Whether it’s a student studying in a library or an office worker surrounded by piles of paper, the dark vibe of Epik High’s music has long functioned as a remedy for many people struggling with their daily lives. The hip-hop trio’s music dives deep into subjects like desperation, remorse and anger -- everyday emotions that people would rather avoid discussing -- and consoles people in its own way. Three years after topping the charts with “Shoebox,” Epik High, which consists of Tablo, Mithra Jin

Performance Oct. 24, 2017

There are certain tracks that need to be heard in this sweater weather, and veteran balladeer Im Chang-jung is back on the circuit with a new fall-focused EP to help you get in the mood for the season. Best known for his effusive voice that evokes a whirlwind of feelings, Im returned with his second EP “Do You Know That Person” on Monday, fully charged with bitter emotions for past romances. After kicking off the media showcase for his new EP on Monday in Seoul with a performance of his previous

Performance Oct. 24, 2017

Singer and actress Mina of K-pop girl group AOA will soon publish her first essay collection, on Nov. 1, according to her agency.FNC Entertainment announced that Mina’s soon-to-be-released essay, titled “Stars Don’t Lose Their Way, Even at Night,” will offer insights into the author’s experiences as well as candid personal stories.The book will additionally feature quotes of wisdom that have supported the singer through her tough times in the past, through which Mina intends to encourage fellow

Performance Oct. 23, 2017

Singer and actress Mina of K-pop girl group AOA will soon publish her first essay collection, on Nov. 1, according to her agency.FNC Entertainment announced that Mina’s soon-to-be-released essay, titled “Stars Don’t Lose Their Way, Even at Night,” will offer insights into the author’s experiences as well as candid personal stories. Cover of AOA Mina‘s first essay collection “Stars Don’t Lose Their Way, Even at Night” (FNC Entertainment)The book will additionally feature quotes of wisdom that hav

Performance Oct. 23, 2017

K-pop superstar BTS has been tapped as one of the most influential celebrities on social media by US Weekly. On Friday, the US magazine published a list of the top 15 celebrities around the globe that are the most influential and active on social media. BTS landed at No. 14, becoming the only Asian act to make it to the star-studded list. US Weekly also introduced BTS’ recent achievements related to social media, which included how the group’s worldwide fan group contributed to BTS winning top s

Performance Oct. 22, 2017

Netizens are demanding that singer-actor Choi Si-won drop out of “Revolutionary Love,” a newly launched drama series in which Choi plays a lead role, following the death of a local businesswoman who died after being attacked by Choi’s family pet dog.  Choi Si-won poses with his family dog. (Choi Si-won’s Instagram)As of Sunday morning, the tvN drama’s online viewer board has been bombarded with comments claiming that Choi should take responsibility for the incident by quitting the series. Some o

Television Oct. 22, 2017

BTOB“Brother Act.”Loen Entertainment It‘s true that BTOB has been underrated to some extent. But just add all 12 tracks of the group’s latest full-length album “Brother Act” to your playlist and bask in the crisp autumn air until it plays out. Without doubt, the autumn-tinged album will provide you with a soothing slow-down to your hectic day. The orchestra-themed album opens with “Prelude: A Day,” an emotional piano melody masterpiece that will immediately soften your heart. The pure instrument

Performance Oct. 19, 2017

After over eight years of curating the looks of K-pop fashion icon Girls’ Generation, stylist Seo Soo-kyung is often called the ninth member of the group for her family-like bond and history with the members. Since her initial engagement with the sensational girl group for its third full-length album “The Boys” in 2011, Seo has evolved side by side with Girls’ Generation to become a super-stylist who now has an impressive portfolio highlighted by partnerships with global stars Psy and Seventeen.

Culture Oct. 18, 2017

Not long after completing promotions for the group’s latest EP “Love Yourself Seung Her,” BTS swiftly moved on to its new project, this time in the form of advertisement blimps. On Monday, two large ad blimps that showed members Jin and Jimin’s photos appeared in the skies over Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province and Busan, respectively. The blimp in Gwacheon, Jin’s hometown, featured a phrase “Love Myself” on the front and “I Will Always Love ARMY” on the back. The one in Busan, where Jimin is from, ha

Performance Oct. 17, 2017

There are those life-changing events that are beyond any words or logic. And for rising singer-songwriter Paul Kim, the most striking moment of his nondescript 20s came one ordinary night at an Army base while serving his mandatory military service. Flipping through the booklet of his favorite singer Lee So-ra’s fifth album, Kim encountered a phrase: “I am a little seed that sprouted out to sing.” From that moment, the magic was on. Kim’s heart started to throb and his mind was awash with inexpl

Performance Oct. 16, 2017

Korean actresses shone on the red carpet of the Busan International Film Festival on Thursday, showing off bold looks. Here are some of their outfits:Yoona of Girls’ Generation (Yonhap) (Yonhap)The Girls’ Generation member wore a figure-hugging, low-back long dress, completing the look with a pair of sparkling earrings. The white lacey dress accentuated her slender figure. She was the event’s host with actor Jang Dong-geun. Actress Moon Geun-young (Herald Pop)Actress Moon Geun-young opted for a

Arts & Design Oct. 13, 2017

Fashion can drastically change one’s image. And such was the case for teen actress Seo Shin-ae, who attended the Busan International Film Festival clad in a white revealing dress. The 18-year-old actress drew attention at the event’s star-studded red carpet Thursday, as she wore a revealing white dress that was a stark contrast to her previous youthful image.  (Herald Pop)Her outfit generated buzz on social media, with some netizens disapproving. Several comments read, “It’s shocking to see Seo

Arts & Design Oct. 13, 2017

Balladeer Im Chang-jung will make his long-awaited return on Oct. 23, according to the artist’s NH Entertainment Media Group label on Friday. According to the label, Im’s new EP will feature several ballad tracks and a duet number. The singer recently finished filming a music video for the new single in Seoul.  Im Chang-jung (Herald DB)“Im has put a lot of effort into the new album so as not to disappoint fans. The upcoming songs will be loved by fans as much as his previous hits,” an agency off

Performance Oct. 13, 2017

US-based global content company A+E Networks on Thursday has launched two of its TV channels in Korea with a plan to make Korea a content hub for original production across Asia. A+E Networks is a joint venture between Hearst Communications and Disney-ABC Television Group, known for such cable networks such as A&E, History, Lifetime and Viceland.  Kim Yoo-jung (Yonhap)The company’s two new channel brands History and Lifetime will be broadcast on IPTV platforms, cables and satellite broadcast, wh

Television Oct. 12, 2017

Veering away from its hip-hop-focused past, GOT7 is all set to embark on a new chapter with its recently released seventh EP “7 for 7,” which features the lead track “You Are.” This time, the seven-piece group is more laid-back and introspective in its musical style, with JB and Jinyoung -- members of the group’s subunit JJ Project -- joining GOT7 for the latest album after wrapping up the duo’s most recent activity for “Verse 2” in August.“It’s true that the sonic path of ‘7 for 7’ was somewhat

Performance Oct. 12, 2017