[Herald Interview] BTS fever ‘revolutionizing’ existing structure

After BTS topped the Billboard 200 albums chart -- a feat previously thought impossible for a Korean artist -- people started wondering what makes the group so special. The Korean music scene has been rolling out an endless parade of young, good-looking singers with top-notch dancing skills, none of which had been able to crack into the mainstream Western music market. “BTS is extremely talented and produces quality music, but there had been those who can sing just as well, dance just as well an

PerformanceOct. 12, 2018

[Weekender] What’s behind BTS’ iconic message of ‘Love Yourself’

When BTS gave a speech themed on self-love at the United Nations General Assembly in New York in late September, fans were proud to see their idols at such a high-profile event that further propelled them onto the global stage. During the speech, RM (Kim Nam-joon) encouraged people to speak up for themselves regardless of who they are, where they are from, their skin color and their gender identity.The speech landed the group on numerous headlines worldwide, but not everyone was sure why the boy

PerformanceOct. 12, 2018

‘Secret of Leader’ explores changing Central Asian world

“The Secret of a Leader” (BIFF)Written and directed by Farkhat Sharipov of Kazakhstan, “The Secret of a Leader” screened its world premiere Oct. 6 at the Busan International Film Festival. There it competes in a field of nine for the newly created Kim Jiseok Award, honoring the director who passed away last year and remembering his passion to discover new talent across Asian cinema.In its 23rd year, the Busan film fest has grown to take on many roles, and it takes its responsibility of being the

FilmOct. 11, 2018

‘BTS members say they will definitely enlist for military service’: minister

South Korea’s culture minister put an end to the debate surrounding whether BTS members would be exempted from military service during a parliamentary audit Wednesday.“All of the BTS members say they will definitely enlist for military service,” said Do Jong-hwan who heads the country’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.His remarks came as Rep. Cho Kyung-tae of the main opposition Liberty Korea Party had asked about Do’s stance on the recent contentious issue: whether BTS members should be

PerformanceOct. 11, 2018

Meeting trees, forests and mountains and ourselves at Museum San

While art galleries and museums are usually associated with a refined atmosphere, Museum San distinguishes itself by fully embracing nature as a frame.Designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando, the museum defines itself with three words: space, art and nature. It is located next to the Oak Valley, a resort complex of golf courses and ski slopes, less than two hours’ drive from central Seoul. An outdoor view of Museum San (Museum San)To enter the museum, visitors must walk through natural scenery

Arts & DesignOct. 11, 2018

Multifaceted sushi at Sushi Ryukou

In a city with plenty of sushi options, it can be a challenge for a new sushiya to stand out from the crowd. Sushi Ryukou took that risk, opening in Sinsa-dong this August. “I wanted to show my own personal approach to sushi,” co-owner and chef Kim Kwang-min, 33, said. Kim honed his skills while studying and living in Japan for six years and racked up more experience at a Seoul hotel.  Sushi Ryukou‘s negi toro maki (front) is beautifully layered with sushi rice, nori, tuna, the white part of the

FoodOct. 11, 2018

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights around Korea

Healing Yoga’ at Coex Aquarium Coex Aquarium is holding an event that allows visitors to look at aquatic life while doing yoga. The “Healing Yoga” session to be held at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 19 will take place at the Ocean Kingdom zone of the aquarium, which has various sea creatures including sharks, rays and sea turtles. A specialist in Jivamukti Yoga will lead the session.Those who wish to participate can register via the aquarium’s homepage (www.coexaqua.com). No additional charge is required fo

TravelOct. 11, 2018

[Eye Plus] Autumn in full bloom

The crisp cool breeze of fall brings out the colors of nature. Cheorwon, Gangwon Province, is famous for the demilitarized zone that bisects the Korean Peninsula, and heavy snow in the winter, but at a slightly warmer time of the year, beds of cosmos fill the tension-filled border lands. (Photographed by Park Hyun-koo/The Korea Herald)Through joint effort of Cheorwon County and its residents, the Cheorwon Cosmos 10-ri Road was born three years ago, on a strip of land that used to serve as an old

TravelOct. 11, 2018

[Box Office] Movies in theaters this week

Dark Figure of Crime (Korea) Opened Oct. 3Crime, Drama, MysteryDirected by Kim Tae-kyunConvicted murderer Kang (Ju Ji-hoon) calls up detective Kim Hyung-min (Kim Yoon-seok) from his cellphone and confesses to six additional murders that were never reported to authorities. Kim investigates the cases, and soon learns that Kang’s testimony is mixed with lies and the criminal is manipulating him.Venom(US)Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi Oct. 3Directed by Ruben Fleischer Investigative journalist Eddie Brock

FilmOct. 11, 2018

Gong Yoo returns as ‘ex-spy agency member’

Gong Yoo is readying to return to the big screen, over two years after 2016 film “The Age of Shadows.”Gong is set to star in Lee Yong-joo’s new film tentatively titled “Seo Bok,” in which the actor will take on the role as a former intelligence agent who lends a helping hand to the world’s first human clone Seo Bok, as different groups try to track him down.Gong, who has appeared in films across different genres including “The Suspect” and “Train to Busan,” has kept a relatively low profile sinc

FilmOct. 11, 2018

[Weekender] Rapidly-expanding universe of BTS merchandise sweeping global market

As BTS’ rising global presence sends its brand value soaring the group is putting out an ever-expanding array of merchandise.At the forefront of the endeavor is Line Friends’ BT21 -- a collection of characters created by BTS members and related merchandise. BT21’s official site says BTS falls in line with the global character brand’s keywords: global, millennials and trending.Fans formed a line from early dawn when BT21 was officially released at Line Friends flagship store in Itaewon on Jan. 8.

CultureOct. 11, 2018

Twice to release third album of the year Nov. 5

Twice has confirmed that it will release a third album this year.The release date is Nov. 5, the group’s agency, JYP Entertainment, announced Thursday.  (JYP Entertainment)Twice released its first album of 2018, “What is Love?” in April and its second, “Dance the Night Away,” in July.“What is Love?” was the group’s fifth mini-album and it topped the music charts. The group went on to reign through the summer with “Dance the Night Away.” Having made a smash on the Japanese music charts with its d

PerformanceOct. 11, 2018

After renovation, JW Marriott Seoul aims for high-end luxury with fewer but bigger rooms

JW Marriott Seoul announced Wednesday that it is now fully ready for business with a new sports complex and two penthouse rooms.The hotel located next to the Express Bus Terminal reopened in August after an extensive eight-month renovation, but some of the hotel’s key facilities and rooms were not ready at the time. Radu Cernia, general manager of JW Marriott Seoul, speaks during a media briefing Wednesday. (JW Marriott Seoul)“Traditionally, a (hotel) renovation is not done by closing down the w

CultureOct. 11, 2018

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

Halloween fun at Millennium Seoul Hilton The Oak Room, the Millennium Seoul Hilton’s traditional English-style bar, will host a Halloween party on Oct. 27. The bar will be decorated with jack-o’-lanterns, staff will be dressed in costumes and a live trio will be singing. A face painting artist will be on hand to decorate guests’ faces with Halloween-inspired designs. Entrance is free, and those who arrive in costume will be given a free welcome drink.Cafe 395, the hotel’s all-day dining restaura

FoodOct. 11, 2018

BTS to perform in Paris ahead of Moon's visit

South Korean boy group BTS will stage a special performance in Paris next week at a cultural event marking the scheduled visit there by President Moon Jae-in, Moon's presidential office Cheong Wa Dae said Thursday.The event will be held Sunday, one day after Moon arrives in France on a four-day state visit.It will consist of various performances by Korean traditional and pop artists, including BTS, according to Cheong Wa Dae officials. (Yonhap)The seven-member boy group is causing a global sensa

PerformanceOct. 11, 2018

Time honors BTS as ‘Next Generation Leaders’

Leaving footsteps all around the word, BTS has been honored by Time magazine as “Next Generation Leaders.” On Thursday, Time shared a lengthy article shedding light on the boy band’s ongoing global success with the headline “How BTS is taking over the world.” It also unveiled its latest cover with BTS.  (Time)Introducing the seven-piece act as “Next Generation Leaders” and “young trailblazers who are reshaping music,” Time chronicled BTS’ success story, analyzing how the group’s songs, despite b

PerformanceOct. 11, 2018

No tricks, only treats, at Seoul Dessert Fair in late October

Horror has never been sweeter.The 18th Seoul Dessert Fair, South Korea’s largest dessert festival, will feature a variety of Halloween-themed sweets -- from “blood bags” containing fruit-flavored drinks to Frankenstein candies to zombie cupcakes.(Instagram @seoul_dessert_fair)Each round of the dessert fair features a seasonally apt theme such as cherry blossoms for spring and watermelons for summer.The upcoming festival, slated for Oct. 20-21, is the fourth of 2018 and promises a Halloween party

FoodOct. 11, 2018

Botanic park in Magok opens for test operation

A massive botanic park will open in Magok, western Seoul, on Thursday, with entrance fees waivered for citizens until April 2019. The Seoul Botanic Park will be test-operated for six months, before opening officially next May, according to the city government on Tuesday.(Seoul city government)Construction of the park, which began in November 2015, took more than three years to complete. Spanning 50,400 square meters of land, approximately the size of 70 soccer fields, the park currently contains

Social AffairsOct. 10, 2018

Petition demanding BTS’ disbandment filed to Blue House

Over 3,000 Koreans have signed a petition calling for the disbandment of boy band BTS on Cheong Wa Dae’s official online petition platform.The petition posted on Sept. 25 calls for the band’s disbandment on the grounds that the band members are “haughty.” (Big Hit Entertainment)“What have they done to merit military service exemption?” reads the post, expressing discontent over a military service exemption debate sparked by a lawmaker in July. The presidential office is required to issue an offi

PerformanceOct. 10, 2018

Kim Seong-heui exhibition portrays contemporary individual

A solo exhibition of works by Kim Seong-heui, an artist and oriental painting professor at Seoul National University, will open Friday at Chosun Ilbo Gallery in Seoul. Titled “Constellation Link-Transparent Human,” the exhibition will comprise some 30 works by the artist.  “Constellation Link-Transparent Human” “Constellation Link-Transparent Human”Kim uses traditional mulberry paper for her paintings, putting together three to four pieces of mulberry paper before she paints to create a backgrou

Arts & DesignOct. 10, 2018