KISSA to host students’ cultural festival

Korea International Students Support Association will hold its first Seoul International Students Cultural Festival on Sunday.The festival will feature booths from 12 countries including Nepal, Guatemala and Kenya, as well as Espanol en Espanol and Revista N.There will also be a parade of nations, dance and music performances, a national costume fashion show and other activities. The festival will take place from 2-6 p.m. in Cheonggye Plaza in central Seoul.(paulkerry@heraldcorp.com)

Expat LivingJune 17, 2014

Daegu Theatre Troupe to stage original work

Daegu Theatre Troupe will stage “Glitch,” a play by one of its members this weekend.Written and directed by Cara Markewicz, the play explores the relationship between two siblings -- Chloe and Richard. Chloes's obsessive compulsive disorder affects her relationship with her younger brother, who finds himself pressed into a protective role. This indirectly affects the relationships he has with others, too.“Because Richard has taken on a ‘guardian’ type role for his sister, any relationship he has

Expat LivingJune 17, 2014

A musical treat in store this summer

Musicals of diverse genres, themes and origins await fans this summer, taking the stages of almost all major performing arts venues in Seoul. From a Broadway classic and an Australian drag show getting a Korean premiere to a suspensful thriller and a jukebox show, this season’s musical lineup has something for everyone. Here’s a look at some of the most anticipated shows this season. Broadway classics Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary musical “Cats” is back, with an international cast. As in many

CultureJune 17, 2014

A ballet to tickle the funny bone

Though it was written during the time of Shakespeare, Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes’ “Don Quixote” is still considered one of the greatest literary works ever written. The Korean National Ballet is following up its April staging of “Swan Lake” with its latest production of “Don Quixote” ― a resurrection of Marius Petipa’s choreographed classic tale of adventure and humor based on the eponymous novel.The ballet made its premiere more than 260 years ago and has since become one of the ballet

PerformanceJune 17, 2014

Portraying ‘life and time’ for 30 years

Zhang Xiaogang is one of the most successful living Chinese artists, with his works setting records at international auctions. His famous “Bloodline ― Big Family” sold for HK$94.2 million ($12 million) at the Sotheby’s auction in Hong Kong in April last year. The artist, who led the unprecedented growth of the Chinese art market in the 2000s, is now looking back on his 30-year art career. “It’s hard to sum up my 30-year art career in one word. But if I have to explain, the retrospective is about

PerformanceJune 17, 2014

g.o.d. expands anniversary concert nationwide

Reunited K-pop idol group g.o.d. has decided to expand its 15th anniversary reunion concert, originally scheduled to be held only in Seoul, into a nationwide concert tour, according to the group’s agency sidusHQ on Monday.g.o.d. had been slated to hold just two celebratory concerts on July 12 and 13 at the Auxiliary Stadium at Sports Complex in Jamsil, Seoul. When ticket sales opened last month, both concerts sold out within 30 minutes, testifying to the group’s undying popularity. In response t

June 17, 2014

Crayon Pop’s agency debuts male duo Zan Zan with ‘Chicken Feet’

Known for assembling quirky girl group Crayon Pop, Chrome Entertainment launched the new male duo Zan Zan with the debut single “Chicken Feet” on Monday.Zan Zan consists of Yang Jung-mo, who starred on MBC’s audition program “Star Audition: The Great Birth,” and Park Min-goo. Unlike Crayon Pop or Chrome’s new girl group Bob Girls, the two members of Zan Zan are soulful ballad singers, similar to popular R&B duo 2BIC.Therefore, though its title may seem silly or even comical, “Chicken Feet” is ac

June 17, 2014

Korea’s World Cup chant owned by Shin Hae-chul, singer’s agency claims

South Koreans are known for their immense zeal for soccer. And come every World Cup season, the nation unites to cheer for the national team together, shouting the now-familiar chant: “Dae-Han-Min-Guk (Republic of Korea)!” followed by five claps. For those wondering how the cheer came into existence, it has been disclosed that the signature chant was taken from a song titled “Into the Arena” by singer Shin Hae-chul. Shin wrote the song at the request of the nation’s official soccer fan club Red

PerformanceJune 17, 2014

Cancellation of MBLAQ concert in Peru angers fans

MBLAQ’s management agency was criticized by fans of the K-pop boy band for what they claimed was a “lukewarm” response to the sudden cancellation of its concert in Peru.“They (J. Tune Entertainment) have been quiet for days and now they are saying something about the matter,” a Korean fan wrote on Nate, one of Korea’s largest portal sites.An official from the agency told OSEN, a Korean entertainment news provider, that “Due to a local promoter’s error, the concert in Peru was abruptly cancelled,

June 17, 2014

Chaerim to marry Gao Zi Qi in fall

Actress Chaerim is to tie the knot with Chinese actor Gao Zi Qi this October, according to local news reports on Tuesday. (Weibo)“Chaerim will marry Gao zi Qi this October. The couple’s parents already met for the marriage arrangements,” an official from Chae’s agency SidusHQ told a local media outlet. The exact date for the wedding ceremony is yet to be decided. The two went public with their romantic relationship in March, confirming that they had been dating for three to four months. They fir

June 17, 2014

Top 3 hallyu female celebrities with hottest husbands

When a hallyu star weds, it often grabs the public’s attention. From the venue to the design of the dress and accessories, all the details dazzle fans and stimulate their curiosity. Yet, the most curious thing that pops up in fans’ minds is celebrity spouses, especially with women. A lot of attention goes to the background information of these husbands. Against this backdrop, The Korea Herald has compiled the top three hallyu celebrities who have tied the knot with the hottest non-celebrity men.

June 17, 2014

Professor, ’Infinite Challenge‘ post ad on Brazilian daily for Korean soccer team

Professor Seo Kyung-duk of Sungshin Women’s University on Tuesday said he and Korean celebrities posted an ad in a Brazilian newspaper to support the Korean national team in the World Cup. An advertisement for the Korean soccer team is posted on the sports section of the Folha de S. Paulo that was published on June 16 in local time. (Folha de S. Paulo)The ad, funded by Korean pizza chain Pizza Maru, was posted on the bottom half of the page nine sports section of the Folha de S. Paulo. The Brazi

June 17, 2014

Chinese film director confirms teaming up with EXO’s Kris

Chinese film director and author Guo Jingming is working with Kris, formerly of Korean boy band EXO, on an “exciting project,” the director told reporters in the 17th Shanghai International Festival in Shanghai, China, on Monday.                    EXO member Kris (OSEN)              Chinese film director and author Guo Jingming“(Wu) Yifan is a good actor,” Guo said, using the Chinese name of the embattled singer, in the press conference for “Tiny Times 3.0,” the latest installment of his romant

June 17, 2014

CNBLUE enthralls Shanghai fans with live performance

Asia’s heartthrob idol band CNBLUE performed in its “Can’t Stop in Shanghai” concert in the Chinese city on Sunday evening.During the concert, CNBLUE played an array of songs including its recently released “Can’t Stop,” and hits “I’m a Loner,” “I’m Sorry” and “Love.”The band showed its wide spectrum as artists, at a moment jumping around with the crowd, then singing to melodic tunes such as “Coffee Shop,” “Lady,” and “Try Again Smile Again.” (Facebook)CNBLUE also hypnotized 7,000 local fans wit

June 17, 2014

Lena Park comes back with ‘Syncrofusion’

Singer Lena Park released a new mini album “Syncrofusion” on Tuesday through music sites after a two-year hiatus.“Many artists collaborated together for Lena’s new album to make it a unique genre. You will be able to meet her new look through the album,” said Blueprint Music, Inc. “Also, as this album’s vocalist and artist, Lena will show her new side to her fans,” they added. The album was supposed to be released in April, but as Park expressed sorrow over the Sewol ferry disaster, she postpone

June 17, 2014

JYJ to release last album before joining military

K-pop boy band JYJ will make a comeback with a full-length album to be released in July, their agency C-JeS Entertainment announced Tuesday.It has been three years since the group released its first studio album, “In Heaven,” in 2001. JYJ’s members -- Jaejoong, Yoochun, Junsu -- have also pursued solo careers. (Yonhap)“More than seven tracks, written by Korean and foreign artists, will be included on the album. JYJ’s members will write all the lyrics,” an official was quoted as saying. Their Kor

June 17, 2014

10 pictures revealed of Lee Jong-suk smiling

Ten pictures of Lee Jong-suk’s smiling face in “Doctor Stranger” were revealed by SBS on Tuesday.In the drama, Lee plays Park Hoon, a genius doctor who escaped from North Korea.“Lee’s real personality as (someone who’s) outgoing and fun seems to be naturally present in Park Hoon’s character as well,” his agency said. “Lee always tries to smile and enjoy filming the drama, encouraging all the staff members.”By Kim Min-jin, Intern reporter (minjin103@heraldcorp.com)[Photo Credit: SBS]

June 17, 2014