Korea National Contemporary Dance Company unveils its program for next season

Korea National Contemporary Dance Company will continue to explore the art of dance in 2023 with experimental programs for the next season. “20▲△” (Twenty Triangle Triangle) which premiered in 2021 will return to the stage in February as the first program of the season. Directed by choreographer Song Joo-won, the performance was part of the “Dance and Technology Project” which incorporated VR as well as the audience into a dance. In June, “Cascade Passage” wil

PerformanceJan. 1, 2023

[Korean Flavors] Chef Kim Byoung-jin of Gaon believes Korean ‘haute cuisine’ is all about authenticity

For Kim Byoung-jin, chief executive chef of the three Michelin-starred restaurant Gaon, 2023 will be a new year like no other. It will be his first year outside the kitchen. After 20 years of raising Korean fine dining to a new level, one of the most famous Korean “haute cuisine” restaurants Gaon is closing Jan. 1, albeit temporarily, for reorganization. Kim, who is also the president of the Gaon Society, which operates a number of fine dining restaurant brands in Korea, will also

FoodJan. 1, 2023

[Newsmaker] Former pope Benedict XVI dies aged 95

VATICAN CITY (AFP) - Former pope Benedict XVI has died at the age of 95, the Vatican announced Saturday, almost a decade after he became the first pontiff to resign in six centuries. "With sorrow, I inform you that the Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, passed away today at 9:34 in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican," Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said in a statement. The German pope emeritus, whose birth name was Joseph Ratzinger, had been living a quiet life in a former convent

PeopleDec. 31, 2022

IU and actor Lee Jong-suk are dating: agency

Singer-actor IU, also known as Lee Ji-eun, and actor Lee Jong-suk are dating, according to their agencies on Saturday. “Lee Jong-suk and IU have recently progressed from close colleagues into a relationship,” said Lee’s agency, High Zium Studio in an official statement. IU’s agency EDAM Entertainment also confirmed, “Two of them have been close colleagues for a long time and have recently begun dating.” Lee won the grand prize for his role in the crime thrille

CultureDec. 31, 2022

Looking to hit the slopes this winter? Here's where to go

While the country hunkers down waiting for the deep freeze to pass, winter sports fans are welcoming the steep drop in temperature -- it is prime time for skiing and snowboarding. Some adrenaline addicts have already taken out their snowboards, skiing gear and have headed to ski resorts around the country. Following are some of the country’s popular ski resorts if you’re looking to take a late night ride or a weekend trip in the mountains. Vivaldi Park Resort Some 60 kilometers eas

TravelDec. 31, 2022

Webtoon 'The Uncanny Counter' returns with prequel

Kakabo Page’s beloved web comic “The Uncanny Counter” returned Thursday, a year and a half after its second season came to an end in June 2021. “I think I took the longest break in my career as a webtoon artist. I am feeling a little nervous and excited to continue the stories of ‘The Uncanny Counter’ with this new season,” Kakao Page press release quoted the creator Jang Yi as saying. The series is a prequel to the original story featuring the origin of

CultureDec. 30, 2022

Jeon Hyun-moo wins his 2nd grand prize at MBC Entertainment Awards

TV personality Jeon Hyun-moo wrapped up the year in triumph, winning the grand prize at the MBC Entertainment Awards on Thursday. Recognized for his performances on smash-hit TV shows -- “I Live Alone” and “The Manager: Revel My Star’s Life,” widely known as its Korean title “Omniscient Interfering View,” the 45-year-old show host was awarded the top prize at MBC headquarters in Mapo-gu, western Seoul. Jeon won his second grand prize in MBC Entertainme

TelevisionDec. 30, 2022

Places to see first sunrise of 2023 in S. Korea

With only days left until the new year, popular spots for watching the sunrise on Jan. 1 are getting ready for crowds that are expected to be the largest since the pandemic hit the world in early 2020. Prime spots are typically atop mountains and beaches where you can watch the glowing sun rise over the horizon. On Jan. 1, 2023, the sun is expected to come out between 7:26 a.m. and 7:40 a.m, according to the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute. In Seoul, major mountains, including Namsan

CultureDec. 30, 2022

The biggest culture moments of 2022

1. K-dramas and movies receive global recognition Squid Game, the Netflix smash hit, brought home six historical wins from the Emmy Awards 2022. It became the first non-English series to win Outstanding Directing, while Lee Jung-jae, the show's lead, became the first Asian to win best actor. At the Cannes Film Festival 2022, South Korean director Park Chan-wook won best director for his erotic thriller "Decision to Leave," while Song Kang-ho became the first Korean to win best act

CultureDec. 30, 2022

[Well-curated] Rabbit-themed exhibition, retro game and cafe at historic building

As the new year approaches, various rabbit-themed events, attractions and exhibitions are scheduled to entertain the public, celebrating the Year of the Black Rabbit. Rabbit-themed carton exhibition Cartoon exhibition Eol-To-Dang-To, an abbreviation word for “Way to go rabbit! What a confident rabbit!” in Korean, feature eye-catching works drawn by the members of the Korea Cartoonist Association and Japanese artists. Korean traditional comic artist Lee Doo-ho and renowned Japanese ma

CultureDec. 30, 2022

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

Fairmont Ambassador Seoul presents ‘Strawberry High Tea at Fairmont’ promotion The Atrium Lounge at Fairmont Ambassador Seoul Hotel presents Strawberry High Tea at Fairmont, an indulgent celebration of winter’s favorite fruit, from Jan. 2 to March 12. This season’s high tea features a selection of desserts and beverages crafted from fresh strawberries, complemented by savory items. The dessert menu includes strawberry mousse, terrine, mont-blanc filled with jam and monte

FoodDec. 30, 2022

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Ulsan Ganjeolgot Sunrise Festival Ganjeolgot Cape, known to be the first place in Korea to see the sunrise, will hold the annual New Year’s Sunrise Festival. Starting at sunset on Dec. 31, various cultural performances will take place at Ganjeolgot Park near the lighthouse. Bid goodbye to 2022 and ring in the new year with a wish as the sun rises over the horizon. Detailed information can be found at tour.ulju.ulsan.kr. Yeosu Hyangiram Sunrise Festival Hyangiram Sunrise Festival, an an

TravelDec. 30, 2022

[Box Office] Movies in theaters this week

“Gentleman” (South Korea) Opened Dec. 28 Crime/Action Directed by Kim Kyung-won Private detective Ji Hyun-soo (Ju Ji-hoon) pretends to be a prosecutor in order to find his missing client, fight evil crimes and track down outlaws masterminded by Kwon Do-hoon (Park Sung-woong), the head of a large law firm. Together with merciless prosecutor Kim Hwa-jin (Choi Sung-eun), Ji works on solving a murder case to prove his innocence after he is falsely accused of being the killer. Hero (Sou

FilmDec. 30, 2022

Bestselling author of ‘The Dwarf’ leaves behind literary legacy

Bestselling author Cho Se-hui, who shed light on the shadows of the country’s industrialization and economic miracle with his 1978 novel “The Dwarf,” was laid to rest on Wednesday. Cho passed away on Sunday at the age of 80 due to a chronic illness, his family said. Major bookstores and literary figures expressed condolences to Cho throughout the week. Kyobo Book Center, the biggest bookstore chain in Korea, and Yes24, Korea’s largest online book retailer, opened a memori

BooksDec. 29, 2022

‘Train to Busan’ director Yeon Sang-ho returns with sci-fi film ‘Jung_E’

Filmmaker Yeon Sang-ho, who directed the first Korean zombie-thriller to attract more than 10 million viewers at local cinemas, is returning with the new sci-fi film “Jung_E.” Yeon’s new dystopian action thriller is set in the 22nd century, when humans and AI robots exist only in outer space due to climate change. After a civil war breaks out in the post-apocalyptic era, humans at an AI research lab endeavor to develop the warrior AI robot Jung_E and clone its brain to win the

FilmDec. 29, 2022

KBS to air new music program ‘The Seasons’

Public broadcaster KBS will continue its 30-year legacy of late night music talk shows with a new program, “The Seasons,” starting in February. The new music program, which stars Korean singer and rapper Jay Park as its new host, will air Fridays in the same time slot as “You Heeyul’s Sketchbook,” which ended abruptly in July. The upcoming show is set to be aired in four different seasons with new hosts each quarter, the broadcaster said in a press release, with

TelevisionDec. 29, 2022

Top orchestras with Korean musicians highlight classical music calendar in 2023

As most of the world returns to pre-pandemic normalcy, the coming year is expected to bring in worldwide talents and provide many occasions to showcase collaboration between Korean musicians and renowned orchestras. As early as March, the 475-year-old German orchestra Staatskapelle Dresden, with its principal guest conductor Chung Myung-whun, will hit the stage of the Seoul Art Center. On March 5, featuring Korean pianist Cho Seong-jin, the orchestra will perform a Tchaikovsky piano concerto a

CultureDec. 29, 2022

Best Restaurants in Itaewon, Seoul

This information is provided by CATCH TABLE. -- Ed. 1. La Cucina La Cucina is a traditional Italian restaurant that offers a wide variety of classic dishes and a carefully curated wine selection. It serves all your favorite Italian dishes, from creamy pasta sauces to tender meats and fresh seafood. Whether you're in the mood for a casual meal or a more formal dining experience, La Cucina has something for everyone. With its warm, inviting atmosphere and delicious food, La Cucina is the

FoodDec. 29, 2022

60 % of Netflix subscribers watched at least one K-drama in 2022

Six out of 10 Netflix subscribers globally watched at least one Korean title on the streaming platform this year, Netflix said Thursday. "The K-Wave is bigger than ever," Netflix said in a release posted on its global newsroom. "Sixty percent of our members watched a Korean title and Netflix had six of the Top 10 most searched K-Dramas in Korea." The zombie thriller "All Of Us Are Dead" and the legal drama "Extraordinary Attorney Woo" were two of Netflix&#

TelevisionDec. 29, 2022

Good year for Korean literature abroad

Korean literature has achieved significant recognition on the global stage in 2022. Translated literary works won or were nominated for prestigious literary awards outside of the country this year, with a total of four awards and nine nominations. They gained recognition in different genres including novels, poetry and graphic novels, according to the Literature Translation Institute of Korea on Wednesday. Bora Chung’s “Cursed Bunny” and Park Sang-young’s “Love in t

BooksDec. 28, 2022