The international tour production of “The Phantom of the Opera” has decided to temporarily halt its Seoul run after one of its ensemble cast members tested positive for the new coronavirus. The cast member was confirmed with COVID-19 infection Tuesday and the show decided to cancel shows from Wednesday.   According to the organizers, the cast member was in self-quarantine with some symptoms of COVID-19 infection despite a normal body temperature. The production team, includin

Performance April 1, 2020

Though social distancing has become the status quo amid the COVID-19 crisis, people are trying to stay connected with others via various online platforms. As people are ordered or advised to stay home, the sense of isolation has led to the coining of such expressions as “corona blues,” referring to constant anxiety stemming from the fear of the highly contagious virus and depression from prolonged isolation. Looking for a way to feel connected, people are increasingly turning to

Culture March 30, 2020

Despite the COVID-19 outbreak shutting down most performing arts shows, the house was nearly full at Friday’s performance of “Dracula: The Musical,” with fans eager to see singer Kim Jun-su’s portrayal of the lonely yet romantic vampire. The musical began its run on Feb. 11 at Charlotte Theater in eastern Seoul. While the performing art scene suffers badly due to the health crisis, the hit musical show has been recording an average admission rate of 95 percent.   T

Performance March 30, 2020

Budget meal at InterContinental Seoul Coex InterContinental Seoul Coex’s Sky Lounge presents dining promotion “Piatto Unico” where authentic Italian cuisine will be offered at reasonable prices every Monday. The menu is available for lunch and dinner on Mondays until June 30 at the price of 30,000 won per person and can be paired with 15 types of wine at 30,000 won per bottle. Piatto Unico refers to dishes typically served in a trattoria. The promotion meal features today

Food March 27, 2020

In celebration of World Piano Day, which falls on March 28 this year, internationally renowned pianists, including Korea‘s much-beloved Cho Sung-jin, are to stream their performances online. World Piano Day takes place on the 88th day of the year, corresponding to the number of keys.   Universal Music‘s classical music label Deutsche Grammophon announced Thursday that pianist Cho Sung-jin will stream his performance with baritone Matthias Goerne at 2 p.m. Saturday. Together,

Performance March 26, 2020

The Korea National Opera announced its recently reinstated artistic director Yoon Ho-geun quit on Monday, preventing chaos for the troupe that was to be led by two heads. According to the national troupe’s press release Tuesday, Yoon quit his position to “prevent confusion for the opera troupe, and to encourage the advance of the Korean opera scene.”  Earlier this month, the national opera troupe fell into confusion when its former artistic director Yoon Ho-geun retur

People March 24, 2020

Though spring flowers are in full bloom, local authorities are requesting that people refrain from visiting flower sightseeing spots, due to fears about the spread of COVID-19. Amid the health crisis, most festivals across the nation have been called off. However, it has been difficult to turn away visitors at areas where spring flower festivals are usually held. Though the events have been canceled, some are still showing up to view the flowers. Earlier this month, the southeastern city

Travel March 24, 2020

While Monday marks a month since the COVID-19 alert level was raised to “red,” the national health crisis is pushing the local performing arts scene to the edge. According to the Korea Performing Arts Box Office Information System, managed by the Korea Arts Management Service affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, roughly 70 productions opened in March as of Sunday. In February, around 380 shows opened. Moreover, data shows that performing arts ticket sales

Performance March 22, 2020

Scrumptious breakfast at Andaz Seoul Gangnam Andaz Seoul Gangnam presents the “Mini Break, Mighty Breakfast” promotion until May 31, for guests planning a spring vacation. 　 The promotion allows guests to enjoy a scrumptious breakfast after a relaxing night at the hotel at a discount price of 10,000 won per adult. The regular breakfast fee is 44,000 won per person. Due to the COVID-19 situation, the buffet-style breakfast has been changed to a set menu or a la carte breakfast, a

Food March 20, 2020

While the National Gugak Center in southern Seoul remains closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the center continues to put on creative gugak performances and make them available online. As more people became more reluctant to visit concert halls out of fear of COVID-19, the center recently launched various online programs to offer quality gugak performances. One of the highlights is the virtual reality gugak experience.  On Thursday, the center released 37 clips on its YouTube chann

Performance March 19, 2020

It is said that Frederic Chopin loved to play at small venues for small audiences, and meaningful musical interactions for Chopin usually happened at salons. Though more than two centuries have passed and large concert halls now dominate the classical music scene, there are musicians who perform in intimate salon settings for the sheer joy it brings.  Going against the conventional grammar of classical music -- formal attire, absolute stillness and silence -- salons allow the audience t

Performance March 18, 2020

The Korean National Ballet has fired a dancer for inappropriate behavior, the first such action since the troupe was founded in 1962. Na Dae-han, 28, corps de ballet dancer at the Korean National Ballet, was fired for traveling to Japan during home quarantine period. The national ballet company held a disciplinary committee meeting on Monday where the decision was made to fire Na. Other members of the state ballet company were suspended for conducting private lessons during the home quarant

Performance March 17, 2020

Conductor Teodor Currentzis and his MusicAeterna’s much-awaited performances in Seoul have been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Currentzis, a rising star conductor in the classical music scene, and MusicAeterna were to hold concerts at the Lotte Concert Hall on April 7 and 8.  “Teodor Currentzis and MusicAeterna have been strongly looking forward to their first ever concerts in South Korea, and to meeting with an audience that is well known for its appreciation of mu

Performance March 17, 2020

Though COVID-19 has been pushing the performing art scene in South Korea to the brink, hit musical shows are continuing their run backed by avid fans. Popular musical show “Rebecca” wrapped up its four-month run at the Chungmu Art Center in central Seoul on Sunday. The show, now in its fifth season, opened in November and recorded sold out performances for 86 shows.   According to EMK Musical Company, an average of 92 percent of the 1,255 available seats were occupied for the

Performance March 16, 2020

On Friday, the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts announced a “brief halt” as part of the nation’s “social distancing” campaign to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  According to Friday’s announcement, most of the programs slated to run at the center between now and late March have been canceled or postponed. The Seoul Dance Metropolitan Theatre’s 2020 opening show, “N.O.T,” has been postponed. The Seoul Metropolitan Junior Chorus&rsq

Performance March 13, 2020