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Silla temple burned to ground as fires threaten UNESCO sites
UNESCO-listed Byeongsanseowon, Hahoe Village in Andong brace for direct hit Gounsa, a centuries-old temple in Uiseong-gun, North Gyeongsang Province, was burned to the ground as wildfires rage across southeastern Korea and now threaten two UNESCO-listed sites in Andong in the same province. Forest officials announced the temple was completely destroyed at 4:50 p.m. Tuesday. Gounsa, built in 681 during the Silla Kingdom (57 BC–935 AD), had some of its artifacts moved out, including paintings, boo
March 25, 2025 -
Upcoming Seoul Mediacity Biennale to delve into mysticism, occult
The Seoul Mediacity Biennale will return in August for its 25th anniversary, exploring how humans have become drawn to mysticism and the occult as alternatives to a rationalist society. The 13th edition of the biennale unveiled the theme “Seance: Technology of the Spirit,” which will evolve around artworks drawing on occult, mystical and spiritual traditions, according to the Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) on Monday. Helmed by artist and founder of e-flux Anton Vidokle, art historian and curator Hal
March 25, 2025 -
Han Kang and other writers urge immediate impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol
Nobel laureate: 'Removal is about safeguarding universal values' With the Constitutional Court’s decision on President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment taking longer than anticipated, Korean literary figures, including Nobel laureate Han Kang, publicly called for his removal Tuesday. "I believe in the values of life, freedom and peace, which must never be compromised. Removal is about safeguarding universal values," Han said in a written statement. Han was among 414 prominent authors who joined the c
March 25, 2025 -
Wildfires damage natural, cultural heritage
Five counts of damage to cultural heritage maintained by the government have been reported so far, as wildfires continue to rage in southern Korea, according to the Korea Heritage Service Tuesday. A scenic site in Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon Province; a natural monument in Hadong-gun, South Gyeongsang Province; two structures at a Goryeo shrine compound in South Gyeongsang Province; a natural monument in Ulju-gun, Ulsan; and a fortress site in Ulju-gun, Ulsan, have been damaged by the wildfires, whic
March 25, 2025 -
Atelier K-pop conference explores future of K-pop and global collaborations
The Atelier K-pop Conference, held at the French Embassy in Seoul Monday, gathered music industry professionals from South Korea and France to explore the future of K-pop and the evolving global collaboration strategies of the music industry. The event was part of a larger music initiative, running until Saturday, co-organized by the French Embassy, the National Centre for Music (CNM), JYP Publishing and other key K-pop companies, including LEEWAY Music & Media. Under the theme of "Bridging Cult
March 25, 2025 -
Big bags reclaim 'it' bag status
Oversized handbags have once again become the must-have accessory in the fashion world. Leading luxury brands have pioneered the trend, with spacious bags gaining popularity among influencers and celebrities. As A-list stars embrace the style, mainstream brands have followed suit, fueling the demand. Just a few years ago, micro-mini bags dominated fashion, barely fitting a smartphone or lipstick. However, large bags have made a strong return, driven by consumers’ growing need for practicality an
March 23, 2025 -
Watercolor paintings get their day in the sun
The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea brings light to Korean watercolor paintings at its first-ever exhibition of watercolors Compared to other art genres, watercolor paintings have been relatively ignored, often underestimated because of the easy accessibility of watercolors compared to oil paintings, for example. The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea has opened its first exhibition that solely focuses on watercolor paintings at its museum in Cheongju, No
March 23, 2025 -
Boarding houses: Then and now
Boarding houses, once considered a thing of the past, are making a comeback, offering affordability, safety and nostalgia for today’s university students In the past, out-of-town university first-years looking for housing often turned to boarding houses called "hasukjib" run by women typically around the same age as their parents. These homeowners would prepare breakfast and dinner for boarders, creating a communal space for students to gather and eat together. Before the school year began, boar
March 22, 2025 -
SeMoCA to conduct academic research on wood lacquerware this year
The Seoul Museum of Craft Art said Friday that it will conduct academic research on modern wood lacquerware in its first- and second-generation crafts collections. The study will examine 94 artworks created by 16 artisans and artists specializing in wood lacquerware, aiming to uncover the stories, techniques and historical context behind each piece. The museum plans to publish the findings on its official website once the research is completed. Further details on the timeline and scope of the st
March 21, 2025 -
Disney+'s 'Knock-Off' put on hold amid controversy surrounding Kim Soo-hyun
The release of Disney+'s Korean original series "Know-off" has been postponed amid an ongoing controversy surrounding its lead actor Kim Soo-hyun. "After careful consideration, we have paused plans to release 'Knock-Off,'" the streaming company told Yonhap News Agency on Friday. Kim faces allegations of having dated late actress Kim Sae-ron when she was underage. The series was initially expected to premiere as early as April, with filming nearly completed. Set during the economically tumultuous
March 21, 2025 -
VR exhibition on Korean traditional kites wraps up in Argentina, heads to Japan
Same exhibition runs at the Korean Cultural Center in Tokyo through April 2 A virtual reality exhibition showcasing South Korea's traditional "bangpae yeon," or fighter kite, concluded successfully in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the Korea Craft and Design Foundation said, Friday. Titled "Wings of Changyeon," the exhibition was held at the Korean Culture Center in Buenos Aires Feb. 18-20, inviting visitors to explore the history and beauty of traditional Korean kites, offering an immersive cultural
March 21, 2025 -
Embattled Kim Soo-hyun files complaint against YouTube channel, late actress' family
Actor Kim Soo-hyun has filed a complaint against a YouTube channel and the bereaved family of the late actress Kim Sae-ron in connection with allegations that he dated her when she was underage, a law firm representing his agency said Thursday. The controversy began when the YouTube channel Hoverlab claimed last week that the "Queen of Tears" star and the late actress had been in a relationship for six years, dating back to when she was 15 years old. Hoverlab has since revealed private photos of
March 20, 2025 -
Historian Yuval Harari warns of paradox of trust behind AI race
Author of 'Nexus' discusses threats to democracy, truth and equality As humanity faces unprecedented changes driven by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, historian and best-selling author Yuval Noah Harari warns of significant potential risks. While humanity has created many impactful tools -- such as knives, the printing press and even atomic bombs -- Harari, known globally for influential books such as “Sapiens” and “Homo Deus,” which examine humanity’s past and future, stressed th
March 20, 2025 -
Environmental issues explored in Yun Jung-hye's 'Traces: A Floating Future'
Exhibition highlights how consumption impacts environment Wondering where to get your art and culture fix this spring? The Korea Craft & Design Foundation has it all for you. Yun Hye-jung's solo exhibition, "Traces: A Floating Future," is currently on show at the KCDF gallery in Seoul's culture-rich Insa-dong until April 13. The exhibition is the first in a series showcasing 19 up-and-coming and mid-career artists and groups who won the 2025 KCDF Craft and Design competition. Yun's exhibition ex
March 20, 2025 -
Ajeo-chic? How middle-age became cool in the eyes of Korean youth
Korean term 'ajeossi' reborn as middle-aged men redefine 'cool' with unfiltered authenticity, mature personalities Yoo Jae-hoon, 30, vividly remembers the first time he was called an "ajeossi." "I was at a cafe when a little girl, maybe 4 or 5 years old, accidentally spilled her juice on my pants. Her mother turned to her and said, 'Say sorry to ajeossi.' I was still in my 20s, and I was so shocked to be called ajeossi that I barely even noticed the juice," Yoo recalled. Typically used for middl
March 20, 2025