The foundation of the Third Renaissance is being laid in Uzbekistan

On Nov. 15, a grand ceremony commemorating the 30th anniversary of the independence of Uzbekistan and the 29th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Republic of Uzbekistan was held at the Lotte Hotel Seoul at the initiative of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Seoul. The event was attended by representatives of the government, ministries, companies, heads of diplomatic missions and compatriots working and studying in South Korea. Welcoming participants of the event, A

PeopleNov. 21, 2021

Kuwait’s Vision 2035 is opportunity for Korea-Kuwait cooperation: Kuwait’s top envoy

Kuwait’s Vision 2035 aims to transform the country into financial and trade hub presents opportunities for Korean participation, Kuwait’s top envoy to Korea Bader M. al-Awadi said last week. Speaking at the Eurasian Economic and Cultural Forum 2021 hosted Wednesday by The Korea Herald, Al-Awadi highlighted the pillars of Vision 2035 and introduced underlying projects and opportunities for Korean companies at the forum. A key part of Vision 2035 is the Silk City project, to be buil

PeopleNov. 21, 2021

[Newsmaker] Netflix’s ‘Hellbound’ may be the next big Korean hit

Netflix’s fantasy thriller “Hellbound” directed by Yeon Sang-ho is off to a good start in following in the footsteps of global sensation “Squid Game.” A day after being released Friday, Yeon’s Netflix series topped the Top TV show on Netlflix chart, according to streaming analytics firm FlixPatrol. “Squid Game” grabbed the No. 2 spot on the chart Saturday. The global hit TV series directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk had stayed atop FlixPatrol’s T

FilmNov. 21, 2021

Lehmann Maupin Seoul will move to Seoul’s rising art mecca early next year

Lehmann Maupin Seoul will expand its presence in Korea’s art scene moving its location to Hannam-dong in central Seoul in early spring 2022, joining the ranks of international galleries settling down in the fast-rising art mecca. The gallery’s newly renovated building will feature larger exhibition spaces that will span across two floors and an outdoor terrace to accommodate installation works and sculptures. The American gallery launched its first local branch in Samcheong-dong,

Arts & DesignNov. 21, 2021

BTS chosen Variety’s 2021 ‘Record of The Year’

K-pop superstar BTS’ “Butter” has been named as Variety’s 2021 record of the year, its agency Big Hit Music said Sunday. Influential US entertainment magazine Variety had announced the final list of honorees for its annual Hitmakers celebration Friday in the US, elaborating that the writers and producers -- “multi-hyphenate creatives/executives Jenna Andrews and Ron Perry, RM, Stephen Kirk, Alex Bilowitz and Rob Grimaldi” -- had crafted the perfect hit. The

PerformanceNov. 21, 2021

[Eye Plus] Reinterpretation of Deoksugung: Garden of Imagination

In the 15th century, it was the private residence of a grand prince. Then in the late 19th century, it became the imperial palace of the short-lived Korean Empire. During the Japanese colonial period that followed, it was reduced to a public park.  This is the story of Deoksugung, now South Korea’s historical site No. 124 and one of the most serene places tucked in central Seoul.  An artistic project is taking place here, under the title of “Deoksugung Project 2021: Garde

Arts & DesignNov. 20, 2021

[Visual History of Korea] Divine bell Emile Jong resonates in the hearts and souls of Koreans for 1,250 years

During the golden days of Silla Kingdom in the eighth century following the unification of the Korean kingdoms, the national religion Buddhism took Silla to a whole new height. Peace and prosperity were expressed in the creation of the finest Silla Buddhist treasures, some of which have survived centuries of tumultuous history. A trifecta of Buddhist treasures -- Buddha’s home, body and voice -- were completed in 771, when the Divine Bell of King Seongdeok the Great was successfully cast

CultureNov. 20, 2021

[Holly’s Korean Kitchen] Dak bulgogi, Korean chicken BBQ

When you hear the word bulgogi, you immediately think of the famous Korean beef dish. However, bulgogi isn’t limited to beef. Try this chicken bulgogi -- Korean chicken barbecue -- and you will be surprised how wonderful chicken tastes. Chicken bulgogi, also known as dak bulgogi, is often confused with dak galbi, another spicy Korean chicken recipe. While dak galbi is chicken and vegetables pan-fried all together with a spicy sauce in one skillet, dak bulgogi is solely chicken without any

FoodNov. 20, 2021

‘Nothing Serious’ director creates female character talking openly about sex

Rookie Korean director Jung Ga-young, 31, said she focused on creating a female character with a daring personality when writing the script for romantic comedy “Nothing Serious” “I wanted to make a rom-com. I am a big fan of the genre and on top of that I wanted to create a film that centers around a female character,” the director said during a press conference held at CGV Yongsan in central Seoul on Wednesday. “I also wanted the female character to be honest when

FilmNov. 20, 2021

Leenalchi to put on XR concert

Traditional Korean music-inspired band Leenalchi, which rose to stardom last year with its song “Tiger Is Coming,” is to hold an extended reality concert online. The concert, “Sugungga: Catch the Rabbit,” will be released on local mobile streaming platform Kakao TV on Nov. 30. Extended reality is an umbrella term that covers virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality. 　 The XR concert will revive scenes from the band’s album “Sugungga,” a

PerformanceNov. 20, 2021

BTS' 'Dynamite' video passes 1.3 bln YouTube views

The music video for K-pop superband BTS' "Dynamite" has passed 1.3 billion views on YouTube, its management agency said Saturday. The video for the megahit single released in 2020 reached the milestone at 10:15 p.m. Friday, Big Hit Music said. It became the seven-member group's third music video to hit 1.3 billion YouTube views following "DNA" and "Boy with Luv." BTS has a total of 35 music videos with more than 100 million views on the global music sharing sit

PerformanceNov. 20, 2021

Kim Jong-kook lambastes Canadian fitness YouTuber

Entertainer Kim Jong-kook is seeking to put an end to doping rumors, and most recently he appeared in a YouTube video with a media lawyer to talk about defamation. In the video, posted Thursday on Kim’s bodybuilding channel, media and telecommunications practice lawyer Park Min-chul joined the singer as he denied the doping rumors. “I have worked as a television celebrity for 27 years and believed that the most important role as a celebrity is to bring joy and happiness to the pu

TelevisionNov. 19, 2021

[Video] Dos and Don'ts Before Exams Around the World

  November 18th was a big day in South Korea as ‘Suneung’ took place, a national college entrance exam that is held once a year. Airplanes stop, stock markets open an hour later and police stand-ready to take students who can’t make it to the test site on time. Because it’s considered a life-changing test, there are many superstitions one must do and don’t do before taking the test! Team Konnect went out on the streets of Seoul to find out what they are and how

CultureNov. 19, 2021

'Bad and Crazy’ teaser shows Lee Dong-wook, Wi Ha-jun as detectives

TvN’s new Friday-Saturday drama “Bad and Crazy” is scheduled to kick off on Dec. 17, after “Happiness” comes to an end Dec. 11. Directed by You Sun-dong who produced OCN’s hit drama “The Uncanny Counter,” the cable network presented a 15-second teaser Friday showing its lead characters. Top actor Lee Dong-wook takes the role of “bad” detective Ryu Su-yeol, who is willing to do anything and everything to accomplish his objectives. Co

TelevisionNov. 19, 2021

'Arcane' lands at No. 2 on Netflix global top 10 chart

Riot Games made a successful debut on Netflix with the League of Legends-themed animation “Arcane,” soaring to No. 2 on the service’s official weekly chart. Riot Games released its animated series Nov. 7 after the Worlds 2021 Championship, one of the most popular global esports events. “Arcane” ended the historic 46-day reign of Netflix global sensation “Squid Game,” topping the chart within a few days of its release. The series has made the top 10

esportsNov. 19, 2021

Craft Trend Fair 2021 showcases beauty of Korean craftsmanship

Korean craftsmanship, both traditional and contemporary, is on full display at the Craft Trend Fair 2021 at Coex in southern Seoul. The main exhibition “Every Shape, Every Color,” the highlight of the fair, presents a variety of craftworks by 71 Korean and overseas artists. Jung Ku-ho, a well-known fashion designer and artistic director, organized the fair that features 320 artists, galleries and institutes. Jung was the artistic director for the “Monochrome Monologue&rdquo

Arts & DesignNov. 19, 2021

Korean films set to hit local screens in time for year-end season

Long-awaited Korean movies are gearing up to hit local screens in the coming months to lure film buffs and holiday shoppers in the year-end winter vacation season. The political drama "Kingmaker," starring Lee Sun-kyun of "Parasite" and Seol Kyung-gu, will forefront the move, as distributor Megabox Plus M has earlier confirmed its public release in December. The film, which revolves around an opposition party politician who dreams of becoming the president and his excellent

FilmNov. 19, 2021

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

Andaz Seoul Gangnam launches ‘Guy’s Night Out’ Andaz Seoul Gangnam, a lifestyle hotel located in Apgujeong, is offering the “Guy’s Night Out” staycation package, featuring spacious luxurious accommodations in an Andaz Suite for up to four people. The package includes a special drink basket with Grey Goose vodka, four bottles of beer and a “Hangover Food Set” packaged with hangover-helper drinks, seafood ramen and french fries. Complimentary acce

FoodNov. 19, 2021

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Wonju Dynamic Dancing Carnival The Wonju Dynamic Dancing Carnival will be held at Wonju Sports Complex in Gangwon Province, from Friday to Sunday. The event, rescheduled from October, has grown into a global festival with a parade competition that typically takes place in the streets. However, the festival has downsized the scale, with programs being presented only at a special stage at Wonju Sports Complex. The annual festival is returning after two years, featuring cultural arts performances,

TravelNov. 19, 2021

[Box Office] Movies in theaters this week

Perhaps Love (Korea) Opened Nov. 17 Romantic comedy Directed by Cho Eun-ji Bestselling writer Hyun (Ryu Seung-ryong) is trying to overcome writer’s block after producing a hit novel seven years ago. One day, Hyun reads a rough draft of a novel written by his student, Yoo-jin (Mu Jin-sung), and suggests further developing the work together. Yoo-jin, who is gay and has feelings for Hyun, takes up the offer. Tomb of the River (Korea) Opened Nov. 10 Action Directed by Yoon Young-bin Gangste

FilmNov. 19, 2021