Ok Ju-hyun ‘dolls’ up after singing contest

Star-studded musical ‘Guys and Dolls’ promises charmShe was not all tense as she seemed to be on the recent MBC TV show “I Am a Singer,” better known as “Nagasu,” which had her mired in controversies until she was finally eliminated last week. Instead, Ok Ju-hyun seemed to be right at home on Wednes

Aug. 4, 2011

[Photo] Super Junior promises to meet more international fans with ‘Mr.Simple’

  Super Junior members pose for photo at a hotel in Seoul (Yonhap)Super Junior announced their comeback with a fifth album on Thursday to some 200 international press members gathered at the Imperial Palace Hotel in Nonhyeon-dong, southern Seoul. The new album, containing the track “M

Aug. 4, 2011

Artist reminds viewers of basic human values

 South Korean artist Yang Soon-yeol has long pondered the question of what basic values human beings should pursue. Her solo exhibition, “Leaning against a gatepost in the world of imagination,” currently underway at Inter-Burgo Gallery in Manchon-dong, Daegu, is a roundup of her thoughts so fa

Aug. 3, 2011

Find youth, rock spirit in Incheon this weekend

Incheon Dream Park’s outdoor pool, indoor club to stay open 24 hoursThe upcoming weekend in Incheon will be filled with the energy of youth and rock spirit, as leading bands from overseas and Korea power up the stage of the 6th Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival from Friday to Sunday.While the rock fes

Aug. 3, 2011

The Black Skirts hopes to get rid of ‘American’ label

While idol-centered K-pop has been heavily covered by the media, the Korean indie scene has received relatively little attention. This is the fifth installment of a series of interviews shedding light on the scene. ― Ed.The Black Skirts, a one-man indie band run by vocalist, guitarist, keyboardist a

Aug. 3, 2011

Enjoy and learn: shows offer more than fun

Performances in Seoul based on classics target vacationing kids and teensMusicals and plays can do more than just entertain when they target a special audience like children and teenagers. Here are four educational shows that both parents and kids would enjoy dedicating a day of their summer vacatio

Aug. 2, 2011

Asia Phil offers brilliant, beautiful concert in Seoul

While the Seoul Arts Center was still drenched with rain, its concert hall on Sunday was fully packed with people waiting for the Asia Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Chung Myung-whun’s 8 p.m. concert.Chung founded the APO 15 years ago by gathering young musicians from across Asia to narrow dif

Aug. 1, 2011

Festival to rekindle flame in Daehangno

Marronnier Summer Festival offers two-week bonanza of b-boy battles, drama, art shows and concertsMarronnier Park in Dongsung-dong, central Seoul, now has the chance to live up to its former glory as the most passionate and artistic hangout place for young people. The first-ever Marronnier Summer Fe

Aug. 1, 2011

Music mogul honors celebs at charity fundraiser

EAST HAMPTON, New York (AP) ― Music mogul Russell Simmons and model Kimora Lee Simmons may no longer be married, but the pair came together in the name of charity at a dinner gala.The couple hosted the fundraiser Saturday night to benefit Art for Life, a charity that supports arts programs for inner

Aug. 1, 2011

Chung sisters illuminate GMMF with strong presence

Sisters’ unique harmony goes out to flood, landslide victims in KoreaFor violinist Chung Kyung-wha, it was almost her first stage performance since she hurt her hand. For her elder sister, cellist Chung Myung-wha, it was the first time performing chamber music with Kyung-wha in six years.On Friday evening, the artists showcased the first concert of Distinguished Artists Series of the 2011 Great Mo

July 31, 2011

Cutting-edge ballet rocks Russia’s Bolshoi

MOSCOW (AFP) ― A modern ballet with music by cult U.S. rock band The White Stripes has wowed Bolshoi Theatre audiences, helping the company shake off a conservative image as it plans a return to its historic home.“Chroma,” British choreographer Wayne McGregor’s 2006 exploration of the influence of psychology on movement, is a sharp contrast to the 19th-century narrative ballets that have been the

July 31, 2011

Korean, British rockers thrill crowds at Jisan

Saturday brings indie favorites and much-needed sunshine to the 3-day music eventICHEON, Gyeonggi Province ― After an overnight downpour, music fans left their flooded tents to enjoy a reprieve from the rain at Jisan Valley Rock Festival on Saturday. The solid stream of Korean acts was complemented by a very British international presence on the main stage throughout the three-day event, including

July 31, 2011

Classical Music

“Daejeon Philharmonic Orchestra’s Russia Sentimental”: Daejeon Philharmonic Orchestra said it will hold a special concert on Tchaikovsky and Mussorgsky at the Seoul Arts Center’s Concert Hall on Aug. 30 at 8 p.m. With new artistic director and conductor Geum No-sang, the orchestra will deliver the unique sounds of Russian symphony with pianist Suh Hai-kyung on Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1. The

July 29, 2011

Dance

“Suspicious Paradise”: The dance show is inspired by the Demilitarized Zone, which looks like a paradise with untouched nature but is also a place deeply scarred by the Korean War. Organized by Korea National Contemporary Dance Company, it aims to offer a fresh experience to the younger generation who not know much about the war. It will run from Aug. 5 to 7 at Seoul Arts Center’s Towol Center in

July 29, 2011

Exhibitions

“Ik-joong Kang: A Retrospective (1996-2011)”: South Korean artist Kang Ik-joong’s mini retrospective exhibition is underway at Posco art museum at the POSCO building in Daechi-dong, southern Seoul. Kang is one of most globally well-known Korean artists and represented the country at the 1997 Venice Biennale. At the exhibition, 23 of his paintings, installations and sculptures featuring the artist’

July 29, 2011

Festival

“The 14th Seoul Fringe Festival”: The 14th Seoul Fringe Festival will be held in the Hongdae area in Seoul from Aug. 11-27, offering visual art, theater, dance, music and multimedia. The event aims to promote underground arts scene of the capital. While indoor art performances will be held across 31 theaters and clubs, outdoor performances will take place at around Hongik University Station on Sub

July 29, 2011

Pop Music

“2011 Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival”: Famous rock bands ranging from The Ting Tings to Korn, as well as singer-songwriters such as B.o.B will come to Incheon to participate in the 6th Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival from Aug. 5-7 at the Incheon Dream Park. Korea’s popular rock bands including Boohwal and No Brain will also hit the stage. For those who want to spend the night outdoors, there will

July 29, 2011

Theater

“The Three Musketeers”: The musical “The Three Musketeers,” for which the tickets were completely sold out in last year’s run, is back this year for only nine days. Based on Alexandre Dumas’ novel, the musical, set in 17th century France, tells stories about the adventures of D’Artagnan and the three musketeers ― Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. Actors of the Korea premiere in 2009, including Yoo Jun-s

July 29, 2011