Trailblazer in globalizing Korean classics

Choi Byong-hyon, a professor of English literature at Honam University in Gwangju, is widely regarded as one of the top translators of the Korean classics, especially historically important texts that are written in hard-to-decipher Chinese characters. Choi has already published four translated books in the category. The latest one, published in June by Harvard University, is a 1,056-page tome, “The Annals of King T’aejo: Founder of Korea’s Choson Dynasty.” He completed the massive translation p

CultureDec. 12, 2014

Calendar

Pop musicPsy Concert: “All Night Stand”: Just as he did last year, Psy will be returning to the stage for four energy-filled nights for his upcoming “All Night Stand” holiday concert series. Inarguably the world’s most famous K-pop star to date, Psy has held some form of a holiday concert annually for the past decade, with last year’s four-day event attracting 60,000 fans. The man who defined Gangnam style will host five shows from Dec. 19-24, with two separate performances on Christmas Eve. The

CultureDec. 12, 2014

Eyelike: Lorde’s ‘Mockingjay’ soundtrack gets dark

Lorde’s ‘Mockingjay’ soundtrack gets darkVarious artists“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, Original Motion Picture Soundtrack”(Republic Records)It was only a matter of time before Lorde graduated from contributing a song for “Catching Fire” to taking over the soundtrack for the latest “Hunger Games” soundtrack in which the 18-year-old chanteuse curates a concoction of dark magic, enchanting tunes and revolutionary feelings. As the world of Katniss Everdeen gets darker with sacrifice, violence

PerformanceDec. 12, 2014

Box Office: Ode to My Father, The Theory of Everything, Five Eagle Brothers

Ode to My Father (Korea)Opening Dec. 17Drama. Directed by Yoon Je-kyoon“Ode to My Father” is the story of Deok-soo (Hwang Jung-min), a man who lived through Korea’s tumultuous 1950s and 1960s. When the Korean War breaks out, Deok-soo is separated from his younger sister and his mother and becomes the breadwinner of the family. From a young age, he takes all kinds of difficult and odd jobs to provide for his mother and his other siblings. In search for opportunities, he travels the globe, working

FilmDec. 12, 2014

‘Exodus’ plagued by casting, script issues

To what do we owe the second coming of the biblical epic? A genre that was once as moldy as stale communion wafers has been reborn this year, first with Darren Aronofsky’s “Noah” and now with Ridley Scott’s “Exodus: Gods & Kings.” The resurrection is partly to capitalize on the faith-based moviegoing audience and partly because the Bible offers stories suited to this blockbuster era, offering both spectacle and name-brand familiarity. More than 50 years after “The Ten Commandments” sandals are b

FilmDec. 12, 2014

Oahu combines big city buzz, history, rural beauty

Although some visitors head straight for other islands when visiting Hawaii, thinking they’ve done and seen it all on Oahu, Hawaii’s most populous island is always worth another visit. Oahu has the buzz and attractions of a major city combined with solace and scenic beauty just a short drive away.Don’t get me wrong. I love the other islands, too: Lanai and its two Four Seasons resorts, where I stayed when the properties first opened under different management 20 years ago, and recently revisited

TravelDec. 12, 2014

Hike, soak in a natural hot spring in New Mexico’s funky Jemez area

Fair warning, hikers. If a little nudity makes you squeamish, steer clear of the picturesque little hot springs scattered in the hills around the Jemez area of New Mexico.But if you’re all for taking a dip in the wilderness and don’t mind a bare bun or two, you’ve got plenty to choose from.The volcanic activity that formed the Jemez Mountains created an array of hot and cold pools, some of them within easy hiking distance, where you can soak tired legs under a canopy of pine trees. More refined

TravelDec. 12, 2014

Myeolchi bokkeum (stir-fried dried anchovies)

Myeolchi bokkeum (stir-fried dried anchovies) (Korean Bapsang)These stir-fried dried anchovies (myulchi/myeolchi) are a popular side dish. Dried anchovies are a staple in Korean kitchens. Medium-sized to large anchovies are primarily used to make stock, while smaller ones are used to make a variety of side dishes. Because they are an excellent source of calcium, Korean moms encourage their kids to eat more anchovies. The dried anchovies are first stir-fried in a little bit of oil, and then mixed

FoodDec. 12, 2014

Naturally leavened bread at Lotte World Mall

It is not surprising when Le Pain owner-baker Im Tae-eon says his favorite bread at his bakery is his baguette.Utterly crisp on the outside, chewy on the inside, Le Pain’s baguette is something to pause over. There is that crackle and snap of thin crust, akin to a potato chip in texture, that gives way to a nutty, slightly grainy, airy crumb. “Spread some unsalted butter on and sprinkle a little salt over it,” Im, 39, divulged his own penchant for cutting a freshly-baked baguette and savoring th

FoodDec. 12, 2014

Around the hotels

British afternoon tea at Grand InterContinental Seoul ParnasGrand InterContinental Seoul Parnas presents a British afternoon tea set at the Lobby Lounge & Bar to celebrate the completion of the 10-month hotel renovation. The “Weekend High Tea Buffet” promotion offers a wide variety of dessert menus, including Earl Gray cake, brie crème brûlée, blueberry cheesecake and more prepared by the hotel’s patisserie. The selection of the dessert menu was assisted by InterContinental London Park Lane. Gue

FoodDec. 12, 2014

Fly to the Sky, Gummy unite for collaboration concerts

Following a special collaborative live performance in United States last month, noted ballad singer Gummy is reuniting with male R&B duo Fly to the Sky to hold three concerts in Seoul later this month. Brian Joo and Hwanhee of Fly to the Sky will be joining Gummy onstage once again for the artist’s upcoming live collaboration concert series, “The Attraction,” to be held from Dec. 23 to Christmas Day at the Kyung Hee University’s Peace Amphitheater.The three local artists claim to share a tight-k

Dec. 12, 2014

Singer Shin Hae-chul memoirs to be published posthumously

A memoir by the late rock singer Shin Hae-chul will be published on Christmas Eve, the publisher Munhakdongne said.“Mawang Shin Hae-chul” is a collection of short essays and stories that Shin wrote before he died in October. “Mawang,” or demon lord, is the late singer’s nickname. Having found Shin’s writings on his personal computer, the bereaved family decided to publish the book to tell the legendary rocker’s personal story.  Late singer Shin Hae-chul’s posthumous book “Mawang Shin Hae-chul.”

PerformanceDec. 12, 2014

Holiday movies: from Joseon tailors to magical Middle-earth

There’s a reason why people say “save the best for last.” At least, that is the case here on the silver screen, as a vast lineup of films is pieced together to celebrate the most wonderful time for theater goers. From a biopic of Steven Hawking and a hobbit’s journey through Middle-earth to the Joseon era for a glance of colorful clothes of the royal families, there is something for everybody. Here’s what we have to look forward to.‘Theory of Everything’A well-crafted biopic of brilliant scienti

FilmDec. 11, 2014

Kirk and Anne Douglas reflect on 60-year romance

BEVERLY HILLS, California (AP) ― Kirk Douglas is done with writing. The rakish screen legend with the famously dimpled chin made that abundantly clear on a recent afternoon at his Beverly Hills home, a few days before the release of his poetry collection “Life Could Be Verse: Reflections on Love, Loss, and What Really Matters.” “To me, this is my best book, and my last book,” said Douglas, seated next to Anne Douglas, his wife of over 60 years. It was a pronouncement that came up more than a few

FilmDec. 11, 2014