-
Musical on Joseon queen to be staged at royal shrine
Reservations for a musical revisiting a ceremony from the Joseon era (1392-1910) to be staged at Jongmyo from April 26-30 are now open. “The Queen’s Story” focuses on Queen Inwon — the second wife of King Sukjong (1674-1720) — observing the ancestral rite at Jongmyo, the royal shrine where the tablets of Joseon kings and queens are enshrined, following her wedding ceremony. The visit to the shrine to pay respects to royal ancestors was the only state event in which women were allowed to particip
April 14, 2025 -
At Expo 2025 in Osaka, nations wear their identities up front
OSAKA, Japan — “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” the saying goes. But at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, the exteriors of many national pavilions offer a clear preview of what lies within. South Korea’s pavilion, sprawling over 3,500 square meters, makes a bold statement with a massive 27-by-10-meter digital media façade created by LG Electronics. It underscores the nation’s strong focus on technological innovation. The screen covers the entire front wall and features video of shifting cultural
April 14, 2025 -
Suspect arrested in burglary of comedian Park Na-rae’s home, police say
Police have arrested a suspect in connection with a recent burglary at the home of South Korean comedian and TV personality Park Na-rae, local reports and police said Monday. According to officers at Yongsan Police Station in Seoul, the suspect has a criminal record that includes multiple theft-related offenses. Investigators suspect the individual broke into Park’s home and stole valuables. Contrary to some media reports and rumors, the suspect is not an acquintance of Park and Park does not kn
April 14, 2025 -
KFPI to add new eateries to list of excellent Korean restaurants overseas
In an effort to recognize high-quality Korean eateries outside of South Korea, the Korean Food Promotion Institute and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs hope to add new names to their Excellent Overseas Korean Restaurants list this year. Korean restaurants in Paris, London, Los Angeles and Singapore can apply via email until May 19. More information is available on the KFPI's official website. To apply, restaurants must have been operating for the past three years in the respec
April 14, 2025 -
'The Remarried Empress' to be turned into series
“The Remarried Empress,” one of Naver Webtoon's most popular series, will be adapted into a series, starring Hallyu sensations Shin Min-a and Ju Ji-hoon. The story of web novel and webtoon “The Remarried Empress” is a romance fantasy epic which follows Empress Navier of the Eastern Empire. After being informed of a divorce by her husband, Emperor Sovieshu, Navier accepts the divorce on the condition that she be allowed to remarry Prince Heinrey of the Western Kingdom. Since its web novel debut i
April 14, 2025 -
S. Korea to launch 2025-26 cultural exchange year with Japan, China
South Korea will kick off the 2025–26 cultural exchange year with Japan and China at a ceremony in Tokyo on Monday, the culture ministry said. The three countries plan to conduct year-round cultural exchange programs in various fields, including music, exhibitions, sports and tourism. South Korea will showcase traditional musical performances, host friendly Go matches among the three nations and organize exhibitions featuring young fine artists. Japan and China will hold programs aimed at foster
April 14, 2025 -
Gyeongbokgung royal library open for limited time
The royal library in Gyeongbokgung that served as King Gojong’s study during the Joseon era (1392-1910) is open to the public for a limited time. Those visiting Jibokjae, a complex built in 1891 with two annex buildings, may read any of the 1,700 books about Joseon history and its royal family available there. The royal library is believed to have housed about 40,000 books, according to the Korea Heritage Service, the state agency overseeing historic artifacts and sites. The collection, which in
April 13, 2025 -
National Contemporary Dance Company heads to Europe with 'Jungle'
The Korea National Contemporary Dance Company will embark on a European tour this May with "Jungle," choreographed by the company’s artistic director, Kim Sung-yong. The first stop is Stockholm, where the piece will be performed May 4 at the Oscar Theater to mark the second anniversary of the Korean Cultural Center in Sweden. In London, Jungle will open the 8th edition of A Festival of Korean Dance, taking place May 7-8. The annual event is co-hosted by the Korean Cultural Center UK and contempo
April 13, 2025 -
Actor Chae Si-ra steps on stage as dancer in 'Pure Heart'
Veteran actor Chae Si-ra, celebrating her 40th year in entertainment, is making an unexpected return to the stage -- as a dancer. Chae will appear in a special role in "Pure Heart," a new traditional dance production by the National Jeongdong Theater, running May 8 to June 28 at Jeongdong Theater in central Seoul. "Pure Heart" sheds light on the classic Korean pansori folktale "Simcheong-ga," in which the heroine, Sim Cheong, sacrifices herself so her blind father can see and ventures into the u
April 13, 2025 -
Happy marriage of fresh minari and chewy pork belly
Minari, in season right now, adds refreshing touch to all-time favorite samgyeopsal Minari is not just the winner of the Golden Globe for best foreign language film and the winner of best supporting actress award at the Academy Awards in 2021. While the film "Minari" may have introduced the vegetable to audiences worldwide, not many people know that the herb heralds the first days of spring in South Korea. Minari is a long-stemmed, leafy green vegetable that bears a physical resemblance to parsl
April 12, 2025 -
Once gritty industrial area, Seongsu now a K-fashion, beauty destination
With its repurposed factory buildings now home to trendy pop-up stores and fashion and beauty flagship stores, Seongsu is a must-visit destination for the style-conscious Once an industrial district, Seongsu in Seoul has been drawing increasing international attention for K-fashion and beauty. The neighborhood, historically known for its flour mills and handmade shoe shops, has been transformed into a popular trendsetting center for fashion and beauty, attracting tourists and young locals alike.
April 12, 2025 -
'Art should be more playful' : Shara Hughes, Austin Eddy invite us to fruit stand
Brooklyn-based artists Shara Hughes and Austin Eddy, partners since 2012 and married for the past two years, present their first-ever collaboration in Seoul. Centered on the theme of fruit, the show offers a glimpse into the couple’s inner world through playful, yet introspective imagery. While their works appear similar due to the shared theme, they vary in terms of form and colors the artists used. Their paintings on display here speak about the artists themselves, but the stories deal with su
April 11, 2025 -
inZOI becomes fastest Korean game to sell 1 million copies
South Korean video game company Krafton’s new title inZOI has set a record as the fastest Korean game to sell 1 million units. According to Krafton, inZOI sold 1 million copies within seven days of its early access debut on the global gaming platform Steam in late March. InZOI's record surpassed the previous mark held by Nexon’s Dave the Diver, which reached the milestone of 1 million in 10 days in 2022. Other popular Korean games took significantly longer to hit the 1 million mark, with Neowiz’
April 11, 2025 -
Two Korean stories carved in soil and silence live on in UNESCO’s archive
In April at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, two stories from Korea -- one rooted in trees, the other in truth -- were officially recorded into the world’s memory. At the 221st session of the UNESCO Executive Board, now being held in Paris from April 2 to 17, two Korean archival collections were added to the Memory of the World Register: the Korea Reforestation Archives and the Revealing Truth: Jeju 4.3 Archives. The final decision was made Thursday, elevating the number of Korean entries on th
April 11, 2025 -
Chung Hyun's bronzes invite contemplation
From a distance, Korean sculptor Chung Hyun's bronze figures resemble a group of monks in contemplation. The five sculptures, around 50 centimeters in height, are cozily put together at a a gallery tucked into an alley in Hannam-dong — one of Seoul’s most affluent neighborhoods and a growing hub for contemporary art. Clearly visible through the gallery’s glass walls, the installation invites passersby to pause. The artist is known for exploring humanity through discarded materials such as coal t
April 11, 2025