A culture and art festival to celebrate the achievements of disabled people will take place at the former presidential office in central Seoul starting Friday, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on Thursday. Titled A+ Festival, the event will run from Sept. 1 to Sept. 15 at Cheong Wa Dae venues including Chunchugwan, the former press center for the presidential office, and the helicopter landing pad. The 15-day event will kick off with the opening ceremony on Friday, with acto

Culture Aug. 31, 2023

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s budget for next year, which was passed during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, has been set at 6.97 trillion won ($5.27 billion), a 3.5 percent increase from 2023, the ministry announced the same day. The Culture Ministry outlined its plans based on two main objectives: boosting economic vitality through K-content and tourism and ensuring fair access to culture for the public. To achieve these goals, the budget allocation includes 1.5 trillion won

Culture Aug. 29, 2023

Every Saturday and Sunday night from Oct. 14 to 22, a small island at the center of the Han River will be turned into a stage for spellbinding ballet and opera performances. Under the theme of “Timeless Classic,” the second edition of Hangang Nodeul Island Festival by the Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture will present one ballet and one opera, bringing together Korea’s top performers. After presenting “The Magic Flute” at the inaugural festival last year, this y

Culture Aug. 29, 2023

Korean actor Cha Ji-yeon made her debut on the musical stage in 2006 as Rafiki, the wise monkey and advisor to the king, in “The Lion King." She was working as an office worker when she got the role after years of discouraging auditions and falling victim to scams in her attempt to rekindle her passion for music and performance. As a child, she had performed alongside her maternal grandfather and uncle, both esteemed masters of "pansori gosu," the skilled drummers who perfor

Culture Aug. 28, 2023

For Kim So-hyang, the title role in the musical "Frida," was easy to resonate with. Compared to other roles that shaped her career like Marie Antoinette or Marie Curie, it was easy to find aspects of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo she could identify with. “I would say the roles of Marie Antoinette and Marie Qurie were more challenging for me, as I tried to seek common aspects with the characters,” Kim told reporters during an interview on Tuesday. “To embody Marie Antoin

Performance Aug. 23, 2023

This year is known as the 20th anniversary of the start of the Korean Wave in Japan, which many consider to be when “Winter Sonata” first aired in Japan on NHK in April 2003. Since then, the popularity of Korean dramas and films hasn't been continuous, however. For younger generations in Japan, the Korean Wave, and in particular the ways Korean TV dramas and films are portrayed, have long been presumed something for older generations. After former President Lee Myung-bak visit

Culture Aug. 22, 2023

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is taking steps after artist Lim Ok-sang was found guilty in the first trial on Thursday of indecent assault, the ministry announced on Friday. The Ministry said it is considering discontinuing or excluding financial support for Lim in accordance with the "Act on the Status and Rights of Artists." Under Article 35 of this law, the ministry may consider discontinuing or excluding financial support for individuals with a final guilty verdict in

Culture Aug. 18, 2023

“Listen” is the request that comes into his mind when he appears on the stage to sing his first song for “The Phantom of the Opera” as the Phantom. “The number is a song for Christine, so I’m asking her to listen,” he explained. But this request to others to get ready and "listen" also shows the 38-year-old actor's confidence, which is well-founded. Choi joined “The Phantom of the Opera” in Seoul, which began on July 14 after t

Culture Aug. 18, 2023

Culture Aug. 18, 2023

Literary escape to Spain, Brazil Seoul Plaza’s Night Library continues its weekend events with a thematic focus on Spain and Brazil. The outdoor library operates during the hours of 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., offering the feeling of "traveling" to different countries while relaxing with books. Imagine lying on a bean bag at Seoul Plaza, surrounded by the warm glow of LED bookshelves and moon balloon lights. There are booths dedicated to recommending books and cultural programs that repr

Culture Aug. 18, 2023

Seoul Arts Center’s annual Summer Music Festival is back with more diversity as it returns to its original goal of becoming a leading international summer music festival, organizers said Thursday. For this year’s festival, SAC will present a diverse array of genres, ranging from baroque to contemporary composers to jazz. The lineup will feature musicians with both domestic and overseas backgrounds, encompassing both emerging artists and seasoned performers. This includes South Korean

Culture Aug. 17, 2023

Bek Hyun-jin's authentic portrayals of a villainous CEO in "Taxi Driver" and an oppressive executive in the film "Samjin Company English Class" might have cemented his position as a supporting actor specializing in antagonistic characters. But Bek's identity extends far beyond these roles. In his own words, he describes himself as "a single guy born in 1972 living in Yeonnam-dong," a locale renowned for its indie bands and thriving nightlife. As for his pr

Culture Aug. 16, 2023

The musical adaptation of “Sister Act,” based on the hit 1992 film of the same title, will be produced for an Asian tour under the guidance of South Korea's EMK Musical Company. Known for its success in turning international productions into popular musicals here, EMK now aspires to expand its scope by creating productions for a broad audience, its producer said on Monday. The musical “Sister Act” was produced by American actor Whoopi Goldberg and premiered at Pasade

Culture Aug. 15, 2023

For the fans of Brahms' Symphony No. 1 in C minor Op. 68, October will be a chance to compare two different renditions by two top European orchestras at the same venue, just six days apart. On Oct. 7, the London Philharmonic Orchestra will perform the composer’s first symphony in the second part of their concert at Seoul Arts Center’s Concert Hall under the baton of Edward Gardner. Gardner has been the LPO’s principal conductor since September 2021. On Oct. 13, the Tonha

Performance Aug. 14, 2023

Moving forward from South Korea's dynamic seven decades, The Korea Herald identifies the seven most crucial challenges the nation must overcome for a sustainable and prosperous future. – Ed. Climate crisis becomes irreversible reality Climate change has long been considered a future disaster rather than a present threat by many Koreans. However, it has now become a largely irreversible reality, manifesting as a series of extreme weather events that significantly affect people'

Social Affairs Aug. 13, 2023