Behind the scenes of East-West collaborations

SM searches abroad as overseas producers eye K-pop trends to keep hits comingThis is the final of a two-part series exploring the increasing involvement of foreign producers and composers in the K-pop scene. ― Ed.With the K-pop market going increasingly global, the pressure is on to churn out an array of catchy and addictive tracks that feed the public’s increasingly selective appetite for music.I

March 3, 2011

More authentic ‘Miso’ draws in bigger crowds

Foreigners flock to Chongdong Theater’s dance and musicAs the clear yet sorrowful tune of a “haegeum,” a traditional Korean musical instrument, resonated throughout Chongdong Theater in Jeong-dong, central Seoul, on Tuesday evening, the audience grew quiet and all eyes were set on stage. A soft light focused on a corner of the stage where an orchestra was set. The orchestra consisted not of violin

March 2, 2011

Mexico’s Slim reveals new art museum

MEXICO CITY (AP) ― The world’s richest man, telecom tycoon Carlos Slim, gave a sneak peak Tuesday at the new museum where he plans to show his vast collection of art and collectibles, including priceless pieces by Mexican muralist Diego Rivera, French sculptor Auguste Rodin and Italian master Leonardo da Vinci.The Soumaya museum ― named after the tycoon’s late wife ― opens to the public on March 2

March 2, 2011

Western artists, producers turn to K-pop

 Music industry slump and digital downloads spur increase in East-West collaborationsThis is the first of in a two-part series exploring the increasing involvement of foreign producers and composers in the K-pop scene. ― Ed.When footage of The Black Eyed Peas’ will.i.am working with girl group 2NE1 hit national television last year, it was a defining moment for the K-pop industry. Though the domes

March 2, 2011

Powerful female vocalists to take to Seoul stage

World musician Kidjo and jazz singer Nah Youn-sun bring their unique sound to SeoulThose tired of Seoul’s brutally cold winter may want to check the upcoming concerts by two female vocalists, Angelique Kidjo from Africa and Nah Youn-sun from Korea, at the LG Arts Center in southern Seoul.Their powerful and energetic voices, combined with experimental and fun music will melt and unlock the most fro

March 1, 2011

Over 80,000 fans sign petition for JYJ

　Foreign fans of K-pop group JYJ said on Tuesday that they submitted a petition on Monday to the Seoul Central District Court and the Fair Trade Commission for the recognition and protection of the boy-band’s legal and human rights.　The petition urges prompt action by the South Korean government and justice system to “concretely block the illegal interferences and anti-trust activities of SM Enter

March 1, 2011

Over 80,000 fans sign petition for JYJ

Foreign fans of K-pop group JYJ said on Tuesday that they submitted a petition on Monday to the Seoul Central District Court and the Fair Trade Commission for the recognition and protection of the boy-band’s legal and human rights.The petition urges prompt action by the South Korean government and justice system to “concretely block the illegal interferences and anti-trust activities of SM Enterta

March 1, 2011

Plum blossoms herald spring

When Chinese plum trees bloom into clouds of puffy white and red blossoms, we know spring is just around the corner. The flowers are likened to “seonbi,” or a firm and right-minded scholar, in Korea because their soft and fragrant petals peep out despite the chilly weather. This herald of spring is one of the “sagunja,” or four gracious plants, which also include orchids, chrysanthemums and bamboo

Feb. 28, 2011

Fashion brands: Introducers of latest art

Hermes Foundation and Comme des Garçons show high-tech contemporary art in SeoulA black spaceship-like object seems to have landed on the third floor of Artsonje Center in Sogyeok-dong, central Seoul. Inside its dark room, about 10 cushioned seats are installed, encircling a large screen. Named “H Box,” the 6.5 meter wide and 5 meter tall structure is a mini, portable screening room for video artw

Feb. 27, 2011

Events calendar

Exhibition“Delpire & Cie”: Though the name might not immediately ring any bells, unlike with other Magnum members, Robert Delpire is a powerful figure without whom photographic history cannot be properly discussed. The 82-year-old photographer, publisher and director of exhibitions, films and campaigns has a lot of clout over not only his fellow photographers but also in other cultural realms. The

Feb. 25, 2011

Kim Ji-young’s seasoned Giselle touches audience

Original French version is Korea National Ballet’s first-ever sellout showThe sight of her tearstained face wrenched onlookers’ hearts, as she held up her hands in a plea to save her beloved’s life. Playing Giselle, Korea National Ballet’s principal dancer Kim Ji-young, not only impressed the press rehearsal audience with her acclaimed technique, but also wooed her viewers with an emotionally inte

Feb. 24, 2011

Theater of the absurd ditches the rule book

Audience members eat snacks, drink beer and answer phone calls in wacky new productionsThere was still at least 15 minutes to go before the start of the play but two clowns in black raincoats and hats were already wandering around the stage and near audience seats, miming in slow-motion. People hurried in, bewilderedly whispering to each other, “Has it already started?” Well, it might have ― or mi

Feb. 23, 2011

Superstar K contestant takes first step as K-pop singer

Singer Kim Bo-kyung is still an unfamiliar name to most Koreans. But once associated with the word “Superstar K,” her name almost instantly translates into the name of the song, “Because of You” by Kelly Clarkson, which she sang during the Korean version of American Idol aired on cable channel Mnet.Despite her mature and appealing voice, Kim failed to get into the show’s top 11 partly because of b

Feb. 22, 2011

Philly exhibit reopens with Chinese mummies

PHILADELPHIA (AP) ― “Return of the Mummies” may sound like a horror movie, but in this case there’s a happy ending.The “Secrets of the Silk Road” exhibit reopened Friday at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology with a pair of show-stopping ancient mummies, now that a mysterious dispute with the Chinese government has been wrapped up.The drama has passed that had mus

Feb. 21, 2011

Roll over Tango, Beatles hits Argentina

BUENOS AIRES, Feb 18, 2011 (AFP) ― The world’s tango capital is dancing to a new beat at Latin America’s first museum devoted to the Beatles, displaying items from boots to wigs and even condoms stamped with John Lennon’s picture.Although none of the 2,500 articles on display actually ever belonged to a member of the Fab Four, thousands of visitors have already poured through the doors of the Buen

Feb. 20, 2011

Guitar legend Slash prepares new solo album

Slash, best known as former lead guitarist of U.S. rock band Guns N’ Roses, said he is preparing another solo album while planning to visit Seoul as part of a world tour.After releasing his first solo album “Slash” in Korea in May, the current guitarist of Velvet Revolver is to hold a solo concert on March 20 at Ax-Hall in Seoul.“I am working on material for the next record that I am gonna do outs

Feb. 20, 2011

Events Calendar

Exhibitions“Delpire & Cie”: Though the name might not immediately ring any bells, unlike with other Magnum members, Robert Delpire is a powerful figure without whom photographic history cannot be properly discussed. The 82-year-old photographer, publisher and director of exhibitions, films and campaigns has a lot of clout over not only his fellow photographers but also in other cultural realms. Th

Feb. 18, 2011