Korean artist Kim Hun-kyu wins Chadwell Award

Korean artist Kim Hun-kyu won this year’s Chadwell Award in early October.The Chadwell Award, established by Andrew Post and Mary Aylmer in 2010, names an artist every year among the recent fine art master‘s degree graduates from Royal College of Art, Royal Academy Schools or Slade School of Fine Art.  “Don‘t Be Afraid My Love,” by Kim Hun-kyuKim, known for his use of traditional Korean painting techniques, is currently an instructor at Kyung Hee University in Seoul. He has previously lectured a

PeopleNov. 14, 2017

Movie 'Gods' maximizes dramatic impact of original story: director

Kim Yong-hwa, writer-director of the local fantasy film "Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds," said on Tuesday he chose to maximize the original webtoon's dramatic tension to make it into a gripping film. The film set to open on Dec. 20 is the first installment of a two-part series based on a sensational webtoon of the same title by Joo Ho-min, which depicts a dead man who is judged in seven hells for 49 days, guided by three grim reapers. "When I first read the original webtoon at the request f

FilmNov. 14, 2017

Police say no alcohol or drugs found in late actor's body

Police said Tuesday they have found no traces of alcohol or drugs in late actor Kim Joo-hyuk's body, reaffirming the preliminary conclusion that he died of a severe head injury inflicted in the tragic car accident late last month. Police released the autopsy and biopsy results on the veteran actor's system conducted by the National Forensic Service, which indicated he was neither under the influence of alcohol nor drugs at the time of the crash. The state crime lab also said it found nothing oth

PeopleNov. 14, 2017

[Herald Interview] Hyun Bin drawn to entertaining action flicks

Hyun Bin has been working nonstop in recent years. 　After rising to popularity through the 2005 romantic comedy series “My Lovely Sam-soon,” the actor cemented a heartthrob status with the 2010 drama “Secret Garden,” where he played the irritable but charming heir to a vast fortune with a penchant for flamboyant fashion. 　He completed his military service, and returned to screens with drama series “Hyde, Jekyll, Me” and the period film “The Fatal Encounter.” 　 Hyun Bin poses in a photo shoot pri

FilmNov. 14, 2017

‘Golem’ could change the way you look at your iPhone

“Move with the times, or you’ll be left behind,” an advertisement shown in the play “Golem” shouts. Theatre Company 1927’s “Golem,” inspired by Jewish folklore, is an original drama exploring the use of technology and the danger of using it in the wrong way. “Note that the technology itself is not problematic. It is the people who control and make technology that is problematic,” said Paul Barritt, the creator of the film, animation and design components of the play, during a press conference he

CultureNov. 14, 2017

5 suggestions for Nov. 14

In Korea, where capitalism is tantamount to religion, every 14th of the month is another chance for companies to hawk their wares -- with a special theme to justify it.The corporate trend likely stems from the commercial success of Valentine’s Day, which comes every Feb. 14. At least five different themes are contending for supremacy of the Nov. 14 slot. The five ways to enjoy the 14th of November: 1. Movie Day -- for lovers to watch films of an, ahem, “adult theme” together 2. Cookie Day -- to

CultureNov. 14, 2017

2PM’s Jun.K to return with reflective EP ‘My 20s’

Boy band 2PM’s member Jun.K, who has been active as a producer and soloist recently, is set to release his new solo EP “My 20s” on Nov. 27, according to his agency JYP Entertainment on Tuesday. The agency said the upcoming EP will be a reference to Jun.K’s 20s, as the singer will turn 30 next year. “My 20s” will be the singer’s first solo release in 10 months since his special album “77-1X3-00” in January last year.  A teaser image for 2PM Jun.K’s upcoming solo EP “My 20s” (JYP Entertainment)The

PerformanceNov. 14, 2017

BTS makes guest appearance on CBS late night talk show

K-pop group BTS takes US TV shows by storm this month. Its agency, Big Hit Entertainment, said Tuesday that the K-pop sensation will take part in the recording of CBS’ “The Late Late Show With James Corden” on Wednesday as its first promotional activity during its visit to the US to perform at the American Music Awards on Sunday. BTS (Big Hit Entertainment)Earlier this month, the agency said the seven-member band would make appearances on popular TV shows “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and “The Ellen DeGe

PerformanceNov. 14, 2017

BTS' Rap Monster changes his stage name

Rap Monster of K-pop boy group BTS has changed his stage name to RM, the group's agency said Tuesday.The leader of the popular seven-member act announced the news in a post to a fan page Monday, according to Big Hit Entertainment."People started to call me 'Rap Monster,' which is part of lyrics I wrote when I was a trainee. I like the name," the 23-year-old wrote. "But I realized the name is far from the type of music I want to show you."He also said that his new name is "a better fit for the mu

PerformanceNov. 14, 2017

BTS becomes first Koreans to boast over 10 mln Twitter followers

BTS has become the first Koreans to boast 10 million followers on Twitter, its Seoul unit said Monday."BTS has hit 10 million followers on Twitter, a first for a Korean account," Twitter Korea said. The social media service posted a short video titled "The incredible rise of K-pop superstars BTS."BTS, the popular boy group also known as Bangtan Boys, surpassed the 10 million milestone at 11:15 a.m., four years and 11 months after uploading the first post on Dec. 17, 2012. (Twitter)BTS members up

PerformanceNov. 14, 2017

[Video] Colombian TV show mocks BTS for being Asian

A Colombian TV show has drawn flak for making a racist gesture when introducing BTS, a K-pop band that has been gaining worldwide popularity.The host of the show “Dia a Dia” had introduced BTS’ latest album, which had prompted a man behind him to make a “slant eyes” gesture by lifting the corners of his eyes. After the broadcast was aired, a Twitter user with the name “ARMY (fan club of BTS) Colombia” apologized on the social media platform, saying that it is “sincerely sorry” about the incident

PerformanceNov. 13, 2017

BoA and Joo Won confirm rumors of breakup

Singer BoA and actor Joo Won recently put an end to their romantic relationship, with their respective agencies, S.M. Entertainment and Huayi Brothers, confirming the reports Monday. The two had first met in 2015 through acquaintances and became close, as they had similar interests. During the latter half of 2016, BoA and Joo Won’s relationship turned into a romantic one. They publicly acknowledged they were dating in January 2017.  (Yonhap)BoA has kept herself busy juggling jobs as a singer and

TelevisionNov. 13, 2017

MBC's largest shareholder decides to sack company president

The largest shareholder of the nation's second largest public broadcaster Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation on Monday voted to fire the company president Kim Jang-kyom for his "politically biased" control of the company's news coverage.The Foundation for Broadcast Culture passed a motion on the dismissal of Kim through its eighth extraordinary board meeting in Seoul. Of six FBC board members present, five voted in favor of the motion with one abstention. MBC unionists rejoice at the news of Kim Ja

TelevisionNov. 13, 2017

Ex-Sistar member Hyorin starts her own label ‘Brid3’

Hyorin, formerly of now-defunct K-pop act Sistar, has founded her own label “Brid3,” about two months after leaving her former agency Starship Entertainment. Hyorin announced the establishment of her agency Monday, saying that it will house video, choreography and producing professionals as well as creative directors, with whom she will produce a wide variety of musical projects. “Brid3” (bridge) was named in hopes that the company will be able to serve as a bridge between music and the public,

PerformanceNov. 13, 2017

2017 Asia Artist Awards to open with stellar lineup of artists

The 2017 Asia Artist Awards will be held Wednesday at 6 p.m. Jamsil Gymnasium in Seoul. The awards ceremony honors the outstanding achievements and international contributions of Asian artists in film, television and music. The event will showcase some of the biggest names in K-pop, including EXO, Wanna One, Super Junior, Yoona of Girls’ Generation, VIXX, Mamamoo, Seventeen and Monsta X. Other singers performing at the award show include Zico of Block B, Hwang Chi-yeul, Ailee, Apink, Crush, NU’E

PerformanceNov. 13, 2017

Wanna One returns with toned down ‘Nothing Without You’

About three months ago, the emergence of K-pop act Wanna One breathed new life into K-pop. With the strong support of its loyal, die-hard fans, this 11-piece K-pop rookie has quickly carved out its niche, dominating both airwaves and commercials, as well as magazines and TV shows.  Wanna One poses during a press event for “1-1=0 (Nothing Without You),” a repackaged version of its debut EP “1X1=1 (To Be One)” in Seoul on Monday (Yonhap)Enjoying its heyday as one of the biggest hits in the current

PerformanceNov. 13, 2017

Growing as actor, Kang Min-hyuk says CNBLUE will always be priority

Eight years after CNBLUE began in Japan with live performances, the band’s four members have all parlayed into prominent individual careers away from the stage. Kang Min-hyuk, who played a lead role in MBC drama series “Hospital Ship” that just ended, said he wants to keep growing as an actor but his heart will always belong to that passionate band of youngsters that performed in the streets of Japan.“There are those who love us for our acting and those who love us for our music. At any rate, th

TelevisionNov. 13, 2017

BTS sets date for Steve Aoki remix version of ‘Mic Drop’

Music fans who have eagerly waited for the collaboration among BTS, Steve Aoki and Desiigner will have to wait a little longer, as the boy band announced Monday that it will push back the release date for the remix version of “Mic Drop” to Nov. 24.The K-pop star’s release of the track -- originally included in its latest EP “Love Yourself Seung Her” -- was initially scheduled for Friday. (Big Hit Entertainment)“After discussing with our partners in the US, we thought it would be better for the s

PerformanceNov. 13, 2017

Korean cooking classes rise as immersive travel activities

Rozenne, born to French and Korean parents, had spent most of her life in France watching her mother cook Korean food in the kitchen of their Strasbourg home. Now, 25 years old and fresh out of university, she is in Korea to travel, see family and learn Korean cooking for the first time. 　On Thursday, she tried her hand at two staple dishes -- ttukbaegi bulgogi (beef stew) and Japchae (glass noodle stir-fried with vegetables) -- at a cooking studio run by food company CJ Cheil Jedang in Jung-gu,

FoodNov. 13, 2017

8-year-old with leukemia plays violin in front of Itzhak Perlman

A child violinist battling leukemia had the chance of a lifetime when his musical hero Itzhak Perlman gave him a special one-on-one master class.Cha Hee-su, 8, was greeted at the waiting room where Perlman was resting after his concert at Seoul Arts Center on Sunday.Cha played “Humoresque,” a piece he had been practicing 20 minutes a day the last three days, which require great effort given his weak physical conditions. Perlman carefully listened to him playing and offered advice on his posture

CultureNov. 13, 2017