[Herald Interview] Bek Hyun-jin defies definition

Bek Hyun-jin's authentic portrayals of a villainous CEO in "Taxi Driver" and an oppressive executive in the film "Samjin Company English Class" might have cemented his position as a supporting actor specializing in antagonistic characters. But Bek's identity extends far beyond these roles. In his own words, he describes himself as "a single guy born in 1972 living in Yeonnam-dong," a locale renowned for its indie bands and thriving nightlife. As for his pr

CultureAug. 16, 2023

2023 JIMFF reclaims its roots by "going back to the beginning"

How music shapes a city and accords identity: Scenes of 19th Jecheon International Music and Film Festival JECHEON, North Chungcheong Province -- The 19th edition of the Jecheon International Music & Film Festival -- the only internationally recognized festival that encompasses both music and film -- came to a close Tuesday with dampened festivities and controversy. The festival got off to a rocky start this year, suffering from budget cuts and leadership changes. This year's budget was

FilmAug. 15, 2023

EMK to remake musical 'Sister Act' for Asian tour

The musical adaptation of “Sister Act,” based on the hit 1992 film of the same title, will be produced for an Asian tour under the guidance of South Korea's EMK Musical Company. Known for its success in turning international productions into popular musicals here, EMK now aspires to expand its scope by creating productions for a broad audience, its producer said on Monday. The musical “Sister Act” was produced by American actor Whoopi Goldberg and premiered at Pasade

CultureAug. 15, 2023

‘Smugglers,’ ‘Concrete Utopia’ score at box office while ‘The Moon’ flops

Homegrown blockbuster films are vying for viewers this summer, with their distributors hoping to see consecutive releases bring back moviegoers. But moviegoers’ taste for “something new” over impressive visuals and star-studded casting have determined the fate of major film releases. Director Ryoo Seung-wan’s female-led crime action “Smugglers” passed its breakeven point in its third week of release on Sunday, having pulled in 4.35 million moviegoers nationwid

FilmAug. 15, 2023

NTCK to stage 5-hour modern take on Greek trilogy

In staging “This Restless House,” English playwright Zinnie Harris' contemporary reworking of the "Oresteia" Greek trilogy, the National Theater Company of Korea takes on a daunting challenge: keeping the audience engaged throughout the five-hour performance. Friday's rehearsal for the first part, which was open to the press, exceeded two hours. With a total performance time of five hours, including intermission, it is the longest work ever staged by the NTCK. &ld

PerformanceAug. 15, 2023

Hemyeong Kim to present solo show at London's Bonhams

Hemyeong Kim will have a solo exhibition under the title “Hemyeong” at British Auctioneer Bonhams’ headquarters in Mayfair, central London, from Oct. 7 to 13, becoming the first Korean artist to present a solo exhibition at one of the world’s oldest auctioneers. The exhibition will coincide with the Frieze London global art fair from Oct. 11 to 15 in Regent’s Park. Kim’s exhibition at Bonhams’ will feature her “Constellation Links” series, ac

Arts & DesignAug. 15, 2023

Summer sizzles with mystery, horror, thriller novels

As the heat wave swept through Korea, so did the feverish appetite for spine-chilling tales and gripping mysteries. In July, sales of mystery, horror and thriller novels rose by 56.1 percent over the previous month, according to Yes24, Korea's largest online book retailer. The novels behind recent drama adaptations led the July bestseller lists, while support for genre-specific writers remained strong and major publishing houses released anthologies. Original novels of drama adaptations l

BooksAug. 14, 2023

Two storied European orchestras to perform Brahms' Symphony No. 1 in October

For the fans of Brahms' Symphony No. 1 in C minor Op. 68, October will be a chance to compare two different renditions by two top European orchestras at the same venue, just six days apart. On Oct. 7, the London Philharmonic Orchestra will perform the composer’s first symphony in the second part of their concert at Seoul Arts Center’s Concert Hall under the baton of Edward Gardner. Gardner has been the LPO’s principal conductor since September 2021. On Oct. 13, the Tonha

PerformanceAug. 14, 2023

King Gojong’s private retreat open to public for limited time

The doors to King Gojong's private quarters at the main palace Gyeongbokgung will open to the public with exhibitions that display the royal lifestyle of the Joseon era. Geoncheonggung, often referred to as King Gojong's private retreat, holds a unique place in history. Despite ascending to the throne in 1863, King Gojong's father Heungseon Daewongun ruled the country as regent on behalf of his young son. It was with the intent to express his desire for independence from his fathe

CultureAug. 14, 2023

Superheroes highlight Korean TV dramas in summer

Korean superheroes have captured viewers’ hearts with their unique supernatural powers and telepathic abilities in their most recent TV drama outings. Cable channel tvN fired the first salvo in the clash of superheroes this summer with a second season of fantasy action series “The Uncanny Counter,” following up on the first in 2020. The series centers on high school student So-mun, who is recruited by a group of “counters” to hunt down and eliminate evil spirits tha

TelevisionAug. 14, 2023

Musicians come together for Liberation Day concert

A Liberation Day concert titled “815 Seoul, My Soul” will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Gwanghwamun Square. Commemorating the 78th anniversary of Liberation Day and the first anniversary of the reopening of Gwanghwamun Square, the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts is co-organizing the event with Seoul City. Pop, trot, modern rock, pansori, folk songs, and uniquely individual pieces that transcend the traditional genre of gugak will be performed under the theme of “Our Mus

PerformanceAug. 14, 2023

[70th Anniversary] Congratulatory messages from culture leaders

Leaders and celebrities in the cultural sector who are at the forefront as well as behind the scenes have shared congratulatory messages on the occasion of The Korea Herald's 70th anniversary and 70 years since the cease-fire of the Korean War. -- Ed. Sumi Jo, Soprano Congratulations on the 70th anniversary of The Korea Herald, which has played a significant role as a fundamental bridge between the world and South Korea with accurate reporting and balanced analysis, reflecting the country

CultureAug. 13, 2023

[Herald Interview] Jung Woo-sung finds directorial identity with ‘A Man of Reason’

Veteran actor Jung Woo-sung’s first project as director was a journey in search of his identity as a director, the actor-turned-director told The Korea Herald in an interview on Thursday. “After the press screening, many told me that ‘A Man of Reason’ is very Jung Woo-sung-like. But I never reminded myself to make a movie that’s like me during the shooting. It was rather a process of finding out what being myself means both as a director and an actor, which I really

FilmAug. 13, 2023

[Herald Interview] Yoo Hae-jin calls ‘Honey Sweet’ an adult version of ‘The Cloudburst’

Actor Yoo Hae-jin, who took his first-ever romantic comedy lead in “Honey Sweet,” a delightful rom-com that tells the love story of a couple in midlife, called his film an adult version of Korea’s timeless classic short story “The Cloudburst” (“Sonagi”). “Just like other actors, I prioritize the storyline of the film. I found the screenplay of ‘Honey Sweet’ very entertaining. I got the feeling that the story is like an adult version of

FilmAug. 13, 2023

British gallery White Cube to kick off inaugural Seoul show in September

White Cube, a leading contemporary gallery, will put up its inaugural show in Seoul, “The Embodied Spirit,” on Sept. 5, coinciding with the upcoming Frieze Seoul and introducing seven artists across the world, including South Korea's own Lee Jin-ju. The gallery will also unveil its space in Seoul with the first exhibition in Sinsa-dong, southern Seoul. The gallery, its second permanent space in Asia following one in Hong Kong, is located in the first floor of an encased buildi

Arts & DesignAug. 13, 2023

[By the Highway] Expressway service areas: More than just stopovers

Rest stops are a place where one passes through on the way to going somewhere else. They are not a destination. At rest stops, drivers rush in to use the toilets, stretch themselves after long hours in a car and grab something to eat. However, some of these roadside establishments have gone beyond their traditional role, positioning themselves to become new cultural spaces. While a number of service areas have failed in their grand ambitions after installing entertainment facilities, including

TravelAug. 12, 2023

Sip of summer delight: Korean fruit punch and more

The scorching summer sun easily leaves us feeling drained, and hesitant to venture outside at all. But during the hot season, the Korean dessert scene undergoes a captivating transformation, with a symphony of fruits boasting sweet and refreshing flavors. Among an array of delightful summer treats, one particular gem stands out for not only its ability to quickly quench thirst, but also for its simple preparation: hwachae. Hwachae is a a rejuvenating drink that is prepared by combining an assort

FoodAug. 12, 2023

[Box office] Movies in theaters this week

“Concrete Utopia” (South Korea) Opened Aug. 9 Thriller/Disaster Directed by Um Tae-hwa Residents of Hwanggung Apartment building No. 103, the only building that has survived a destructive earthquake, initially see their building as a “utopia,” but it soon devolves into a nightmare. “Ransomed” (South Korea) Opened Aug. 2 Adventure/Action Directed by Kim Seong-hun A diplomat named Min-jun (Ha Jung-woo) and a local taxi driver named Pan-su (Ju Ji-hoon) are on a

FilmAug. 12, 2023

[Photo News] K-pop concert for 2023 World Scout Jamboree

CultureAug. 12, 2023

New translation prize looks for talent to translate Penguin book

The 2023 New Translator Prize, launched by the Charm Agency, a literary agency based in Seoul, together with New York-based Barbara J. Zitwer Agency, is seeking to discover emerging, talented Korean-English translators. The competition running from Aug. 1 to Dec. 31 welcomes submissions from both professional translators and budding enthusiasts who translate Korean literature into English, regardless of age or nationality. The chosen literary work is the winning title of the 2022 New Korean Voic

BooksAug. 11, 2023