Heize rules local music charts

Singer-songwriter Heize is topping Korean music charts with songs from her third EP “///,” released on June 26 Singer Heize (CJ E&M) 　“You, Clouds, Rain,” one of the tracks from the new EP has debuted at No. 1 on seven main music charts including Melon, Genie and Mnet, as of Monday morning. The album’s lead track “Don’t You Know” was also ranking high on the charts since its release, until “You, Clouds, Rain” took over the first spot. Featuring singer Shin Yong-jae, “You, Clouds, Rain” is an emo

PerformanceJuly 3, 2017

[Herald Interview] Gospel singer Sohyang of ‘King of Masked Singer’ breaks out of shell

Die-hard gospel singer Sohyang’s world used to revolve around two things: Jesus and church. Appearing on TV was a big leap for the singer, who started her musical career in a small family-run gospel band in her early 20s. Some 20 years later, she is making headlines for her impressive performances on MBC’s weekly music competition show “King of Masked Singer,” where she hid her identity with a mask and won six consecutive victories until she lost to another contestant Sunday. She set a record wi

TelevisionJuly 3, 2017

Cha In-pyo to co-produce, act in upcoming Hollywood flick ‘Heavenquest’

Actor Cha In-pyo will venture into Hollywood as both an actor and producer in the upcoming film “Heavenquest: A Pilgrim’s Progress.” The film is co-produced by TKC Pictures, a film production company and management agency established by Cha, and the US-based King Street Pictures.　The film, based on John Bunyan’s 1678 novel “The Pilgrim’s Progress,” is an action fantasy flick.　At its helm is rookie American director Matt Bilen. The film will begin shooting in Los Angeles and northern California.

FilmJuly 3, 2017

[Photo] Black Pink hands out treats to fans

Fans who gathered to meet Black Pink over the weekend caught a glimpse of the stars, got their autographs -- and even scoops of ice cream.On Sunday, the K-pop act held its first autograph-signing event since its debut last year. Each member expressed her gratitude to fans. Lifting the mood even further was the news that Black Pink had ranked No. 1 at SBS “Inggi Gayo” with its recently released single “As If It’s Your Last.” Prior to Sunday’s autograph session, Black Pink held an event in front o

PerformanceJuly 3, 2017

Red Velvet releases teaser for ‘The Red Summer’

Red Velvet on Monday released a teaser image featuring Seulgi for its upcoming EP “The Red Summer.” The image released by its agency S.M. Entertainment is available at redvelvet.smtown.com and instagram.com/redvelvet. Seulgi is seen posing inside a frame that has the words “Red Velvet Summer Mini Album (EP) ‘The Red Summer’ - July 09, 2017” with the complete track list. (S.M. Entertainment)The new EP consists of five songs: “Red Flavor,” “You Better Know,” “Zoo,” “Mojito” and “Hear the Sea.” Acc

PerformanceJuly 3, 2017

Taeyang confirms second global tour as solo artist

Taeyang will showcase his skills worldwide again, with the lead vocalist of Big Bang on Monday confirming his second global tour as a solo artist.The tour, named “Taeyang 2017 World Tour ‘White Night’,” will kick off Saturday with four concerts across Chiba and Kobe in Japan that are expected to attract some 140,000 fans. The K-pop singer has made impressive progress in the country since his album “Rise+Solar&Hot” peaked at No. 2 on Oricon’s daily album charts. (YG Entertainment)In addition to b

PerformanceJuly 3, 2017

[Photo] VIXX reveals extra images from Nylon cover shoot

Boyband VIXX on Monday released unused photographs from its photo shoot last month for the fashion magazine Nylon.Its agency Big Hit Entertainment revealed the images featuring members N, Leo, Ken, Ravi, Hongbin and Hyuk through the photos that were not used for the July cover of Nylon.In the interview that was conducted with the photo shoot, the group said the concept it chose for the recently-released “Shangri-La/Paradise on Earth” was their favorite.VIXX, which has been noted for its various

PerformanceJuly 3, 2017

Taemin of SHINee holds first concert in Japan

Taemin of K-pop act SHINee wrapped up his first concert as a solo artist in Japan on Sunday, S.M. Entertainment said Monday.“Taemin The 1st Stage Budokan” took place over the weekend at Budokan arena in Tokyo. The sellout concerts attracted 28,000 fans. (S.M. Entertainment) (S.M. Entertainment)The 23-year-old singer performed hit songs, including “Tiger,” “Danger,” “Press your Number” and “Drip Drop.” He also showcased songs like “Flame of Love,” “I’m Crying” and “Door,” which will be included i

PerformanceJuly 3, 2017

[Next Wave] Babylon taking next step to grow as artist

The Korea Herald is introducing Korean singers, musicians and actors poised to join the next wave of top stars in a twice-monthly series. -- Ed.At one point, virtually every clubber in Korea was grooving to the vocals of singer Babylon, featured in the popular single “Boys and Girls” by Zico.The R&B singer, who debuted in 2015 with “Pray,” has one of the more recognizable voices in the Korean music scene, a result of his many collaborations with prominent artists.But the 29-year-old says he is r

PerformanceJuly 3, 2017

2017 IYF World Culture Camp kicks off

The opening ceremony of the 2017 World Culture Camp -- held with 4,000 domestic and foreign youths and public figures -- was held Sunday at a special stage on Haeundae beach in Busan.About 40,000 people attended the ceremony for the event, which marks its 20th anniversary and will be from July 2-13. The annual event is hosted each July by the International Youth Fellowship.  The opening ceremony for the 2017 World Culture Camp is held in Busan on Sunday. (IYF)Busan Mayor Seo Byeong-su and other

CultureJuly 3, 2017

'Anarchist from Colony' nabs top spot over 'Transformers' on opening weekend

Director Lee Joon-ik's latest historical film "Anarchist from Colony" led the weekend box office, taking up 48.8 percent of all tickets sold, data showed Monday.According to the computerized tally from the Korean Film Council, "Anarchist" added 817,982 to its audience tally of 1.18 million over the June 30-July 2 weekend. (Megabox)Based on a real life court case, the movie depicts Korean anarchist and independent fighter Park Yeol and his Japanese wife's struggle to let the world know of the mas

FilmJuly 3, 2017

Twice's Japanese debut album tops Oricon chart

K-pop girl group TWICE's Japanese debut album has topped the country's key music sales chart, according to its agency Monday."#TWICE," released last Thursday in Japan, rose to No. 1 on Oricon's daily album sales chart as of Sunday, JYP Entertainment said. The record has sold over 115,000 copies in just five days. (JYP Entertainment)On the day, TWICE held a debut showcase in front of a 15,000-large crowd at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium.The album, which has TWICE's past hit songs, both in Japa

PerformanceJuly 3, 2017

Park Shin-hye finishes fan meeting in Taiwan

South Korean actress Park Shin-hye had a fan convention in Taiwan over the weekend as part of her tour of Asian cities after Hong Kong, her management said Monday."In her third fan meeting ever Saturday in Taiwan following ones in 2014 and 2015, Park performed six songs live and led the event without an emcee to better communicate with her fans," S.A.L.T. Entertainment said in a release.   (사진=S.A.L.T. Entertainment)The six included a song from the 2016 TV medical series "Doctors," where she pla

TelevisionJuly 3, 2017

Lee Min-ho to publish photo book shot in DMZ

Actor Lee Min-ho will release a photo book that was shot in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) dividing the two Koreas, his agency said Monday. The album, titled "DMZ, The Records of 500 Days," will come out July 10, according to MYM Entertainment. The pictures were taken while filming "DMZ, the Wild," MBC TV's documentary series hosted by Lee over the past 18 months. (MYM Entertainment)"The photo book includes images of Lee's decision to join the documentary project alongside his active participation

TelevisionJuly 3, 2017

‘Stranger’ starring Bae Doo-na on roll

The tvN crime thriller series “Stranger” starring Bae Doo-na and Jo Seung-woo reached a viewership of 5.1 percent Saturday.The show is receiving favorable reviews for its airtight plot, gripping sequences and strong performances.  Bae Doo-na in "Stranger" (tvN) Jo Seung-woo in "Stranger" (tvN)Jo stars as Hwang Si-mok, a cold-blooded loner prosecutor who is unable to feel emotions. Bae plays Han Yeo-jin, a passionate police investigator seeking to uncover the murder of a prosecutor. “Stranger” ai

TelevisionJuly 2, 2017

Big Bang’s ‘Fxxx It’ MV garners over 100 million views

Big Bang’s music video for “Fxxx It” became the K-pop group’s ninth MV to reach over 100 million views on YouTube.The video for “Fxxx It,” released in December, surpassed 100 million views on YouTube on Saturday evening, YG Entertainment announced.The agency’s head Yang Hyun-suk posted an image on his social media account congratulating Big Bang. “Fxxx It” (YG Entertainment-YouTube)Other Big Bang music videos that have garnered over 100 million views include “Bang Bang Bang,” “Bad Boy,” “Loser”

PerformanceJuly 2, 2017

Thinking about life through death

Journeying through life, people constantly ponder over life and death, how they can find meaning in life and how to be at peace when it all comes to an end.US photographer Andrew George challenges people to ask themselves such questions about life by capturing the faces of 20 men and women on their deathbeds for his photo exhibition “Right, Before I Die.”“People misunderstand the project and think it’s about death. In truth, it’s really about life,” he said, during the exhibition’s opening cerem

CultureJuly 2, 2017

Gill apologizes after caught drunk driving again

Singer-producer Gill of hip hop duo Leessang apologized Saturday on social media after he was found intoxicated and asleep at the driver’s seat last Wednesday. “I have nothing to say even if people point a finger at me and throw insults at me for the rest of my life,” he wrote on his Twitter account. “I am ashamed to face my parents, family, friends and fans. I am very sorry.”  Gill stars in “Show Me The Money 5.” (Mnet)Gill, whose full name is Gill Sung-joon, was caught near the entrance of Nam

PerformanceJuly 2, 2017

Pentaport Rock Fest announces third lineup for 2017 event

The third and last lineup for the annual rock festival in the western port city of Incheon was announced by its organizer.Brother-sister acoustic duo Akdong Musician, female acoustic duo Bolbbalgan4, hip-hop/R&B singer Zion.T and Japanese rock band Crystal Lake are among the eight new names added to the festival‘s lineup released on Friday.They will perform in this year’s Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival that will be held on Aug. 11-13 at the Songdo Moonlight Festival Park, also known as Pentapor

PerformanceJuly 2, 2017

Shinhwa’s Eric ties knot with actress Na Hye-mi

Singer-actor Eric of boy band Shinhwa and actress Na Hye-mi tied the knot at a quiet church ceremony Saturday.The ceremony, attended by family and a number of close acquaintances, took place around 3:30 p.m. at Young Nak Presbyterian Church in Seoul.Several celebrities attended the wedding, including the five other Shinhwa members who were present as best men, Lee Seo-jin, Yoon Kyun-sang and Ye Ji-won. 　Wedding photo of Eric and Na Hye-mi (E&J Entertainment)“I sincerely thank the many fans who h

PerformanceJuly 2, 2017