Pianist Lim Yunchan wins another award with Decca album

South Korean pianist Lim Yunchan has been honored with the Jeune Talent award at the Diapason d’Or de l’Annee, according to his management company MOC Production on Monday. The prestigious prize is presented annually by the French magazine Diapason to recognize outstanding classical music recordings, This achievement follows Lim's wins at the Gramophone Classical Music Awards last month, where he received the "Young Artist of the Year" title and the top prize in the pi

CultureNov. 18, 2024

BTS star Jin celebrates solo album release with fan showcase in Seoul

Jin, a member of global K-pop sensation BTS, marked the release of his first solo album, "Happy," with a two-day fan showcase in Seoul. The 33-year-old artist, who completed his mandatory military service earlier this year, expressed his excitement about reconnecting with BTS fans, known as ARMY. "Since returning to civilian life, I've been looking forward to meeting ARMY in person. Thank you for filling the seats and joining online as well. I feel excited and nervous,"

PerformanceNov. 17, 2024

TikTok's inaugural awards in Korea honor 16 creators and artists

TikTok's annual award ceremony celebrated the creativity and influence of top creators and artists here who shaped trends and inspired the TikTok community throughout the year. The first-ever TikTok Awards held in Korea took place Friday at the Peace Hall of Kyunghee University in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul. Previously held in the UK, Malaysia, and Indonesia, this marks the event's inaugural year in Korea. About 250 TikTok creators and artists attended the event, hosted by Eric Nam and Jin H

PerformanceNov. 17, 2024

Hallasan to welcome visitors now without trail reservations

Hallasan, the highest mountain on Jeju Island and in South Korea, is scheduled to launch a reservation-free period for its popular mountain trails, including Gwaneumsa Trail and Seongpanak Trail, starting from Nov. 27 to Dec. 27. Jeju’s provincial government and Hallasan National Park has been limiting the number of hikers for the two Hallasan mountain trails -- a maximum of 500 and 1,000 visitors a day for Gwaneumsan Trail and Seongpanak Trail, respectively -- to ensure the travelers&rsqu

TravelNov. 17, 2024

Akamus and RIAS Chamber Choir debut as one in Korea

This year’s Hanwha Classic, a concert series dedicated to early music, will bring together two ensembles whose first collaboration in 1992 was regarded as a musical symbol of German unificaiton. The Academy for Ancient Music Berlin (Akamus) was founded in 1982 in East Berlin, and the RIAS Chamber Choir was established in 1948 within the American-occupied sector of West Berlin. In 1992, they began performing together and have since developed a close relationship, performing together and e

CultureNov. 17, 2024

[New in Korean] Endless trials and tribulations on journey to adulthood

"How to Grow Up Without Dying" By Kang Ji-young Vookda Known for her gripping noir series "The Killer’s Shopping Mall," which has been adapted into a Disney+ series starring Lee Dong-wook, author Kang Ji-young has captivated audiences with her dark, thrilling narratives. In her latest novel, Kang explores another thriller narrative, blending fantasy with the existential challenges faced by a girl named J, trapped in an endless loop of reincarnation. Each time she dies

BooksNov. 17, 2024

[New in Korean] Park Seol-yeon's magical mayhem returns with credit card-wielding heroine

"A Magical Girl Rehired" By Park Seo-lyeon Changbi Publishers Spoiler alert for those who have yet to dive into the first installment of Park Seol-yeon’s magical girl series, "A Magical Girl Retires." Translated by Anton Hur, the novel offers a wildly imaginative and witty twist on the magical girl genre, blending classic fantasy tropes with real-world issues like climate change. It was released worldwide in English by HarperVia in April. The sequel picks up right where

BooksNov. 16, 2024

BTS' Jin tops iTunes charts in 70 countries with 'Running Wild'

Jin of K-pop superband BTS has topped iTunes charts in 70 countries with his latest release, "Running Wild," his agency said Saturday. The lead track of his new album, released Friday, claimed the No. 1 spot on iTunes' Top Songs charts across various nations, such as Australia, Finland and Brazil, as of 9 a.m. the following day, according to BigHit Music. His first solo album, "Happy," landed atop the iTunes "top album" charts in 48 countries, including Japan,

PerformanceNov. 16, 2024

[New in Korean] ‘A Thousand Blues’ author brings dystopian short story collection

"Mouer" By Cheon Seon-ran Munhakdongne Publishing In a distant future where humanity has endured 3,000 years of punishment following Judgment Day, language itself is banned, deemed the root of greed, mistrust and hatred. Instead, people communicate through "ui-eum" -- a form of thought-transmitted meaningless sound. Without the constraints of verbal language, humans no longer age. In this society, Chou discovers a crying baby by a lakeside. She names the child Mou and bring

BooksNov. 16, 2024

Olafur Eliasson's new installation gives 'sense of presence' through standing still

Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson unveiled his new work “Breathing earth sphere” on Friday in Sinan county in South Jeolla Province, South Korea, as part of the county’s public art project. Known for integrating natural phenomena with human sensory experiences by using elemental forces such as light, water, and air, Eliasson's new work resonates with his ongoing exploration of the natural world, particularly synthesizing the inherent characteristics of Dochodo, one o

Arts & DesignNov. 15, 2024

Registration for free Deoksugung concert to open Monday

Registration for a free classical concert at Deoksugung, featuring a local ensemble of a violinist, cellist and pianist, starts Monday. On Nov. 27, violinist Song Ji-won, cellist Lee Kyung-jun and pianist Son Jung-bum will present three works from Czech composer Antonin Dvorak’s -- Op. 11, Op. 68/5 and Op. 90 -- in a biannual music festival at the Joseon-era (1392-1910) palace’s Seokjo Hall, a Western-style neoclassical stone building completed in 1910. The musicians come from the Ku

Arts & DesignNov. 15, 2024

Performances of Korean heritage to take place in Argentina

Performances of traditional Korean music and dance will take place later this month in Argentina to reciprocate a tango performance by dancers from the South American nation last year in Korea. The National Intangible Heritage Center, run by the Korea Heritage Service, will host the performance “K-Intangible Heritage Festival: Noldagasena” twice at the Central Theater of Salta and once at the National Sarmiento Cultural Center in Buenos Aires on Nov. 16, 17 and 24. “Noldagasena

Arts & DesignNov. 15, 2024

[Well-curated] Jazz with a view, fusion burgers and riot of colors at flower fest

Jazz, dining, and river view: Mood Anchor on Sebitseom Mood Anchor on Sebitseom in Seocho-gu, Seoul, has quickly become a jazz lounge hot spot since reopening as a contemporary restaurant in September, following its earlier life as "Mood Seoul." Known for its unique blend of fine dining and live jazz, Mood Anchor offers a sweeping view of the Han River that serves as a stunning backdrop for its Thursday-to-Sunday jazz lounge evenings. On these nights, the restaurant attracts guests who

CultureNov. 15, 2024

[Box office] Movies in theaters this week

“Hear Me: Our Summer” (South Korea) Opened Nov. 6 Drama Directed by Jo Seon-ho A 26-year-old Yong-jun (Hong Kyung) falls for Yeo-reum (Roh Yoon-seo) at first sight -- an older sister who takes care of her little sister Ga-eul (Kim Min-ju), a swimmer with hearing impairments. “Venom: The Last Dance” (US) Opened Oct. 23 Action/Sci-fi Directed by Kelly Marcel Former journalist Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) and his gooey, alien symbiote Venom, conclude their journey as Venom trie

FilmNov. 15, 2024

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

Park Hyatt Seoul unveils gastronomic journey for winter Park Hyatt Seoul presents a new dinner course menu, inspired by premium perfume brand Diptyque’s Sapin candle, at the hotel’s top floor The Lounge. Starting with The Lounge chef Jung Sang-hyup’s citrus rice cake, sliced raw yellowtail, boiled pork, flatfish rolls and mushroom-filled “sotbap” -- pot rice -- will be offered to guests. Executive pastry chef Lee Ji-myeong’s pine-flavored pavlova will be serve

CultureNov. 15, 2024

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Moonlight walk by Nowon stream Take a nighttime walk along Danghyeoncheon, a stream in Nowon-gu, Seoul -- a path adorned with installations. The free annual festival invites visitors to think about “breath” this year as they view works by 24 teams of installation artists, including two teams from Taiwan. The stream, between Sanggye Station on Subway Line No. 4 and Junggye Station on Subway Line No. 7, will be open from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. through Sunday. For more information, visit

TravelNov. 15, 2024

‘FC Shooting Star’ brings legends Park Ji-sung, Seol Ki-hyeon back to field

Legendary South Korean soccer stars including Park Ji-sung and Seol Ki-hyeon are lacing up their cleats to lead a new team: FC Shooting Star. Local streaming platform Coupang Play’s new “FC Shooting Star” features Park as the head of the sports club with Seol as its executive coach. Former soccer player and coach Choi Yong-su joins as a manager. Other former soccer players forming the team include former national team goalkeeper Kim Yeong-gwang, assistant coach of the Indonesia

TelevisionNov. 15, 2024

Uigwe gets permanent home, at last

A gallery dedicated to the Joseon-era (1392-1910) book of rites compiling royal ceremonies and protocols, called “Uigwe,” opened at the state-run National Museum of Korea on Thursday. The Oegyujanggak Uigwe Gallery, named after a royal library built on Ganghwa Island off the west coast in 1782 by King Jeongjo, represents NMK’s shift in focus from history to art, according to Director General Kim Jae-hong. “Uigwe shows how our culture achieves balance through calligraphy a

Arts & DesignNov. 14, 2024

[What to attend] Three musicals boasting unique music styles

A quality musical production begins with great music. Often, the songs can feel similar across different shows. However, "Lizzie," "Zorro: Actor-Musician" and "Gwanghwamun Love Song" stand out for their distinctive musical styles, offering audiences a refreshing experience. 'Lizzie': Feel the rock vibe “Lizzie” is inspired by the true story of Lizzie Borden, accused of brutally murdering her father and stepmother with an ax in the late summ

CultureNov. 14, 2024

[Herald Review] Cho Seung-woo takes 'Hamlet' crown

When the Seoul Arts Center announced its production of "Hamlet" for the year, it was met with mixed reactions, some asking, "Another Hamlet?" After all, the play had already been staged twice in 2024 -- once by Seensee Company (June 9 - Sept. 1) under the direction of veteran director Sohn Jin-chaek, and again by the National Theater Company of Korea in July in a genre-bending iteration with Princess Hamlet. Both productions had already captured the public’s attention,

PerformanceNov. 14, 2024