‘Race’ promises not to pull its punches

Probationary Theatre Company will be performing “Race” by David Mamet starting this weekend, touching on a controversial subject for its final Seoul performance.The play, described by Mamet as being about the lies we tell ourselves about race, portrays the debate had at a law firm about whether to take on the case of a white man accused of raping a black woman.Director Liam Mitchinson said that he loved Mamet’s natural-sounding dialogue and willingness to challenge his audience. “In the ’80s, (M

Expat LivingNov. 19, 2013

Eudon Choi stays outside comfort zone

Eudon Choi is one of the hot, emerging designers in the global fashion scene, successfully debuting at London Fashion Week last year and winning the Samsung Fashion Design Fund three years in a row. His latest win was announced on Tuesday along with his long-time friend and designer Heo Hwan of Heohwan Simulation.The course of his career in fashion has been an attempt to step outside of his comfort zone. He started working as a menswear designer in Korea, but ventured into womenswear, driven by

Arts & DesignNov. 19, 2013

‘Artists in companies lead to innovation solution’

The arts can be more than “condiments” such as welfare policies or marketing opportunities for businesses. They can become an engine for innovation and development in an organization, a group of academics and businessmen claimed Tuesday. They urged more Korean organizations to adopt “artistic intervention,” which involves artists at all levels, from human resources management to strategic planning and business development, at firms and organizations.“Arts can engage people with mind, emotions an

CultureNov. 19, 2013

When personal stories become art

When Israeli choreographer Idit Herman asked to share “something personal” for their joint piece, her nine dancers ― all members of the Korea National Contemporary Dance Company ― were very “shy” at first.“They are very, very much reserved,” Herman told The Korea Herald. “They really keep things inside. But they don’t just do that for nothing. They have a great depth and they are resilient.”Herman is premiering “Into Thin Air,” her collaborative project with the Korea National Contemporary Dance

PerformanceNov. 19, 2013

2NE1 to release new single, embark on world tour

The K-pop idols of 2NE1 will be embarking on the group’s second world tour next year, with the ladies kicking off in Seoul in March.After home performances, the group will head over to China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan and more cities to be announced later.2NE1 completed the group’s first world tour titled “New Evolution World Tour 2012” last year, which took them around the globe including Taiwan, Singapore, and all across Japan, as well as the United States with pe

PerformanceNov. 19, 2013

‘Spider-Man’ show to exit Broadway, takes on Vegas

NEW YORK (AP) ― Producers are turning the lights off forever on the Spider-Man musical on Broadway early next year, the final chapter in the story of most expensive theatrical show ever that shook off a troubled launch to become a hit and is now limping away to Las Vegas.Rick Miramontez, a spokesman for the show, said in a statement late Monday that “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark” will end its run in January and will next appear in Vegas. “Further details will be announced in the weeks to come,”

PerformanceNov. 19, 2013

New video coming for Bob Dylan’s ‘Rolling Stone’

NEW YORK (AP) ― Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone” is getting its first official music video, nearly 50 years after the song was released.The interactive video will premiere on Dylan’s website Tuesday and marks the release of the new 47-disc box set, “The Complete Album Collection Volume 1.”“Like a Rolling Stone” came out in 1965 and remains one of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singer-songwriter’s most influential songs.The video will allow viewers to switch between 16 different story lines tha

PerformanceNov. 19, 2013

IU’s star continues to rise

Singer IU is returning to the small screen hot on the heels of the release of her chart-topping third full length album, “Modern Times.” As she sets to crown her new album’s launch with a concert this week, IU is also taking the next step to leaving her days as a supporting actress behind with a lead in KBS’ “Bel Ami.” In two years, IU has managed to leap from her endearing first supporting role as a dorky singing ingenue in KBS’ “Dream High” to leading lady status, first as the plucky heroine i

TelevisionNov. 19, 2013

Gong Yoo named UNICEF special representative

Actor Gong Yoo will be named a special representative for the United Nations Children’s Fund in Korea. The star will officially be given the title in a ceremony Wednesday morning. It will also commemorate the 24-year anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Gong became interested in the rights of children after he starred in the movie, “Silenced,” which shocked the nation with its raw portrayal of the abuse of disabled children in Korea. He began to actively part

Nov. 19, 2013

Crayon Pop to release Christmas single

Members of girl group Crayon Pop are donning Christmas headbands instead of their usual helmets for the release of a special Christmas single at the end of the month. The song, titled “Ccoohristmas,” was written by the same composer who wrote hit song “Bar Bar Bar” and will be released on Nov. 26. The group released a teaser image for the song Monday, showing the five members dressed in festive green Christmas outfits and accessories. The group debuted in 2012 with their first EP but failed to g

Nov. 19, 2013

‘Infinite Challenge’ to host photo exhibition

Popular MBC comedy program “Infinite Challenge” will be holding a special photo exhibition around Seoul from Nov. 27 to Feb. 16. Admission is free. Sponsored by Hyundai Department Store, the exhibitions will rotate between five store branches around Seoul and Gyeonggi Province in Gireum-dong, Samseong-dong, Chungcheong-dong, Jung-dong and Ilsan. A collection of more than 200 images of the members and special guests on set for the shooting of “Infinite Challenge” taken by professional photographe

Nov. 19, 2013

Drug company CEO to join IVI board

Joseph Kim, a Korean-American, will join the International Vaccine Institute board of trustees.The Seoul-based institute said Tuesday that it appointed three new board members including Kim. The two others are Fred Binka from Ghana and George R. Siber from Canada. They will serve three-year terms to oversee the governance and management of the institute. Kim is an internationally recognized leader in vaccines. He holds a Ph.D. in immunology from the University of Pennsylvania, an MBA in finance

PeopleNov. 19, 2013

U.N. secretary-general visits Auschwitz memorial

OSWIECIM, Poland (AP) ― U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday visited the former Nazi death camp of Auschwitz to pay tribute to Holocaust victims. Ban walked through the infamous “Arbeit Macht Frei” (“Work Makes You Free”) gate to see exhibitions that document the inhumane conditions that the inmates suffered there. Housed in red brick barracks are the hair and belongings of the inmates, as well as an urn symbolically holding some of the victims’ ashes. “I stare at the piles of glasses, h

PeopleNov. 19, 2013

CICI 5.4 Club discusses tourism

Since its launch in March, the 5.4 Club members have been holding regular discussions on the current state of the tourism industry in Korea. Founded by the Corea Image Communication Institute ― a nonprofit organization that strives to promote and advance the global image of Korea ― and hospitality industry consulting company Cs, the 5.4 Club program has set its sights on promoting tourism as well as awareness of Korean culture among foreign visitors. More than 20 key members of the club met at t

PeopleNov. 19, 2013

Embassy in Peru moves into new complex of its own

The Korean Embassy in Peru has moved into a new complex of its own in the central part of Lima. The dedication of the two-building complex ended the embassy’s 27 years situated in a rented building since 1986. It also marks the 50th anniversary of the countries’ diplomatic relations established in April 1963. The Korean Embassy has been stationed in Peru’s capital city since August 1971.The new compound has an expanded antechamber and counseling space for visitors on a total floor space of 2,562

PeopleNov. 19, 2013

Seoul Philharmonic opens 2014 ticket sales

Tickets for the highly anticipated 2014 season of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra are due to go on sale Tuesday morning, offering SPO fans an advance peek of 28 concerts that will be held next year.Packaged according to different themes, the programs range from grand orchestral to smaller works and contemporary pieces. Packages offering discounts are available through Jan. 8. A package for R-seat tickets for 17 concerts is priced at 1.55 million won ($1,460). A 30 percent discount is provided f

PerformanceNov. 18, 2013