Despite coming across every possible stumbling block, the passionate vocalists of Mahogany King, say nothing can keep them down. The indie outfit ― composed of Lee Mal-C, Aarah and MoonDeuk ― made its debut in 2011 with the album “Lee Mal-C Aarah MoonDeuk.” The album was released as an alternative jazz pop record, but now that they have a foot in the door, the band mates have made a return to indie-rock, picking up additional member J.shin along the way. With the completion of the band’s second

Nov. 4, 2013

Park Dae-sung is one of the few artists in Korea that draws on the principles and spirit of traditional Korean paintings. His delicate, sometimes energetic portrayal of Korean landscapes and cultural assets have received acclaim overseas, including his September exhibition in Turkey and several other showcases in China and Taiwan. When most contemporary painters practicing ink-and-wash painting have been seeking to bring modernity to their paintings, Park has been in pursuit of mastering his bru

Nov. 3, 2013

This year the global hit “Wicked” celebrates its 10th anniversary, a milestone achieved by only 10 other Broadway musicals in history. In Seoul, the milestone is being celebrated by the premiere of its Korean production, performed in Korean by an all-Korean cast. The upcoming run, opening at the Charlotte Theater in Seoul on Nov. 22, is the fifth foreign-language production of the Broadway show. “I think people respond to Wicked globally because they all have a bit of Elphaba and a bit of Glinda

Nov. 3, 2013

This is the 13th in a series on producers, MCs, DJs and artists working in the Korean underground hip-hop scene. Translator Ary Kim contributed to this article. ― Ed.After 13 years in the underground hip-hop scene, rapper Vasco is looking for something bigger. In the next year he hopes to sign with a big label, put out a big album and be No. 1 on the Melon chart.His goal is to be successful as a mainstream artist.“Thirteen years in the underground, I’ve done it, I’ve seen it. I did everything. N

Nov. 3, 2013

It’s been more than 15 years since actor and theater producer Song Seung-whan’s famed nonverbal play “Nanta” premiered in Seoul in 1997, becoming a megahit over the years. Song, now 56, has put together another foreigner-friendly, nonverbal show. And it deals with, in Song’s own words, “one of the most universal events in human life” ― a wedding.The show, titled “Music Show Wedding,” premiered in Seoul last year, and went through a major revision for its second run this year. The latest version,

Nov. 1, 2013

Who needs drumsticks when an entire kitchen full of utensils can be used make a dynamic and creative percussion ensemble? A group of chefs grab whatever they can get their hands on ― spatulas, chopsticks, ladles, brooms and even knives ― and chop, shuck and dice out sounds in a lively musical preparation of Korean food. This is “Nanta.”  The nonverbal live musical “Nanta,” the creation of famed local actor and theater producer Song Seung-whan, has set a record as Korea’s longest-running performa

Nov. 1, 2013

When Lee Mi-na opened her spa, “SPA THE EL” in southern Seoul in 2011, she had one goal. On top of facials and body massages, the former TV personality wanted to offer treatments for the mind. The spa specializes in special services such as color therapy and counseling, which aid in improving mood and reducing the risk of depression. Lee, who spent many years in the television industry, says she was severely depressed in high school. “I am the kind of person who cares about what others think abo

Nov. 1, 2013

Theater“Bungee Jumping in Their Own”: A musical adaptation of filmmaker Kim Dai-seung’s 2001 unusual romance “Bungee Jumping of Their Own” is currently being performed in Seoul. The 2001 film featured late actress Lee Eun-joo and hallyu heartthrob Lee Byung-hun, and deftly linked the themes of magic and curse of first love, reincarnation and even homosexuality. The show tells the story of a man who lost his first love to a car accident in the 1980s. The show runs until Nov. 17 at Doosan Art Cent

Nov. 1, 2013

 Troublemaker makes risque returnTroublemaker  “Chemistry”(Universal Music) The duo that made a sensation with risque dance moves on the hit single “Troublemaker” is back with another scandalous concept, but this time in the form of an EP, “Chemistry.” The 5-track EP starts surprisingly strong with “Turn Up the Volume,” featuring a refreshing acoustic sound. Hyuna’s vocals aren’t striking, but her unique tone works well with Hyunseong’s clear voice. “There is No Tomorrow” portrays the listless l

Nov. 1, 2013

Despite being relatively new faces in the K-pop scene, EXO has managed to expand their fan base throughout Asia and is quickly growing into one of the country’s most popular boy bands. At the height of their popularity, the 12 members will be launching their first TV variety program called “EXO’s Showtime” on MBC Every 1, the network announced on Thursday.The premise of the weekly show will be simply following the everyday lives of the young boys, who claim that for the most part, they are just

Nov. 1, 2013

It has been two years since the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra visited Korea. But classical music fans here cannot get enough of the orchestra dubbed “the most powerful sound in the world.”On Nov. 11-12, the group led by Sir Simon Rattle will perform at the Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall staging Schumann’s Symphony No. 1; Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 1; Stravinsky’s “Le Sacre du Printemps,” and Boulez’s “Notations Pour Orchestra,” as well as Bruckner’s Symphony No. 7. Celebrated violinist and

Oct. 31, 2013