Donna Summer, Queen of Disco, dies at 63

NEW YORK (AP) ― Disco queen Donna Summer, whose pulsing anthems such as “Last Dance,” “Love to Love You Baby” and “Bad Girl” became the soundtrack for a glittery age of sex, drugs, dance and flashy clothes, has died. She was 63.Her family released a statement, saying Summer died Thursday morning and that they “are at peace celebrating her extraordinary life and her continued legacy.”“Words truly can’t express how much we appreciate your prayers and love for our family at this sensitive time,” th

May 18, 2012

Donna Summer, Queen of Disco, dies at 63

In this May 21, 2008 file photo, Donna Summer performs during the finale of "American Idol" at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP)Disco queen Donna Summer, whose pulsing anthems such as “Last Dance,” ‘'Love to Love You Baby” and “Bad Girls” became the soundtrack for a glittery age of sex, drugs, dance and flashy clothes, has died. She was 63.Her family released a statement, saying Summer died T

May 18, 2012

Two ‘K-pop Star’ finalists sign contracts with YG Entertainment

Two of the four finalists from SBS’ TV popular audition show “K-pop Star” have signed contracts with YG Entertainment led by Yang Hyun-seok, a former member of Seo Taiji & Boys and one of the three judges for the SBS program, according to industry sources.Lee Ha-yi, 16, who came in second, and Lee Seung-hoon, 20, who ranked fourth on the show, have decided to begin their professional careers at YG Entertainment, one of largest entertainment agencies in Korea.The singing contest drew much attent

May 17, 2012

Spotlight on Asian art as Hong Kong fair opens

HONG KONG (AFP) ― The glittering Hong Kong International Art Fair opens Thursday, featuring works by artists from Picasso to Chinese dissident Ai Weiwei and cementing the city’s status as a global art hub.More than 260 galleries from 38 countries, representing an even split from the West and the East, have booked space at the four-day event known as Art HK, now in its fifth edition.“The transformation here culturally has been pretty significant,” art collector and fair board member Richard Chang

May 17, 2012

‘Korean Eye’ to take contemporary art to London

Standard Chartered Korea sponsors exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery in time for OlympicsA total of 34 Korean contemporary artists have been selected for an upcoming “Korean Eye” exhibition in London, which will be held at the Saatchi Gallery from July 29 ― just in time for the summer Olympic Games. The exhibition, sponsored by Standard Chartered Korea, a leading global financial group, presents some 100 works by 34 established Korean artists, including Ahn Chul-hyun, Kang Hyung-koo, Moon Beom, B

May 16, 2012

Legendary musicians flock to Seoul

Earth, Wind & Fire, Eric Benet and George Benson to highlight Seoul Jazz FestivalLegendary jazz artists and pop stars are coming to Seoul to perform at the annual Seoul Jazz Festival that kicks off this weekend at the outdoor venues of Olympic Park in southern Seoul.The list of artists includes American soul rock band Earth, Wind & Fire, jazz guitarist George Benson, Al Di Meola, Ledisi and Eric Benet, one of Korea’s all-time favorite R&B singers from the U.S. Benet is already attracting the spo

May 16, 2012

Junsu says new music video cost ‘a lot of money’

Junsu, a member of the popular music group JYJ and a rising musical star, said on Wednesday that he wouldn't mind if he was called Xia Junsu, which he had used for the formerly five-member boyband TVXQ.He said that his newest music video of “Tarantallegra,” the first single from his solo album, may be one of the most expensive music videos he has ever made.“If you had watched it, you could’ve imagined that it would be one of the most expensive music videos. If I considered only the Korean market

May 16, 2012

2PM to release new single in Japan in June

K-pop idol group 2PM will be making its Japan debut on June 6 with its new single album “Beautiful” and Arena Tour Live DVD. Title track “Beautiful” has gained popularity ahead of the debut as the song of Sempio’s black vinegar drink. The song topped Recochouk chart, the biggest ringtone download website in Japan.A song written by 2PM member, Junho, “If You are Here” will also be included on the album. 2PM is expected to meet Japanese fans at a Tokyo fan meeting on June 16, before performing liv

May 16, 2012

European chamber music to grace Korea

Three internationally renowned chamber orchestras to perform in Seoul in May, JuneChamber orchestras traditionally performed in palace chambers or great mansions in the West for the privileged few. The venue for these small orchestras today has moved from small private rooms to concert halls and their performances are now open to anyone. However, despite the change in venue over the centuries, there is one enduring quality that continues to mesmerize audiences ― intimacy.Three internationally re

May 15, 2012

Versatile idol group BTOB has a lot more to show

Seven-member group to make international debut at Singapore’s Music Matters FestivalThis is part of a series featuring new hallyu stars. ― Ed.Korean idol groups, so far, may have relied on their pretty looks, dance performances that are akin to acrobatics, and trendy music widely accepted by different cultures around the world, to appeal to audiences. However, BTOB, a Korean boy group that debuted two months ago, said they will show new features as K-pop artists in a way that will set them apart

May 14, 2012

YG reveals new member of girl group

YG Entertainment posted a new video unveiling the fifth member of its upcoming girl group through their official blog on Friday. The one minute and 30 second video featured the 16-year-old trainee’s powerful dance moves along with other girls in a studio.At the end of the footage, a profile showed a photo of her face but listed her name and nationality as 'Unknown.'On May 4, YG posted a photo of the new member under a title of “Who’s that girl?” and a month ago they also uploaded a video of othe

May 11, 2012

Calendar

Theater“On an Azure Day”: Director Go Seon-woong’s award-sweeping play about the 1980 Gwangju democratization movement is back for a second run -- just in time for the 32nd anniversary of the historical event on May 18. The show premiered in 2011 and won the grand prize and best play at last year’s National Theater Awards. It tells a story of middle-aged Buddhist monk Yeosan, who participated in the uprising and was brutally tortured by the authorities upon his arrest. At the time, he testified

May 11, 2012

Eyelike

Snider’s twisted take on Broadway tunesDee Snider “Dee Does Broadway” (Razor & Tie)In a signature song early in his career, Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider vowed “I’ll Never Grow Up.” But bless his twisted heart and frizzed-out hair, that’s exactly what’s happening to the heavy metal legend, best known for hits like “We’re Not Gonna Take It” and “I Wanna Rock.”Dee Snider has become a brand. He’s done stints as a commercial voice-over actor, a radio DJ, a reality TV star and budding author. Bu

May 11, 2012

As book thrives, Carole King hints at songwriting end

NEW YORK (AP) ― The voice behind dozens of standards like “It’s Too Late,’’ `’You’ve Got a Friend’’ and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman’’ says her music-making days are likely over.Carole King, now a best-selling author, doubts she will ever write another song and suggested that her 2010 “Troubadours Reunion’’ concert tour with James Taylor would be her last: “It was a good way to go out.’’King composed dozens of 1960s hits with then-husband Gerry Goffin before emerging as a recording a

May 11, 2012