Experts urge revitalization of domestic market for a second Han Kang

The revitalization of the domestic literary market and critics' activities are prerequisites for Korea to achieve its next major literary milestone, according to experts in literature Wednesday. Less than a week after Han Kang was announced the recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism gathered experts -- ranging from writers to translators -- at the Literature Translation Institute of Korea in southeastern Seoul to brainstorm ways to sus

Oct. 17, 2024

[Herald Review] Poor venue management takes away chance for 'Turandot' to shine

High expectations can sometimes lead to disappointment and even anger. This was the case for some in the audience who had high expectations for the Korean premiere of renowned director Franco Zeffirelli's version of “Turandot,” Giacomo Puccini’s popular opera, known as the Arena di Verona’s “Turandot.” It wasn’t because of the production quality. As expected, it was a grand performance and its sheer scale -- featuring 200 actors, singers, chorus m

Oct. 14, 2024

[Exclusive] Louis Vuitton VIPs invited to Jeju for luxury shopping

Louis Vuitton has invited Korean VIPs on an exclusive 10-day shopping trip to the five-star JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa, starting Oct. 23, according to sources with direct knowledge of the matter. The French luxury house will pay for flights and accommodations for between 100 and 500 VIP guests, who will be asked to purchase at least one showcased item, among them the brand’s latest spring-summer 2025 collection revealed earlier this year. The sources confirmed that the event wouldn&

Oct. 13, 2024

[Herald Interview] Veteran stage actor and TV star take on billionaire role in musical 'Annie'

Two actors with quite different track records are taking the role of a billionaire in the latest musical production of “Annie.” Nam Kyung-ju, known for his extensive career on the musical stage spanning over 40 years, and Song Il-kook, a TV star who discovered the musicals' charm in his 40s, share the role of Oliver Warbucks, who is known for his wealth, power, and evolving relationship with the titular character, Annie. In an interview with reporters on Monday, the two talked

Oct. 12, 2024

Han Kang: From blacklist to Nobel laureate

With writer Han Kang making history by winning the Nobel Prize in literature, another list she was on several years ago has resurfaced in the spotlight: the blacklist of the previous conservative Park Geun-hye government. During a national audit session Thursday, Rep. Kang Yoo-jung of the Democratic Party of Korea, a former literary critic, said that while everyone, regardless of party affiliation, was clapping and celebrating the news, she felt there was something important to say: "Today&

Oct. 11, 2024

Han Kang's Nobel Prize victory sparks waves of celebrity congratulations

Celebrities have been offering their congratulations following the news of author Han Kang winning the Nobel Prize in literature. Kim Min-ha, known for her role in Apple TV+ series "Pachinko," along with well-known book-loving actors Moon Ga-young and Kim Hye-soo shared the news of Han's win on their social media accounts. Actor Ko Hyun-jung also posted on her personal account, sharing a screenshot of the news reporting Han Kang’s Nobel Prize win, with the caption, "Fin

Oct. 11, 2024

Han Kang drives readers to bookstores both online and offline

Major bookstores in Korea are experiencing a surge in sales of all of Han Kang's works following the announcement of her Nobel Prize in literature. On Friday day morning at Kyobo Bookstore in Gwanghwamun in central Seoul, people had lined up in front of the branch before it opened. Shortly after business began at 9:30 a.m., Han’s books were already sold out, and the special display set up to commemorate the award from the day before was empty. By around 10:30 a.m. that day, the shelves had

Oct. 11, 2024

Seoul Africa Festival to take place at Banpo Hangang Park on Saturday

Experience Africa's rich and diverse culture at the 7th Seoul Africa Festival, which takes place at Seoul's Banpo Hangang Park on Saturday Hosted by Africa Insight and sponsored by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the festival features a variety of performances and programs in collaboration with African communities. The festivities begin at 12:30 p.m. with a vibrant parade led by DjembeCola Roots, a group inspired by the performing arts of West Africa, particularly Mande music and da

Oct. 11, 2024

[Well-curated] Zero-waste, ‘Aladdin’ pop-up, cutesy shop

Reduce, reuse, rehydrate At A Cup of Dungji in Michuhol-gu, Incheon, you can enjoy a delicious drink while reflecting on the environment. Though it may seem like any other cafe with its warm wooden interior and sunlight pouring through large windows, A Cup of Dungji is a special space run by the zero-waste brand Sojunghan Everything. Here, you can explore a vegan menu and learn about resource-recycling methods. All dishes are vegan, with no eggs, butter or milk used. Drinks that usually require

Oct. 11, 2024

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

WE Hotel presents nature-friendly promotion WE Hotel, a premium health resort located in Seogwipo, on the southern side of Jeju Island, is offering a new eco-friendly package. The “Go, Green Package” includes a one-night stay in WE Hotel’s superior room with a view of the island's iconic volcanic mountain Hallasan, breakfast for two, and all-green-rated vegan amenities. Guests who arrive at the hotel using public transportation or electric vehicles receive a 30,000-won vou

Oct. 11, 2024

[Breaking] South Korea's Han Kang wins 2024 Nobel literature prize

South Korean author Han Kang has won the 2024 Nobel Prize in literature, clinching the country's first honor in one of the world's most prestigious literature awards. The Nobel committee on Thursday called “her intense poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life.”

Oct. 10, 2024

Talks over loan of Buddhist relics drag on over terms

Negotiations between a US museum and the South Korean government are dragging out over the terms on which the museum will lend a 14th-century Buddhist reliquary to Korea, as the two sides follow up on their February agreement to push for a temporary loan. According to Rep. Lee Ki-heon of the Democratic Party of Korea on Thursday, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, has yet to say what it thinks of a June proposal by the Korea Heritage Service that it would immediately return the Buddhist reliquary

Oct. 10, 2024

[What to attend] October is opera season in Korea. Here's what not to miss

October brings a flurry of opera productions and opera buffs can look forward to a array of performances, including outdoor productions, in Seoul and beyond. The lineup is impressively diverse, ranging from Puccini’s “Turandot,” Vivaldi’s “Orlando Furioso,” Bizet’s “Carmen” and Wagner’s “Tannhauser,” each captivating for its own reasons. "Turandot" : Grandiose Arena di Vernoa version This month's "Turan

Oct. 10, 2024

[Herald Design Forum] Motion graphic designer Kim Gyrun shares inspirational journey in video game

Award-winning motion graphic designer Kim Gryun presented a unique video game that encapsulates his journey from the age of 25 to the present during his speech at the Herald Design Forum 2024 in Seoul on Tuesday. The game, which he developed over two months with the assistance of generative AI, captivated the audience as he recounted his experiences transitioning from Korea to the US and outlined his vision for the future in the era of artificial intelligence. The game is divided into three le

Oct. 9, 2024

English program on Korean heritage launched

A 12-week English program exploring Korean heritage from food to architecture will take place every Saturday through Nov. 30 for interested foreign nationals living in Korea, according to the Korea Heritage Service. The program, launched last week, features a series of lectures by faculty of the agency-run Korea National University of Cultural Heritage at such historic places as the main Joseon-era (1392-1910) palace Gyeongbokgung and Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul. A field trip to Jinkwansa, a

Oct. 9, 2024

Cheonan World Dance Festival celebrates creativity, diversity

The 20th edition of the Cheonan World Dance Festival showcased awe-inspiring performances by some 4,000 dancers and crew members from 54 countries, reaching an all-time high number of participants since its launch in 2003. The event, which ran from Sept. 25 to 29, entertained 880,000 spectators from South Korea and abroad with diverse dance competitions, parades, cheerleading shows and more. As the 28 dance troupes from around the world competed in the International Dance Competition at Cheonan

Oct. 8, 2024

[Herald Interview] Cellist Mun Tae-guk takes up challenge of Bach Cello Suites earlier than expected

For cellists, Bach’s Cello Suites hold deep significance. Many renowned cellists have recorded their interpretations of the masterpieces — some multiple times throughout their careers, others only once in a lifetime. The 30-year-old Korean cellist Mun Tae-guk said he felt significant pressure about recording Bach’s Cello Suites but decided to take up the challenge. “Honestly, I felt a lot of pressure. When I first received the proposal, I had many doubts, wondering if

Oct. 7, 2024

Japanese, American professors recognized with Order of Culture Merit for promoting Hangeul

A government ceremony officially recognizing those who have helped promote Korea’s writing system Hangeul will be held on Hangeul Day, which is recognized each year on Oct. 9. Miyuki Hamanoue, a professor of the Korean language at Kanda University of International Studies in Japan, and Dafna Zur, a professor teaching Korean literature at Stanford University in California, will receive the Order of Culture Merit, the highest recognition by the Korean government, according to the Ministry of

Oct. 4, 2024

[Well-curated] Chicken on skewers, tightrope walking and moon balloon

‘Culinary Class Wars’ meets intimate yakitori Nestled in a quieter part of Seongsu-dong, eastern Seoul, Atari is a hidden treasure for yakitori lovers. Run by "Chicken President," a food researcher and contestant on Netflix’s “Culinary Class Wars,” this intimate yakitori spot has built a loyal following thanks to its exceptional course-style dining experience. While the restaurant boasts a large sign, it doesn’t display its name, adding a touch of m

Oct. 4, 2024

Pianist Lim Yunchan double winner at Gramophone Awards

South Korean pianist Lim Yunchan won the Gramophone Classical Music Award in the piano category, becoming the first Korean pianist to receive the prestigious award. The 20-year-old pianist won the piano category with his album "Chopin: Etudes" and also received the young artist of the year award. Established in 1977, the Gramophone Classical Music Award is one of the most significant accolades in the classical recording industry. Another album by Lim, "Yunchan Lim -- Liszt: Transc

Oct. 3, 2024