Sandara Park named ambassador for Korea-Philippines’ relations

Sandara Park has been appointed as the new face of Korea-Philippines Friendship ambassador, according to her agency on Wednesday. For the 119th Philippine Independence Day and 22nd Migrant Workers Day, Park attended the event named “Bayanihan sa Korea 2017” (meaning Filipino community spirit in Korea) in Seoul on Sunday.  (YG Entertainment)Hosted by The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines, some 1,500 Filipinos got together to celebrate and encourage one another. “Thank you so much for inv

PerformanceJune 14, 2017

Rising K-pop rookie NCT 127 drops powerful ‘Cherry Bomb’

K-pop fans will be showered with a fruity yet powerful K-pop bomb this summer, as rookie group NCT 127 returns with its high-energy EP “Cherry Bomb.”NCT 127, a Seoul-based unit of S.M. Entertainment’s NCT boy band project, dropped its third EP “Cherry Bomb,” led by the modern hip-hop title track, Wednesday.  “‘Cherry Bomb’ is our best and finest work that boasts spectacular performances. While I like every single song from the new EP, the lead track is my favorite, as I had to go through countle

PerformanceJune 14, 2017

Son Yeon-jae and F.T. Island's Choi Jong-hoon officially in a relationship

(Son Yeon-jae and Choi Jong-hoon's Instagram)National gymnast Son Yeon-jae and F.T. Island's Choi Jong-hoon are officially seeing each other, according to FNC Entertainment, Wednesday. The two stars came in to media attention on the day prior to the agency's announcement, following a local tabloid's release of photos of the two stars out on an apparent date.The photos showed the stars linking arms while walking with a bundle of gifts, flowers and a cake on May 27 -- the day before Son’s birthday

June 14, 2017

G-Dragon, NCT 127 songs deemed unsuitable for KBS

Four of the five songs on G-Dragon‘s new EP “Kwon Ji-yong” were deemed unsuitable to be aired on KBS.The K-pop sensation’s “Middle Fingers-Up,” “Bull---” and “Divina Commedia” were banned due to use of foul language, and “Super Star” was prohibited for promoting a particular brand of product, according to the state-run broadcaster. Out of all the songs from the EP, only “Untitled, 2014” was approved by KBS. G-Dragon performs during his concert in Seoul on Saturday. (YG Entertainment)A song by SM

PerformanceJune 14, 2017

Bong Joon-ho speaks up on ‘Okja’ controversy

Director Bong Joon-ho opened up on the controversy that has been surrounding his film “Okja” and its backer Netflix’s decision to release it simultaneously in theaters and online in Korea, at a press conference in Seoul on Wednesday.　The director assumed responsibility for the kerfuffle in Korea. “I think (this situation) has arisen from my cinematic ambition. Netflix hasn’t tried to push through with theatrical releases (abroad) but Korea is a unique case.“That is because of me. While filming w

FilmJune 14, 2017

Twice endorses Japan’s Shibuya 109 stores

Twice will be promoting the summer sale campaign of Japan’s department store chain Shibuya 109, JYP Entertainment said Wednesday.The members of JYP’s multinational group were recently selected as the models for the chain’s “109 Summer Sale” campaign for 2017. Billboards featuring Twice will be hung at seven stores in Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, Shizuoka and Kagoshima.  A promotional image of Twice (JYP Entertainment)Twice will officially debut in Japan on June 28 with the album “#TWICE.” Following it

PerformanceJune 14, 2017

Death threat against Twice’s Mina latest in crimes targeting K-pop stars

The internet was abuzz Tuesday at news that a death threat was made online against Twice’s Mina Miyoui. The unidentified person had posted a photo of a wrist and a knife, saying he or she would violently murder Mina if she did not mutilate her supposed boyfriend.It was later revealed to have been a practical joke of extremely poor taste. But JYP Entertainment said there will be ”no mercy” for the perpetrator and vowed legal action in what is the latest in a long line of crimes against Korea’s id

PerformanceJune 14, 2017

Psy to cool off summer heat at ‘Summer Swag’

Global pop star Psy will hold summer concerts for the first time in five years, according to his agency Wednesday.The artist had previously promised to host a summer concert this year at a press conference for his new full-length album, “4x2=8,” in May. Poster image for Psy’s “Summer Swag” concert series (YG Entertainment)In 2011 and 2012, the singer held music event series where concertgoers could beat summer heat. According to YG Entertainment, this summer’s concerts will take place at Busan W

PerformanceJune 14, 2017

Lim Seul-ong to return with new solo album

Balladeer Lim Seul-ong, a member of K-pop quartet 2AM, is set to return with two new songs in a digital album on June 20, according to the singer’s agency Sidus HQ on Wednesday. The album will consist of two tracks: “That’s Right” and the title track “It’s You” (unofficial translation), a soft ballad promising eternal love. Rapper Beenzino is featured in the song.An image for Lim Seul-ong’s upcoming digital album “It’s You” (Sidus HQ)Lim participated in the producing of the tracks, according to

PerformanceJune 14, 2017

Gwangju theater group goes back to basics

In a move away from the “bigger is better” trend theater lovers have come to expect, a local performance company is taking things back to basics this summer. In “Counterparts,” Gwangju Performance Project is staging two one-act plays in a tiny black box theater with a minimalist set and only four actors between them. It’s a change of pace for the theater company that usually uses a large cast in its productions. For instance, last year, it employed elaborate sets and tightly choreographed ensemb

Expat LivingJune 13, 2017

Gift drive organizer wins Michael Simning Award

Sarah Elizabeth Hale has taken this year’s Michael Simning Community Builders Award in recognition of her efforts as president of the Adopt-a-Child for Christmas initiative. The campaign, which began eight years ago, mobilizes the community to provide Christmas gifts to some of the 700 orphans in the Gwangju area. Last year, volunteers were able to buy, wrap and deliver presents, including padded vests and woolen-lined boots, to five local orphanages thanks to months of fundraising efforts spear

Expat LivingJune 13, 2017

[Herald Review] ‘Okja,’ a tale with a lot of heart and hurt

Bong Joon-ho’s “Okja” is a delightful coming-of-age story that centers on the warmth between living beings. But the way its little heroine Mija, a free spirit with a big heart, comes to terms with the world is perhaps more brutal and realistic than any crime-ridden thriller.The film begins as the head of a multinational food and research conglomerate, Lucy Mirando, played by Tilda Swinton, announces the discovery of stunning super pigs in the wilderness of Chile.Some 20 of these amazing creature

FilmJune 13, 2017

‘Warriors of the Dawn’ to open in North America

“Warriors of the Dawn,” led by actors Lee Jung-jae and Yeo Jin-goo, will hit North American theaters Friday, according to the film’s distributor 20th Century Fox Korea. Fox will be screening the film in some 30 theaters in North America. 　 “Warriors of the Dawn” (20th Century Fox Korea)The film, which hit local theaters on May 31, was presold to the Philippines, Taiwan, New Zealand and Australia at the 70th Cannes Film Market in May. 　“Warriors” is the fifth Korean-language period film to be pro

FilmJune 13, 2017

Blacklisted artists banned from state support in over 440 cases: state auditors

South Korea's state audit agency demanded disciplinary actions against 28 officials from the government and public organizations on Tuesday for irregularities related to the so-called artists blacklist under the ousted President Park Geun-hye. The Board of Audit and Inspection confirmed more than 440 cases in which the blacklisted artists and other figures were denied state support or other opportunities under the direction of the presidential secretariat.The BAI announced the results of its mon

CultureJune 13, 2017

[Herald Interview] South Africa a safe destination for Korean travelers: tourism minister

DURBAN, South Africa -- For most people around the world, Africa remains an exotic land of natural wonders that one hopes to visit one day. However, given the widespread perception that it can be a dangerous place for tourists, many tend to stay away.　South Africa has been no exception to this view, though to a lesser degree. While regarded as the safest and most favored country to visit in the continent, South Africa still bears the stigma of a high-crime nation with many travel risks.However,

TravelJune 13, 2017

G-Dragon makes 'Billboard 200' a third time with latest solo album

G-Dragon of K-pop group Big Bang has stormed onto the Billboard 200 album chart, marking the artist's third time to do so, his management company said Tuesday.YG Entertainment said his fourth solo album "Kwon Ji Yong," released on June 8, ranked 192nd on the chart as of June 12, local time.  (YG Entertainment)The Billboard 200 ranks the 200 most popular albums of the week, based on online and offline album sales and the number of streamings. He previously grabbed a spot on the chart in 2012 with

June 13, 2017

Hwang Chi-yeul: Father and fans, source of my tenacity

Hwang Chi-yeul had been an obscure singer for about 10 years since he debuted in 2007 with his first full-length album "Five Senses." He appeared on various TV and radio shows for about one year after his debut, but had to disappear from the stage when his previous management company closed due to financial difficulties.He spent his 20s working part-time jobs, and taught at music schools as a vocal coach for a living until late 2014.But he experienced a reversal of fortune early last year when C

June 13, 2017