settle. Korean gallery One and J filed on Jan. 2 for a preliminary injunction with the New York County Supreme Court over the former’s sale of a painting by Francis Bacon in a private deal at what the Korean gallery claimed was a “bargain price.”The two parties had remained silent s

Arts & DesignJan. 11, 2019

French artist Xavier Veilhan holds solo exhibition

French artist Xavier Veilhan is holding a solo exhibition at 313 Art Project’s newly opened branch in Seongbuk-dong, as well as the gallery’s Cheongdam space. Veilhan rose to international acclaim with his 2009 exhibition at Versailles, and participated in the French Pavilion at the 2017 Venice Biennale.Xavier Veilhan speaks at a press conference held at 313 Art Project's newly opened gallery in Seongbuk-dong on Thursday. On the backdrop is one of his "Ghost Landscapes." (313 Art Project)In Kore

Arts & DesignJan. 11, 2019

[K-talk] ‘Burning’ wins Best Foreign Film Award from France Club Media Cine

Director Lee Chang-dong’s film “Burning” was named the best foreign language film of 2018 by the France Club Media Cine on Wednesday.According to CGV Arthouse and the association on Friday, the Korean film took home the Best 2018 Foreign Language Film award among prominent nominees including “First Man,” “Shoplifters,” “The Guilty,” “Isle of Dogs” and “Phantom Thread.” (Pine House Film)Earlier, “Burning” participated in the 71th Cannes Film Festival as the only Korean film officially invited to

FilmJan. 11, 2019

CICI honors YouTubers, ballerina for promoting Korea’s image

The Corea Image Communication Institute handed down CICI Korea Image Awards to YouTubers Josh Carrott and Ollie Kendal, ballet dancer Park Sae-eun, and the Korean language.Since 2005, CICI -- a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Korea’s image abroad -- has annually honored individuals, organizations and objects that have helped to spread a positive image of Korea. This year’s award ceremony took place at the InterContinental Seoul Coex in southern Seoul on Thursday. Participants pose

PeopleJan. 10, 2019

‘Sky Castle’ discusses realities of parenthood behind education craze

JTBC’s Friday-Saturday drama “Sky Castle,” which centers on Korea’s overheated educational system, has been creating a buzz since its launch on Nov. 23. But beyond its depiction of the educational system, the story is about the importance of parenting and trials and tribulations of parenthood.The drama revolves around the lives of housewives living in a luxurious residential area called Sky Castle in suburban Seoul. The name is also a reference to the country’s top three universities: Seoul Nati

TelevisionJan. 10, 2019

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Ulsan Grand Park Light FestivalThis year’s Ulsan Grand Park Light Festival features five different themes under “Draw the Light Dream” until Jan. 27.The highlight of the festival is the 11-meter star structure in front of the Rose Garden Fountain, where a multimedia light show is displayed. Admission fees are 2,000 won for adults, 1,000 won for teenagers and 500 won for children. Senior citizens 65 years old and above can enter for free, upon presentation of an ID. It is open to visitors of all

TravelJan. 10, 2019

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

Strawberry pleasure at Novotel Ambassador DongdaemunWelcoming the strawberry season, Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotels & Residences presents the “Feel the Berry” promotion. The hotel’s cafe and bakery The Deli offers coconut berry smoothie and berry cream latte. Gourmet Bar offers strawberry vanilla latte, a strawberry coconut blended drink, strawberry cream soda and strawberry gin. The strawberry promotion continues until the end of January, with prices starting from 6,500 won. For mor

FoodJan. 10, 2019

TV chef comes to a head with ‘weak-willed’ restaurant owner

Chef Baek Jong Won’s hit reality show “Alley Restaurant” gave viewers some TV gold moments on Wednesday night after a pizza restaurant owner continued to disappoint the chef with his poor cooking skills and customer service.Restaurant owner Hwang Ho-jun surprised a group of tasters again when he went over to their table and asked them whether they wanted the rest of their order because they seemed “full.”“Are you still going to eat?” Hwang asked the tasters, who then answered in disbelief, “Are

TelevisionJan. 10, 2019

[Weekender] Upscale apartments change thoughts on multi-unit dwellings

Apartments have long been considered a symbol of the concrete jungle. No matter which part of a Korean city you are in, the scenery is the same, with stacks of gray and ivory apartment buildings surrounding you.While it has been around 30 years since apartments became a common form of housing, there has been little change in the design. The height may have increased, but the essential structure has remained the same -- tall concrete buildings without personality or a sense of creativeness. In re

CultureJan. 10, 2019

[Herald Interview] Life beyond the lens

Lights, camera, action! There is always a sense of glamour in the fashion industry. Pricey labels, niche perfumes and expensive Champagne exude a certain “wow” factor. Here is fashion photographer Hong Jang-hyun, a man who must be living a life full of glamour. He is the first man you search for when planning a luxury photo shoot here. He is invited to every posh party and event, where he mingles with high-profile figures. Working with top celebrities and high-end fashion houses, those who do no

PeopleJan. 10, 2019

Local chocolatier, local ingredients, local flavors

For chocolatier Jang Ka-young, chocolate is about many things.Sweetness is a given, but there are other elements as well. “Both aroma and acidity are important to me,” Jang said. “I want the chocolate to have a clean finish and I need to a certain degree of acidity to achieve that,” the 32-year-old explained. Adore Chocolaterie’s signature collection features nine colorful and eye-catching bonbons in flavors like banga, or Korean mint, green citron and caramel ginger and orange confit. (Park Hyu

FoodJan. 10, 2019

[K-talk] ‘Baby Shark’ ranks No. 32 on Billboard Hot 100

The viral children’s song “Baby Shark” landed at number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100 on Wednesday. Pinkfong’s “Baby Shark,” originally uploaded on YouTube in 2016, is the third Korean single to make the top 50 of the Billboard’s Hot 100, following BTS and Psy.  (Smart Study)The song also went viral in UK, staying in the Top 40 of UK’s Official Singles chart for eight consecutive weeks since it first appeared in August last year and ranking No. 6 on Jan. 4. Pinkfong became the first Korean artist

PerformanceJan. 10, 2019

With 'DNA,' BTS becomes first Korean band to surpass 600m YouTube views

K-pop superstar BTS garnered more than 600 million YouTube views with their 2017 song "DNA," becoming the first Korean band to achieve the feat, its management agency said Thursday.The song off BTS' previous album "Love Yourself: Her," released in September 2017, hit the YouTube landmark in the evening Wednesday, according to Big Hit Entertainment.(YouTube)BTS is the only Korean band in possession of a music video whose YouTube views has hit the 600 million YouTube milestone."DNA" was ranked on

PerformanceJan. 10, 2019

[K-talk] Black Pink’s ‘Ddu-du Ddu-du’ most covered K-pop song of 2018

Black Pink created the track that was covered more than any other in 2018 among K-pop.According to global K-pop video community site Amazer, Black Pink’s “Ddu-du Ddu-du” ranked No. 1 in the category of K-pop songs most covered last year.The song features an addictive melody with a powerful choreography that includes a gun-shooting hand gesture, which has gotten global K-pop fans especially interested in filming cover videos. Jennie’s solo single, “Solo,” also ranked seventh on the same chart. (Y

PerformanceJan. 9, 2019

Sejong Center promises improvement in 2019

The Sejong Center for the Performing Arts plans to become an artistic landmark of Seoul in 2019 by improving the center’s environment and offering diverse quality performances. The arts center, affiliated with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, presented its plan for 2019 at a press event held at the center in Gwanghwamun, central Seoul, on Wednesday.  The Sejong Center for the Performing Arts CEO Kim Sung-kyu speaks during a press conference at the center in Gwanghwamun, central Seoul, Wednesda

CultureJan. 9, 2019

[K-talk] BTS to resume world tour in Japan

BTS will resume its “Love Yourself” world tour this month, following its performances in Taiwan last month.Since the Taiwanese leg of its tour, the group has been busy participating in year-end awards programs during which BTS took home a bagful of trophies.  (Billboard)The tour has 11 remaining concerts: Saturday to Sunday at Nagoya Dome in Japan; Jan. 19 in Singapore; Feb. 16-17 at Yafuoku Dome in Japan; March 20-21 and 23-24 at AsiaWorld-Expo Arena in Hong Kong; and April 6-7 in Bangkok, Thai

PerformanceJan. 9, 2019

[K-talk] SHINee’s Minho to hold Asia fan meeting tour

Minho of SHINee will be holding a solo fan meeting tour across Asia.“Choi Minho Fan meeting Tour - Best Choi’s Minho” will kick off in Seoul on Feb. 17 before traveling to cities in Asia, including Tokyo from Feb. 23-24, Bangkok on March 2 and Taipei on March 3. (S.M. Entertainment)Minho debuted with SHINee in 2008. The boy band has released megahits, including “Replay” (2008), “Lucifer” (2011), “Sherlock” (2012) and “View” (2015). Minho has also demonstrated his talent in other fields, appearin

PerformanceJan. 9, 2019