Comedy, talk show and girl band caught YouTube users' attention this year

This year, Korean YouTube users enjoyed talk shows and comedy videos the most while female idol groups showed outstanding performance in terms of viewership in the music video section. According to YouTube's statistics released Monday, an episode from Rapper Lee Young-ji’s talk show channel, “Not Much Prepared,” featuring aespa's Karina, topped the list of the most popular videos of the year. The video, which was released six months ago, had more than 16 million views

CultureDec. 11, 2023

Gimhae to commemorate hometown hero killed in 1979 coup

A commemorative ceremony in honor of the late Lt. Col. Kim Oh-rang, who died while battling the rebel forces during the 1979 military coup, will be held Tuesday in his hometown of Gimhae, South Gyeongsang Province. According to city officials, the annual ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. near Kim's bust erected between Samjeong Middle School and Samseong Elementary School, which the deceased soldier graduated from. The ceremony has been held each year since 2014, when the government conferre

PeopleDec. 11, 2023

Short film streaming platform Samansa launches in Korea

Samansa, a streaming platform that specializes in short films, has soft-launched operations in South Korea, becoming its second country of operations. The service, founded in Japan in 2021, provides some 800 short films from around the world, with subtitle options including Japanese and Korean. The platform claims 45,000 subscribers and 200,000 monthly active users in Japan, with numbers growing by 10 to 15 percent, monthly. "There's rapid technological development in the way people wa

FilmDec. 11, 2023

National Museum explores ideals of Joseon Kings Yeongjo, Jeongjo

A special exhibition that revisits an era when two Joseon kings pursued rule of impartiality has opened ahead of next year’s 300th anniversary of King Yeongjo’s ascendance to the throne. King Yeongjo was succeeded by his grandson, King Jeongjo. The exhibition, organized by the National Museum of Korea under the theme “Wise and Unbiased,” comprises calligraphy and paintings that, according to the museum, declared an equal share for all under a powerful monarch. “King

Arts & DesignDec. 11, 2023

Fragile yet strong, G Gallery's 'Thick Skin' showcases two emerging artists

Artists tell us about their inner worlds through the art they create. Two young Korean artists -- Hwang Sue-yon and Choi Yoon-hee -- unveil their inner selves, both fragile yet strong, through the medium of paintings and sculptures. The emerging artists are showing new works at G Gallery in Seoul at the exhibition “Thick Skin," which kicked off on Nov. 29. Hwang explores paper sculptures, created with paper and graphite. From a distance, the sculptures look as though they are made

Arts & DesignDec. 10, 2023

ART Fin runs holiday-themed exhibition in Seoul

Online art platform ART Fin kicks off the exhibition “The Present” on Tuesday at ART Fin gallery in Gangnam-gu, southern Seoul, bringing together seven artists -- Kwon Ji-young, Kim Su-cheol, Min Chan-wook, Bahk Young-hoon, Lee Gun-hee, Lee Si-san and Lee Yoon-jeong. Coinciding with the holiday season, part of the sales from the exhibition will be donated to groups supporting underprivileged children, according to ART Fin. The works on display include “Mycota,” an 80-cent

Arts & DesignDec. 10, 2023

[Herald Interview] Singer Yun Hee-jung keeps jazz enthusiasm going with long-running concert series

In a studio that became the home ground for jazz singer Yun hee-jung for 30 years, concert posters, newspaper clippings, microphones, a keyboard and other musical instruments show the history of the 70-year-old vocalist. Clad in leather pants and an eye-catching knitted hat, Yun brewed her coffee — the latest obsession for Yun, who lacks no energy. After expounding on her newfound passion for a while, she returns to her biggest passion: jazz. Jazz came to her a bit later in life -- when sh

CultureDec. 10, 2023

[Herald Interview] With fashion exhibition in Korea, Kennie Ting hopes to expand Singapore museum's reach

Singapore's Asian Civilisations Museum, a cultural institution that exhibits a wide range of artifacts and offering a fascinating exploration of the diverse heritage and history of Asian civilizations, is trying to attract younger visitors with its latest fashion exhibition, according to its director Kennie Ting. “It was very much focused on connoisseurship, and there was an aspect of us that was ethnographic because we have these Southeast Asian collections,” Ting told The Kore

CultureDec. 10, 2023

Culture minister to discuss exchanges with Vatican this week

South Korea's culture minister plans to meet Vatican officials in Italy this week to discuss bilateral exchanges as Seoul and the Vatican mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year, his office said Sunday. Culture Minister Yu In-chon plans to hold a meeting with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin in Rome on Monday to explore opportunities for strengthening ties and participating in a set of cultural events, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

CultureDec. 10, 2023

[Eye Plus] Tradition reborn in 'ottchil'-lacquered electric guitar

Tradition, by definition, is a pattern or custom established over a long time. But the collaboration between Lee Jung-hyun, a musical instrument designer, and Ahn So-ra, a lacquer artisan, goes one step beyond preserving the time-honored practice of "ottchil," natural lacquering derived from the sap of staghorn sumac trees, blending Ahn's craft with Lee's invention in the lacquering of an electric guitar. "Rather than to keep the tradition going, I think what we're

CultureDec. 9, 2023

Korea’s go-to winter treats to help beat the cold

On a cold winter's day, the aroma of freshly baked goods is hard to resist. As you look around, you will soon spot people clutching bags of hot and humble delicacies, perfect for snacking on as they walk Seoul's icy streets. From hotteok and steamed corn to roasted chestnuts, there are seemingly endless varieties of winter snacks to help you beat the cold. With temperatures below zero on most days and brisk winds, Korean winters are an ideal time to enjoy some of the nation's most

FoodDec. 9, 2023

'Dune: Part Two' to be more action-packed, fast-moving: director

The American epic sci-fi film "Dune," which grossed $402 million worldwide, will hit local theaters in February with its long-awaited sequel. "Dune" is the film adaptation of Frank Herbert's renowned novel of the same title released on 2021. The film follows the narrative of Paul Atreides -- a young nobleman who rises to command a desert army in a conflict for dominance over the planet's precious resource, Spice. Denis Villeneuve, the French Canadian film director a

FilmDec. 8, 2023

'The Glory' notches two accolades at AACA including best drama series award

South Korean drama production Studio Dragon said Friday it notched accolades at the 2023 Asian Academy Creative Awards for the second consecutive year with its megahit Netflix original series "The Glory." The AACA is the largest content awards ceremony in Asia held annually in December in Singapore. Works from 17 countries across the Asia-Pacific, including Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Viet

TelevisionDec. 8, 2023

S. Korea determined to become tourism powerhouse

With plans to prepare for the Visit Korea Year 2023-24 campaign, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is going all out to make Korea another Asian tourism powerhouse and create a more enjoyable tourism environment for domestic holidaymakers. In a press briefing in Seoul on Thursday, Jang Mi-ran -- the second vice minister of culture, sports and tourism -- expressed high hopes to turn Korea into an appealing destination for both foreigners and locals, exceeding pre-pandemic visitor levels

TravelDec. 8, 2023

Antenna concert series mixes music, art and cocktails

Jazz melodies and fragrant cocktails captivated the audience at the LG Art Center, Wednesday, marking the first day of a series of special performances presented by the music agency Antenna. "Club Arc Antenna" showcases the work of six Antenna singer-songwriters, offering music, art and cocktails, as well as allowing the audience to visit backstage areas and mingle with the performers. Renowned jazz pianist Yun Seok-cheol kicked off the series on Wednesday, and will be followed by sing

PerformanceDec. 8, 2023

Filming set for season 2 of 'Squid Game' unveiled to press

Global streaming service Netflix on Thursday unveiled part of the set for the second season of "Squid Game" to the press as it continues production, with filming scheduled to extend into 2024. "We have been filming the second season of 'Squid Game' since July with the interest and support of many viewers. We are burdened with the pressure to do well, but we will make sure to repay viewers with a good result," said Hwang Dong-hyuk, the director of the 2021 Netflix su

TelevisionDec. 8, 2023

Cheorwon to open complete Hantan River trail

Cheorwon, one of the coldest counties in Korea located in Gangwon Province, on Thursday announced that its iconic Hantan River trekking course is fully available for winter lovers and outdoor activity enthusiasts, starting from Saturday. While the county initially unveiled the 5.15-kilometer trail that stretches from Jiktang Falls to Seungil Bridge in early November, starting this weekend tourists can walk the complete 8.5-kilometer trekking course to Goseokjeong Pavilion. Recognized for its u

TravelDec. 8, 2023

[Well-curated] Embrace the holiday spirit with lights, concerts and a Christmas market

Christmas-themed media facade in Myeong-dong Shinsegae Department Store in Myeong-dong, Seoul, has become a must-visit Christmas spot in the city. The building’s facade has been transformed into a splendid Christmas lights display with the theme of “Magical Winter Fantasy.” Once the Mitsukoshi Department Store in the 1930s during the Japanese colonial era, the building holds historical significance, and started to grab attention a couple of years ago during the holiday season

CultureDec. 8, 2023

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

  Jeju Camellia Festival   Winter on Jeju Island is all about the camellia flower, which has become like a symbol for the island itself. Jeju Island invites visitors tired of the freezing cold to its camellia festival, which runs to the end of January next year. Visitors will be surrounded by blooming camellias in lush greenhouses, gardens and trails -- all within a park. Jeju tangerines add a flavor making the trip all worthwhile. Adults pay 13,000 won for entry, while fees for those

TravelDec. 8, 2023

[Around the hotels] Promotions and packages

Park Hyatt Seoul unveils special winter cakes Park Hyatt Seoul, located on Gangnam's Teheran Road, presents two winter-themed cakes to elevate the year-end atmosphere with lovely desserts. Crafted with chocolate and sweet compote made from seasonal strawberries, the Christmas wreath cake brings profound sweetness and elegance to the table. Meanwhile, the fresh cream strawberry cake notches up the flavor with mascarpone cream. Cake reservations, which began Nov. 24, run through Dec. 20 via N

CultureDec. 8, 2023