[Herald Gallery] Information

At the Kukje Gallery in Jongno-gu, Seoul, a solo exhibition of Bill Viola (1951–2024), titled “Moving Stillness,” is being held until Jan. 26. This exhibition highlights the artistic world of Bill Viola, a pioneer of video art, showcasing seven of his video installations and works. Notably, the piece “Moving Stillness: Mount Rainier,” displayed in Exhibition Hall K3, explores themes of change, balance and the passage of time. Through the shimmering movement of water

CultureDec. 9, 2024

Shantytown painter Joung Young-ju's solo London show held at Almine Rech

Korean artist Joung Young-ju, known for paintings of fast-disappearing old shantytowns in Korea, is having her first solo exhibition in London at Almine Rech through Dec. 20. The exhibition “Way Back Home” includes some of her new works such as “Spring Series” and “Autumn in Village 1031” which feature the artist’s experimentations with color and natural elements. “While inherently Korean in subject and material, Joung’s work speaks to transn

Arts & DesignDec. 9, 2024

'Squid Game 2' will leave audience reflecting on social chaos of today

With about two weeks to go until "Squid Game" returns for its second season, the show's director unveiled Monday that the thriller will invite viewers to reflect on the chaos of modern society. "From my perspective, people are drawing lines, becoming hostile toward one another, and such conflicts seem to be deepening globally," Hwang Dong-hyuk, director of the first and second seasons of "Squid Game," said during a press conference held on Monday in Jung-gu,

TelevisionDec. 9, 2024

Buyeo National Museum shows key Baekje, Silla bodhisattvas

The exhibition “The Golden Smile of Compassion: The Meeting of Two Bodhisattvas” is running at the Buyeo National Museum through Jan. 9, exploring two ancient bodhisattvas. In Buddhism, a bodhisattva is a being committed to helping others reach spiritual enlightenment. On display are the Avalokitesvara from Baekje Kingdom (18 BC-AD 660) and the Avalokitesvara from the Silla Kingdom (57 BC-AD 935). The two gilt-bronze statues are believed to have been made in the seventh century, the

Arts & DesignDec. 9, 2024

[Books News] Kim Ae-ran’s 'One of Them is a Lie' leads year-end writer recommendations

Kim Ae-ran’s coming-of-age novel "One of Them is a Lie" topped the list of the most recommended books of the year by writers, according to a survey released by Kyobo Book Center on Monday. The "Book of the Year from 50 Writers" initiated by the country's largest bookstore in 2016, features recommendations from 50 fiction writers who share their favorite books. Each writer can recommend up to five titles. The year-end list includes releases from November 2023 to October

BooksDec. 9, 2024

[Exclusive] Bong Joon-ho’s new animated film halfway done: Barunson C&C CEO

South Korean auteur Bong Joon-ho’s upcoming hand-drawn animation film is about “halfway done,” according to Barunson C&C CEO Seo Woo-sik, who is working on the project. “Director Bong’s new animation film is halfway done,” Seo told The Korea Herald Sunday after an event held on the sidelines of the 4th Red Sea Film Festival taking place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The festival kicked off on Dec. 5. This is the first time progress on Bong’s first-ever an

FilmDec. 9, 2024

Han Kang's 'Human Acts' reverberates once again

Just weeks after her groundbreaking Nobel Prize win, Han Kang's books have sold millions of copies nationwide. Last week, annual sales reports from major Korean bookstores revealed that half of the year's top-10 bestsellers were Han's works. Particularly noteworthy is that among her titles, "Human Acts" holds the No. 1 spot on both Kyobo Book Center, the country’s largest bookstore chain, and Yes24, the leading online retailer. With the global acclaim of "The

BooksDec. 8, 2024

Incense burner exhibition opens at Daegu National Museum

An exhibition of incense burners from ancient to modern times is running at the Daegu National Museum through March 3. The exhibition “Incense Culture: From Desire to Taste” shows 372 Korean incense-related pieces from the Three Kingdoms period to the Joseon era -- spanning 57 BC to 1910 -- with three National Treasures and 10 Treasures on display. “The exhibition looks at a variety of incense used for different purposes,” a museum official said, citing everyday use and s

Arts & DesignDec. 8, 2024

Questions that drive Nobel laureate Han Kang in her own words

In her highly anticipated Nobel Prize lecture on Saturday, this year’s Nobel Laureate in Literature, Han Kang, shared the profound questions that have shaped her writing and reflected on the connections among her works and their readers. Delivering her lecture "Light and Thread" in Korean over 25 minutes, Han delved into the questions that compelled her to immerse herself in the creative process, often at the expense of her personal life. Writing a novel, which has taken her a

CultureDec. 8, 2024

[What to see] From conceptual to video art -- must-see exhibitions in December

If you are looking for exhibitions to visit this winter to spend time indoors in the cold weather, here is a roundup of shows that are worth your visit in Samcheong-dong, Hannam-dong and Pyeongchang-dong, Seoul. On view are two exhibitions of video art pioneer Bill Viola and Korean popular painter Park Jina at Kukje Gallery, Chun Kwang-young's hanji installation at Gana Art Center and Lawrence Weiner's conceptual art at Pace Gallery. Bill Viola, Park Jina at Kukje Gallery Kukje Galler

Arts & DesignDec. 7, 2024

[Herald Interview] Fabrizio Ferrari: From Michelin-starred chef to culinary educator and YouTube star

Fabrizio Ferrari, widely recognized here as a friendly Italian chef who is fluent in Korean, has successfully transitioned from a Michelin-starred restaurateur in Italy to a culinary educator and content creator in Korea. Known as Fabri, he brings his rich culinary expertise to his roles as a professor, YouTuber and chef-owner of Fabri Kitchen, located in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Fabri's culinary journey began in 2003 in Lecco, Italy, where he took over the family business at Al Porticciolo 84,

FoodDec. 7, 2024

Jeju’s winter charms beckon travelers

The Jeju Tourism Organization has curated a selection of iconic travel spots on Jeju Island where holidaymakers can take in the unique winter ambiance and enjoy a memorable travel experience. Ranging from scenic views of nature to hands-on activities, these destinations will delight even the pickiest travelers, allowing them to explore the island without even noticing a chill in the air. Hallasan No trip to Jeju is complete without a visit to Hallasan, the highest mountain in all of South Korea

TravelDec. 7, 2024

Chopin Competition director shows dedication to both participants and audience

The International Chopin Piano Competition, where Korean pianist Cho Seong-jin won the first prize in 2015 and rose to international stardom, will celebrate its 19th edition next year. According to Artur Szklener, director of the Polish National Fryderyk Chopin Institute, this edition of the nearly century-old competition promises to be the most audience-friendly yet. To this end, the organizers have added a journalist to the jury panel of 16 musicians, educators and more. “The opinion of

CultureDec. 7, 2024

Overdue library book? You're forgiven thanks to Han Kang's Nobel win

To celebrate Han Kang's historic Nobel Literature Prize win, the Seoul Metropolitan Library will host a special event Tuesday, coinciding with the Nobel Prize award ceremony. A special pardon will also be offered to individuals with overdue books, with borrowing restrictions lifted at the Seoul Library and 232 other public libraries across the city, provided they return their overdue books by Tuesday. Under current library rules, overdue books result in a suspension of borrowing privileges,

BooksDec. 7, 2024

Film industry personnel call for President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment

South Korean film industry professionals, including actors Gang Dong-won, Kim Go-eun and Jeon Do-yeon have called for the dismissal and arrest of President Yoon Suk Yeol. A statement released Saturday morning, endorsed by 2,518 individual film professionals representing 77 industry organizations -- including the Screen Actors Guild of Korea, Directors Guild of Korea, and Producers Guild of Korea -- condemned Yoon’s sudden declaration of martial law and demanded his resignation. The stateme

Social AffairsDec. 7, 2024

Nobel Prize winner Han Kang expresses shock over martial law news

South Korean author Han Kang, this year's Nobel laureate in literature, expressed her shock Friday over the martial law turmoil in her native country. "I am following the news in a state of shock," she said during a press conference held in Stockholm, Sweden, to commemorate her win. "Like many South Koreans, I am deeply shocked over the last few days by the news of a martial law situation unfolding in 2024," she said. President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial la

BooksDec. 6, 2024

'12.12: The Day' in spotlight amid martial law aftermath

Amid the aftermath of President Yoon Suk Yeol's emergency martial law declaration on Tuesday night, the film "12.12: The Day" has surged to the top of Netflix’s movie rankings, drawing renewed attention for its historical themes. As of Friday, "12.12: The Day" claimed the No. 1 spot among Netflix’s popular films, overtaking newer releases like "Pilot" and "Because I Hate Korea." Released over a year ago, on Nov. 22, the movie has newfound

FilmDec. 6, 2024

Christian groups to hold prayer meeting calling for President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment

A coalition of over 160 Christian organizations, including the National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK) and the Christian Action for the Current Situation, announced they will hold a prayer meeting on Saturday at 1 p.m. in front of the NCCK’s headquarters in Jongno-gu, Seoul, to demand the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. “Emergency martial law was declared without legitimate procedure or justification, and has reversed the clock on democracy,” the group said in a st

CultureDec. 6, 2024

'Long-term damage on K-culture limited,' says Culture minister

DAEGU -- Yu In-chon, the minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said Friday that he believes the martial law declaration chaos will have limited negative impact on Korean culture's popularity among the globe, as he resumed his activities just two days after the president's fiasco. “There may be some short-term shocks, but I don't believe this will lead to any long-term damage. Some countries have issued travel advisories, likely out of concern that the situation might esca

CultureDec. 6, 2024

French architect, designer Jean Prouve's modernism on view at Seoul Auction

Seoul Auction, a major auction house in South Korea, has opened an exhibition highlighting modernist design led by prominent 20th-century architects and designers, with a particular focus on the works of French architect and designer Jean Prouve. Prouve is celebrated as one of the most influential figures of the 20th century, renowned for developing cutting-edge technology and modular systems for mass production during the postwar modernist era. His exhibition, titled “Jean Prouve 6x6,&rdq

Arts & DesignDec. 6, 2024