[Box Office] Movies in theaters this week

The Great Battle(Korea) Opened Sept. 19Drama, History, ActionDirected by Kim Kwang-sikThe Chinese Tang Empire, led by Taizong (Park Sung-woong), is disgruntled by the military coup of Goguryeo’s Yeon Gaesomun (Yoo Oh-seong), and invades the kingdom. With the Goguryeo army suffering a devastating defeat, it is now up to Ansiseong fortress and its leader Yang Man-chun (Zo In-sung) to defend the country.Feng Shui(Korea)Opened Sept. 19Drama, History, Political thrillerDirected by Park Hee-gonIn the

FilmSept. 27, 2018

[Weekender] Seoul spots for a stroll

Cars and people are not the only things the megalopolis is bustling with, as the fall has the Korean capital colored scarlet with falling leaves accompanying the cool breeze.There are a number of walking spots in the city for the season to be savored.Dalmaji ParkThe Chuseok holidays that ended Wednesday were marked by the full moon. Dalmaji Park, which means “moon welcoming park,” got its name for being one of the best places in Seoul to enjoy the sight of the moon.Located between Oksu-dong and

TravelSept. 27, 2018

So Ji-sub returns with ‘My Secret Terrius’

So ji-sub is returning to the small screen with upcoming MBC romantic comedy series “My Secret Terrius.”The Wednesday-Thursday series that begins with a special two-hour pilot episode this week was filmed in part in Poland, and will feature a number of historic spots including Warsaw Old Town.So, who has returned after 2 1/2 years’ hiatus, said during a showcase, “I’m a little nervous. I will watch from home tonight feeling nervous.” (MBC)“I chose the show because I thought it would be a fun sho

TelevisionSept. 27, 2018

[Weekender] In fall, Seoul offers bit of tradition, flair for fun

Breezy, sunny and cool, fall is arguably the best season to explore Seoul -- the capital filled with tradition, history and a flair for fun.　As the fall weather is ideal for outdoor activities, the city is offering an array of festival and events -- from traditional music festival to those that feature international cuisine in Itaewon.　For those who would like to get a taste of Korea’s traditional music and dance, Seoul Arirang Festival, which is taking place at the Gwanghwamun Plaza in central

CultureSept. 27, 2018

‘Crafts of Fire’ adds practicability to Korean tradition

Bringing together master artisans and young craftsmen, Yeol, the Korean Heritage Preservation Society, is holding an exhibition of modern craft art inspired by traditional craftsmanship.“Crafts of Fire” at the exhibition space Yeol Bukchonga in the neighborhood of Bukchon, central Seoul, running until Oct. 18, is a culmination of a yearlong project by iron casting master Kim Jong-hoon and young glass artist Yang Yoo-wan. Glass pieces blown by glass artist Yang Yoo-wan are on display at Yeol Bukc

Arts & DesignSept. 27, 2018

[Herald Interview] Experiencing more than darkness

“Switch off the light. Switch on the insight.” Song Young-hee, 47, is CEO of social enterprise N Visions and a person who finds his way through the darkness. He also created that darkness, bringing the exhibition “Dialogue in the Dark” to Korea. Song Young-hee, CEO of social enterprise N Visions, speaks during an interview with The Korea Herald. (Park Hyun-koo/The Korea Herald)“Dialogue in the Dark” is an awareness-raising exhibition. Though an exhibition, there is not a hint of light in the exh

PeopleSept. 27, 2018

[Herald Interview] Bespoke suits tailored for comfort

Walking into a tailor shop, one imagines being greeted by a stylish, well-manicured man. He sports a classic yet chic beard and is dressed in an expensive-looking bespoke suit, complete with lapel pins, cufflinks and a silk pocket square. Stepping into Matthew in Bundang, Gyeonggi Province, a 30-minute drive southeast of Seoul, a different picture unfolds. A tall woman in her 30s walks up to you with a big smile, donning a long dress. She introduces herself: Kang Ae-wan, master tailor of the sho

Arts & DesignSept. 27, 2018

Embracing Korean diaspora through literature

Farming the icy land of Siberia with bare hands, running away from the enemy on the windy plain of Manchuria, working at a sugar cane farm under the burning sun in California: though the phrases may sound foreign, they are Korean, by means of the writers’ ethnicity. While Korea has been working on promoting its literature to the rest of the world, the definition of Korean literature remains unclear. Typically, works created by Korean writers in the Korean language are considered Korean literatur

BooksSept. 27, 2018

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

Champagne bubbles at Park Hyatt SeoulPark Hyatt Seoul’s premium vinyl music bar The Timber House is hosting a Veuve Clicquot promotion through the end of the year. Ordering the “Bubbly Lovely” set, customers can choose among three champagne options: Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label, Veuve Clicquot Rose and Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame. The set includes a Korean beef cutlet, cheese platter or fruit dessert platter. Prices range from 275,000 won to 625,000 won. On every last Saturday of the month, Veu

FoodSept. 27, 2018

‘2 Days & 1 Night’ receives Presidential Citation for promoting tourism

KBS2’s “2 Days & 1 Night” has been awarded a Presidential Citation for promoting domestic tourism. In light of the 45th World Tourism Day, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism awarded 24 figures for contributing to the local tourism industry.  From left: Singer Jung Joon-young, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Do Jong-hwan and TV personality Kim Jong-min pose for photos at the World Tourism Day ceremony held at the National Museum of Korea in central Seoul on Thursday. (Yonhap)Whil

TelevisionSept. 27, 2018

N. Korea asks for delay in joint excavation of historic palace site

North Korea on Thursday requested a delay in the joint excavation of an ancient palace site scheduled to begin later in the day, citing lack of preparations and workforce, the unification ministry said.The two Koreas earlier agreed to launch a three-month joint survey from Thursday on the Manwoldae site in the North's border town of Kaesong where the palace of the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) used to be located for about 400 years."Discussion will continue to resume the planned excavation," a minis

CultureSept. 27, 2018

[Herald Interview] Oh Min’s ‘Etude’ brings the language of the stage into the realm of visual arts

Can dancers practice their art with etudes, like classical musicians? Artist Oh Min’s “Etude ABCD” at Atelier Hermes in Seoul is an exhibition that comprises a set of dance etudes with intricately woven choreography.The winner of the 17th Hermes Foundation Missulsang, Oh is an artist who brings the language of the stage into the realm of visual arts.  Artist Oh Min poses in front of her video installation, “Etude A,” part of an exhibition titled “Etude ABCD,” at Atelier Hermes in Seoul. (Atelier

Arts & DesignSept. 26, 2018

[Photo News] Last day of Chuseok holiday

On the final day of Chuseok holiday, Koreans hit the streets with their families to visit key tourist spots and large shopping districts in Seoul and elsewhere.A large crowd gathered at the Korean Folk Village. Located in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, the popular tourist attraction offers various traditional cultural events that date back to the late Joseon period. Parents sat on the ground with their children in their laps as they enjoyed the “jultagi,” or acrobatics on a tightrope, performance up

CultureSept. 26, 2018

BTS talks about UN speech, next goal on Jimmy Fallon’s ‘Tonight Show’

After impressing the world with its heartfelt speech at the UN, BTS made a stop at Jimmy Fallon’s “Tonight Show,” one of the most popular and longest-running nighttime talk shows in the US, to talk about its recent feat and next goal. The show’s highly-anticipated episode, aired on Tuesday night in US time, kicked off with BTS members, clad in flamboyant outfits, introducing themselves. RM introduced himself as a translator for the group, while Jin and J-Hope drew out cheers from crowd by callin

TelevisionSept. 26, 2018

iKON’s Ju-ne faces backlash for his Instagram post ahead of group’s comeback

Now that iKON’s Ju-ne has apologized for the controversy surrounding his Instagram post about a Japanese director, attention is now on whether he will be able to ride out the storm before the group’s imminent return. On Saturday, the iKON member posted a now-deleted image of an autograph he received from Japanese movie director and comedian Takeshi Kitano.But the image attracted criticism, as Kitano is known here for his disparaging comments about Korea.  (Dazed)In an effort to protect Ju-ne fro

PerformanceSept. 26, 2018

BTS’ hanbok from ‘Idol’ MV to be put on display

Hanbok worn by BTS in its music video for “Idol” will be put on display in Seoul from this week. The Gangnam Tourist Information Center said Tuesday that seven of the Korean traditional garments, one worn by each member, will be displayed at the center in Sinsa-dong in Seoul from Sept. 28 to Oct 7, as a part of “2018 Gangnam Festival.”The hanbok exhibition will take place at the center’s outdoor square on its first floor from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visitors are also able to try on hanbok of the same

PerformanceSept. 26, 2018

K-pop stars flaunt athletic agility in ‘Idol Star Athletics Championships’

MBC’s annual “Idol Star Athletics Championships -- Chuseok Special” aired its first episode on Tuesday with many K-pop stars showcasing impressive athletic performances.On the first day of the sports event, K-pop stars competed in various sports categories: jokgu, archery, bowling, rhythmic gymnastics and track and field. Key events included the semi-final rounds in bowling and archery, final rounds in jokgu and rhythmic gymnastics.  (Screen-captured from MBC’s “Idol Star Atheltcis Championships

TelevisionSept. 26, 2018

Kim Sa-rang embraces sexy look for Vogue

Actress Kim Sa-rang showcased her flawless complexion in the stills taken from a recent photo shoot with fashion magazine Vogue. In the photos shared via Kim’s Instagram on Tuesday, the actress looked sexy with sleek jet black hair, glowing skin and sumptuous lips in five different shades of YSL’s newest “Rouge Pur Couture The Slim” matte lipstick.  (Kim Sa-rang's Instagram)Vogue recently posted photos of Kim on its official social media. Along with the shared photos, the actress wished everyone

Arts & DesignSept. 26, 2018

[Photo News] K-pop boy band BTS at UN

K-pop boy band BTS at UNKorean pop singers BTS attend the UN Youth Strategy Conference at United Nations headquarters during the 73rd United Nations General Assembly in New York. (Yonhap)(AP-Yonhap)(AFP-Yonhap)(UPI-Yonhap) (Reuters-Yonhap)

PerformanceSept. 25, 2018

Film ‘Dark Figure of Crime’ made without permission from bereaved family

A member of a bereaved family has applied for an injunction to ban the screening of the upcoming film “Dark Figure of Crime,” arguing that the production crew did not ask for permission before making a story about the murder of her brother.In the movie, a prisoner confesses that he killed seven people, six more than what he was charged for. The story follows a detective who believes the criminal. One of the six cases was based on the murder of her brother.  “Dark Figure of Crime” (Showbox)The mo

FilmSept. 21, 2018