SeMA holds retrospective of abstract artist Han Mook

A 1994 documentary shows Han Mook starting his morning with a baguette on a small sofa in his small, shabby Paris apartment. Soon he gets dressed, walks out of the room and goes down a spiral stiarcase to his atelier where the late artist spent most of his time.  Han Mook’s 1989 work “Symphony of the Southern Cross” (SeMA)“Han Mook For Another Poetry-Order,” a retrospective of the artist at the Seoul Museum of Art, comprises some 130 pieces, including his major works, drawings and calligraphy. T

Arts & DesignDec. 13, 2018

[Around the Hotels] Rooms and packages

Santa’s visit at Mayfield Hotel & ResortMayfield Hotel & Resort has prepared Christmas events for families. The Dear Santa package includes a visit by Santa to the room where guests are staying. Santa will make a surprise visit on Christmas Eve and deliver a gift to the children. The hotel will also hold the party concert “Santa Claus is Coming to Mayfield” during which children can dance with their favorite fairytale characters. The event will be held twice -- on Christmas Eve and Christmas day

FoodDec. 13, 2018

[Herald Interview] ‘I do not paint to be an artist, but to make clothes’

Though some might not instantly recognize the name Song Zio, the brand Songzio Homme will ring a bell right away for many in Korea, especially men who enjoy quality fashion.Fashion designer Song Zio leads Songzio Homme, a contemporary menswear brand best known for its classic lined suits made with fine textiles.Despite the brand’s fame, it has not been easy for local consumers to wear Song’s creations. Founded in 1993, Songzio Homme halted its sales in Korea in the 2000s as it focused on the Par

Arts & DesignDec. 13, 2018

[Graphic News] Korean travelers looking more at Portugal, Hungary

　South Korean tourists’ interest grew the most for Portugal and Hungary over the past year, although Japan, Vietnam and other nearby Asian nations remained steady picks, according to a travel fare website.　Skyscanner analyzed internet searches of travel destinations from October last year to September this year and found that searches for Portugal increased 93 percent compared to the previous period of the same months. Searches for Hungary were up second most, jumping 74 percent.　Other increases

TravelDec. 13, 2018

[Weekender] Survival guide: How to battle winter’s chill

After a drizzly day in early December that pushed temperatures in Seoul well below minus 10 degrees Celsius, office worker Lee Ja-yoon, 30, finally finished preparing her house for the full-fledged winter chill likely to last at least through February. Lee started with her wardrobe. She took out the wool coats and replaced them with a long padded coat -- the ankle-length garments became ubiquitous in Korea during last winter’s biting cold -- as well as thermal underwear, fur-lined leggings and g

CultureDec. 13, 2018

Gracias Choir to hold ‘Christmas Cantata’ tour

Gracias Choir is holding a nationwide Christmas tour through Dec. 23. Under the title of “Christmas Cantata,” the choir will hold a total of 43 concerts in 19 cities, including concerts at KBS Hall in Seoul from Dec. 21-23. Leading the choir is its principal conductor Boris Abalyan, who is also a professor of Saint-Petersburg State Conservatory.  Gracias Choir performs at a concert in the US (Gracias Choir)The “Christmas Cantata” program comprises three different parts: an opera featuring the bi

PerformanceDec. 13, 2018

[Photo News] BTS walks red carpet at 2018 MAMA in Japan

BTS arrived at the red carpet at the 2018 Mnet Asian Music Awards in Japan.Arguably one of the most high-profile acts to hit the annual music awards, BTS trumped Mnet’s online poll in five of the 18 categories: this year’s best group, best dance performance for male groups, best music video, best song and best artist. The monthlong poll garnered 10,942,117 votes. (Mnet) (Mnet) (Mnet)The septet was the last to walk the red carpet at the three-part MAMA’s second ceremony dubbed “Fan’s Choice Japan

PerformanceDec. 12, 2018

Business owners in Itaewon open up on TV about gentrification

Young restaurant and cafe owners recently opened up to TV personality Sam Okyere about the effects of gentrification on the once-lively neighborhood of Itaewon -- now a place beset with rising rents and fewer visitors.Okyere was walking around Itaewon filming an episode of tvN’s new variety show “Shift,” which aired Friday, in which he pretended to be a candidate campaigning for the 2022 local elections in the Yongsan district.During the documentary-style episode, he met with business owners in

TelevisionDec. 12, 2018

[Herald Review] ‘Aquaman’ goofy but fun and visually stunning

It’s apparently a backward day in DC town; its crown jewels, including the iconic fight between Batman and Superman, turned into a snore-fest, while one of its least beloved heroes exceeds expectations and could herald a Warner Bros. comeback after a series of superhero flops.Let me clarify one thing: I do not think James Wan’s “Aquaman” is even remotely close to being a superhero masterpiece, or even on par with “Wonder Woman,” the highest-rated movie on Rotten Tomatoes that is based on charact

FilmDec. 12, 2018

BTS’ team sweeps four awards at 2018 MAMA in Seoul

BTS did not attend the first night of the 2018 Mnet Asian Music Awards, but the group’s presence was still felt, as its team swept four awards at the event. Held Monday at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul, the first part of the three-day event saw awards being presented to rookie artists who had debuted recently, which was why BTS did not attend.  This photo of BTS and Bang Si-hyuk was posted on Bang`s Twitter account on Dec. 29, 2014.The event also recognized the efforts of those behind K-pop g

PerformanceDec. 12, 2018

Cheerleaders protest online sexual harassment

Cheerleaders have pointed out sexual harassment prevalent online, particularly the Ilbe Storehouse.Baseball team Samsung Lions cheerleader Hwang Da-geon said in a post on her Instagram on Monday, “Cheerleader as an occupation is fun, but is this the price I have to pay? I can’t bear to look at the dirty comments section.” (Instagram)Hwang, 18, says she has been sexually harassed by online comments uploaded to online community Ilbe Storehouse. Aside from the comments, she said people have been se

CultureDec. 12, 2018

Gwanghwamun Kumho Art Hall to close in May

Kumho Art Hall, a landmark for classical music listeners, is wrapping up its Gwanghwamun era. On Tuesday, the Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation announced on its official website that Gwanghwamun Kumho Art Hall would close its doors permanently as of May 1. Gwanghwamun Kumho Art Hall (Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation)The foundation revealed that it was unable to renew its lease, forcing the closure of two halls in the building in Gwanghwamun, which is currently owned by Deutsche Asset & Wealth Man

Arts & DesignDec. 12, 2018

JTBC to remake American sitcom ‘Younger’

JTBC said Monday it will produce a remake of the American TV series “Younger.”The story revolves around a 40-year-old, newly divorced single mom trying to get a job by passing herself off as 26 years old.  (JTBC)A source from JTBC said they were attracted to the series’ story and strong female protagonist. “We will produce a good remake that reflects today’s society for our Korean audience,” the source stated.“Younger,” which aired its first episode in 2015, ran for five seasons on TV Land and i

TelevisionDec. 11, 2018

‘Because it’s Bach’

There comes a point when you love someone because you just love them, without any particular reason. Violin virtuoso Hilary Hahn’s love of Bach is that kind of love.“Because it’s Bach!” Hahn said, explaining her love of the composer in an email interview with The Korea Herald ahead of her upcoming South Korea tour. Hahn will perform Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5 on Dec. 18 in Daegu and again on Dec. 19 at the Lotte Concert Hall with the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen under conductor Paavo J

PerformanceDec. 11, 2018

CICI announces 2019 award winners

The Corea Image Communication Institute will be honoring the Korean language, YouTubers Josh & Ollie and ballet dancer Park Sae-eun with CICI Korea Image Awards. Since 2005, CICI, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Korea’s image abroad, annually honors cultural figures, organizations or objects that have contributed to spreading a positive image of Korea.  Graphics depict “Hunminjeongeum Haerye,” an instruction book on Hangeul (CICI)The Korea Image Stepping Stone Award will be award

PeopleDec. 11, 2018

Hotel Tops 10 to celebrate 1st anniversary

Hotel Tops 10, located in the east coast city of Gangneung, Gangwon Province, is inviting locals and tourists to enjoy a relaxing getaway on the occasion of its first anniversary. Geumjin Hot SpringsOn Friday, the hotel will open up its Geumjin Hot Springs to the public for free. After a warm bath, visitors will be offered a free bowl of “janchiguksu,” or “banquet noodles,” a dish served on special occasions. The hot spring facility opened in September, reflecting the property’s former use. Loca

TravelDec. 11, 2018

[Photo News] Rising stars Stray Kids arrive at 2018 MAMA

Stray Kids have arrived at the red carpet of the 2018 Mnet Asian Music Awards.  Stray Kids hit the red carpet at 2018 Mnet Asian Music Awards (Mnet) (Mnet)The nine-piece act ranked top in the poll for best new male artist, determined through preshow online voting by fans, which ran for about a month, from Nov. 1 to Sunday midnight. Stray Kids trumped the poll, earning close to half of total votes with 49.10 percent. The runner-up in the same category was Kim Dong-han, a contestant in the second

PerformanceDec. 10, 2018

After feuding with feminists, San E takes aim at journalists

It seems San E has beef with journalists, as the outspoken rapper has announced he will release a new single called “Giregi” Tuesday -- a portmanteau meaning “garbage reporter” in Korean.In an Instagram post released Monday afternoon, the rapper teased the new single as he bounced up and down while wearing a zipped ski mask that left just his eyes visible.The term “giregi” is heard repeatedly as the short clip teased the latest in a series of politically charged songs the rapper has released in

PerformanceDec. 10, 2018

[Graphic News] S. Korean coffee imports expected to fall this year

　South Korea is expected to import less coffee this year for the first time in six years, as demand for the beverage has been hit by sluggish economic growth, according to market watchers here. 　In the January-October period, total imports of coffee stood at 121,019 tons, down 1,031 tons from a year earlier. This is the first on-year decrease since 2012.　Asia’s fourth-largest economy imported 82,446 tons of coffee in the same period in 2012. 

FoodDec. 10, 2018

Korea Grand Sale to offer promotions, events for foreign visitors

The Visit Korea Committee on Monday announced benefits and promotions for foreign tourists visiting Korea from Jan. 17 through Feb. 28, during the annual Korea Grand Sale.Under a theme of “Travel, Taste, Touch,” the event will offer promotions and benefits provided by 51,497 businesses.Participating firms include Jin Air and Jeju Air which will provide discount on inbound flights, Daemyung Resort, Ramada Encore Haeundae and Grand InterContinental for accommodations and food, and Paradise Casino

TravelDec. 10, 2018