Korean auteurs, prolific actors return to silver screen in 2024

Award-winning filmmakers including Bong Joon-ho and prolific actors such as Choi Min-sik are returning to the silver screen next year to deliver joy and laughter. Much-awaited sequels of global blockbuster franchises are also slated for local opening. “Mickey 17,” Bong’s new film since “Parasite” (2019), will hit theaters on March 29 next year, according to Warner Bros. Pictures. The movie is based on Edward Ashton’s 2022 sci-fi novel “Mickey7,” wh

Dec. 26, 2023

'The Glory,' 'The Roundup: No Way Out' most searched-for titles: Naver

The most searched-for television program on the mobile version of the nation's most popularly used search engine was "The Glory," with the most searched-for movie being "The Roundup: No Way Out," according to a report from Naver. According to Naver's report on popularly searched for keywords in 2023 released Thursday -- which made use of Naver's data collected from January to November -- the most searches for a television show on Naver's mobile application

Dec. 26, 2023

[2023 K-pop in a Nutshell] Return of K-pop veterans stirs up nostalgia

A rush of veteran K-pop boy groups returning with new releases stirred up nostalgia among old K-pop fans and enriched the music scene. That includes the so-called "second-generation" boy groups, those who debuted between 2003 and 2011, such as legends SHINee, Ukiss, Infinite, Teen Top and TVXQ. SHINee started the comeback race with the release of its eighth studio album, "Hard," in June, breaking a hiatus of more than two years. The group celebrated its 15th anniversary this

Dec. 26, 2023

[2023 K-pop in a Nutshell] Debut acts set bar high for future rookies

Rookies who embarked on a new journey as K-pop idols this year wrote many firsts in K-pop history. Even in the overpopulated industry, the debut acts managed to set the bar high for those following their footsteps by setting new records. Zerobaseone, a group of nine artists chosen through Mnet’s idol survival program, “Boys Planet,” made its grand debut in July with its first EP, “Youth in the Shade.” According to local album sales tracker Hanteo Chart, 1.24 million

Dec. 26, 2023

Exports of S. Korea TV programs top $500m in 2022

Exports of South Korean-made TV programs soared nearly 30 percent on-year to a record high last year thanks to rising demand from global streaming platforms, a government report showed Monday. A total of 728.2 billion won ($561.3 million) worth of Korean TV content was sold overseas in 2022, up 29.6 percent, or $128.1 million, from a year earlier, according to an annual report on the local broadcasting industry by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Communications Commission. It is the

Dec. 25, 2023

G-Dragon names anti-drug foundation 'JusPeace,' donates W300m

K-pop artist G-Dragon unveiled a plan on Monday to donate 300 million won ($230,237) to an anti-drug foundation he is establishing next year. According to G-Dragon's agency Galaxy Corporation, G-Dragon named the foundation "JusPeace Foundation," a word that combined “justice” and “peace.” The 35-year-old artist is donating 300 million won in the name of his now defunct group Big Bang’s fan community, VIP, to the JusPeace Foundation. “The foundat

Dec. 25, 2023

Jennie of Blackpink starts solo journey with own label, OA

Jennie of Blackpink announced a new beginning under a new agency that she has established for her solo career. “This year was filled with many accomplishments, and I’m so thankful for all the love I’ve received. I’m also excited about what’s to come, as I start my solo journey in 2024 with a company that I have established called OA. Please show lots of love for my new start with OA and of course, Blackpink,” Jennie wrote in a post uploaded on X, formerly Twit

Dec. 25, 2023

“12.12: The Day” becomes 2nd film this year to attract 10M moviegoers

“12.12: The Day,” director Kim Seong-su’s historical drama revisiting the military-led coup that took place in 1979, became this year’s second film to join the club of 10 million tickets sold after “The Roundup: No Way Out.” Having opened on Nov. 22, “12.12: The Day” took just 33 days to attract 10.06 million moviegoers, according to the number tallied by Korea Film Council on Sunday. The film is the first non-sequel Korean film to surpass 10 mil

Dec. 25, 2023

Will “Miss Trot 3” continue trot fever?

The sensational audition program series "Miss Trot" returned with its third season on Thursday. After countless trot music shows that tried to hop on the trot fever train -- started by "Miss Trot 1" (2019) -- "Miss Trot 3" hopes to make another breakthrough to continue the nationwide trot craze without boring viewers. Returning with a wider range of participants, the third season includes teenage contestants and overseas participants, to provide freshness to viewers

Dec. 24, 2023

BTS' Jimin tops iTunes charts in 90 countries with 'Closer Than This'

BTS member Jimin topped the iTunes Top Song charts in 90 countries around the world with his new solo single, "Closer Than This," on Saturday, a day after its release, his agency said. The digital single was at No. 1 on the charts in the United States, Japan, Germany, France and dozens of other countries as of 8 a.m., according to BigHit Music. The tune is dedicated to ARMY, the band's fandom, in which Jimin promises he won't let go of "your hold" no matter what cha

Dec. 23, 2023

[Today’s K-pop] BTS’ Jungkook garners 100m views with “3D” music video

Jungkook of BTS logged 100 million views on YouTube with the music video for his solo single “3D (Feat. Jack Harlow),” according to Big Hit Music on Friday. This is Jungkook's second solo music video to reach the milestone, following “Seven (Feat. Latto).” “3D” was released in late September and debuted on both Billboard’s Hot 100 and the UK’s Official singles chart at No. 5. The single stayed on Billboard’s main songs chart for nine weeks i

Dec. 22, 2023

[Herald Review] 'Chopin, Blue Note': Lyrical journey through theater, live music

“What color could encapsulate the essence of your enigmatic music?” asks Sand. “I don’t know. It is just faint strokes and shadows,” answers Chopin. Amidst a pivotal moment of emotional revelation between Chopin and Sand, the backdrop of their confession becomes a stage where a pianist, in the quietude of the night, weaves the melodic tapestry of Nocturnes, Op. 9 No. 2. The lyrical notes permeate the small theater, and a warm, cerulean glow blankets the surroundings

Dec. 22, 2023

KCC to examine streaming services for violation of laws amid fee increases

The Korea Communications Commission will examine the activities of video streaming platforms in Korea for potential violations of the law, following a series of price hikes in their subscription rates. The KCC on Thursday announced that the media regulation agency will inspect whether there has been any violation of the Telecommunications Business Act, regarding appropriate announcement of the fee increases and terms of conditions. "The KCC plans to convert the inspection into an investig

Dec. 22, 2023

K-pop, trot stars to star in 'Sharing & Together Concert' in 2024

From K-pop star to trot singers, various musicians across genres will appear in "Sharing & Together Concert" at SK Olympic Handball Gymnasium on Jan. 12 and 13, 2024. The charity performance will donate all of its profits, excluding production costs, to help the underprivileged. Popular K-pop idol groups and singers, including Highlight, BamBam, Hwasa, Cravity, Vanner, N.SSign, Zerobaseone and Riize, are scheduled to perform on Jan. 12, the first day of the two-day concert. Korean

Dec. 22, 2023

Younha to mark 20 years of singing with album, concerts

Singer-songwriter Younha will return with her seventh full-length album and perform multiple solo concerts next year. Celebrating 20 years since her debut, Younha held the online event “Y” to share her plans for a new album and concert schedule on her official YouTube channel on Thursday night. The seventh full-length album will mark the second stage of the "Theory" trilogy, which kicked off with her sixth album, "End Theory," in 2022. Younha is scheduled to hold

Dec. 22, 2023

‘A Ghost Day’ blends Korean traditions with contemporary circus

The new dance production “A Ghost Day” blends traditional Korean dance with a contemporary circus, featuring the theme of Korean ghosts. Choreographed by artistic director Kim Ju-bin of Jubin Company, "A Ghost Day" is set to be performed at the Arko Arts Theater on Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m. Drawing inspiration from historical accounts found in "Dongguksesigi" -- a book that compiled events and seasonal customs in the late Joseon era, the dance drama

Dec. 22, 2023

[Box office] Movies in theaters this week

“12.12: The Day” (South Korea) Opened Nov. 22 Drama/Action Directed by Kim Seong-su Over the course of nine hours on Dec. 12, 1979, Gen. Chun Doo-gwang (Hwang Jung-min) attempts a coup, while another commander, Lee Tae-shin (Jung Woo-sung), tries to stop the secret plan from unfolding. “Pororo Popstar Adventure” (South Korea) Opened Dec. 13 Animation Directed by Yoon Je-wan, Kim Seong-min Pororo and friends accidentally land on the planet Parangdol and participate in a

Dec. 22, 2023

Govt. mulls imposing antitrust rules on YouTube, Netflix

The government is considering imposing antitrust regulations on large content platforms such as YouTube and Netflix amid a sharp increase in their subscription fees, an official said Thursday. According to the senior ruling camp official, the government and the presidential office immediately took steps to address monopolistic and oligopolistic behavior by YouTube and other platforms after President Yoon Suk Yeol voiced concern during a Cabinet meeting earlier this week. "Raising the retail

Dec. 21, 2023

[Today’s K-pop] BTS’ Jimin gifts fans a song

A digital single from Jimin of BTS will come out on Friday, said label Big Hit Music on Thursday. With solo single “Closer Than This,” he reminds fans of his love for them and promise he wants to keep. The artist also left a message to fans via the band’s YouTube channel asking fans to stay healthy and just be happy. He joined the military training camp along with bandmate Jungkook on Dec. 12. The two, as well as RM and V, will return in June 2025. In the meantime, the septet&

Dec. 21, 2023

IU seeks compensation for plagiarism accusation

Singer-actor IU recently launched a civil lawsuit seeking compensation from an individual who raised plagiarism allegations against her, as local media outlets on Thursday reported that South Korean police have submitted the information related to the individual to court. The 31-year-old singer has been engaged in a legal battle seeking compensation for what her representatives claimed was defamation via groundless acts of slander. After investigators cleared her of plagiarism allegations in Sep

Dec. 21, 2023