Ku Hye-sun to write, direct, star in her next movie

Filmmaker, actress, singer and artist Ku Hye-sun is up for a new challenge.She is to write, direct and star in her next movie project titled “Daughter.” It is her first time taking up the three roles all at the same time.The film is said to be about a difficult relationship between an abusive, demanding mother and her daughter. Veteran actress Shim Hye-jin has been cast to play the mother, while Ku will be playing the tormented daughter.Ku, who broke into the Korean entertainment industry in the

FilmNov. 20, 2013

Riedel in town

The man who helped grow the market for vessels designed specifically for different wines is hosting a “Riedel Glass Tasting” event at the Grand Hyatt Seoul on Nov. 22.Georg Riedel is the former head of Riedel Glas Austria, the more than 250-year-old family business famed for the style-specific wine glasses that created a stir when first released in 1973. Riedel, whose family business roots go back 10 generations, is also the pioneer who launched the Vinum collection, the “first machine-made, var

FoodNov. 20, 2013

Expats raise money for Haiyan victims

Filipinos and other expats here have been joining efforts to help people suffering from the aftermath of Super Typhoon Haiyan, with events ranging from drawing events to a boy band concert in Myeong-dong. Pinoy Iskolars sa Korea (PIKO), a group of Filipino academics, has raised over 10.5 million won so far through efforts including a charity concert in Hongdae, a text-messaging drive and a relief collection at a church.The money is going to the Philippine Red Cross and the Association of Social

Expat LivingNov. 19, 2013

KOTRI to host climbing film tour

An expat rock climbing group will be hosting an international film tour from Saturday, but with the added bonus of locally made films. Korea on the Rocks Initiatives is hosting the Reel Rock Film Tour in Seoul on Saturday and in Daegu on Dec. 14 to raise money for initiatives to improve climber safety and support.It will be the first time any of the films will be shown in Korea, and the premiere of the two local films ― “Ulleungdo” by Lee Sung-jae and “Unclimbed” by The Dedicated Everyman, a gro

Expat LivingNov. 19, 2013

‘Race’ promises not to pull its punches

Probationary Theatre Company will be performing “Race” by David Mamet starting this weekend, touching on a controversial subject for its final Seoul performance.The play, described by Mamet as being about the lies we tell ourselves about race, portrays the debate had at a law firm about whether to take on the case of a white man accused of raping a black woman.Director Liam Mitchinson said that he loved Mamet’s natural-sounding dialogue and willingness to challenge his audience. “In the ’80s, (M

Expat LivingNov. 19, 2013

Eudon Choi stays outside comfort zone

Eudon Choi is one of the hot, emerging designers in the global fashion scene, successfully debuting at London Fashion Week last year and winning the Samsung Fashion Design Fund three years in a row. His latest win was announced on Tuesday along with his long-time friend and designer Heo Hwan of Heohwan Simulation.The course of his career in fashion has been an attempt to step outside of his comfort zone. He started working as a menswear designer in Korea, but ventured into womenswear, driven by

Arts & DesignNov. 19, 2013

‘Artists in companies lead to innovation solution’

The arts can be more than “condiments” such as welfare policies or marketing opportunities for businesses. They can become an engine for innovation and development in an organization, a group of academics and businessmen claimed Tuesday. They urged more Korean organizations to adopt “artistic intervention,” which involves artists at all levels, from human resources management to strategic planning and business development, at firms and organizations.“Arts can engage people with mind, emotions an

CultureNov. 19, 2013

When personal stories become art

When Israeli choreographer Idit Herman asked to share “something personal” for their joint piece, her nine dancers ― all members of the Korea National Contemporary Dance Company ― were very “shy” at first.“They are very, very much reserved,” Herman told The Korea Herald. “They really keep things inside. But they don’t just do that for nothing. They have a great depth and they are resilient.”Herman is premiering “Into Thin Air,” her collaborative project with the Korea National Contemporary Dance

PerformanceNov. 19, 2013

2NE1 to release new single, embark on world tour

The K-pop idols of 2NE1 will be embarking on the group’s second world tour next year, with the ladies kicking off in Seoul in March.After home performances, the group will head over to China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan and more cities to be announced later.2NE1 completed the group’s first world tour titled “New Evolution World Tour 2012” last year, which took them around the globe including Taiwan, Singapore, and all across Japan, as well as the United States with pe

PerformanceNov. 19, 2013

‘Spider-Man’ show to exit Broadway, takes on Vegas

NEW YORK (AP) ― Producers are turning the lights off forever on the Spider-Man musical on Broadway early next year, the final chapter in the story of most expensive theatrical show ever that shook off a troubled launch to become a hit and is now limping away to Las Vegas.Rick Miramontez, a spokesman for the show, said in a statement late Monday that “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark” will end its run in January and will next appear in Vegas. “Further details will be announced in the weeks to come,”

PerformanceNov. 19, 2013