Epik High’s Tablo puts up English subtitles

Tablo of hip-hop trio Epik High has stepped in as a translator, providing English subtitles for one of his hits from the group’s latest album. On Sunday, the Epik High frontman shared a music video for “Lost One,” from the trio’s latest full-length album “We’ve Done Something Wonderful,” via his Twitter account with the caption “Many of our English speaking fans asked for ‘Lost One’ translations, so I did the subs myself. Hope it helps.” Epik High (YG Entertainment)Epik High fans showed heated r

PerformanceNov. 21, 2017

Why Korean entertainment succumbs to ‘One China’ policy

The Mnet Asian Music Awards 2017 on Monday announced that it had decided to remove a section on its homepage that categorized Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau as independent countries.The move took place after Chinese netizens called for a boycott of MAMA 2017, as they considered Mnet’s decision to recognize the three areas as independent states as disregarding China’s “One China” policy. The “One China” policy recognizes only one sovereign state of China. It does not recognize the Republic of China,

PerformanceNov. 21, 2017

Comedian’s guide to frugal living set to air regularly

The popular financial self-help program “Kim Saeng-min’s Receipt” has been scheduled for regular programming twice a week beginning Sunday, KBS announced Tuesday. The show, originally a podcast hosted by comedian Kim Saeng-min, became popular after running on a trial basis of 15-minute episodes last month on KBS. Episodes of “Kim Saeng-min’s Receipt” will air every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Special episodes will air Wednesdays at 11 p.m. Song Eun-yi (left), Kim Sook and Kim Saeng-min star in KBS’ fin

TelevisionNov. 21, 2017

MAMA aims for ‘Asian Grammys’ with largest ‘MAMA Week’

Actor Song Joong-ki will host this year’s Mnet Asian Music Awards in Hong Kong, while Park Bo-gum will host the show in Japan. “MAMA Week,” the largest-scale MAMA event, will kick off at Hoa Binh Theater in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on Nov. 25, then head to Yokohama Arena, Japan, on Nov. 29, and finally to Hong Kong for two events -- at W Hotel Hong Kong on Nov. 30 and at AsiaWorld-Expo on Dec. 1. Song Joong-ki (left) and Park Bo-gum (Blossom Entertainment/ Yonhap)By expanding the awards ceremo

PerformanceNov. 20, 2017

[Herald Interview] From Mexican copper mine to Korean entertainment scene

Before arriving in Korea, Christian Burgos worked as a Korean-language interpreter at a copper mine in Mexico. The sweat-soaked days at the dusty mine often pushed him to the edge, but he clung to the idea of buying a plane ticket to Korea, his first trip abroad. Three years later, the Mexican national is one of the most active foreign celebrities in the Korean entertainment industry.  “When I first watched the Korean variety show ‘Quiz to Change the World’ in Mexico, I was immediately smitten b

TelevisionNov. 20, 2017

Jamsil residents provide tourists with free translations

Free-of-charge multilingual translation services for tourists will be available in Songpa-gu, Seoul, by voluntary street translators. Dubbed “We Can,” the service group will take off with a launching ceremony scheduled for 5 p.m. at Songpa YMCA, Tuesday. Some 100 residents inhabiting the Jamsil Special Tourist Zone in Songpa-gu are in the volunteer group, including retired seniors over 50 years old and teenagers. Songpa-gu Office (Yonhap)The volunteer workers can speak English, Chinese, Japanese

TravelNov. 20, 2017

BTS fires up crowd with AMAs performance

BTS said that performing at the American Music Awards would be like a dream, but it was not a dream Sunday night in Los Angeles, as the K-pop sensation took the stage alongside the likes of Pink, Kelly Clarkson, Lady Gaga, Nick Jonas and even the legendary Diana Ross.Standing on one of the biggest stages in music, the seven members proved they were truly dope as they became the first K-pop boy band to perform at the AMAs in Los Angeles on Sunday.The group began the night by walking the red carpe

PerformanceNov. 20, 2017

Musicians unite at AMAs in wake of tumultuous year

The 2017 American Music Awards marked a night of unison, positive vibes and American pride as musicians spoke about coming together in a year dominated by natural disasters, violence and divisive politics. Kelly Clarkson and Pink kicked off the three-hour show Sunday with a performance honoring those affected by tragic events of the year, from hurricanes to hate crimes. First responders stood behind Jamie Foxx, who gave a heartfelt speech before the pop stars sang R.E.M.‘s “Everybody Hurts.” Thi

PerformanceNov. 20, 2017

BTS debuts at American awards show

BTS has made its performance debut at an American awards show.The K-pop sensation performed its hit single "DNA" at the 45th American Music Awards (AMAs) at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, which was broadcast live by ABC, Sunday night (local time). BTS, also known as Bangtan Boys or Beyond The Scene, became the first Korean act to be invited to the awards ceremony.Members of BTs pose prior to performing at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday. (Yonhap)"I can't believe it. I'm so

PerformanceNov. 20, 2017

BTS walks red carpet at AMAs

K-pop boy band BTS attended the American Music Awards held at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday night, or 8 a.m. Monday in Korean time. Ahead of the group’s performance, the boy band appeared on the red carpet and greeted fans who gathered for a glance of their favorite stars. (Yonhap)This marks the first time a K-pop group has been invited to the music event. BTS is the only Asian musical act invited this year to the AMAs. The awards show is to be broadcast live by Mnet at 10 a.m. Mond

PerformanceNov. 20, 2017

Simon Rattle’s last tour in Korea with Berlin Philharmonic sweetened by pianist Cho Seong-jin

A few hours ahead of Sunday evening’s concert at the Seoul Arts Center, Simon Rattle, conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, was relaxed and effusive in his praise of pianist Cho Seong-jin, who would be performing Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G Major, M.83 with the orchestra. “This is a time when the planet is full of extraordinary young pianists. It is not rare. But what is rare is a poet on the keyboard,” said Rattle, adding, “But he is seated to my right,” as he looked at Cho. Last mont

PerformanceNov. 19, 2017

[Travel bits] Festivals, sights around Korea

Seoul Lantern Festival The annual Seoul Lantern Festival is held from Nov. 3 to Nov.19. Since its inception in 2009, it has hosted nearly 3 million visitors each year. Visitors can see lanterns along the 1.2-km Cheonggyecheon Stream from Cheonggye Plaza to Supyogyo Bridge.The lanterns are lit from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and the event is free of charge. Visit www.seoullantern.visitseoul.net for more information in Korean, English, Japanese or Chinese or call the travel hotline at 1330 for information

TravelNov. 19, 2017

Gina Kim’s ‘Bloodless’ wins best virtual reality film at Thessaloniki

Korean director Gina Kim’s “Bloodless” won the award for best virtual reality film at the 58th Thessaloniki International Film Festival, which ran through Nov. 12. The 12-minute work was awarded best film by a separate international jury at the Greek film festival’s 58th edition. The award comes with a prize of 3,000 euros. 　Thessaloniki’s newly created section dedicated to virtual reality films had 10 contenders this year. A special mention went to “Notes On Blindess,” helmed by British directo

FilmNov. 19, 2017

Yewon School to hold anniversary concert

Yewon School, Korea’s first middle school dedicated to arts founded in 1967, is to hold an anniversary concert at Lotte Concert Hall on Nov. 26. 　The concert will feature prominent alumni musicians active in the global classical music scene. 　A duet by flutist Choi Na-kyung and harpist Na Hyun-sun will kick off the concert, followed by violinist Baek Ju-Young, cellist Cho Young-chang and pianist Kim Kyu-yeon, who will perform Beethoven’s Triple Concert in C Major, Op. 56. 　 Yewon School’s upcomi

PerformanceNov. 19, 2017

[Box office] Movies in theaters this week

Justice League(US)Opened Nov. 15Action, science fiction. Directed by Zack Snyder. Superman (Henry Cavill), the defender of mankind, has died. The villainous alien military officer Steppenwolf (Ciaran Hinds) has seized this opportunity to lead an army of Parademons into Gotham City, in search of the three ancient Mother Boxes scattered across Earth. Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) and his newfound ally Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) gather a team of heroes and outcasts including Barry Allen (Ezra Miller), Ar

FilmNov. 19, 2017

[Photo News] Hallasan peaks blanketed with first snow of season

The white peaks of Mount Hallasan on Jeju Island has attracted weekend hikers after receiving the first snowfall of the season early Saturday.The white peaks of Hallasan attracted weekend hikers after receiving the first snowfall of the season early Saturday.(Yonhap)While the rest of the Island got rain, the water droplets had developed into snow on mountain peaks over 1,500 meters-high, where the temperature dropped as low as minus 8.1 degrees Celsius.The mountain trail saw a huge crowd on Satu

TravelNov. 19, 2017

BTS receives collaboration offer from EDM DJ Zedd

World famous DJ Zedd may be the latest musician to collaborate with K-pop juggernaut BTS, as the group has recently received an offer from the EDM artist. On Friday, Zedd took to Twitter and tweeted to BTS, “Hi guys. I hear u wanna collaborate with me. Let’s do it.” BTS replied to the offer by tweeting “Let’s do it!!”  BTS, left, and Zedd (Big Hit Entertainment and Hyundai Card)Previously during an interview with the US’ Entertainment Tonight, BTS had named Zedd as one of the artists it’d like t

PerformanceNov. 19, 2017

Female stars recount experiences of ‘rampant’ lookism in Korea

Night talk show “Get It Beauty” on cable channel OnStyle, which handles subjects related to beauty, discussed the prevalence of lookism in Korea. The four female hosts of the show all agreed with the statement, “Appearance can give the person a competitive edge.” They revealed episodes of where they were discriminated for their appearances. (Screenshot of OnStyle)Comedian Park Na-rae started, “I didn’t get invited to a party once. It turns out that those who were invited were all young and beaut

TelevisionNov. 19, 2017

[Herald Interview] ‘Seoul taking its rightful place in gastronomical scene’

When the Michelin Guide launched its first Seoul edition last year, it was greeted with enthusiasm by foodies but it also spawned skepticism as well.“First editions provoke passionate debate and we welcome that,” said Michael Ellis, international director in charge of the Michelin guides, during an interview with The Korea Herald on Nov. 8, following the launch of the second Seoul edition earlier in the day.“It is a sign that there is a healthy, dynamic community,” he said. This year, 24 restaur

PeopleNov. 17, 2017

[PyeongChang 2018] New high-speed train service brings PyeongChang closer to Seoul

GANGNEUNG, Gangwon Province -- With a shortage of accommodation cited as one of the biggest problems for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Games, authorities are hoping to address the issue by better connecting the host city to the Seoul metropolitan area.A high-speed train service connecting the gateway city of Incheon, through Seoul, all the way to Gangwon Province where the Winter Olympic Games will be held will begin operation in December.Passengers aboard the high-speed KTX will be able to travel

TravelNov. 17, 2017