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'Unpretty Rapstar' to return after nine years in global reboot
“Unpretty Rapstar,” South Korea’s first female TV rap competition, is set to return to airwaves after a nine-year hiatus. The original series, which aired for three seasons until 2016, gained widespread popularity for spotlighting female talent in Korea’s hip-hop scene. The show gave rise to notable Korean female rappers including Jeon So-yeon, Cheetah and Jessi. Unlike its predecessor, which centered on discovering individual rap talent, the upcoming program will aim to form a hip-hop girl grou
April 24, 2025 -
Culture Minsitry unveils plans to boost animation industry, expand global reach
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on Thursday unveiled its “Basic Plan for the Promotion of the Animation Industry,” which seeks to address structural challenges in the Korean animation sector. These include overreliance on preschool content, dependence on television broadcasting and poor production conditions. To revitalize the industry, the government will establish a 20 billion won ($14 million) animation-focused fund this year expanding it to 105 billion won by 2029. A new cash reb
April 24, 2025 -
Culture minister to lead condolence delegation to Pope Francis' funeral
Culture Minister Yoo In-chon will lead the South Korean government's delegation to the Holy See later this week to attend the funeral of late Pope Francis, a government official said Wednesday. Acting President Han Duck-soo has appointed Yoo to represent the government at the Vatican, the official said, without providing the details of his departure date and the size of the delegation. According to the Vatican, Pope Francis' funeral will take place on Saturday at St. Peter's Square. A similar de
April 23, 2025 -
Lee Sung-keun wins installation award at Dubai's 'For the Creative by the Creative'
Installation artist Lee Sung-keun won the sculpture award at the “For the Creative by the Creative” at the Paramount Hotel Dubai for his iconic cable-tied installation and video work. A total of 29 artists from 16 countries were invited to the exhibition co-organized by Artentirous and Paramount Hotel Dubai, running April 12 to 19. Lee's iconic installations are created with oil-tempered steel wire, widely used for springs, that are wrapped in hanji, traditional Korean mulberry paper. The wire i
April 23, 2025 -
Exhibition pulls you in with striking beauty, leaves you reflecting on climate change
At the Chungmu Art Gallery, a series of breathtakingly beautiful images immediately draw the eye. From a monumental reinterpretation of Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” to a giant panda clinging to a tree and a sweeping view of a snow-covered expanse, “The Glorious World” presents 110 works by four photographers: Ragnar Axelsson, Marco Gaiotti, Nick Hannes and Chris Jordan. Each captivating image is a layered commentary — a reminder of the climate crisis that lies beneath beauty's surface. At f
April 23, 2025 -
Is Microsoft overlooking Korean gamers?
Microsoft’s decision not to release its latest title in South Korea has reignited criticism over its neglect of Korean gamers -- and game industry experts say such a move reflects Korea's declining standing in the global gaming industry. Bethesda Softworks, a US-based game publisher under Microsoft, released The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered at midnight Wednesday (Korean time), marking the return of the 2006 role-playing game classic. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered launched gl
April 23, 2025 -
Han Kang's latest 'Light and Thread' brings meditative reflections on life while tending small garden
The latest books by Han Kang, last year's Nobel Prize in literature winner, will be released today, her first publication since winning the prize. "Light and Thread" is a collection of meditative essays with five poems that takes its name from her Nobel lecture, delivered Dec. 7 at the Swedish Academy in Stockholm. The lecture starts the slim volume. The 172-page collection was available for preorder starting Wednesday and will be released in bookstores beginning Thursday, according to Moonji Pu
April 23, 2025 -
Look inside Joseon queen’s sleeping chamber
Palace tours offering a rare glimpse inside the queen’s sleeping chamber, Gyotaejeon, at Gyeongbokgung, one of the five Joseon-era (1392-1910) palaces, will be available from May 8 to July 27. On display at Gyotaejeon, restored in 1995, will be royal household items as well as replicas of two wall paintings installed last year. The original paintings are held at the National Museum of Korea. The paintings of a monkey family and a pair of tropical birds symbolize a wish for a happy and fulfilling
April 23, 2025 -
'Conclave' viewership surges in Korea following death of Pope Francis
The death of Pope Francis on Monday has triggered a spike in viewership for "Conclave" in South Korea, where the movie continues its theatrical run nearly two months after its March 5 local release. According to the Korean Film Council's latest box office data, "Conclave" sold 1,507 tickets on Tuesday, a 63.8 percent jump from the previous day. The film climbed to fifth place in daily ticket sales, having largely remained outside the top 10 throughout the previous week. Cinema chains across Kore
April 23, 2025 -
In 'Once,' supporting characters playing live music complete story
For the musical “Once,” 16 different types of instruments -- including guitar, mandolin, violin and drums -- are used on stage. This show demands 12 performers who can not only act and sing, but also play musical instruments. In fact, the difficulty of assembling a cast of skilled actor-musicians is one reason the show is returning to the stage a full decade after its Korean premiere in 2014. While more musicals featuring actor-musicians — such as Great Comet and Zorro — are appearing domestical
April 22, 2025 -
Cardinal Lazarus You speculated as possible contender for pope
In the coming days, cardinals under the age of 80 will assemble at the Vatican in Rome to elect a new leader of the Catholic Church to follow the late Pope Francis. Some say a South Korean cardinal has a shot, though much slimmer than other contenders. Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-sik, the former bishop of Daejeon who was appointed the Vatican’s prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy in 2021, is one of the 135 cardinals who can vote in the papal election, set to take place between 15 and 20 da
April 22, 2025 -
Koreans mourn Pope Francis, look back on his Korea legacy
Acting President Han Duck-soo mourned the death of Pope Francis Tuesday, paying respects at an altar set up at Myeongdong Cathedral, the seat of the Archdiocese of Seoul. “Francis left a legacy of deep spiritual teaching and faith for the world’s Catholics and the Church,” Han said. “I express my deepest gratitude (to him) for showing love for the poor and marginalized.” The sentiment was widely echoed throughout the day. “I feel at a complete loss, not as a Catholic but as a human being searchi
April 22, 2025 -
'We are our bravest when we love': Cyrano reimagined through coming-of-age 'The Ballads for Roxanne'
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, "The Ballads for Roxanne," a Korean adaptation of Edmond Rostand’s "Cyrano de Bergerac," is being staged at the National Theater Company of Korea’s Myeongdong Theater through this Sunday. Directed by Seo Chung-sik, the production breathes new life into the beloved classic -- this time, through the eyes of Roxanne, the woman at the center of Cyrano’s affections and the pursuit of many male characters. While the original play is famed for its swashbuckling poet Cy
April 22, 2025 -
Seoul Outdoor Library opens Wednesday with new programs
Seoul Metropolitan Library will reopen its iconic outdoor reading program, the Seoul Outdoor Library, on Wednesday, marking the start of a new season and celebrating World Book and Copyright Day. The Gwanghwamun Plaza and Cheonggye Stream locations will welcome visitors Wednesday, while the Seoul Plaza library will open May 4. This year, the three outdoor libraries will operate on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The schedule will be split into two phases: the first from April to June and the sec
April 22, 2025 -
'Star Wars' events to be held across Korea in celebration of Star Wars Day
In celebration of Star Wars Day on May 4, a variety of events honoring the beloved sci-fi franchise will take place across South Korea, according to Walt Disney Co. Korea on Tuesday. Star Wars Day is observed annually on May 4 due to the date's phonetic similarity to the franchise’s all-important phrase: “May the Force be with you.” From May 1 to 6, a special exhibition will be held at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Jung-gu, Seoul, showcasing fan collections and Lego Star Wars creations. Visitors ca
April 22, 2025