Around the Hotels

Private cabanas at Banyan Tree Macau 　Urban luxury resort Banyan Tree Macau -- located in Galaxy Macau, the region’s largest resort complex -- has opened Pool Cabana, a luxurious, private poolside shelter.　The pool deck is surrounded by palm trees and provides a well-serviced space for relaxation. The cabana is located nearby the Grand Resort Deck, the world’s largest man-made wave pool located on the rooftop of the Galaxy Hotel.　The newly launched eight cabanas hold six persons per room. Large,

CultureJune 26, 2015

[Herald Interview] ‘Angry Painter’ a dark, confusing depiction of humanity

　Director Jeon Kyu-hwan is known for his propensity to create films that reveal the dark underbelly of modern society. Focusing on those who have been marginalized by society due to their origins or economic status in his “Town” trilogy and other films, Jeon’s camera has never hesitated to pull back layers and lay hardships bare. 　That particular brand of social critique is muted for his latest film “Angry Painter,” a Korea-Estonia collaboration marketed as a “vintage nude action” film starring

FilmJune 26, 2015

Box Office

　Minority Opinion (Korea)　Opened June 24　Drama. Directed by Kim Sung-je　　A clash between riot police and protesters over a redevelopment project leaves a boy and a young policeman dead. Witness accounts tell different stories about how the tragedies unfolded. Sensing that the government is trying to cover something up about the incident, two lawyers (Yoon Kye-sang, Yoo Hae-jin) and a journalist (Kim Ok-bin) attempt to uncover the truth and find justice.　　　Northern Limit Line (Korea)　Opened June

FilmJune 26, 2015

Eyelike: Hudson Mohawke, Richard Thompson, Kacey Musgraves

Hudson Mohawke’s ‘Lantern’ illuminates nicely　　Hudson Mohawke, “Lantern.”(Warp)　 Scottish electronic music producer Hudson Mohawke is out with his sophomore album, “Lantern,” a lush blend of edgy vocals and smartly managed mixes that are ripe for hip lounge listening.　Ross Birchard, who goes by the stage name Hudson Mohawke, began his mix career on traditional turntables before migrating to more intricate remix environments. “Lantern” builds well on his discography, coming off experimental and u

PerformanceJune 26, 2015

An aspiring deejay enchanted by electronica in ‘Eden’

 　Somewhere between “euphoria and melancholia”: That’s the music favored by the fictional young Parisian deejay in cowriter/director Mia Hansen-Love’s “Eden,” a fragrantly atmospheric portrait of a time, a place and a restless state of romantic yearning.　Hansen-Love’s fourth feature also serves as a reminder. Few of us in this life monetize our passions on a grand scale. Mostly there are those who glide along, doing their thing, doing what they can to support their thing, becoming neither legend

FilmJune 26, 2015

[Weekender] Hidden hot spots in Seoul

While places like Myeong-dong, Garosu-gil and Hongdae are still popular meeting spots where both Seoulites and tourists flock, in recent years, a slew of new hot spots have sprung up, grabbing attention of those wanting something different. These lesser-known districts are smaller than the mainstream hangouts. Yet, they boast unique, chic and sometimes kitsch ambiences that are not easily found at the usual nightspots saturated with big name chains. These up-and-coming neighborhoods can be diffi

TravelJune 26, 2015

Calendar

THEATER　“Arirang”: The upcoming production of the high-anticipated Korea-original musical “Arirang” will mark a historic moment as the production will bring to life the words of renowned Korean novelist Jo Jung-rae and his epic 12-volume eponymous novel. The musical tells the novel’s painstaking tale of Japan’s colonization of the peninsula and comes after years of failed attempts to adapt the 20,000-page novel into a screenplay. The musical will be held at the LG Arts Center in Seoul from July

EntertainmentJune 26, 2015

From jazz to gugak

Until recently, traditional Korean music, or gugak, had never been something close to the heart of Seoul-born, Paris-honed jazz vocalist Nah Youn-sun.Born to a conductor father and a musical actress mother, she was exposed to various genres of western music from early on, and later found her own musical idiom in jazz.  Jazz vocalist Nah Youn-sun poses after an interview with The Korea Herald at the National Theater of Korea in Seoul. (Hub Music)With her crystal-clear voice, flawless intonation a

PerformanceJune 26, 2015

Farrell gets sweet deal in ‘True Detective’

NEW YORK ― If a wine connoisseur is an oenophile, what, exactly, do you call someone with expertise in freshly pressed juices? Colin Farrell is that, personified. “Cheers, love,” he says, clinking plastic containers of a leaf-colored beverage. “Here I am having green juice with you, in New York City. How times have changed.” He pauses, sips. “It’s not bad. A little tart.” Farrell, 39, quit drinking in 2006, and now expounds on the joys of hot yoga. He juices. And he’s all about reveling in his o

FilmJune 25, 2015

[Best Brand] Banyan Tree, hidden oasis on slopes of Mount Namsan

A view of “The Oasis,” Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul’s rooftop luxury swimming pool area (Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul)An urban oasis nestled away in the slopes of Seoul’s Mount Namsan, Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul is a fully equipped urban resort that lives up to its high global reputation of offering its guests exclusive opportunities to experience true luxury. For travelers and city dwellers alike, Banyan Tree offers an escape from the chaotic bustle of urban city life to bask in its exclusive

CultureJune 25, 2015

[Best Brand] Imperial Palace Seoul offers European luxury

Located in the heart of Seoul’s business district, Imperial Palace Seoul hotel offers the unexpected luxury of staying in an opulent Baroque-style room. With highly detailed decorations and luxurious furniture, the award-winning hotel with 26 years of history seeks the best in service and style under the motto of “The Best of Everything.” The homegrown Korean hotel company branched out overseas, now operating IP City Hotel Fukuoka in Japan and planning to open a new one in Osaka next year. The h

TravelJune 25, 2015

[Best Brand] Oakwood Premier Coex redefines residence comfort

Those seeking chic, refined living quarters during their stay in Korea may want to visit Oakwood Premier Coex Center Seoul, an exclusive serviced residence in the city.By combining the luxurious amenities of a hotel and spacious living quarters of a private home, Oakwood provides an unparalleled living experience for both short-term and long-term residents. The 280-unit property is undergoing renovations that will be completed by July 5. Previously furnished with classic-themed interior decorati

TravelJune 25, 2015

[Herald Interview] Korean-American Broadway actor reprises role of Jesus Christ

Broadway actor Michael K. Lee has returned to Korea to reprise the role of Jesus Christ -- arguably one of the most daunting and burdensome roles to portray on stage -- in the ongoing Korean rendition of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s globally regaled musical “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Although the Korean-American performer has played the role before, both in the United States and in Korea , he felt once again the burden of having to bring to life one of the world’s most iconic figures, which prompted him

PerformanceJune 25, 2015

BoA to mark 15 years with concert at Sejong Center

　BoA will become the first female idol star to have a solo concert at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, according to her agency SM Entertainment on Wednesday.　The singer will be performing at the iconic Sejong Center in time to mark the 15th anniversary of her debut. The concert is particularly meaningful because of the prestigious Sejong Center’s reputation for being a tough venue to break into for pop artists.  BoA (Herald file photo)　BoA debuted in 2000 with “ID: Peace B” and went on

PerformanceJune 25, 2015

Wonder Girls confirm comeback as band

　JYP Entertainment confirmed Wednesday that the Wonder Girls are preparing to return to the stage.　The girl group, which debuted in 2007 and rapidly rose to fame through dance hits including “Tell Me,” “So Hot” and “2 Different Tears,” will be switching up their style on their next album by performing as a four-member band.  Wonder Girls (JYP Entertainment)　Original members Sunye and Sohee will be missing from the lineup, leaving Yubin on drums, Hyelim on guitar, Yenny on keyboard and Sunmi on b

PerformanceJune 25, 2015

Dior’s history meshes with Korean creativity in ‘Esprit Dior’ exhibition

Seoul’s branch of "Esprit Dior," an international series of exhibitions by fashion giant Dior, marks the luxury house’s newfound attention for the Korean market by interweaving the history and philosophy of its designs with the creativity of Korean artists."Korea is increasingly positioning itself in the world as an important country in areas of art and creativity," said Florence Muller, curator for Dior at the exhibition’s press opening on Friday, June 19. "We considered that now is a good mome

Arts & DesignJune 25, 2015

Sistar sweeps local charts

Sistar’s “Shake It” mini albumK-pop girl group Sistar’s latest track “Shake It” continued to top local music charts Wednesday, two days after its release Monday. The quartet ― consisting of Hyolyn, Bora, Soyou and Dasom ― dropped the EP “Shake It” at noon Monday. Immediately after the release, the title track grabbed the No.1 spot on all the major music charts, including Melon, Genie and Olleh, beating out fellow girl group AOA, which released its single “Heart Attack” on the same day. “Shake It

FilmJune 24, 2015

Alleycon seeks to make Gwangju Korea’s ‘geek capital’

Looking to make Gwangju the geek capital of Korea, Alleycon is returning this fall, with plans to be bigger than ever.The event is in its third year, with 60 people coming to the first one and 225 to the second. Now the organizers are hoping to attract 500 people to this year’s event at the Gwangju Design Center from Sept. 19-20.Alleycon general manager Jordan VanHartingsvelt said that he already had significant interest from outside the city, including people already planning their cosplay outf

Expat LivingJune 24, 2015

'The Clowns' explores the contortions of an outsider coming in

How much should an outsider give up to become part of society’s inner circle? That is the main theme of Kim Tae-woong’s award-winning play “The Clowns,” Busan English Theatre Association’s next production. A translation of the play was published in 2005, but this will be its first production in English.The play looks at the relationship between 15th-century Joseon King Yeonsangun and his court clown Gong-gil. Gong-gil is part of a troupe performing for the king under the ultimate pressure: Be fu

Expat LivingJune 24, 2015

'Mirror Mirror' exhibition to launch expat artists site

Art Network Korea will be launching its website with an exhibition of self-portraits in Seoul to start this week.“Mirror Mirror” will feature work by 15 visual artists from six countries, all looking at self-portraiture from a different perspective. The work includes photography, painting and drawing with a fairly conventional take on the concept, to more abstract images and installations. Exhibition curator Martyn Thompson, who also has work in the show, said he was pleased with how the artists

Expat LivingJune 24, 2015