BTS snatches No. 1 on Billboard 200, first time for Korean artist

The members of the boy band BTS have become the first Korean artists to top the Billboard 200 with their third studio albumThe band's "Love Yourself: Tear" ranked No. 1 on the Billboard main albums chart on Sunday (US time).On the Billboard Hot 100 main singles chart, rapper Psy is the highest-charted K-pop singer as he stayed on the chart for two consecutive weeks for "Gangnam Style" in 2012.The BTS album, released May 18, launched with 135,000 equivalent album units earned in the United States

PerformanceMay 28, 2018

Abstract master Kim Whan-ki's painting sells for W8.5b, breaking auction record

A painting featuring red dots by celebrated South Korean artist Kim Whan-ki sold for 8.5 billion won ($7.87 million) at Seoul Auction's Hong Kong sale on Sunday, shattering the record for any Korean work of art sold at auction and breaking Kim's own auction record, the auction house said. "3-II-72 #220" (Seoul Auction)An unidentified private collector consigned the painting titled "3-II-72 #220," created by the abstract master (1913-1974) in 1972, to the auction house for sale. With a rare and u

Arts & DesignMay 27, 2018

‘Food Diary’ to show celebs’ farm life, farm-to-table process

With food-related variety programs still enjoying their longevity in Korea, tvN’s new variety show “Food Diary” is set to ride on the wave, but with a focus on the process of how food is brought to our table. “While there are many other food variety shows, our program derives from a question of where the food on our table comes from, and how much collaborative efforts are needed before that one dish is consumed,” said producer Lee Geun-chan during a press conference for “Food Diary” in Seoul on

TelevisionMay 27, 2018

Sexual harassment dispute surrounding YouTuber Yang Ye-won deepens

While YouTube star Yang Ye-won publically claimed that she was coerced into modeling for pornographic photos, the alleged studio chief argued that she was not forced, citing an unofficial restoration of text messages between him and Yang. Yang uploaded a video clip on her YouTube channel on May 16, arguing she was forced to stand for pornographic photos in 2015. She also claimed she was groped by around 20 men on the set. She came forward with the story as the photos were recently leaked online.

TelevisionMay 27, 2018

[Photo News] Mime fest lights up Chuncheon

The Chuncheon International Mime Festival wrapped up its seven-day run Sunday. Over 500 artists in 52 teams from 13 countries participated in the festival this year, performing in over 100 shows on six stages throughout Chuncheon, located in Gangwon Province. The festival consists of various mime and movement-related shows featuring themes of water, fire and other elements. The closing ceremony featured a performance titled “Fire City Burning,” involving a huge bonfire and fireworks. The festiva

CultureMay 27, 2018

[Herald Interview] Lee Chang-dong throws questions, not messages, with his films

Lee Chang-dong is not a fan of Marvel films. What he is, though, is someone who inspires and challenges people to think.“Movies like ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ is one of superheroes. Heroes save the world. it makes me wonder, ‘Can they really?’ But movies like these absolutely slaughter films like ‘Burning’ (in the box office),” the critically-acclaimed auteur jokingly said in a joint media interview. “I have to wonder how much obvious messages like ‘justice prevails’ would affect our lives, which

FilmMay 27, 2018

Traveling to Korean islands available at 50% discount rate for those 28 and under

Koreans and foreigners aged 28 and under can travel to the nation’s islands at a discount rate starting June, according to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Sunday.In an effort to boost youths’ sea trips the ministry is opening up 77 ocean routes encompassing 51 relevant firms’ 121 ships for 20 percent discount rate during weekends and 50 percent discount rate during weekdays between June and September. Under this scheme, for example, the original ferry from Gangneung to Ulleungdo Island on

TravelMay 27, 2018

Slice serves up banh mi pizza

　The banh mi pizza at Slice -- a fresh, aromatic pie with a fiery kick -- was not on the menu when this eight-seater, New York-style pizza shop opened in Cheongdam-dong a little over two years ago. 　After about a year in business, owner Alex Ham first put it on the menu as a special and it stuck, becoming a new addition to Slice’s repertoire of pies, which currently total six. 　“I’m a huge fan of the banh mi sandwich,” said Ham, 46, adding this was “probably the main reason” behind his decision

FoodMay 26, 2018

Out of South Africa, reminiscing the indelible Eden

CAPE TOWN, South Africa -- Promenading on a pier in front of Port Elizabeth at sunset, Michael Makeleni ran into friends of all sorts, young, old, white, black and Asian, who hugged him and exchanged pleasantries. It struck me, a reporter from South Korea, how serendipitous, frequent and unassuming the encounters were. “Thank you for giving us hope, respect and love,” said the 50-year-old Xhosa man, as the sunlight cast its golden glow over the beach and the city. “People like me have been given

TravelMay 25, 2018

MoonMoon dropped from agency over spycam charge

A local entertainment agency on Friday terminated its contract with singer-songwriter MoonMoon after it was revealed he was convicted of a spycam crime.  MoonMoon (Yonhap)The official statement released by MoonMoon‘s former agency, House of Music, came right after a local news report revealed the previous charge against the singer. According to the local news report, MoonMoon was charged for secretly filming in a public bathroom in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, in August 2016. He was then sentenced to a tw

PerformanceMay 25, 2018

Black Pink’s return in June confirmed by YG head

(YG Entertainment)Black Pink, a popular K-pop group under YG Entertainment, is gearing up for the release of its first EP in June. The surprise announcement was made by the agency’s head Yang Hyun-suk, who took to Instagram on Friday to provide more information about YG artists, including Black Pink, Big Bang and Katie Kim, the winner of “K-Pop Star 4.”Answering a fan’s question about Black Pink’s upcoming album, he wrote, “Black Pink, YG’s one and only girl band, had such a long hiatus. The ban

PerformanceMay 25, 2018

Courtroom series with strong personalities fill small screen

"Forensic” (MBC)Legal drama series with unique characters and storylines are taking up TV airtime from Mondays to Saturdays. Courtroom series have always been popular here, as viewers love sophisticated, complex conflicts. But lately more productions in the genre are sprouting up, especially after tvN scored a hit with “Stranger” last year. The legal drama, a suspense-thriller, was a success, with many anticipating a second season.Since then, there have been a number of legal dramas with additio

TelevisionMay 25, 2018

Around the Hotels

Ocean view buffet at Hotel Tops 10Hotel Tops 10’s all day dining buffet restaurant Poseidon offers a gourmet experience with quality at a reasonable price. High-end dishes, such as smoked salmon, cream escargot, grilled lamb and barbequed pork rib are prepared, along with children-friendly menus, including pizza and pasta. The buffet runs from 12 to 3 p.m. for lunch and from 6 to 10 p.m. for dinner. Poseidon, with its wide windows overlooking the sea, boasts a scenic view of the ocean. The hotel

FoodMay 25, 2018

[Eye Plus] Chinese tourists back in Myeong-dong

The streets of Myeong-dong are once again bustling with Chinese tourists, thanks to a thaw in relations between Seoul and Beijing.Myeong-dong, a shopping district in central Seoul, is one of the most popular tourist spots in Korea. Just walking down the streets is enough to see that it is a foreigner-friendly zone, as you will be stopped by sales staff calling out in different languages. (Photographed by Park Hyun-koo/The Korea Herald)The number of Chinese tourists had been falling due to icy re

TravelMay 25, 2018

[Video] ‘Creamart’ takes latte art to a whole new level

A boy who fell in love with coffee first encountered a job called “barista” when he was 18. His hometown Sangju, a remote city located in North Gyeongsang Province, had no proper cafe at the time. By roasting coffee beans on frying pan in a kitchen and making a coffee machine on his own, he took it step-by-step to become the coffee expert. The boy, South Korean barista Lee Kang-bin, is now on a roll in the nation’s coffee scene. Lee now runs his cafe located in downtown Seoul, where he has been

FoodMay 25, 2018

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights around Korea

Seoul Grand Park Rose Festival The Seoul Grand Park Rose Festival is being held at Gwacheon Seoul Grand Park from May 26 to June 10. The festival’s programs include the Rose Beauty Class, Rose & Love concert, Rose Magic Show, Rose Photo Exhibition and carpentry activities. The festival is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Mondays to Thursdays, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Fridays to Sundays, and on Memorial Day.Admission to the theme garden costs 2,000 won for adults, 1,500 won for teenagers and 1,00

TravelMay 25, 2018

[Box Office] Movies in theaters this week

Believer (Korea)Opened May 22Crime, ActionDirected by Lee Hae-youngInvestigator Won-ho (Cho Jin-woong) seeks to take down a massive Seoul-based drug cartel, run by the mysterious Mr. Lee, whose real name, gender and age remain hidden. In the process, he gets help from a low-level cartel member Young-rak (Ryu Jun-yeol), whose loyalty seems to waver.Deadpool 2(US)Opened May 16Action, Adventure, ComedyDirected by David Leitch After suffering the loss of his girlfriend, foul-mouthed mutant mercenary

FilmMay 25, 2018

BTS' new album sold more than 1m copies in first week

The latest record by highly popular boy band BTS sold more than 1 million copies within the first week of its release, data showed Friday.A total of 1,003,524 copies of the third BTS LP, "Love Yourself: Tear," were sold in the week following its release last Friday, according to Hanteo Chart, a South Korean sales tracker. (BTS` Instagram)It is the highest opening week in sales for BTS albums. The septet's previous album, "Love Yourself: Her," sold 759,263 copies in the first seven days last year

PerformanceMay 25, 2018

Prize-winning children’s author Richard Peck dies at 84

NEW YORK -- Prize-winning children’s author Richard Peck, who drew upon his Illinois roots for such favorites as “A Long Way from Chicago” and “A Year Down Yonder,” has died.Peck died on Wednesday at his home in New York City at age 84. His publisher, Penguin Young Readers, told The Associated Press, that he died after a battle with cancer.A native of Decatur, Illinois, and graduate of DePauw University, he was a prolific author who wrote dozens of books, but didn’t start until his mid-30s when

PeopleMay 25, 2018

[Herald Interview] ‘Cakemaker’ an indie cinema hit

Perhaps the biggest hit of indie cinema so far this year, German-Israeli production “The Cakemaker” opened in local theaters Thursday. The film was shown in the noncompetitive World Cinemascape section of the Jeonju International Film Festival early this month, where the movie’s main actress Sarah Adler also served on the jury. The Korea Herald sat down with writer and director Ofir Raul Grazier ahead of a screening on May 6. “I had a friend who had a double life. He had a wife, children, like a

FilmMay 24, 2018