[Weekender] Less, simple mean healthier, trendier

“Less” and “simple” are two keywords that depict the latest food trend in Korea as more consumers seek foods with less sodium and artificial additives while still wanting to eat on-the-go.CJ Foodville, a leading food business, is at the forefront of promoting healthy eating.In line with the latest trend for “less,” Tous les Jours, a bakery franchise run by CJ Foodville, launched a new bread lineup this year called Pure, with which the company said it aims to deliver the original tastes of its in

FoodJune 27, 2014

[Weekender] Slow food movement catches on with Koreans

Some people say that dating and eating have one thing in common: They can be fully enjoyed when you take them slow.As far as eating is concerned, Koreans are beginning to discover the virtue of “slow food” ― sustainably produced foods that use regional ingredients adapted to the local environment. With this, locally produced foods are growing in popularity.Jung Sung-hoon, 27, is among those who recently started to take interest in foods that are produced with care and are made with local and sea

CultureJune 27, 2014

[Weekender] Calendar

Dance“Don Quixote”: Following the Korean National Ballet’s staging of “Swan Lake” this past April, the company is gearing up to present it latest production, a resurrection of Marius Petipa’s classical tale of humor, “Don Quixote.” Based on the eponymous novel by Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes, the ballet version first made its premiere more than 260 years ago and has since become one of the ballet world’s most beloved comical productions. “Don Quixote” will run from June 26-29 at the Seoul

CultureJune 27, 2014

Eyelike: Jung revives rock spirit on new EP

Jung Joon-young revives rock spirit on new EPJung Joon-young“Teenager”(CJ E&M)Singer Jung Joon-young is bringing back rock ’n’ roll spirit to the local music scene inundated by mainstream pop music with his new EP “Teenager.”With the new release, Jung boldly declares a return to his roots as a hardcore rocker, showcasing six tracks infused with electric hard rock sounds and his signature, soaring vocals that made him a top contestant on the 2012 audition program “Superstar K4.” The new EP defini

PerformanceJune 27, 2014

[Weekender] Box Office

The Divine Move (Korea)Opening July 3Crime, Action. Directed by Jo Bum-guProfessional Go player Tae-seok (Jung Woo-sung) watches as his brother is murdered by Sal-su (Lee Bum-soo) during a high stakes Go match. He is even allegedly framed for the crime and locked up in prison. When he serves his time, he vows revenge against notorious Sal-su and his gang. He gathers professional Go players and forms a team to prepare for the final match against Sal-su’s invincible team. His players play one-by-o

FilmJune 27, 2014

‘Game of Thrones’ puts Northern Ireland on the map

BELFAST (AP) ― Giants, dragons and vengeful queens have for generations populated Northern Ireland’s folk tales. Now, such creatures are visiting the land in a different version ― on the sets for the hit TV show “Game of Thrones.” But rather than spells and destruction, they’re bringing an economic boost to this British province still healing from its past of political violence. Fans of the HBO fantasy drama would recognize here the landscapes from the fictional land of Westeros ― the castle of

TravelJune 27, 2014

Miami’s Virginia Key transforms from desolate hammock to tropical wilderness

MIAMI ― Just seven years ago, the 17-acre hammock in Historic Virginia Key Beach Park was as desolate as a moonscape, but now it brims with native plants and wildlife.Volunteer Gary Hunt, armed with a Home Depot fanny pack and a floppy tan hat, walks the overgrown path, pointing out hundreds of new trees and recalling the owls and warblers he has spotted in the park.“This shows you very profoundly what volunteer effort can do,” Hunt said.Volunteers like Hunt have helped transform Virginia Key in

TravelJune 27, 2014

Summer nights at Gyeongbokgung

Gyeongbokgung, a royal palace from the Joseon era (1392-1910) in Seoul, will remain open at night for visitors for 12 days this summer. From July 30 to Aug. 11 (closed on Aug. 5), the palace gates will be open from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. (admission by 9 p.m.), according to the Cultural Heritage Administration. The number of nighttime visitors will be limited to a daily maximum of 1,500 people: 1,390 tickets allocated for online reservation and 110 for onsite sales. The tickets cost 3,000 won and t

TravelJune 27, 2014

Beefed-up cheesesteak at the Beastro

The Beastro’s chilled beet soup with creme fraiche, lemon zest, dehydrated black olives and olive oil (Kim Myung-sub/The Korea Herald)Lunch at the Beastro in Hongdae is not meant to be a rushed affair. While the menu reads heavy on sandwiches, these carefully constructed handheld meals are best eaten in-house, not packed for the road. Served hot, with crisp wedges of potatoes, each riff on the classic lunch box eat comes swaddled in housemade bread and draped with gourmet fixings.Then there are

FoodJune 27, 2014

Jjimdak (braised chicken)

Jjimdak (braised chicken) (Korean Bapsang)Jjimdak (also called dakjjim) is a braised chicken dish. Andong jjimdak, which originated from the city of Andong, is a spicy version that has become very popular since the late 1990s. Braised in a sweet and savory liquid, the dish gets its spiciness from dried whole red chili peppers and fresh fiery hot green peppers called Cheongyang gochu. Unlike other braised dishes, Andong jjimdak is cooked over high heat. As such, it does not take long to cook. You

FoodJune 27, 2014

[Weekender] Around the Hotels

Scallop and king crab promotion at Grand Ambassador SeoulGrand Ambassador Seoul’s international dining restaurant Cafe de Chef is offering special dishes made with scallops and soft king crab, as well as fresh seasonal ingredients until Aug. 15. The “Scallop & King Crab Pasta” set menu -- priced at 44,000 won -- includes access to the salad bar and a choice of either a crab meat cream sauce pasta or a basil sauce pasta with potatoes, beans and scallops. The “King Crab Business” set menu -- price

TravelJune 27, 2014

Two Korean films headed to Munich Film Festival

A scene from “Steel Cold Winter.” (CJ Entertainment)Two Korean films, “Steel Cold Winter” by Choi Jin-sung and “Our Sunhi” by Hong Sang-soo, are being shown at the Munich Film Festival, which started Friday. “Steel Cold Winter” will be screened under the “Spotlight” section that showcases films from world-famous directors. This is the second time a Korean film has been invited to this section. “The Thieves” by Choi Dong-hoon was invited to Munich last year. “Our Sunhi” will be screened in the “I

June 27, 2014

EXO’s Chanyeol in talks with Korean director for film debut

Chanyeol of K-pop megahit group EXO is in talks with a Korean film director about making a big-screen debut, local news outlets reported Friday.  EXO's Chanyeol (OSEN)According to film insiders, Chanyeol was offered a role in a film tentatively named “The Last First Love,” to be directed by Kang Je-kyu. An official from SM Entertainment, Chanyeol’s label, said that the idol is positively reviewing the suggestion to debut as an actor. Chanyeol would play an innocent high school student though the

June 27, 2014

K-pop idols applaud Korean soccer players

Despite Korea’s defeat in the Group H finale match during the Brazil World Cup, K-pop idol stars expressed their appreciation of the Korean players’ efforts on the football grounds. South Korea crashed out of the World Cup with a 1-0 loss to a 10-man Belgium squad on Friday, Korean time. Right after the match ended early Friday morning, several stars sent messages for the football players to a local news outlet. Yoon Doo-joon of K-pop boy band B2ST said, “Team Korea, You have done really hard. T

June 27, 2014

Lee Seung-gi kisses Go Ara

A kiss scene between Lee Seung-gi and Go Ara appeared in episode 14 of the SBS drama “You’re All Surrounded.” The two, acting as detectives, were pretending to be a couple to catch suspects. Go asked Lee, “Honey, can you take a photo of me?” and he secretly took photos of suspects. Then, an unexpected situation happened. When suspects saw them, they encouraged Lee and Go to kiss. Go kissed Lee first to break the ice.But Lee couldn’t hide his feelings toward Go anymore. He hugged Go and kissed he

June 27, 2014

After School’s Nana in revealing editorial

After School’s Nana posed in revealing clothes for the style magazine Geek. Nana stood before the camera wearing black hot pants. More photos of the K-pop singer also can be seen on the cover of Geek magazine.By Cho Han-na, Intern reporter (hnncho@heraldcorp.com)(Photo Credit: Pledis Entertainment)　

June 27, 2014

‘Heechul knew about Taeyeon and Baekhyun’s relationship’

 Heechul of the K-pop idol group Super Junior shared his thoughts about Taeyeon and Baekhyun’s relationship. On the JTBC talk show “Sseol Jeon” broadcast on Thursday, Heechul revealed that he knew about the relationship a month before it was made known to the public.“What fans were disappointed about with Taeyeon and Baekhyun is that they made fans notice that they were dating before it was officially confirmed,” Heechul was quoted as saying.“Not all of the proof that they were dating that sprea

June 27, 2014

Luhan roots for Nichkhun’s Chinese drama

 Luhan of EXO helped promote the Chinese drama “One and a Half Summer,” where Nichkhun plays the lead role. CJ Entertainment posted a video of Nickhun and Luhan on Thursday on its official weiboo account featuring“Hi, this is Luhan of EXO. June 23, drama ‘One and a Half Summer,’ it’s good! (點贊)” Luhan said, putting his thumbs up. After Luhan came Nichkhun, who has the lead role in the drama, giving the same message.Both actors are staying in China for their acting careers. Luhan is currently fil

June 27, 2014