Lee Min-ho gives gifts to staff to celebrate his birthday

Actor Lee Min-ho celebrated his 28th birthday by sharing gifts with all the staff working on his upcoming movie “Gangnam Blues.”(Starhouse Ent.)According to his agency, Lee gave all the staff an eco-friendly towel and a T-shirt in honor of his birthday on June 22. The T-shirt was specially designed by PROMIZ, a donation platform site made by Lee.The name “PROMIZ” is a combination of the word “Promise,” the actor’s name and his fan club’s name, “MINOZ.” Lee launched the page with his fans to shar

June 24, 2014

Nana reveals perfect body in commercial shot

After School’s Nana revealed her perfect body in an ad for cosmetics maker DHC. Nana, wearing a short, all-white-outfit, poses with charisma for the camera. She is currently appearing on the TV show “Roommate.”By Cho Han-na, Intern reporter (hnncho@heraldcorp.com)(Photo Credit: DHC)

June 24, 2014

Seo In-guk’s dandy look

Singer and actor Seo In-guk posed for fashion magazine InStyle. Seo wore dandy suits and looked playfully at the camera. When asked whether he likes acting or singing more, he replied that he likes both equally, saying that it’s like he’s “ambidextrous” in doing both activities.By Cho Han-na, Intern reporter (hnncho@heraldcorp.com)(Photo Credit: InStyle)

June 24, 2014

Song Hye-kyo’s summer ad with J.Estina

Fashion and jewelry brand J.Estina revealed a summer ad featuring Song Hye-kyo. The actress wore simple black and peach outfits, which showed both her sexy and graceful styles at the same time. The finishing touch was added by J.Estina’s jewelry. By Cho Han-na, Intern reporter (hnncho@heraldcorp.com)(Photo Credit: J.Estina)

June 24, 2014

Nichkhun confirms popularity

 Chinese magazine “Easy” released a photo and interview with 2PM member Nichkhun through its official Weibo site.The magazine included his pictorial and an interview for readers, according to his agency.In the photo, Nichkhun is wearing a blue blazer and gazing into the camera, showing a serious expression. Nichkhun’s image for the magazine is dandy, which is not his usual image.Nichkhun is currently filming a new Chinese drama called “One and a Half Summer.” Its first episode was broadcast on J

June 24, 2014

Apink starts unit project ‘PINK BnN’

Girl group Apink plans to launch “PINK BnN,” a subunit project participated in by some of its members. [A-Cube Ent.]The logo was posted on June 20 in Apink’s official SNS pages including Twitter and Facebook. No further details were given.With great expectations of the new project, its fans are striving to figure out the meaning of “BnN.”Fans have suggested the letters stand for the initials of the members Bomi (B), Naeun (n) and Namju (N). “Bomi and Naeun” or “Bomi and Namju” have also been men

June 24, 2014

Jun.K congratulates Nichkhun’s birthday

Jun.K of boy band 2PM congratulated his fellow member, Nichkhun, on his birthday.On his Twitter June 24, Jun.K wrote, “Today is our KhunKhunie’s birthday. Happy birthday!” and posted a picture of himself and Nichkhun. The two of them are both wearing pink outfits and smiling in the photo. Jun.K recently released the Korean version of his Japanese album “Love & Hate” and a digital single “No Love.”By Kim Min-jin, Intern reporter (minjin103@heraldcorp.com)[Photo Credit: Twitter]

June 24, 2014

Ill-timed relationship furor may hurt EXO’s standing

May and June have been rough months for K-pop sensation EXO, hit hard by a series of incidents from Kris’ departure from the group and fan’s anger over Baekhyun’s love life.Only a month after EXO leader Kris filed a lawsuit against the band’s label, SM Entertainment, to revoke its exclusive contract with him in early June, EXO has come under the spotlight again after member Baekyun confirmed he was in a romantic relationship with Taeyeon of Girls Generation last Thursday. The latest news about B

June 24, 2014

[Herald Review] Inconvenient truth of ‘Black Deal’

A heated debate on privatization raged in Korea last year. Supporters argued that it could provide increased efficiency and better quality, reducing the government’s deficit and losses. Opponents countered that the mandate to make a profit could deteriorate service quality, and cause increased costs and inequality among consumers.Privatization, which is linked to economic theories and policies, has become a complicated matter with layers of implications. People are interested in it, but often ge

FilmJune 23, 2014

Priests right to speak out on political issues, Vatican bishop says

Catholic churches are entitled to speak out on political and social injustices, a high-ranking bishop from the Vatican said Monday. Speaking at a press conference in Seoul, Bishop Mario Toso, secretary of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, stressed that churchmen are obliged to work for the redemption of all mankind, with this redemption including relief from social and political injustices. “The more you love Christ, the harder you work for justice and peace in this world,” he added.

CultureJune 23, 2014

Humorous take on Korean elegance

Koreans have certain stereotypical expectations toward those dressed in traditional clothes. In old Korean paintings, those wearing traditional hanbok are usually sitting calmly, sipping tea and appreciating beautiful mountain views. Artist Kim Hyun-jung subverts such conventional perceptions of Korean painting. Her paintings show women in beautiful, elegant hanbok dresses playing pool, going rock climbing and doing sit-ups. “My paintings seek to break the images associated with the Korean tradi

PerformanceJune 23, 2014

Pop icon Sting says his kids won’t get trust funds

Sting performs at the 25th Anniversary Rainforest Fund benefit concert at Carnegie Hall in New York on April 17. (AP)LONDON (AP) ― Pop icon Sting says his children won’t be getting trust funds from his vast fortune, assuming there’s any money left in it The 16-time Grammy Award winner and former frontman of The Police told The Mail on Sunday that the vast wealth would be “albatrosses” around the necks of his six children. The singer-songwriter, who grew up in a shipbuilding community in northeas

PerformanceJune 23, 2014

Katie Couric marries financier in Hamptons

TV personality Katie Couric (left) and John Molner attend the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit celebrating “PUNK: Chaos to Couture” in New York in May 2013. (AP-Yonhap)EAST HAMPTON, New York (AP) ― Katie Couric has married a New York financier in a small ceremony at her East Hampton home. People magazine reports the former “Today” talk show host and John Molner took the vows on Saturday in front of 50 guests. The 51-year-old Molner is a partner at investment firm Brown Brot

TelevisionJune 23, 2014

Incheon Asian Games official album released

“17th Asian Games Incheon 2014 Official Album” (Universal Music)The official album for the upcoming 2014 Incheon Asian Games was released by Universal Music on Friday.The “17th Asian Games Incheon 2014 Official Album” is the first of its kind to commemorate the international sports event, said Universal Music Korea. In line with the global event’s official slogan of “Diversity Shines Here,” the album features popular hits by diverse international artists filled with messages of support, passion

PerformanceJune 23, 2014

Cambodia seeks local to represent nation in K-pop World Festival

K-pop World Festival 2012 grand prize winners “Nadya & Marwah” from Indonesia. ( Courtesy of K-pop World Festival)The upcoming K-pop World Festival in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province is gearing up to showcase the talents of some of the world’s most die-hard K-pop fans in the annual international Korean music cover dance and song festival this October. In order to find the best candidates to represent Cambodia in this year’s competition, officials at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Ca

June 23, 2014

EXO’s ex-member Kris to shoot for Chinese film from June 24

EXO-M former leader Kris is to start shooting a Chinese film in the Czech Republic from June 24.According to news reports by Chinese media outlets, Kris is staying in Prague to participate in the Chinese rom-com “Somewhere Only We Know,” directed by Xu Jinglei. 　There has been speculation that Kris might make a comeback with Xu Jinglei’s film after the famous director posted a comment in support of Kris on her Weibo in the wake of the lawsuit. 　Kris was spotted on June 6 by a fan at Moscow Airpo

June 23, 2014

Park Bom’s nickname was ‘Park Messi’ during high school

 Group EXO-K’s Chanyeol gave 2NE1’s Park Bom a nickname: Park Mess.In the most recent episode of SBS’ “Good Sunday – Roommate,” Park talked to other members that she was part of a soccer team during high school. Chanyeol responded with, “I heard your nickname was Park Messi.”“Isn’t soccer hard for girls?” Chanyeol asked and Park answered, “I had no choice in high school.” Park played soccer for four years in America and showed great soccer knowledge. Her knowledge made other members exclaim and

June 23, 2014

Top 5 male hallyu actors whose look barely changed

Putting efforts into keeping up your looks is not only limited to female celebrities. Male stars undoubtedly invest a great amount of time and money on their physical appearances. Some, however, have boasted good looks from a young age. The Korea Herald has charted the top five male hallyu stars whose looks have been attractive since they were young. 1. Kim Soo-hyun  (OSEN)Korean heartthrob Kim Soo-hyun has shown a decent appearance since a young age. His school graduation pictures show Kim a li

June 23, 2014

Is AKMU ugly?

A pictorial of popular singer Akdong Musician and two rising models were released on June 19 through “Star Style” magazine “High Cut.”The four have worked together before. Nam Juhyuk and Lee Haeun appeared in AKMU’s “200%” and “Give Love” music videos. (Highcut)AKMU did an interview during the pictorial shoot about the changes after winning “K-pop Star,” the stories behind their songs, and fans’ love and hateful comments. Chanhyuk said, “After I appeared in ‘K-pop Star,’ I think I’m living in a

June 23, 2014