Though the performing arts scene has been gearing up to get back into the groove as the number of COVID-19 cases drops, concerts remain canceled in April. Pianist Kim Sun-wook’s concerts with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra in April have been canceled. Kim, a Beethoven specialist, was to perform with the SPO on April 24 at the Lotte Concert Hall in eastern Seoul.   The program was to include Haydn’s Symphony No. 102 in B flat major Hob. I: 102, Beethoven’s Piano Concer

Performance April 21, 2020

K-pop stars often make the most of their fame by venturing into a diverse range of second careers, such as acting or business. In recent years, more and more K-pop stars’ names are appearing on the cast lists of major musical productions as idols establish themselves in the highly popular musical scene. Initially, K-pop stars who landed major roles in musicals were met with hostility, as it was feared that musical actors -- actors trained specifically in the genre -- could lose out to big

Performance April 21, 2020

24-hour stay at JW Marriott Dongdaemun JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul is running a Stay & Relax package that allows guests to check-in at desired hours and stay for a maximum of 24 hours. The deal includes a one night-stay at Deluxe Room or Executive Suite, breakfast for two adults and two children under 12 at the executive lounge and a voucher credit worth 40,000 won that can be used at the hotel’s restaurants. Also, a Barbie doll will be gifted per room. Prices start at 29

Food April 17, 2020

As more people are staying in amid the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic, restaurants are turning to takeaway and delivery services to attract customers wary of coming into contact with others while dining out. Luxury hotels are offering contactless dining suitable for customers celebrating a special day at home or for those conducting an important business meeting over a meal. Lotte Hotel Seoul in central Seoul launched meal sets that can be picked up at a drive-thru on April 6. In the fir

Food April 16, 2020

Daehangno, an area of Seoul that is home to numerous small theaters, has been hit hard by the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak as theaters have been shut down in compliance with the government’s social distancing program. The Korea Performing Arts Box Office Information System, managed by the Korea Arts Management Service affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, showed a sharp drop in ticket sales following the outbreak of the virus.   According to the data, ticket sale

Performance April 14, 2020

The 20th Seoul International Improvisation Dance Festival is to take place this month, despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This year, as a precaution to prevent the spread of the virus, the festival’s performances and workshops will be held separately.  Shows will be staged April 21-26 at the Arko Arts Theater in Daehangno, central Seoul. Workshops will take place June 28-30 at the Dancers’ Career Development Center in the same area. As a safety measure, only 40 percent

Performance April 13, 2020

Lately, online streaming has become the norm in the performing arts scene, with more artists playing to empty concert halls while the shows are livestreamed. Kumho Art Hall Yonsei, run by the Kumho Asiana Culture Foundation, has joined in the trend, livestreaming two violinists’ performances online. Though the art hall has always streamed its recitals online, the musicians had never before played to an empty concert hall. Kim Dong-hyun, a 2020 Kumho Rising Star, performed Thursday at

Performance April 12, 2020

The Seoul run of the musical “The Phantom of the Opera” will be suspended until April 22. After a Canadian female ensemble cast member was confirmed with COVID-19 infection on March 31, the show was halted through Tuesday. Another COVID-19 case involving a male cast member led to the organizers putting the show on hold until April 22.  The rest of the 128-member team tested negative for COVID-19. The crew, however, remains in self-quarantine at a serviced residence in Jongn

Performance April 8, 2020

Keeping up with the trend of online streaming for art performances amid the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, the National Gugak Center plans to support traditional art performers by streaming their performance videos online. The center will offer performance opportunities for 61 artist individuals and teams. Though the center is currently conducting its “Daily Gugak” series -- releasing a video clip that focuses on one instrument or art form at a time every weekday -- this time, the list

Performance April 7, 2020

While two cast members of the international tour of musical “The Phantom of the Opera” have been confirmed with COVID-19 infection, the rest have tested negative. A Canadian ensemble cast member was confirmed with the virus infection on March 31. Two days later, her colleague, an American actor, was also confirmed.  The final test results came Monday, confirming the rest of the 128-member team had tested negative for COVID-19. However, they all remain in self-quarantine at a

Performance April 6, 2020

Jeongdong Theater in central Seoul is to stream its signature show “Red Cliff” through YouTube on Wednesday. The show, originally slated to run from Feb. 14 to Sunday, has been on hold to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 since Feb. 24 after the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism ordered all national theaters and art troupes to cancel their performances.   Instead, for patrons who had been eagerly awaiting the show, Jeongdong Theater will stream the show live Wednes

Performance April 5, 2020

While #StayAtHome challenges have been trending around the world, perhaps one of the most challenging tasks at a time like this is preparing three meals a day at home. In response to the call to stay at home, people are flocking to online food delivery platforms, purchasing ready-to-eat foods. Orders on grocery delivery platform Market Kurly have skyrocketed in recent weeks. Market Kurly offers a wide range of groceries and merchandise for delivery by 7 a.m. the next day for orders placed

Food April 4, 2020

Safe delivery from Mayfield Hotel As more people are staying in these days, Mayfield Hotel in western Seoul is presenting food delivery service. The hotel’s bakery Cafe Delice presents a lunch box deal for four people, consisting of six Italian dishes, from pasta to salad. The deal is priced at 90,000 won. The bakery also offers one-person lunch boxes, offering a choice one pasta and a drink, at 20,000 won. Korean restaurant Bongraeheon also offers a lunch box deal, consisting of nin

Food April 4, 2020

As the COVID-19 situation draws out, many of us have been spending all day in our homes. Staying in can be boring, even stressful for some. Worse, we are not sure when this will ever come to an end. While we are at home, how about lightening up the mood by making some small changes to your home decor? Some changes can be made while staying in. And sometimes, small changes make a big difference.  Spring arrives with flowers The arrival of spring is a sure thing. The mercury is rising

Culture April 4, 2020

A second cast member of international tour production of “The Phantom of the Opera” has tested positive for COVID-19, organizers said Thursday. After the first cast member was confirmed to have tested positive for the coronavirus, all 128 members of the production team were tested. On Thursday, another ensemble cast member was confirmed with the infection. Another 80 members of the team tested negative, while 46 were still waiting for results as of Thursday afternoon. The organi

Performance April 2, 2020