‘The Fortress’ tackles heavy historical subject

A roster of top Korean actors including Lee Byung-hun and Kim Yoon-seok and director Hwang Dong-hyuk tackle a painful historical event in the upcoming film “The Fortress.” The film is a period piece that deals with a Chinese invasion which took place in 1636, prompting Joseon’s King Injo to take refuge in Namhansanseong, a mountain fortress located some 25 kilometers southeast of Seoul. Within the fortress’ walls, Joseon officials desperately debated the course of action -- whether to surrender

FilmSept. 25, 2017

Electrifying music, disappointing operation in World Club Dome

The self-proclaimed “biggest outdoor club in the world” finally landed in Korea on Friday, and neither the DJs nor the audience held anything back, partying the night away with the hottest electronic dance music in the world.World Club Dome Korea 2017 was held from Friday to Sunday at Munhak Stadium in Incheon, hosting 100,000 music fans from in and out of Korea. It was the first time that the event -- founded in Frankfurt in 2013 by German radio station Big City Beats -- had been hosted in Asia

PerformanceSept. 25, 2017

Artists lambast blacklist as ‘cultural savagery’

Novelist Hwang Sok-yong and comedian Kim Mi-hwa on Monday formally requested official investigation into the blacklisting of cultural figures under former President Lee Myung-bak, as the scandal snowballed to engulf two previous conservative administrations.Prior to submitting the request, Hwang and Kim held a press conference at the headquarters of the joint civilian-government investigative committee looking into the blacklist scandal in Seoul, criticizing the Lee and Park Geun-hye administrat

CultureSept. 25, 2017

Free entry to cultural heritage sites during 10-day Chuseok holiday

For the 10-day-long holiday starting this Saturday, major cultural heritage sites have announced festivities ranging from free admission to special event offerings. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said Monday that major royal palaces and tombs across the country will stay open during the 10-day holiday, free of admission fees. Junghwajeon Hall at Deoksugung Palace (Cultural Heritage Administration)The promotion will take place at the royal palaces of Gyeongbokgung, Deoksugung, Changd

CultureSept. 25, 2017

BTS’ ‘Love Yourself Seung Her’ debuts at No. 7 on Billboard 200

BTS’ latest EP “Love Yourself Seung Her” debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 album chart on Sunday, setting yet another milestone for the hottest K-pop group of the moment.  Billboard reports on BTS’ “Love Yourself Seung Her” debuting at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 album chart. (Big Hit Entertainment)BTS’s new EP became the highest-charting album ever on the Billboard 200 by a K-pop act, beating the group’s own record set last year with “Wings,” according to Billboard. The group’s 2016 album pe

PerformanceSept. 25, 2017

In new album, EXO's Lay sings to mark his grandparent's love

Lay of South Korean boy band EXO will release a second solo album in October, the group's agency said Monday.Before the official launch of the album, S.M. Entertainment made public the music video of "I Need You." It was released on China's internet sites including Youku, iQIYI and YinYueTai as well as on the company's official YouTube channel SMTown and Naver TV.  (S.M. Entertainment)Lay heavily participated in writing and producing the urban R&B song, which was designed to celebrate the 50th w

PerformanceSept. 25, 2017

Film director charged with insulting handicapped female taxi driver

Award-winning film director Song Hae-sung was charged Sunday with verbally abusing a handicapped female taxi driver while under the influence of alcohol, police said Monday. Song hurled abuse at the taxi driver when she pressed the “extra charge” button on the taxi’s meter at around 11 p.m. Friday while traveling to Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, from Yeouido in Seoul, according to the taxi driver’s testimony, police said.  Director Song Hae-sung (Yonhap)“He saw that my left arm was a prosthetic and

FilmSept. 25, 2017

Co-owner of Manimal listed among ‘30 Under 30 Asia’ of Forbes

Kim Dae-young, 28, co-owner of Manimal, has been listed among the “30 Under 30 Asia” rankings compiled by Forbes magazine. Kim has focused on strengthening teamwork and developing delicious food in a bid to make inroads in the food and beverages industry. 　　Stressing the role of the Manimal team, Kim said his business itself is small, but it’s been selected by Forbes thanks to the interesting story behind his business and the company’s philosophy.Kim graduated from Glion Institute of Higher Educ

FoodSept. 25, 2017

Lee Hyo-ri’s slow-life reality show comes to end

The reality show featuring K-pop diva Lee Hyo-ri’s life on Jeju Island, “Hyori’s Bed and Breakfast,” wrapped up Sunday evening on JTBC.　In the final episode, Lee shed tears after reading a heartfelt goodbye letter written to her by singer IU, who stayed as a guest and helper at Lee’s Jeju home throughout the show. 　"Hyori’s Bed and Breakfast”(JTBC)The show, which kicked off in June, surpassed a 9 percent viewership rating at its peak, according to Nielsen Korea, a new record for JTBC variety sho

TelevisionSept. 25, 2017

Epik High to hold concerts from Nov. 3-4

Hip-hop trio Epik High will hold concerts in November for its upcoming album, YG Entertainment announced Sunday.The concerts, titled “We’ve Done Something Wonderful,” will take place on Nov. 3 and 4 at Blue Square Samsung Card Hall in Hannam-dong, Seoul. Tickets will be available starting at 8 p.m. on Sept. 28 at ticket.interpark.com.  A poster for Epik High’s upcoming concert (YG Entertainment)The group’s upcoming album will be its first release in three years since “Shoebox” in 2014, which fea

PerformanceSept. 24, 2017

BTS’ ‘DNA’ draws over 50m YouTube views in less than a week

BTS’ music video for “DNA” has surpassed 50 million views on YouTube in less than a week. Released on Sept. 18 at 6 p.m., the video soon became the fastest K-pop music video to reach 20 million views on the video streaming platform. As of 12:40 p.m. Sunday, the video had reached 50 million views. A screen grab from BTS’ music video for “DNA” (YouTube)“DNA,” the lead track of the band’s latest EP “Love Yourself Seung Her,” took the 90th spot on the British Official Singles Chart on Saturday, maki

PerformanceSept. 24, 2017

Sunmi was not fond of ‘Tell Me’ at first, she confesses to JYP

Former Wonder Girls member-turned-solo singer Sunmi confessed that she had initially disliked the choreography for the now-disbanded K-pop group’s 2007 hit track “Tell Me.” “I really didn’t want to do it,” she said Saturday on SBS’ “Party People,” a talk show hosted by singer-producer Park Jin-young, also known as JYP.　Park wrote and choreographed “Tell Me,” a pop tune with a 1980s feel that topped charts with its catchy melody and easy-to-follow dance moves in 2007. 　 Sunmi, Park Jin-young star

TelevisionSept. 24, 2017

Park Joon-hyung speaks up on racism, attempted theft in Belgium

Singer Park Joon-hyung expressed on Sunday his feelings on experiencing what seemed to be racial discrimination and attempted pickpocketing in Brussels, Belgium. Park is currently starring in “Looking For Trouble,” a travel reality show where celebrities pay their way by selling odd items to locals.The cast traveled to Brussels in last Thursday’s episode. Park is seen approached by three passersby on the street, who at first greet the singer with a friendly “Hey, what’s up man!” They then surrou

TelevisionSept. 24, 2017

[Around the Hotels] Packages and promotions

Meat, Malbec combination at Park Hyatt SeoulThe Park Hyatt Seoul’s restaurant and teahouse The Lounge is holding a promotion of premium meat dishes paired with Argentine Malbec wine through Jan. 31 next year. The combination of Terrazas Malbec varieties and meat dishes is priced at 58,000 won per person. A glass of wine costs 18,000 won. Wine varieties include Terrazas Single Vineyard Malbec (165,000 won per bottle) and Terrazas Reserva Malbec (90,000 won per bottle), both produced at the Terraz

FoodSept. 24, 2017

TV shows give fresh insight into Korea through eyes of foreign visitors

The concept behind “Welcome! First Time in Korea?” a reality show that has been reaching record ratings on a cable channel, is relatively simple. The show features first-time visitors to Korea experiencing aspects of life here -- food, entertainment, history and culture -- and their reactions.The show last month starred a trio from Mexico, friends of Christian Burgos, a Mexican national who stars on the JTBC talk show “Non-Summit.” The friends brought fresh perspectives to everyday Korean pastim

TelevisionSept. 24, 2017

Suzy, Lee Jong-suk's new TV series asks if future can be altered at will, at what cost

Ever dreamed of having the power to see future? The ability might be a blessing only when it accompanies another uncanny power: the ability to stop an unfortunate event from happening.In SBS's new series "While You Were Sleeping," Nam Hong-ju, played by Bae Suzy, is locked in a perennial state of helplessness and guilt, as she has long been unable to prevent the bad things she sees in her dreams from coming true.At a press conference at the SBS headquarters in Seoul on Friday, the actress, bette

TelevisionSept. 24, 2017

BTS' 'Love Yourself' hits No. 14 on British albums chart

South Korean boy band BTS' latest EP "Love Yourself: Her" charted in 14th place on the British Official Albums Chart, the charts company said Saturday.It marks the first time the band has entered the chart since it reached No. 62 with "Wings" last October. (Big Hit Entertainment)"DNA," the main track from "Love Yourself: Her," took the 90th spot on the Official Singles Chart, making it the second Korean act ever to make the chart after Psy, according to the Official Charts Company (www.officialc

PerformanceSept. 23, 2017

[Eye Plus] Take in the autumn breeze at Sangam Sky Park

There have been many big incidents in South Korea this year.But let bygones be bygones. It is right time to enjoy the scenic beauty because autumn is the most beautiful season of the year.And there are places where you can find its special charms, even in the middle of the city.One such recommendation is the Sky Park in Sangam-dong, Seoul.Visitors can appreciate tall metasequoia trees while hiking to the park, located 98 meters above sea level.It is the highest neighborhood park Seoul, where vis

CultureSept. 22, 2017

[Weekender] Rest stops become tourist attractions in South Korea

Rest stops are an essential part of a highway system, offering drivers chances to gas up, use the restroom or just stretch their legs on long trips. But increasingly in South Korea, these roadside establishments offer something a little extra, becoming tourist attractions in their own right. South Korea’s 4,000-kilometer highway system boasts 189 rest areas, which last year generated a combined 1.3 trillion won ($1.1 billion) in revenue, up 13 percent from 2014. From local delicacies, traditiona

TravelSept. 22, 2017

[Herald Interview] ‘The hands that raised candles should now hold books’

[Eye] Located smack in the middle of downtown Seoul, Sunhwadongcheon is an oasis offering respite from the hustle and bustle of life in a megalopolis.Finding it is not easy -- it is situated in a residential apartment complex and there are no easily discernable signs pointing to it. But once inside, you will appreciate the quiet of the book cafe, William Morris prints on display at the gallery space as well as the bookstore selling Hangilsa Publishing’s publications from over the years.It also a

CultureSept. 22, 2017