Celebrities raise criticism amid martial law chaos

As South Koreans reeled from the political drama prompted Tuesday night by President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law, various celebrities raised their voices, expressing concern over the turmoil. Actor Park Ho-san took to social media Wednesday morning after Yoon lifted the martial law, writing, “Last night felt like stepping into a time machine back to the 1980s, a time when dissent against those in power would lead to accusations of being a communist sympathizer. I couldn

Dec. 4, 2024

South Korean journalists condemn Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law

"This is no mere criticism -- we're waging war against President Yoon Suk Yeol." These words rang out outside the Korea Press Center in central Seoul Wednesday morning, where media representatives had gathered to decry Yoon's overnight attempt to place press operations under military control as part of his extraordinary emergency martial law decree. The press conference reaffirmed the South Korean media's unequivocal opposition to the martial law decree that, though sh

Dec. 4, 2024

Martial law turmoil unsettles South Korean entertainment schedules

Schedules of performances and interviews in South Korea have been thrown into a state of uncertainty by a sudden martial law declaration that was lifted only a few hours later. On Wednesday morning, the promotional team for the Netflix series “The Trunk” announced that the media interview with actress Seo Hyun-jin, which was originally set to take place from 11 a.m. Wednesday in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, was rescheduled to Friday. Interviews with other cast members, including

Dec. 4, 2024

‘Jang-making’ gets UNESCO recognition

The traditional Korean ways of making fermented pastes and sauces, known as “jang,” have been listed by UNESCO as a living heritage that needs protection. The UN body on cultural heritage officially added jang-making to its list of intangible cultural heritage at a meeting Tuesday in Asuncion, Paraguay, where a 24-country Intergovernmental Committee approved the latest listing during a six-day gathering that started Monday. “Jang-making is a legacy rooted in everyday Korean cul

Dec. 4, 2024

[Herald Gallery] An Aqueduct and a Small Boat

The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, in collaboration with the China Art Museum, is presenting the exhibition "The Modern and Contemporary Ink Art of the Republic of Korea and the People’s Republic of China" until Feb. 16, 2025. The exhibition highlights selected masterpieces and modern works of ink art from both nations, structured into four sections — two each for Korea and China. It aims to illustrate the distinct developmental paths of ink art in both cou

Dec. 2, 2024

Korea Heritage Service to prepare list of heritage for UNESCO nominations

The Korea Heritage Service will prepare a list of cultural heritage it wants UNESCO to recognize starting next year, the state-run agency said Monday. The preliminary list, shared internally, would serve as a pool of heritage for the Tentative Lists maintained by UNESCO. All nominations must be on the Tentative Lists for consideration. “The reason we’re drawing up the internal list is for us to stay tuned to the latest trends in UNESCO nominations,” an agency official said. &ld

Dec. 2, 2024

Can Korea break away from apartment fixation?

Ten leading architecture and housing experts gathered at “Architecture Talk: More Than APT,” in Seoul on Wednesday to discuss ways to foster diversity in housing in Korea. Organized by The Korea Herald, "Architecture Talk" sought to expand upon the ideas and perspectives explored in the five-part article series, "More Than APT," published in The Korea Herald in November and to facilitate discussion on the issue with the public. "I am glad we could invite lead

Dec. 1, 2024

[What to Stream] Embrace the cold with these winter series

Winter has cast its frosty spell over South Korea, transforming its streets into a picturesque wonderland draped in snow. As December officially begins next week and the chill deepens, why not wrap yourself in a blanket and indulge in these masterfully crafted series set against enchanting winter backdrops? Let their stunning mise-en-scenes unveil the many captivating faces of winter, perfect for a cozy weekend escape. "Sorry, I Love You" on Prime Video "Sorry, I Love You"

Nov. 30, 2024

[Photo News] 2024 Jeju gamgyul day celebration

The 2024 Jeju gamgyul day celebration, aimed at promoting Jeju's iconic winter fruit, the tangerine, kicked off Saturday at Understand Avenue in Seongsu-dong, Seoul. The event, designed to highlight the excellence of Jeju gamgyul or tangerines and encourage consumption, will run for two days, ending on December 1. Visitors can enjoy various programs showcasing the flavors and appeal of this beloved fruit. "As tangerines have long been cherished as a staple winter fruit in Korea, we hop

Nov. 30, 2024

Sajikdan destroyed by Japanese to be restored

The Korea Heritage Service will restore parts of Sajikdan, a Joseon-era (1392-1910) altar in Jongno-gu, Seoul that was destroyed by Japan during the colonial period, according to the state-run agency. Restoration will take place around Anhyangcheong, a building north of the altar where Joseon kings and their subjects prepared for ancestral rites. Musical instruments and other ceremony supplies were kept there as well. The restoration will be complete by 2026, the agency said, adding it will enli

Nov. 29, 2024

Han Kang 'no longer involved in operations' of her bookstore

Han Kang, this year’s recipient of the Nobel Prize in literature, stepped back from involvement in the operations of independent bookstore Onul Books, which she established in 2018. “The author (Han Kang) is no longer involved in the operations of ‘Onul Books,’ and we hope this clarification helps avoid any confusion,” an announcement dated Nov. 2 by the book store read. Onul Books is an independent bookstore that Han Kang opened in Yangjae-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul,

Nov. 28, 2024

Palaces shut down over record snow

Historic sites in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province, including royal palaces, royal tombs and the Jongmyo royal shrine, will be closed Thursday over safety concerns prompted by record snow. According to the Korea Heritage Service, the four of the five Joseon-era (1392-1910) palaces -- Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeongung and Deoksugung -- and Jongmyo, all in Seoul, will be closed. The royal tombs in the capital and Gyeonggi Province will also be closed. The state-run agency cited concerns over

Nov. 28, 2024

[Herald Gallery] Thirty-Three Blooms

The "Thirty-Three Blooms" solo exhibition by artist Hwang Do-you (born 1987) is on display at Art Side Gallery in Jongno-gu, Seoul, until Dec. 28. This exhibition delves into abstract floral forms through simple brushstrokes and vivid colors, featuring approximately 10 works that reflect the artist's distinctive sense of flatness. Hwang conveys floral forms through areas of color and rhythm, emphasizing the purity and autonomy of painting. Notably, the exhibition showcases works c

Nov. 27, 2024

[Herald Review] Aladdin: The Korean Genie is out of the bottle in magical adaptation

The Genie is out of the bottle in Korea, a decade after the hit musical "Aladdin" hit Broadway. The Korean edition of "Aladdin," which debuted on Friday, delivers a winning combination of Disney’s beloved story and tunes, standout performances by Korea’s top actors, and humor that resonates with local audiences. The role of the Genie is shared by three actors: Jung Sung-hwa, Kang Hong-seok and Jeong Won-yeong. Aladdin is played by Kim Jun-su, Park Kang-hyun -- kno

Nov. 27, 2024

[Herald Interview] Composer Shin Dong-hoon, once aspiring novelist, shares inspirations behind his work

On Monday, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and cellist Han Jae-min will kick off the inaugural Korean edition of London’s leading summer festival BBC Proms, a week-long festival of classical music, choral music and music from West End musicals. South Korean composer Chin Un-suk’s “Subito Con Forza" ("Suddenly With Power") written in 2020 will open Monday's concert, followed by “Nachtergebung” (“Surrender to the Night”), a cello co

Nov. 26, 2024

Hangeul Calligraphy to be designated as cultural heritage

The traditional calligraphy of the Korean alphabet Hangeul will be designated as part of the country's National Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Korea Heritage Service said Tuesday. The state-run agency announced the plan to include "Hangeul Calligraphy (Hangeul Seoye)" in the new list of intangible cultural heritage, following a 30-day period in which it will receive opinions from experts in related fields, and a deliberation by the Intangible Heritage Committee. Hangeul Calligr

Nov. 26, 2024

[Herald Gallery] Raum der Gedanken

Lee So-jeong (born 1993), an artist based in Dusseldorf and gaining attention across Europe, explores the unconscious and dreams, capturing the depth of emotions with delicate precision through her focus on human figures as the primary subject. Through her painted narratives, the artist reveals the emotions and experiences inherent in the human psyche, presenting works that intertwine autobiographical memories and sentiments. The exhibition is on view at DIA Contemporary, located in Samcheong-do

Nov. 25, 2024

[Herald Interview] Choi Ha-young: Cellist of many languages, both musical and spoken

South Korean cellist Choi Ha-young, next year's Lotte Concert Hall in-house artist, speaks fluent English, Korean and German, reflecting her multicultural upbringing and dedication to learning across several countries. The first prize winner of the 2022 Queen Elisabeth Competition in Belgium, Choi's musical expressions are as richly nuanced and diverse as her linguistic abilities. For next year’s two performances as Lotte Concert Hall’s fifth in-house artist, Choi will pres

Nov. 25, 2024

Naver Webtoon promises creative freedom, responsible webtoon platform

Naver Webtoon, South Korean tech giant Naver’s online platform for comics, manga and webtoons, announced Friday that it will improve policies to create an appropriate environment for its creators and readers, while apologizing for the recent controversy involving webtoon series “Pong Pong Man From Another World.” The series follows the story of a 39-year-old man and his wife, who married a financially stable man purely for economic gain. It came under fire for misogyny in Sep

Nov. 22, 2024

Cho Seong-jin album a tribute to Ravel

South Korean pianist Cho Seong-jin is set to release a series of recordings celebrating the 150th anniversary of French composer Maurice Ravel, marking the first time the 30-year-old pianist has recorded a composer’s complete works. The project takes the form of two albums, produced by record label Deutsche Grammophon. The first, "Ravel: The Complete Solo Piano Works," will launch on Jan. 17, 2025, in digital and CD formats. This will be followed by the release of a second album

Nov. 22, 2024