Modern-day hanbok to grace Cheonggyecheon catwalk

Modern interpretations of Korean traditional attire hanbok will showcase at the “Seoul 365 Fashion Show” slated for Saturday along the Cheonggyecheon stream in central Seoul.The area is known as one of the spots for the weekly Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Markets that is open through Friday to Sunday.Counting down to the fashion show, 25 of the modern hanboks by designer Moon Hyun-seung were teased at Gwanghwamun square in front of Gyeongbokgung Palace on Monday. (Yonhap) (Yonhap) v (Yonhap) (Yonhap)

Sept. 8, 2017

Giving face, voice to marginalized through art

Turning an inanimate object imbued with symbolism into an animate being embodying the said symbolism, artist Krzysztof Wodiczko brings private narratives to public spaces.“My Wish,” commissioned by the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea and on display at the museum’s Seoul branch in Sogyeok-dong as part of the artist’s first major retrospective in Asia, tells the stories of 13 marginalized people in Korean society. Heard in the dark and silent exhibition hall of the museum thr

Aug. 29, 2017

Highly politicized state of the seas

Homer may have waxed poetic about “sailing over the dark-wine sea” of the Aegean, but the sea in recent years has become a scene of great human suffering and tragedy.“Gridded Currents,” a group exhibition curated by Kim Hyun-jin which closes Sunday at Kukje Gallery, washes away long-held romantic notions of the sea. In its place is a sea that is highly politicized, a recurring narrative throughout the exhibition. It is a sea that is divided into grids to be conquered, a sea of imperialist ambiti

Aug. 17, 2017

Black Pink collaborates with Dior for Isetan event in Japan

Black Pink is holding a promotional event in Japan with international fashion brand Dior, as it kicks off its musical career in the country.Since Wednesday, the K-pop group has been holding the promotion at Isetan department store in Shinjuku, Tokyo, with the Dior product Rouge Dior Liquid. The event will continue until Tuesday. (YG Entertainment) (YG Entertainment)Black Pink’s Japan debut has been garnering attention in the country, with the group featured on the covers of popular magazines suc

Aug. 11, 2017

[Photo News] 2PM’s Wooyoung looking for ‘realistic love’

Singer and actor Wooyoung showed off various sides of his personality in a recent magazine photo shoot.In an interview with the Star magazine, the 2PM band member said he has been “taken aback” by the love he received from Japanese fans during his run there.“I’ve released a solo album and held a concert in Japan. I was thankful for all the love I got, which I honestly didn’t expect,” Wooyoung said, adding that he has been busy recently preparing for 2PM’s last concert in Korea before enlisting i

July 26, 2017

[Photo News] CNBLUE’s Jung Yong-hwa unveils images for new EP

Gearing up for the release of his first solo EP, titled “Do Disturb,” Jung Yong-hwa has revealed a series of photos to be included with the record. FNC Entertainment at midnight uploaded the photos via the official teaser site for the EP, www.fncent.com/jungyonghwa. The images are consistent with the theme of “summer” and “vacation,” which the singer had vowed the EP will be about.According to FNC, the album’s lead track “That Girl” will be a cheery, upbeat song featuring rapper Loco.Jung, the l

July 12, 2017

The not so casual ‘airport fashion’ of Korean celebrities

Airport fashion photos like these are popular entertainment news items, but a recent media report has claimed the outfit selections may not be as casual as they appear. This photo is not related to the article. (Herald DB)A steady stream of photos featuring Korean celebrities at Incheon International Airport, is featured by media. Their “off-duty” clothes, especially when going viral, often become instant hits. But according to the Munhwa Ilbo newspaper, the “airport fashion” worn by Korean star

July 10, 2017

Black Pink shows off ‘natural look’ in photo shoot

Jisoo, Jenie, Rose and Lisa of Black Pink put aside their usual heavy makeup and showed off a more natural look in a photo shoot for the magazine “High Cut.”In an interview, the four members talked about their ongoing activities related to the recently released EP “As If It’s Your Last.” (YG Entertainment) (YG Entertainment) (YG Entertainment)“Our concept has always been ‘charisma,’ or ‘girl crush,’ but this time it’s more ‘girly,’” said Jisoo.Jennie attributed the group’s success to fans, who s

July 6, 2017

Apink’s Yoon Bo-mi models for cosmetics brand

Apink’s Yoon Bo-mi has been tapped as a new model for the cosmetics brand Forencos. Her agency Plan A Entertainment said that Yoon had shot images to promote products by the brand, whose slogan is “cross the boundary.”  Yoon Bo-mi (Plan A Entertainment) Yoon Bo-mi (Plan A Entertainment)“We’ve selected Yoon Bo-mi as our new ‘muse,’ as her image is not confined to just the standardized beauty but can cover a wide range of images from innocence to proudly arrogant,” an official of Frencos was quote

July 4, 2017

[Photo News] Han Chae-ah looks fashionable and cool in swimwear photo shoot

Han Chae-ah proved that she can look nonchalant and fashionable at the same time with her recently-released photos, in which she is clad in rash guards. The actress looks to be enjoying the photo shoot, which took place in the resort province of Phuket.In the shots released Thursday, Han holds poses in different sportswear. She looks off into the distance in the forest, on a surf board and on a tree, with the beautiful scenery in the background.(Mystic Entertainment)(Mystic Entertainment)The act

June 29, 2017

(Photo) iKon expresses youth in coming-of-age photo book

iKon will attempt show off what it means to be young in a upcoming photo book, according to YG Entertainment.Its first photobook “Youth Volume 1” will show the everyday lives of iKon members. But instead of focusing on the limelight as a popular K-pop act, the images will shine light on how the seven members spend every day as young adults. “iKon has always shown great chemistry as a group, but the photo book will show each members‘ charms,” YG said.The photo book will also include a poster and

June 27, 2017

[Photo] T-ara’s Eunjung fashionable on Dazed & Confused cover

Singer Eunjung of T-ara showed off her charm in a photo shoot for the cover of a pop culture magazine.Her agency MBK Entertainment released the photos Monday, showing her attempts at various concepts and poses for Dazed & Confused. Eunjung’s photo and accompanying interview will be featured in the July edition of the magazine.  (MBK Entertainment) (MBK Entertainment)Last week, T-ara released its 13th album, “What’s My Name,” marking the group’s first release since reorganizing itself as a quarte

June 26, 2017

(Photo) Actress Han Ye-ri shows off in Nylon photo shoot

Actress Han Ye-ri on Thursday revealed photos taken for fashion magazine Nylon, along with a corresponding interview.Han was shown posing in a long blue dress, glaring at the camera with a dreamy look in her eyes.  (Saram Entertainment) (Saram Entertainment)In a subsequent interview, Han shared her feelings about appearing in upcoming second season of JTBC drama “Age of Youth.” “The house where the main characters live is named ’Belle Epoque,‘ and I hope that the viewers will be able to ‘feel’ t

June 22, 2017

‘Curse queen’ Baek A-yeon shows off playful side during CeCi shoot

Her songs sing of bittersweet struggles of love, but singer Baek A-yeon showed that she had a child-like side in her recent photo shoot and interview.Baek’s agency JYP Entertainment on Wednesday revealed the photos she took for the July edition of fashion magazine CeCi, one of which had the singer posing in a playful fashion by holding up two popsicles near her head like horns.In the interview that followed, Baek revealed what track he likes the most from her EP “Bittersweet” that was released l

June 21, 2017

Akdong Musician’s Lee Su-hyun becomes a star YouTuber

Lee Su-hyun of Akdong Musician is fulfilling her dream of being a “beauty YouTuber,” as her channel surpassed 300,000 subscribers faster than any other beauty YouTuber in Korea. As of Wednesday, her channel has over 339,000 subscribers and over 1.38 million views. According to YG Entertainment, it took her just two weeks to reach 300,000 subscribers, since it was launched on June 3. Lee Su-hyun of Akdong Musician (YG Entertainment) Lee Su-hyun of Akdong Musician (YG Entertainment)The channel has

June 21, 2017

(Photo) VIXX shines on cover of Nylon

Boy band VIXX showed off on July cover of the Korean version of fashion magazine Nylon. The cover, bearing the words “Youth VIXX,” has both a close-up and long shot of the five bandmates. In an interview with the photo shoot, VIXX talked about various episodes related to its recent EP “Shangri-La/Paradise on Earth,” according to agency Jellyfish Entertainment. (Jellyfish Entertainment) (Jellyfish Entertainment)Marking five years since the group’s debut, VIXX entertained fans with various activit

June 20, 2017

(Photo) Jung Yong-hwa talks about being CNBLUE’s leader

CNBLUE‘s leader and vocalist Jung Yong-hwa shot photos for the cover of men’s fashion magazine Arena Homme Plus, July edition.The shot, taking place in Hawaii, went for a relaxed vacation look while showing off a “healthy look,” according to his agency FNC Entertainment.In the interview that followed, Jung talked about his struggles about being the leader of his band, currently in its eight year. He also vowed to carry out various activities in the second half of this year.Jung is slated to rele

June 20, 2017

Identity struggle fires creative power

In a world where the notions of ethnicity, culture and identity are constantly evolving, Korea’s fashion world is taking those influences and turning them into creative expression.Fashion model Han Hyun-min presented a striking image on the Korean catwalk at the 2016 Seoul Fashion Week fall-winter collection in March 2016. Born to a Nigerian father and Korean mother, Han is Korea’s first model with African roots. 　“I’ve always been skinny and tall at 184 centimeters and 56 kilograms. Kids would

April 9, 2017

Extra long sleeves, extra wide pants for cooler months

Most of us probably haven’t thought of shopping for our spring and summer wardrobes yet, but the powers that be dictating the fashion calendar insist on showing collections half a year ahead of time and voila, here are some trends for the cooler months that stood out at last week’s Seoul Fashion Week.Where are the hands?NOHKE (Seoul Fashion Week)Exaggerated sleeves were everywhere. Jinteok, the eponymous brand of iconic designer Jin Te-ok, featured long, black faux-fur sleeves on a wool checkere

April 5, 2017

[Eye Plus] Streets of fashion, passion

Seoul Fashion Week fall-winter 2017 comes to an end today after six fashion-filled days and nights.Celebrated for its wealth of young talent and their vibrant energy, Seoul Fashion Week is also remarkable for the colorful scenes that unfold outside Dongdaemun Design Plaza, the main fashion week venue. Hordes of young fashionistas strut down the long walkways outside the DDP as if on a real runway and strike poses in front of the cool metallic panels of the iconic Zaha Hadid building for anyone a

March 31, 2017