YG asks fans to refrain from sending letters to enlisted G-Dragon

After G-Dragon of Big Bang enlisted in the Army in February, the military training center is experiencing difficulties with an excessive number of fan mail addressed to the global star. The singer-rapper’s agency, YG Entertainment, issued a notice on its social media account and website Saturday. The statement read, “G-Dragon is in a difficult position within his military unit as the amount of incoming mail from fans is excessive.”  G-Dragon enters the basic training camp at Cheorwon, Gangwon Pr

PerformanceMarch 11, 2018

[Epicurean challenge]Sliced octopus that keeps on moving, sannakji

Sannakji, sliced raw octopus, is definitely an eye-catcher. Looking at a plate of squiggling octopus parts, many wonder if it is dead or alive. While Koreans love to eat octopus prepared in different ways -- braised, stir-fried and stewed, for example -- eating it raw is also a popular choice. Contrary to the scene in director Park Chan-wook‘s ”Oldboy“ where the protagonist takes a whole live octopus and bites off its head before proceeding to stuff the whole thing into his mouth, the tentacles

FoodMarch 11, 2018

Police found suicide note left by actor Jo Min-ki

Police said Saturday they have found a suicide note left by actor Jo Min-ki, who took his own life Friday following a series of sexual abuse allegations.    In the six-page note, he apologized to his family and students at Cheongju University, where he taught acting from 2010 through early this year, police said, declining to reveal the full text to maintain the privacy of his bereaved family.    (Yonhap)The actor was found hanged at about 4 p.m. Friday in a storage unit in the basement of the o

EntertainmentMarch 10, 2018

[Eye Plus] Gwanghwamun embraces diverse voices of South Korea

Gwanghwamun is the largest main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace in the center of Seoul. Constructed in 1395, the gate was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times over the past several hundred years of history and was finally restored as it is in 2010. In the front of the gate is the Gwanghwamun Square that was redesigned to open to the public in August 2009. The backdrop of the traditional wooden palace and Bukak Mountain on one side and tall modern buildings surrounding the area on the other, Gwanghw

CultureMarch 9, 2018

[Weekender] Cleaning up life’s clutter

“Spring is the time of plans and projects,” Tolstoy wrote in “Anna Karenina.” For centuries, people have recognized spring as a time of renewal and cleaning up the various parts of life that have fallen into disarray over the past year. The concept of “spring cleaning” is prevalent in many countries, including South Korea. 　In recent years, the idea of decluttering both the physical and psychological aspects of life has emerged as a new lifestyle trend. 　“I had everything I needed, but because I

CultureMarch 9, 2018

[Weekender] The art of throwing away

My tiny studio apartment found its ideal identity as “home” only after I removed all the unnecessary items.It was at the school library where the idea of throwing away some of my personal belongings came across my mind. The book titled “Living with Less” by Mary Lambert, a decluttering and feng shui consultant in the UK, offered a way to create comfort by getting rid of excessive possessions at home.As I wanted a fresh start for 2018, minimizing the clutter was the perfect shift. Decluttering th

CultureMarch 9, 2018

[Box office] Movies in theaters this week

The Vanished(Korea)Opened March 7ThrillerDirected by Lee Chang-heeThe body of a recently deceased business mogul Yoon Sul-hee (Kim Hee-ae) goes missing, and the widower Park Jin-han (Kim Kang-woo) is called in by the police for questioning. It soon becomes apparent that Park hides a dark secret related to his wife’s death and detective Woo Jung-sik (Kim Sang-kyung) attempts to dig up what Park has buried. Tomb Raider(US)Opened March 8Action, AdventureDirected by Roar Uthaug Lara Croft (Alicia Vi

FilmMarch 9, 2018

[Around the Hotels] Packages and promotions

Rose scented stay at Park Hyatt SeoulFor those who are looking for a relaxing city escape, Park Hyatt Seoul has prepared the Spring at the Park package. After a relaxing night enjoying the city night scape, guests can enjoy Korean or western-style breakfast in their rooms. A rose scented air freshener from premium perfume brand Diptyque will be offered to fill up the rooms with the fragrance of the flower. For those who are staying at Suite rooms, a bottle of red wine will be provided as well. T

FoodMarch 9, 2018

[Home Cooking] Pa kimchi (green onion kimchi)

Pa kimchi is made with tender green onions (also called scallions). It’s a popular kimchi in the spring, when jjokpa is in season. Jjokpa is a small variety of green onions that has dark green leaves and slightly bulged out white stems. They are sweet with a nice aroma, making it perfect for dishes such as pa kimchi and pajeon. If jjokpa is not available, use silpa which simply is regular green onions that are harvested early when they are young and tender. Typically, pa kimchi is seasoned with

FoodMarch 9, 2018

[Travel bits] Festivals, sights around Korea

Herb Island Lighting & Illumination FestivalHerb Island -- located in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province -- will be hosting the annual Lighting & Illumination Festival until Oct. 31.With its 300-meter wish tunnel, a lavender field lit up in various colors and more, Herb Island aims to get visitors in the holiday spirit. Inspired by European Christmas markets, the festival offers various events, including Christmas-themed soap, tree and candle-making, a Christmas cookie market, roasted turkey, and others

TravelMarch 9, 2018

[Herald Interview] ‘Entertainer’ Lee Seung-gi eyes new album this year

There was a time when Lee Seung-gi was hailed as the “Korean little brother” -- referring to his wholesome, likeable image that was beloved by those across all ages.Now 31, the actor/singer/show host said he wants to be remembered just as an “entertainer,” who approaches various sectors of entertainment in an equally devoted and serious manner. “I like that the nickname has gradually phased out. People all know me now as Lee Seung-gi, and that’s how I like it. A rare entertainer in Korea who doe

FilmMarch 9, 2018

IOC chief gets honorary doctorate degree from Dankook University

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach received an honorary doctorate degree in politics from Dankook University at its Jukjeon Campus’ Nanpa Concert Hall at 10 a.m. Friday. Dankook University’s head board of trustee Chang Choong-sik, President Jang Ho-sung, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Korean Sport and Olympic Committee President Lee Ki-heung and other officials attended the ceremony to congratulate Bach. IOC President Bach’s relentless efforts in supporting North Kor

PeopleMarch 9, 2018

Director Hong Sang-soo ended romance with actress Kim Min-hee: report

Award-winning Korean filmmaker Hong Sang-soo has recently broken up with actress Kim Min-hee, about one year after they went public with their extramarital relationship, an online media outlet reported Friday."The two broke up a month ago," Sports World said, citing a movie industry person who is well acquainted with Hong's situation. "Hong had worried about Kim's future very much." Director Hong Sang-soo (left) and actress Kim Min-hee are seen together during a press conference where the two co

FilmMarch 9, 2018

B1A4 singer Sandeul denies rumors of involvement in sexual violence

Sandeul of K-pop group B1A4 on Friday denied rumors of being the perpetrator in a "Me Too" allegation raised against an unidentified boy band singer."(The alleged assailant) is not with our company. We will actively deal with the spread of false information," WM Entertainment, the singer's management agency said in a statement.The statement was released in response to the Sports Seoul newspaper's report alleging an unidentified boy group singer having raped a female acquaintance six years ago. R

PerformanceMarch 9, 2018

Actors Lee Dong-wook, Suzy confirm dating

Actors Lee Dong-wook and Suzy are going out together, Lee's agency said Friday."The two first met and came to know each other at an unofficial occasion and recently developed a romantic relationship," Starship Entertainment said.Lee, 36, made his acting debut in 1999 and rose to stardom across Asia for his grim reaper role in "Guardian: The Lonely and Great God," the 2016-2017 megahit drama on the cable channel tvN. (Yonhap)The 23-year-old singer-actress, whose real name is Bae Suzy, debuted as

TelevisionMarch 9, 2018

Herald Philharmonic holds spring concert

The Herald Philharmonic Orchestra on Thursday held its fifth annual concert at Seoul Arts Center, with music ranging from movie scores to orchestral choral works.“I hope the visitors to concert to feel fully the breath of the upcoming spring through the Herald Philharmonic’s music,” said Namkoong Won, Honorary President of Herald Corp.  The Herald Philharmonic Orchestra held its fifth annual concert at Seoul Arts Center on Thursday. (By Park Hae-mook/The Korea Herald)The Herald Philharmonic Orch

PerformanceMarch 8, 2018

Big Bang to release unpublished song

Popular boy band Big Bang will put out an unpublished song performed by all five of its members for the first time in about a year, the group's management agency said Thursday."Big Bang will release a song produced in its entirety," YG Entertainment said in a release. "As Taeyang and Daesung are set to enter the Army after G-Dragon, it will be happy news to the group's fans in and out of the country who are saddened by the group's break."Big Bang performs during its "Big Bang 2017 Concert Last D

PerformanceMarch 8, 2018

Joy to be ‘The Great Seducer’ of love

MBC’s new Monday-Tuesday drama “The Great Seducer” aims to show the value of love through characters who don’t believe in it. Park Soo-young, better known as Red Velvet‘s Joy, and rising star Woo Do-hwan are to play the lead roles. In the drama, they are young 20-somethings. After being hurt by family issues, the two do not believe that love exists. Woo will try to seduce Park, as his friend suggests a “dangerous love game.” The storyline is based on the famed French novel “Dangerous Liaisons,”

TelevisionMarch 8, 2018

Soprano Sumi Jo, gospel singer Sohyang to perform at Winter Paralympics opening

Korean soprano Sumi Jo and gospel singer Sohyang will perform together in the opening ceremony of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Paralympics, according to her agency SMI Entertainment and event organizers Thursday. The two singers will sing “Here as One,” the anthem for the event, during the opening ceremony that will take place at 8 p.m. on Friday at the PyeongChang Olympic Stadium. The song was composed by Italian musician Federico Paciotti.  Sohyang, left, and Sumi Jo (SMI Entertainment)“’Here a

PerformanceMarch 8, 2018

Achim Freyer to bring his ‘Gesamtkunstwerk’ to Korea

Acclaimed German artist Achim Freyer will stage “Der Ring des Nibelungen,” one of Wagner’s “Gesamtkunstwerk,” -- a term coined by the composer, meaning a work of art making use of various art forms -- in Seoul over a period of nearly two years.“We finished a three-hour bauprobe (staging try-out) at the Seoul Arts Center on Monday without singers. Wagner’s “Der Ring des Nibelungen,” is a magnificent piece and a precious present given to us because it’s an archetype work in which its intellectual

PerformanceMarch 8, 2018