EXO-K, Kwanghee take selfie

Korean boy group ZE:A member Kwanghee (second from right) uploaded a selfie taken with three EXO-K members -- Tao, Suho and Sehun -- last week on Instagram. (khnews@heraldcorp.com)

June 9, 2014

Psy unveils video of new song 'Hangover'

South Korean rapper Psy uploaded the video of his latest song "Hangover" on YouTube on Monday morning, hours ahead of the song's official release.Also released on the official blog (www.yg-life.com) of YG Entertainment, the rapper's local management agency, the video comically features Korea's unique drinking culture. It depicted Psy and the famous American hip-hop artist Snoop Dogg having drinks to cure their hangovers and gimbap at a convenience store, making bomb cocktails and going to a saun

June 9, 2014

[Herald Review] Gender identity quest, noir or comedy

Many new film releases have drawn audiences to the theater, especially during the long weekend thanks to the local elections and Memorial Day. Of those, two come into focus as they explore a theme that has not yet been examined thoroughly in Korean films: the coming out narrative.Themes like homosexuality and transgender have kept a low profile in Korea, a society with strong Confucian traditions that regard the subjects as absolute social taboo. But recently, the topic of homosexuality has beco

FilmJune 8, 2014

Singing nun wins Italian TV talent show

MILAN (AFP) ― A singing nun clinched the final of The Voice of Italy television talent show contest on Friday after winning millions of followers with her lively dance act and soulful renditions of lusty pop classics.Wearing her black habit and a crucifix around her neck, Suor Cristina punched the air and thanked God for her victory, reciting an “Our Father” prayer to the puzzlement of organizers and audience.“I want Jesus to come in here!” said the wholesome 25-year-old with a self-effacing man

PerformanceJune 8, 2014

Tony Awards to be a knockout ― literally

NEW YORK (AP) ― The competition at the Tony Awards is fierce every year, but this time promises to be positively brutal: A fight will actually break out onstage. Sunday’s telecast will feature the usual black ties, soaring songs and gentle jokes ― and an eye-popping boxing match between Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed in a regulation-size ring on the Radio City Music Hall stage. It’s part of an attempt to highlight as many Broadway musicals as possible and promises to be a boon to the backers of t

PerformanceJune 8, 2014

‘Godzilla’ director in Japan feels like ‘surrogate mother’

TOKYO (AFP) ― As excitement builds in Japan for a Hollywood reboot of “Godzilla,” the new film’s director said on Thursday he felt like a “surrogate mother” who was returning a baby to its home. Hollywood giant Warner Bros put the fate of the classic behemoth ― originally a Japanese film ― in the hands of Briton Gareth Edwards, who made independent sci-fi flick “Monsters” in 2010. Godzilla’s latest incarnation has been appearing on screens in the United States and 60 other countries and territor

FilmJune 8, 2014

[Band Uprising] Peterpan Complex takes listeners on audio trip to Never Land

As the Korean music market begins to receive more international recognition, the local band scene is looking to rise up and represent the next generation of Korean music. This is the 15th installment of a series of interviews with Korean rock, acoustic and alternative bands. ― Ed.Once a contemporary indie band, Peterpan Complex is shifting gears by putting the electronic guitars on the back burner and bringing back the synthesizer and the sounds of the ’80s with its electro funk twist to undergr

June 8, 2014

Oscar winner Nyong’o bags MTV Africa personality award

DURBAN, South Africa (AFP) ― Oscar-winning Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong’o won the personality of the year award at the 2014 MTV African Music Awards held in South Africa’s southeastern city of Durban on Saturday. The 31-year-old, who won the best supporting actress Academy Award in March for her role in historical drama “12 Years a Slave,” was not present to receive her award. She became the first winner of the newly introduced lifestyle non-music personality of the year award.  Actress Lupita Ny

PerformanceJune 8, 2014

Teaser of Psy’s new song ‘Hangover’ tops 1m views on YouTube

A snippet of Psy’s new music video “Hangover.” (Yonhap)A snippet of the music video for Psy’s new song “Hangover” surpassed 1 million views on YouTube on Sunday, just two days after its release, his agency said.The new hip-pop song had a 10-second preview on U.S. network ABC’s talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live: Game Night,” where Psy and American hip-hop star Snoop Dogg were to appear, inviting 1.18 million views on YouTube, according to YG Entertainment.The full music video will be released Sunday (

PerformanceJune 8, 2014

Photos of Girls‘ Generation in ‘Dream Concert 2014‘

   Popular idol girl group Girls’ Generation participated in the “Dream Concert 2014” held at Seoul World Cup Stadium on June 7.The group performed two of their songs, “Hoot” and “Mr.Mr.” in front of 40,000 cheering K-pop fans.A total of 33 teams participated in “Dream Concert 2014” including EXO, SNSD, BEAST, 4minute, BTOB, A pink, B1A4, Girl’s Day, T-ara, VIXX, U-KISS, Rainbow, Dal Shabet, Z:EA and GOT7.By Kim Min-jin, Intern reporter (minjin103@heraldcorp.com)[Photo Credit: OSEN]

June 8, 2014

BEAST Hyunseung picks 4Minute HyunA over BESTie’s Yuji

BEAST member Hyunseung said 4Minute member HyunA is more attractive than BESTie member Yuji, the boy band member told the show hosts of KBS singing survival competition “Immortal Songs: Singing the Legend” aired on Saturday.  BEAST Hyunseung torn between 4Minute HyunA and Besti Yuji. (KBS)The comment came after Hyunseung and Yuji performed a sexy couple dance during the show. Hyunseung praised Yuji’s singing and dancing skills, adding that she “already has everything that a singer needs.”The sho

June 8, 2014

Taeyang‘s new song tells of his own love story

Taeyang, vocalist of K-pop group Big Bang, said Sunday that his latest track “Eyes, Nose, Lips” is based on his own personal story. (YG Entertainment)A short clip showing behind-the-scenes footage of the 26-year-old singer’s music video shoot for the R&B song “Eyes, Nose, Lips” was posted on the official blog of YG Entertainment, his management agency. “The title song tells of my sincere story. It is about missing a past love after a break-up. I believe those who listen to the song can see how I

June 8, 2014

Photos of EXO in ‘Dream Concert 2014’ released

Internationally popular idol group EXO participated in the “Dream Concert 2014” held at Seoul World Cup Stadium on June 7.EXO performed two of their hit songs, “Growl” and “Overdose,” in front of 40,000 K-pop fans.A total of 33 teams participated in “Dream Concert 2014” including SNSD, BEAST, 4minute, BTOB, A pink, B1A4, Girl’s Day, T-ara, VIXX, U-KISS, Rainbow, Dal Shabet, Z:EA and GOT7.By Kim Min-jin, Intern reporter (minjin103@heraldcorp.com)[Photo Credit: OSEN]

June 8, 2014

Psy’s “Hangover” teaser reaches 1 million views

The teaser video for viral sensation Psy’s latest single, “Hangover,” has surpassed one million views just two days after the sneak peek was posted on YouTube.The video was watched 1,194,546 times as of 1 p.m. Korean time on June 8. The 10-second video clip offers a quick glimpse into the long-awaited song that has a heavy bass line with an auto-tuned Snoop Dogg repeating the song’s title “Hangover.”The video, filmed in Korea, features the world-famous hip-hop artists taking a bath in a public f

June 8, 2014

2NE1 Park Bom to sing ‘Missing You’ with EXO’s Chanyeol in ‘Roommate’

2NE1 member Park Bom will sing with EXO member Chanyeol in the sixth episode of SBS’ variety show “Roommate,” set to be aired on June 8.The filming crew of “Roommate” posted a picture of Park Bom singing “Missing you,” one of 2NE1’s hit songs, with piano accompaniment by Chanyeol.According to the local reports, Park Bom was surprised by Chanyeol’s piano skills and called him a “genius,” especially when he said that he had never learned how to read music.“I listen to the song and play the piano b

June 8, 2014

Rain and Kim Tae-hee pictured at same restaurant

Pictures of South Korean singer Rain and actress Kim Tae-hee heated up online fan forums, showing the two top stars striking the same pose at the same spot of the same pub that is run by rapper Bbaek Ga.   Kim Tae-hee (left), RainBbaek Ga, a member of veteran K-pop dance group Koyote, disclosed the photo of the actress taken at his restaurant 2.7gram on Saturday.Kim and Rain reportedly made separate visits to the pub, adding to the fans’ curiosity.Kim, who boasts a natural look with long, straig

June 8, 2014

‘Gag Concert’ comedian Song Young-gil marries a salary woman

Comedian Song Young-gil tied the knot with his non-celebrity girlfriend in private at the Yeouido Wedding Convention Center in Yeouido, Seoul, on Sunday. Comedian Song Young-gil and his bride Song Young-gilSong, 29, had been dating his girlfriend since meeting her about a year ago, when he was preparing his comedy skit “Ahnsaenggyeoyo (Can’t Get a Date)” for KBS 2TV comedy show “Gag Concert.” In the skit, ironically, he acted out a man who constantly failed to get a girlfriend. The comedian refr

June 8, 2014

Art confronts ‘information overload’

With the click of a mouse, one can access a sea of information that was unimaginable before the advent of the World Wide Web. But more often than not a flood of information causes frustration when one is searching for a single piece of information. In this era when one can access information instantly, choosing the right information can be a daunting challenge. The confusion and irritation caused by what futurologist Alvin Toffler calls “information overload” in his 1970 bestselling book “Future

PerformanceJune 5, 2014

Hendrix’ ex-girlfriend says new movie ‘made up’

Sydney (AFP) ― An ex-girlfriend of guitar legend Jimi Hendrix has lashed out at a new biopic about his life, claiming some of it was “completely made up.”Kathy Etchingham, Hendrix’s girlfriend from 1966-69, said she was not consulted about the movie directed by John Ridley, who won an Oscar in March for writing the “12 Years a Slave” screenplay. Although yet to see the film, she is particularly incensed about a scene that depicts their relationship as so turbulent that he beats her up.  Director

FilmJune 5, 2014

2PM member sparks complaints for election day victory selfie

A complaint was made against 2PM member Hwang Chansung on Wednesday after he tweeted a selfie flashing the peace sign to show that he exercised his right to vote in the June 4 local elections.The picture showed Hwang holding up a “V” sign above his forehead alongside a caption that read “I voted!”In response, a member of South Korea’s ultra-right online community “Ilbe” filed a complaint against Hwang with the National Election Commission, insisting that the K-pop idol violated the election law.

June 5, 2014