[Herald Review] Ugly side of justice rears head in ‘Minority Opinion’

“Minority Opinion” begins with a disclaimer: “The following story is fictional and does not depict any actual person or event.”Yet the events depicted in the film have a deep tinge of reality for Korean audiences, especially at a time of deep mistrust of government authority due to continued safety crises and political gridlock.In the film, a young police officer and a teenage boy are killed at the site of protests over forced evictions as part of an urban redevelopment project. According to the

FilmJune 30, 2015

BTOB returns with first full album, musical maturity

Seven-member boy group BTOB dropped their first full-length Korean album, “Complete,” on Monday. The title track, “It’s Okay,” is a heartfelt R&B ballad that seeks to comfort weary hearts, and topped musical charts upon its midnight release. “It’s a song meant to heal us of the everyday trials that we face. The lyrics are sincere and uplifting,” said leader of the group and vocalist Eun-kwang at a showcase for the album’s release Monday.“It might not have the showy performances of dance songs, b

PerformanceJune 30, 2015

Box Office

Midnight Diner (Japan)/Opened June 18Drama. Directed by Matsuoka JojiA group of patrons from every walk of life comes together each night at a small diner in the back streets of Tokyo that is only open from midnight to 7 a.m. They seek solace in delicious food made by the “Master” (Kobayashi Kaoru) and make conversation with each other. The film unravels the stories of each of the patrons, with focus given to the dishes that are served up to nourish their bodies and souls.The Silenced (Korea)/Op

FilmJune 29, 2015

For Kate Winslet, life happens

NEW YORK ― Kate Winslet rolls up her black shirt and points to her belly, which has that muffin top familiar to most moms.“Look, I still have the skin, you see. I do. Who gives a (flip)? That’s hard won. I love all those things,” says the mom of Mia, 14; Joe, 11; and Bear, 18 months old. “Everything is really pronounced when you’re pregnant.” In fact, Winslet was expecting son Bear, from her third marriage to businessman Ned Rocknroll, when she shot her latest film, the period drama “A Little Ch

FilmJune 29, 2015

2PM's strength in unity shines at 'House Party' concert

Boy band 2PM celebrated eight years together with their fans at two “House Party” concerts at the Olympic Park Gymnastics Arena on Saturday and Sunday in Seoul. Kicking off the performance with a rendition of “Go Crazy” packed with special effects, 2PM sped forward with their past hit “I Hate You,” two songs from their new album, “Jump” and “Magic,” and their party song “Hands Up.”2PM performs at the 'House Party' concert (JYP Entertainment)The stage was set to sprawl across the arena‘s floor, w

PerformanceJune 29, 2015

[Newsmaker] ‘Northern Limit Line’: Korean patriotism

A scene from "Northern Limit Line" (Next Entertainment World)“Northern Limit Line” is a film with a very clear purpose. It seeks to assuage the pain of bereaved families who lost their sons during a North Korean naval attack, reveal the systematic failures of the South Korean Navy that facilitated this loss, and draw attention to the society’s misplaced priorities. Every minute is dripping with this sense of mission and self-consciousness.The film revolves around the story of three young soldier

FilmJune 29, 2015

Baekje historic sites likely to win UNESCO heritage nod

Archaeological Site in Wanggung-ri (Cultural Heritage Administration)A vast historic site that belongs to the ancient kingdom of Baekje is expected to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, becoming Korea’s 12th item on the coveted list. A motion to inscribe it is scheduled for a final vote at the 39th session of the World Heritage Committee on July 4 in Germany, following a recommendation from the International Council on Monuments and Sites, the Korean Cultural Heritage Administration

CultureJune 29, 2015

Classical meets childhood lullabies on pianist’s new album

[Herald Interview] Inspired by his childhood memories, pianist Park Jong-hwa plays nostalgic and unforgettable traditional children’s lullabies on his new album and tour project “Nunaya.”Unveiled last month, the 11-track digital album features classical variations of some of the most widely-recognized folk melodies in Korea, such as “Mother, Sister (Ummaya Nunaya),” “Jackrabbit” and “Hometown Spring.” 　“You will be hard-pressed to find a Korean who does not recognize these titles,” said Park dur

PerformanceJune 29, 2015

[Photo News] All in the Jeans

Models present creations of Korean designer Juun.J during the 2016 spring-summer collection during Paris Fashion Week on Friday. Inspired by naval uniforms, the collection, held at Palais de Tokyo, presented 36 pieces that spun a new interpretation on classic tailoring by incorporating wool and denim into oversized silhouettes. The Juun.J show was attended by some 600 fashion experts, including major buyers from SAKS New York, Paris’ Galerie Lafayette and London’s Harrods. Juun.J has been partic

Arts & DesignJune 28, 2015

Koreans to join Oscars academy

Five Koreans became eligible to vote in the Oscars, as the academy added new members, the Korean Film Council said Saturday. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences invited Korean filmmakers Im Kwon-taek and Bong Joon-ho and actors Song Kang-ho, Choi Min-sik and animator Kim Sang-jin of Walt Disney as part of a group of 322 new members in an attempt to increase the diversity of its members. “It’s gratifying to acknowledge the extraordinary range of talent in our industry,” said Cheryl Bo

FilmJune 28, 2015

[Herald Interview] ‘Madonna’ casts a harsh light onto women suffering in Korea's shadows

“Madonna,” the latest work from director Shin Su-won, which played in Cannes' Un Certain Regard section, takes place in two central settings. The first is the VIP ward at a hospital where the nurse‘s assistant Hae-rim (Seo Young-hee) works. The other is a red-light district in a slum where the streetwalker Madonna (Kwon So-hyun) works. At first glance, it is difficult to understand how they come together in the movie.“It's a story about a nurse’s assistant named Hae-rim who digs into the backgro

FilmJune 28, 2015

Bali, Bandung beckon with natural wonders

BALI, BANDUNG, Indonesia ― From the crystal-colored waters of a volcanic mountaintop in West Java to the soft sands of Bali’s beaches, two Indonesian tourist destinations offer visitors a chance to escape the day-to-day hassle of urban life at lower-than-expected prices.Stepping into the airport of Bandung, the capital of West Java, Indonesia, visitors will be greeted by swarming traffic, humid air, and streets filled with motorcycles ― the choice of transportation for many locals.But at the cit

TravelJune 26, 2015

Top stars create own ‘Maps’ of Jejudo Island

　Four of Korea’s top celebrities take off on a trip across Jejudo Island to discover their very own travel routes on O’live TV’s new reality show “Maps.”　Korea’s most famous travel destination will be explored over four days-three nights by two teams -- actress Choi Gang-hee and Girls’ Generation’s Yuri, and Super Junior’s Heechul and hip-hop artist Simon D -- riding around in cars (called Maps Cars) equipped with 360-degree street view cameras.　“It’s a show unlike anything that’s come before. I

TelevisionJune 26, 2015

[Weekender] Chef helped turn quiet street into dining mecca

Just a short stroll away from the bustling multicultural neighborhood of Seoul’s Itaewon lies the lesser-known, yet trend-setting street of Gyeongnidan-gil.A short walk from Noksapyeong Station, this stretch of road is filled with craft breweries, terrace cafes, unique restaurants and quaint shops steeped in culture and creativity. Located two blocks away from the main streets of this up-and-coming neighborhood is a narrow alley, nestled away in a residential district that is even further off th

FoodJune 26, 2015

[Weekender] Charms and concerns of artistic districts

In recent years, Seoul’s Yeonnam-dong and Mullae-dong areas have risen as havens for struggling artists and free-spirited entrepreneurs. Located near enough the bustling Hongdae district to attract visitors but far enough to be removed from the noise of the area’s wild nightlife and expensive real estate prices, the neighborhoods have been seeing a growing number of artistic tenants and tourists for the past five years or so. According to Song Hye-jung, Yeonnam-dong’s charm lies not only in its

CultureJune 26, 2015

[Weekender] The rise of ‘ordinary places’ as hot spots

On Wednesday afternoon, 23-year-old university student Kim Eun-young and her friend Lee Ha-young strolled the narrow alleys of Chebu-dong in Jongno-gu of Seoul. They had a meal at the Tongin traditional market and sipped coffee while looking around the neighborhood, busily taking pictures. Instead of high-rises, the neighborhood is crammed with one- or two-story buildings, many in an early 20th century-style. The interior is decorated in European styles, with mostly bare wood or white and pastel

CultureJune 26, 2015

Tteokgalbi (short rib patties)

These fancy beef patties are called tteokgalbi, literally translated to rice cake ribs. But don’t expect any rice cakes in the dish. The name comes from the way the minced meat is kneaded and shaped as rice cakes are made in Korea. Tteokgalbi is made with beef short rib meat. The meat is separated from the bones, finely minced and then marinated. The marinated meat can be attached back to the rib bones before being cooked. Here, I simply shaped them like burger patties. Beef short ribs are an ex

FoodJune 26, 2015

Hungarian winemaking blends traditions

　If one good thing came from the years of communist control in Hungary, it was to hew Hungarian winemaking to its traditions.　　For the most part, Hungary’s wine is still made as it has long been made, by small vineyard owners and wineries and down-to-earth, everyday folk. Fertilizer use is infrequent; sustainable farming practices are common.　　This somewhat bucolic image belies Hungary’s past as a winemaking country. From the 17th to the early 20th century, Hungary had the third-most sophisticat

FoodJune 26, 2015