[Drama Tour] Romantic trip to ‘Queen of Tears’ filming spots

GOESAN, North Chungcheong Province -- For those who are not yet ready to say goodbye to South Korea’s latest hit romance drama “Queen of Tears” and its leading couple, played by Kim Ji-won and Kim Su-hyun, paying a visit to the series's beautiful filming locations might be a way to recapture some of the show’s iconic moments. “Queen of Tears” was shot in various cities in South Korea and Germany. For those looking for quieter destinations that are not pac

TravelMay 11, 2024

[New in Korean] Million-selling Kim Ho-yeon returns with nostalgic novel

"My Don Quixote" By Kim Ho-yeon Namu Bench Novelist Kim Ho-yeon, known for his bestselling "The Second Chance Convenience Store" series (previously known as the "Uncanny Convenience Store"), which has sold a whopping 1.5 million copies, returns with “My Don Quixote." Inspired by Cervantes' "Don Quixote," the novel delves into the aspirations and pursuits of young individuals chasing their dreams, anchored in the backdrop of a bygone era. Th

BooksMay 11, 2024

World’s Best restaurant Central chef shares insights in Seoul

Virgilio Martinez, founder and head chef of Peruvian restaurant Central, was in Seoul last week to share his insights on fine dining culture and offering exquisite experiences to diners. His 16-year-old restaurant topped the World’s Best Restaurant 2023 last year. Sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, the World’s 50 Best Restaurants has reflected the diversity of the world’s culinary landscape since 2002. Martinez was in Korea to take part in Nanro Insight, a global symp

FoodMay 11, 2024

What's Seoul's No.1 landmark? Seoulites say Han River, foreigners pick Gwanghwamun Plaza

Seoul's Han River was picked by the city's residents as the capital's most iconic feature, according to the results of a survey by the Seoul Metropolitan Government on Thursday. Foreign nationals, on the other hand, chose Gwanghwamun Plaza as Seoul's top landmark in the same survey. A total of 35,881 South Koreans aged 15 or over, and 2,500 foreign nationals who stayed in the country for at least 91 days took part in the 2023 Seoul Survey. In the poll, in which multiple ans

TravelMay 11, 2024

[New in Korean] Aching first love in revamped coming-of-age novel 'Elsa's Ha-in'

"Elsa's Ha-in" By Kang Ji-young Jaeum & Moeum Publishing Author Kang Ji-young, best known for the novel "A Shop for Killers," which has been adapted into a Disney+ drama series of the same title starring Lee Dong-wook, revised and rewrote the ending of her 2013 coming-of-age novel "Elsa's Ha-in." "It was completely unplanned. After receiving a revision suggestion, I slowly reread the manuscript, and suddenly something came to mind, so I just wrote

BooksMay 11, 2024

Business moguls attend concert by Helene Mercier, wife of LVMH CEO

A concert that took place Wednesday at the Lotte Concert Hall remained relatively quiet in terms of media coverage, despite its high-profile chaebol attendees and a protest opposing one of its musicians. The concert, part of the Classical Bridge International Music Festival, featured Russian violinist Vladimir Spivakov and pianist Helene Mercier, wife of Bernard Arnault, founder, chairman and CEO of LVMH. The pianist is also the mother of Frederic Arnault, CEO of LVMH Watches, who is rumored to

CultureMay 10, 2024

Lee Sun-kyun's posthumuous film to hit theaters in August

"The Land of Happiness," a film starring the late actor Lee Sun-kyun, known for his appearance in the Oscar-winning flick "Parasite," will hit theaters in August, according to the film's distributor, Friday. "The Land of Happiness" depicts the story of a lawyer, Jung In-hoo (Jo Jung-suk), who defends a soldier named Park Tae-joo (Lee Sun-kyun) during a trial involving the assassination of President Park Chung-hee, according to NEW, the film's distributor.

FilmMay 10, 2024

LA-based artist Steven Harrigton introduced in Korea at Amorepacific Museum of Art

Los Angeles-based artist Steven Harrigton’s vibrant and colorful paintings will entertain visitors who want to take a break from their daily routine. The artist's first solo museum exhibition is currently on show at the Amorepacific Museum of Art in Seoul. The exhibition, titled “Steven Harrington: Stay Mello,” offers a comprehensive view of works infused with the landscapes and culture of California. The recurring appearance of characters like “Mello,” symboli

Arts & DesignMay 10, 2024

Netflix's 'The 8 Show' will navigate power structures within small society

Director Han Jae-rim, who helmed numerous hit Korean flicks such as "The Face Reader" and "The King," said he aimed to depict the power dynamics that arise when people group together in his latest Netflix original series "The 8 Show" -- which re-imagines the popular Korean webtoon "Money Game" and its sequel "Pie Game." The eight-part thriller series narrates the story of eight financially struggling individuals who take part in a mysterious sh

TelevisionMay 10, 2024

Ador CEO's dismissal to be decided on last day of May

Amid the ongoing dispute between Hybe and its subsidiary Ador, the latter held a board meeting on Friday and decided to convene an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders on May 31. Ador also claimed that Hybe conducted an illegal audit Thursday night. Ador's Friday board meeting lasted about 10 minutes and was attended by company executives, including CEO Min Hee-jin, and the auditor appointed by Hybe. At the extraordinary general meeting scheduled for the last day of May, discussion

CultureMay 10, 2024

Haeundae Beach to become sand art museum in late May

South Korea’s famous Haeundae Beach in Busan is set to bring wonder to tourists' eyes with stunning sand art, starting May 24 until May 27. The annual Haeundae Sand Festival, started in 2005, displays a wide range of sand art pieces at the country’s popular summer getaway spot and entertains visitors with sand art-related programs. This year, under the theme of “World’s Famous Museums Trip,” the upcoming sand festival will feature sand art versions of Michelang

TravelMay 10, 2024

Lim Yunchan's debut album ranks high on major charts

Pianist Lim Yunchan’s debut album, "Chopin: Etudes" released on April 19, has dominated the top ranks of major countries' classical charts, Universal Music said Friday. Lim’s “Chopin: Etudes” achieved first place on the UK Specialist Classical Chart (weekly chart, April 26 - May 2), second place on the US Billboard Classical Chart (weekly chart, April 28 - May 4) and first place on the US Billboard Traditional Classical Albums (May 5 -May 11). His Decca a

CultureMay 10, 2024

[Photo News] Lotte World Adventure's 35th Anniversary Parade

Lotte World Adventure, one of the most popular theme parks in South Korea located in Songpa-gu, southern Seoul, celebrates its 35th anniversary with the new nighttime parade “World of Light.” The 30-minute parade, which started on April 26, is set to provide a feast for guests’ eyes with dazzling light fixtures and unique performances every day at 8 p.m. “World of Light” is scheduled to run through the end of this year.

TravelMay 10, 2024

[Well-curated] Art at the beach, vinyl cafe and animation exhibition

Enjoy art, beaches in Busan For those who plan to visit Busan this weekend and also happen to love art, Busan's largest art fair is not to be missed. The four-day art fair has returned, bringing together 129 galleries from 20 countries at Bexco. Special exhibitions such as “Herstory,” which highlights pioneering female contemporary artists in Asia and beyond are being held alongside the art fair. The participating galleries are offering works at a wide range of prices, introduc

CultureMay 10, 2024

[Around the hotels] Promotions and packages

DoubleTree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo unveils special cake DoubleTree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo, located in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, is offering a carnation-themed cake in May, in celebration of Parents’ Day. With carnation flowers decorating the top, the cakes are made with raspberry coulis, cream cheese and pink colored buttercream cake sheet. The cakes are offered in two sizes -- a whole cake and mini cake -- which are priced at 65,000 won and 15,000 won, respectively. Reservations are r

TravelMay 10, 2024

[Box office] Movies in theaters this week

“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” (US) Opened May 8 Action/Sci-fi Directed by Wes Ball A young ape goes on a journey many years after the reign of Caesar, following the War for the Planet of the Apes. Now this journey, which questions everything he's been taught about the past, can determine the future for apes and humans alike. “The Fall Guy” (US) Opened May 1 Action/Comedy Directed by David Leitch A down-and-out stuntman Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling) is called ag

FilmMay 10, 2024

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Spring blooms at Morning Calm Spring blooms are at their peak at the Garden of Morning Calm in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province. From plum blossoms and royal azaleas to tulips, daffodils and forsythias, enjoy the sprawling flower beds and shows, which are part of the festivities the garden is hosting through May 26. Flea markets will be held alongside magic shows to liven up the mood three days a week throughout the festival. Admission is priced at 11,000 won for adults with discounts available f

TravelMay 10, 2024

Suzy, Park Bo-gum star in AI fantasy romance ‘Wonderland’

“Wonderland,” a sci-fi fantasy and romance film set in the near future that deals with relationships, death and life, shows what it is like to communicate using AI technology, director Kim Tae-yong said Thursday. The movie revolves around people reuniting in a virtual world called Wonderland. Tang Wei, Suzy and Park Bo-gum star as those who ask to meet people they loved but cannot meet anymore in the real world. Jung Yu-mi and Choi Woo-shik appear as staff who support the AI service

FilmMay 9, 2024

Will Daegu get its own panda? Construction of park starts with hopes of hosting the rare animal

Daegu on Wednesday commenced the construction of the Daegu Grand Park in its Suseong-gu district, slated for completion by 2027. The park is to house a range of facilities including a zoo, theme parks and venues for leisure activities and sports. The joint project by the city government and the Daegu Urban Development Corporation centers particularly on the plans for the new zoo, expected to replace the outdated facility currently located inside the Dalseong Park in Jung-gu. Daegu Mayor Hong J

TravelMay 9, 2024

Dog goes on incredible journey to make it back home, 41 days after going missing

A one-year-old Korean Jindo recently made headlines here, after the dog traveled a substantial distance to make it back home after going missing 41 days ago. A local YouTube channel on Tuesday posted the story of Jindo dog Hong-min, who lives in the city of Daejeon with his owner Yoon Jeong-sang. Yoon, an avid soccer fan and owner of 10 Jindos, named the dog after Son Heung-min, mistaking the soccer superstar's name for Son Hong-min. The one-year-old dog went missing on March 24, when Yoon

TravelMay 9, 2024