Psy issues apology for anti-American lyrics

South Korean rapper-singer Psy has issued a formal apology Saturday for anti-American lyrics he performed at a 2004 concert protesting the U.S. presence in Iraq, following their recent revelation in U.S. media two days before he is set to perform for the U.S. president and his family.The 35-year-old rapper, who became a worldwide star with his hit song "Gangnam Style," said in the statement that the concert was held as a "deeply emotional reaction" to the war in Iraq following the beheading of a

Dec. 8, 2012

International K-pop stars make their debut

With the global popularity of K-pop on the rise, the music industry is starting to see some new faces. There are already a number of non-Koreans in the K-pop scene: Han Geng, the Chinese member of Super Junior; f(x)’s Taiwanese-American member Amber and Chinese member Victoria; Brad of the indie band Busker Busker; and 2PM’s Thai-American member Nichkhun. As the international interest in the K-pop continues to attract talented people, the industry seems to have opened its doors even wider to non

Dec. 7, 2012

Eyelike

Ke$ha gets better on ‘Warrior’Ke$ha``Warrior‘’(RCA Records)Don‘t hate me - but this new Ke$ha album is good. Kind of really good.``Warrior,’‘ the 25-year-old’s sophomore release, is entertaining from top to bottom. Ke$ha _ along with hitmaker Dr. Luke _ has a knack for creating carefree and upbeat electro-pop songs that make you want to have a good time. It‘s pure fun.Yes, some of her lyrics are vapid and need work, but melodically, she’s got a winner, especially on the hooks throughout ``Warrio

Dec. 7, 2012

Young artists give a twist to traditional Korean painting

Young artists are giving a new twist to traditional Korean painting with unique styles in both presentation and technique. A variety of styles in traditional Korean painting have been explored by young artists who majored in Oriental painting as more strive to create something that better connects with the wider audience of today. Choi Hae-ri, 34, is holding a replica exhibition through which the artist intends to connect the past and the future with something familiar to the public at 16 Bungee

Dec. 6, 2012

She’s Baek: K-Pop Star looking to future after debut

Ever since she could crawl, Baek Ah-yeon has had a strong connection to music. Her parents told her that she was already singing and memorizing the lyrics to Kim Soo-hee’s 1980s hit “Southbound Train” at 3 years old. “It was then that my parents thought that I had a talent for singing,” said the rookie soloist.In pursuit of her musical dreams, she started playing the piano at age 6, began taking vocal lessons when she was in junior high and later joined the church choir. However, Baek wanted mor

Dec. 6, 2012

DISTRICT provides all-in-one night out

Following is part of a series on Seoul’s hottest bars and clubs. ― Ed. Itaewon is one of the most unique and ethnically diverse areas in Seoul. The area’s free and exotic night scene is incomparable with any other district in Seoul. Among the most frequently visited clubs in Itaewon is the multi-entertainment facility DISTRICT.DISTRICT is located in the most crowded part of Itaewon, on the strip behind the Hamilton Hotel, which has lines of clubs and bars, much like Hong Kong’s famous club dist

Dec. 5, 2012

U.S. photo exhibition offers insight into Korean photography, history

The Korea Society presents photographs taken by Korean realist photographers during the turbulent modern days of Korea for the first time in the U.S. The exhibition titled “Traces of Life: Seen Through Korean Eyes, 1945-1992,” depicts the details of people’s everyday lives during the critical period of transition in modern Korean history, offering fresh insight into Korean history and culture, as well as its photography. It features 54 original black-and-white photographs taken by prominent Kore

Dec. 5, 2012

Cha Ji-yeon returns as ‘Aida’

One of the most anticipated musicals this month was finally unveiled on Sunday, starring “Seopyeonje” and “Singing the Legend” singer Cha Ji-yeon as the new face for the hapless Nubian princess taken into slavery in Egypt.The show is the third local run of Elton John and Tim Rice’s legendary musical “Aida.” It had a very successful first run in Seoul back in 2005, lifting then-pop star Ok Ju-hyun, who played the princess, to stardom in the local musical scene. The show had a successful re-run in

Dec. 5, 2012

Sculptor Ahn Chul-hyun’s work showcased at Art Miami

Korean artist Ahn Chul-hyun showcases his sculptural works at the international fine art event, Art Miami, this week. The Baltimore-based Korean sculptor will present his unique sculptures at the art week until Dec. 9. Ahn has received growing recognition in the U.S., Europe and the Middle East and has participated in a group exhibition, “Aha! Moment,” at the Seoul Arts Center in Korea. He held a solo exhibition at C. Grimaldis Gallery in Baltimore last year. Ahn is known for sculptures that exp

Dec. 4, 2012

Korean media artist Jin Si-yon makes one-of-a-kind media art

For Korean media artist Jin Si-yon, light has been an important medium that connects technology and humanity. By incorporating various technologies using LED lights and motion sensors, he elevates video images on flat screens to three-dimensional forms and moving sculptures. The exhibition at Jean Gallery in Seoul presents a comprehensive selection of Jin’s works using lights, mainly LEDs. In “Flow,” Jin creates a new media art form that incorporates dance, music and technology. By attaching ton

Dec. 3, 2012

Five unusual dates on Thursdays

A young man and a woman become close, have a child, choose not to get married, and remain friends for many years. The ex-lovers are now in their 50s; they have been through almost everything together except marriage.Acting veterans Jo Jae-hyun and Bae Jong-ok, who have mostly worked in TV and films, are co-starring in the theater adaptation of “Thursday Romance” this winter. The play is a local adaptation of French writer Marie Cardinal’s 1994 novel “Les Jeudis de Charles et Lula (Thursdays of C

Dec. 3, 2012

Psy to perform at Christmas show in Washington

Psy, along with legendary R&B icon Diana Ross, pop singer Demi Lovato, Megan Hilty from the TV series “Smash,” Chris Mann from “The Voice” and “American Idol” winner Scotty McCreery are all gearing up to spread some holiday cheer in the U.S. capital by performing in front of the Obamas at the 31st “Christmas in Washington 2012” winter special. The annual holiday performance is traditionally attended by the president and the first lady, and joined by many other prominent figures in Washington, D.

Dec. 3, 2012

Karl Lagerfeld photo exhibition arrives in Seoul

After much anticipation, Chanel’s black jacket photo exhibition has arrived in Seoul.The exhibition, which began on Saturday, displays photographs of celebrities and various personalities wearing the Chanel jacket. The snaps were taken by Karl Lagerfeld, who has been the head designer and creative director for the fashion house for 29 years. Since its debut in Tokyo in April, the exhibition has toured New York, Taipei, Hong Kong, London, Moscow, Sydney, Paris and Berlin.  The photographs are fro

Dec. 2, 2012

Patricia Kaas pays tribute to French singing icon

Patricia Kaas, an internationally known French pop and jazz fusion singer who has sold more than 16 million records worldwide, is in Korea to perform her tribute to legendary French singer Edith Piaf. “Kaas Chante Piaf,” meaning “Kaas Sings Piaf,” is the title of her new worldwide tour focusing on some of Piaf’s most iconic titles. The show was created in commemoration of Piaf’s contribution to the history of French popular music. “Next year marks the 50th anniversary of Piaf’s death, so I wish

Dec. 2, 2012

Lohan arrested over NY fight, charged over LA crash

U.S. actress Lindsay Lohan was arrested for assault in New York Thursday, and also charged over a car crash in California, in a double legal blow which could in theory land her back to jail.The perennially troubled 26-year-old, who is struggling to get her life back on the rails and remains on probation for a 2011 jewelry theft, was arrested in the early hours after a fight at a New York nightclub, police said."She was charged with assault" and ordered to appear at a later date, a New York Polic

Dec. 1, 2012