[Weekender] Calendar

Dance“Sleeping Beauty on Ice”: The ice ballet rendition of Sleeping Beauty has captivated audiences for decades since its premiere in St. Petersburg, Russia. Founded in 1967, the Saint-Petersburg State Ballet on Ice will be continuing its long-held tradition by bringing its performance of “Sleeping Beauty on Ice” to Korea. The award-winning cast of ice skaters soar through the air in stunningly visual twists and turns in their ballet-inspired choreography of the classic children’s tale. The perf

PerformanceJuly 18, 2014

‘Boyhood’ Linklater’s crowning achievement as a filmmaker

It started as “a narrative problem,” writer-director Richard Linklater says. “How do you tell a story, with actors, over a long period of time? You can’t recast it when you’re catching up with somebody, year by year. The change in appearance would be too abrupt.”He wanted to follow a child from first grade to college enrollment, “and I was stuck with the limitation of the physical appearance of whatever young actor I had.”His solution is “Boyhood,” the most acclaimed film of the year, a movie th

FilmJuly 18, 2014

Eyelike: Swings returns with new EP

Swings returns with new EPSwings“Mood Swings II Part. 2: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder” (CJ E&M)South Korean rapper Swings, who shook up the local hip-hop scene by setting off an unprecedented dis war among major South Korean rappers, has returned with the second installment of his “Mood Swings II” trilogy, titled “Mood Swings II Part 2: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.”The new six-track EP is filled with easy, free-flowing rap which provides a glimpse into the rapper’s thoughts and personal ponde

PerformanceJuly 18, 2014

[Weekender] Box Office

Kundo: Age of the Rampant (Korea)Opening July 23Action. Directed by Yoon Jong-bin“Kundo” is set in the 13th year of King Cheoljong’s reign in mid-19th century Joseon, when rampant corruption in the ruling class and its exploitation of the populace pushed the common people over the edge. Dolmuchi (Ha Jung-woo) is a not-so-intelligent but kind-hearted butcher, a typical lower-class job at the time. One day, Dolmuchi makes a dangerous deal with Jo Yoon (Gang Dong-won), a noblemen’s son who was an o

FilmJuly 18, 2014

Taking the scenic route through the 49th state

ANCHORAGE, Alaska ― Our quest was emblazoned on the T-shirts we were given before we left for Alaska: “8 men, 4 highways, 5 days, 865 miles.” On motorcycles.We were a mixed group of Sunday motorcycle-riding friends. Roger and Rod, both 71, had been pals since high school, and Roger had brought his son Josh, 31. Chris and Jonnie, both 48, and Steve and John, 53 and 51, respectively, had ridden together for years. All were veteran riders.We set out from Anchorage under a leaden early June sky, an

TravelJuly 18, 2014

Hwachae (Korean traditional fruit punch)

Hwachae (Korean traditional fruit punch) (Korean Bapsang)Hwachae is a Korean traditional fruit punch, which is made with various fruits and sweet drinks. There are many variations, and some are even made with edible flower petals or grains such as barley or rice cakes. Traditionally, the base drink is water sweetened with honey, syrup or sugar. These days, carbonated drinks and fruit juices are also commonly used. Hwachae made with watermelon (subak) is a summer favorite. I made it here with gin

FoodJuly 18, 2014

[Weekender] Around the hotel

Opening of Cafe 395 at Millennium Seoul Hilton Millennium Seoul Hilton is opening the doors of its new flagship restaurant Cafe 395 following a three-month-long renovation. Based on the “open kitchen” concept, Cafe 395 brings diners face to face with chefs who prepare dishes for the restaurant’s buffet selection on the spot. From the seafood corner to the grilled station, from Asian specialties to the Italian and French tables, Cafe 395 offers diners an international experience. The buffet, whic

FoodJuly 18, 2014

Gluten-free, vegan lunches at Chou

Chou, a lunch spot that opened in Seoul’s Cheongdam-dong this March, reflects owner Laura Wee’s own approach to eating. Ever since she was a child, Wee had been troubled by allergies, poor digestion, back problems and pain in her joints. “I just wanted to feel good,” said Wee, 26, explaining that her main motivation for changing her diet was her health. After she switched to a vegan and gluten-free diet three years ago, Wee said she felt the difference: “I was flying.” Now, Wee hopes to share he

FoodJuly 18, 2014

Knife-wielding assailant breaks into JYP building

A knife-wielding man has been arrested for creating a ruckus at the JYP Entertainment headquarters.A 34-year-old man, surnamed Choi, passed the first-floor security gate to the JYP Entertainment building in Gangnam, Seoul, on Thursday by closely tailing a company employee, according to police reports.Thwarting attempts by employees to block him, Choi made it all the way up to the recording room on the third floor, demanding a meeting with the company’s CEO Park Jin-young.CEO of JYP Entertainment

July 18, 2014

Mraz opens Kakao Music room for Korean fans

The geek in the pink American pop singer-songwriter Jason Mraz is finding new ways to keep in touch with his Korean fan base.In commemoration of Mraz’s newest album, “Yes,” released on Wednesday, Warner Music Korea announced that Mraz has now opened up his own “Star Music Room” on the recently launched Kakao Music application, joining the rising number of Korean artists who have opened up their own music rooms.  Jason Mraz’s “Star Music Room” on Kakao Music. (Kakao Music)The application enables

PerformanceJuly 18, 2014

Hyun Bin has no current plans for marriage

South Korean actor Hyun Bin said that he has no plans for marriage yet at the red carpet ceremony for the 18th Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival on Thursday. During a short interview with the press ahead of the festival’s opening ceremony, he was asked if he had any marriage plans, in the wake of the announcement of Korean film director Kim Tae-yong marrying Chinese actress Tang Wei.  (OSEN)Hyun gave a short answer, “Not yet,” while smiling. The 11-day film fiesta kicked off on Thursd

July 18, 2014

EXO Luhan pictured with Chinese actress Zhao Wei

The K-pop sensation Luhan of EXO appeared in a picture with the Chinese actress Zhao Wei.Famed Chinese actor Yang Zishan posted a photo taken with the cast of the Chinese film “Twenties Once Again,” on his Weibo account on Thursday.In the photo, Luhan is posing for the camera with Zhao Wei, Yang Zishan, Chen Wilson and the film director. Luhan is currently in China to participate in filming for the upcoming rom-com “Twenties Once Again,” the Chinese version of the Korean hit film “Miss Granny.” 

July 18, 2014

Kara Park Gyu-ri to turn into weather forecaster

Park Gyu-ri of the K-pop girl band Kara is to turn into a one-day weather forecaster, Korea’s broadcaster said Friday.Park’s first-ever weather forecast will be televised on July 21 for viewers of the SBS morning show “Morning Wide.”The idol will be the first to appear on the new SBS weather forecast program hosted by celebrities.The program, titled “Weather Show,” will air every Monday, featuring eye-catching celebrities, the show’s producer Yoo Young-suk said.By Ok Hyun-ju (laeticia.ock@herald

July 18, 2014

Hallyu stars’ fashion hits film festival

The fashion styles of hallyu stars on Thursday hit a film festival held in Korea. At Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival, female celebrities boasted elegance while male stars went for a gentlemanly look. Kim Woo-bin  (OSEN)Wearing a chic formal suit, actor Kim Woo-bin smiled at fans. Son Ye-jin  (OSEN)The actress Son Ye-jin wore a sexy dress with a unique design on the front. Hyun Bin  (OSEN)The actor Hyun Bin boasted a gentlemanly look.4Minute’s So-hyun  (OSEN)The idol group member So-

July 18, 2014

Kim Jae-joong boasts ‘heart-throbbing’ fashion in ‘Triangle’

Actor Kim Jae-joong’s fashion in the MBC drama “Triangle” is gaining attention from its viewers.In the drama, Jang Dong-chul, played by Kim, shows two kind of styles that are totally different. Kim skillfully matches his acting with the outfits, giving his character a neat and warm look. Kim Jae-joong's suit look (C-jes Ent.)The first style is the “suit look.” Kim’s character wears various kinds of suit in every episode of the drama, making him look smart and neat. Yet, the printed shirts matche

July 18, 2014

2PM Taecyeon talks about his ideal type of woman

Taecyeon of the idol group 2PM revealed his dating style and ideal type of woman in an interview during a photo shoot for the fashion magazine Instyle.When Taecyeon was asked what he is like when in a relationship, he replied, “It may differ from a person to person, but people often say that I am caring.” “That is why sometimes it is awkward to act as ‘Donghee,’ who may seem to be a little bit blunt, in my drama ‘Wonderful Days,’” he added.“My ideal type of woman is someone who enjoys to eat wit

July 18, 2014

JYJ decides on R&B song as title track for new album

K-pop boy band JYJ has chosen the title track of its upcoming album, the group’s label said Friday. The group will make a grand return to the K-pop scene with their second studio album, “Just Us,” to be released on July 29. The title track, “Back Seat,” will be an urban R&B song. (OSEN)“Instead of feeling the burden of making a great album, we just wanted to portray our true selves in the album,” the group said. The teaser video for “Back Seat” is set to be unveiled online on July 22. “A recentl

July 18, 2014