Ringing in the holidays with K-pop carols

For those looking to celebrate the Yuletide with K-pop rather than traditional Christmas carols, there will be no shortage of new releases to choose from by the end of the year. In honor of the holiday season, many K-pop artists have or are scheduled to release special season’s greetings-inspired tracks to usher in Christmas and the New Year. The artists of Cube and A Cube Entertainment came together as Cube United for the collaborative holiday single “Christmas Song” ― not a variation of Mel To

Dec. 5, 2013

Boohwal’s vocalist Jung Dong-ha to marry next year

Jung Dong-ha, the vocalist of South Korean rock band Boohwal, announced Thursday that he is marrying his girlfriend of eight years.“Next year, I will tie the knot with my girlfriend who has waited and supported me for more than eight years,” the 33-year-old singer said on his official online fan page. In the letter titled “Promise,” which was addressed to his fans, he said, “This year was a blessing, thanks to my fans supporting my dreams with me.”The singer said he is planning to hold the weddi

Dec. 5, 2013

Time announces top songs of 2013; Girls’ Generation at No.5

K-pop group Girls’ Generation turned heads on Wednesday by making No.5 on Time magazine’s list of “Top 10 Songs of 2013” with "I Got A Boy."“The nine-woman, South Korean group Girls’ Generation is a ridiculously effective hook machine, and a major phenomenon in Asia,” the magazine said. While the group enjoys gigantic popularity here and in most parts of Asia, it is still a relative newcomer on the world pop stage. The group, which unexpectedly took “Video of the Year” at the first-ever YouTube

Dec. 5, 2013

Hiroshi Sugimoto exhibition: A slow journey through time and space

The calm yet thought-provoking images of Hiroshi Sugimoto, one of the most acclaimed artists in contemporary photography, are on exhibit at Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art from this week through next year.Known for long-exposure photographs intended to capture layers of time and space, Sugimoto presents his photographic series on seascapes, theaters, portraits and lightning done over the past 40 years, beginning in the 1970s, at his solo exhibition in Seoul. As meticulous and patient as he is with

Dec. 4, 2013

G-Dragon’s ‘Niliria’ among Complex’s top 50 songs of 2013

American men’s fashion and entertainment magazine Complex has named G-Dragon’s electro pop song “Niliria” as one of this year’s top 50 songs. “Niliria,” featuring U.S. hip-hop artist Missy Elliott, is a single from the artist’s second solo album “Coup d’etat,” released on Sept. 5. “Niliria” was produced by G-Dragon, Missy Elliott and Teddy Park. The hybrid track, featuring traditional Korean sounds fused with electro pop and hip-hop, ranked at No. 32 on the Complex magazine list. “Korean pop sup

Dec. 4, 2013

Britney Spears makes official Las Vegas entrance

LAS VEGAS (AP) ― Fire-breathers, contortionists, snake charmers and hunky dancers welcomed Britney Spears to the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on Tuesday afternoon in a staged event kicking off the pop icon’s two-year Las Vegas residency.One block of the Strip was briefly shut down as the star pulled up to the casino in a convoy of black Cadillac Escalades. Spears’ show debuts Dec. 27, just in time for Sin City’s massive New Year’s crowds. She will perform 50 shows each in 2014 and 2015, in a

Dec. 4, 2013

[Photo News] 9muses makes its return with “Glue”

K-pop girl group 9muses made its comeback with a new single, “Glue,” on Wednesday.The nine-member group kicked off online sales of the song and released a music video on its official YouTube channel. The song’s lyrics are about a woman who is “glued” to the memories of her days with a boyfriend she recently split up with. It is a medium tempo dance number with a 1990s-style disco rhythm. 9muses will perform on cable channel Mnet’s “Mcountdown” for its comeback show on Thursday. (minsikyoon@heral

Dec. 4, 2013

Jung Kuho immerses himself in dance and traditional Korean art

Celebrated fashion designer Jung Kuho is no stranger to dance performances, having directed a number of pieces in collaboration with the nation’s top troupes.Jung, who abruptly announced last month his departure from his 10-year position as executive director at Cheil Industries, which acquired his brand KUHO in 2003, is directing a dance piece for the third time. Under Jung’s leadership, the label’s sales have increased 13-fold over the past decade. Jung’s departure came about two months after

Dec. 3, 2013

Reyle junks conventions of art

Piles of junk take up a corner of the gallery space with signs saying the clutter is not garbage to be removed. The blinking lights from fluorescent lamps and neon acrylic boards are also carefully placed for a seemingly artistic vibe. The junk installation is one of the recent works by German artist Anselm Reyle, a rising artist in the international contemporary art scene. His works are being showcased at Kukje Gallery until the end of the year. “These are pieces that we consider as garbage. So

Dec. 3, 2013

Kang Sue-jin to head Korean National Ballet

Korean-born ballerina Kang Sue-jin, who currently dances as one of the principals with the Stuttgart Ballet in Germany, has been appointed the new director of the Korean National Ballet, according to the Culture Ministry. Her term starts next year.Kang, considered one of the most acclaimed Korean dancers, has been dancing with the German troupe since 1986. She was promoted to principal in 1997. The 46-year-old won numerous prestigious awards, including the Prix de Lausanne in 1985 and the Prix B

Dec. 3, 2013

Joy of Strings ensemble to hold European tour

Korean classical music ensemble Joy of Strings will hold a European tour with its art director Lee Sung-ju this month. Their repertoire encompasses Austrian and Korean music including Corelli’s “Christmas Concerto,” Haydn’s Violin Concerto in C Major, Mozart’s Divertimento in D, Kreisler’s “Liebesfreud & Liebesleid,” Gounod’s “Ave Maria,” Lee Young-jo’s Arirang Variations for String Orchestra and several carols. Lee, a noted violinist, will participate as soloist. The string ensemble will kick o

Dec. 2, 2013

Contemporary art of Southeast Asia showcased in Seoul

Contemporary photographs and media art from Southeast Asia are being showcased in Seoul, shedding light on the dynamic and vibrant cultural scenes in Southeast Asia. The exhibition “ASEAN-Korea Contemporary Media Art Exhibition 2013” brings together some of the hottest contemporary artists in ASEAN countries. They are introducing their compelling works of art alongside the artwork of Korean artists. The exhibition, in its fourth year, presents some 90 photographs and pieces of media art by 18 ar

Dec. 2, 2013

Psy reveals Santa dress code for concerts

The comedic rap star Psy has released a new promotional image of his head placed on a muscular male body sporting a sexy Santa outfit, revealing the event’s dress code for his upcoming winter series. As in Psy’s previous concert in Seoul, with its all-white dress code, the singer has set a dress code for the upcoming concerts: He is asking that fans come dressed up in their best Santa outfits. The performer is making his return just in time for the holiday season and holding a special four-day s

Dec. 2, 2013