Articles by Hwang Dong-hee
Hwang Dong-hee
hwangdh@heraldcorp.com-
Genre-bending epic ‘Sun-sin’ explores inner struggles of national hero
The story of Adm. Yi Sun-sin, one of the most celebrated figures in Korean history, who led the country to victory against the Japanese invaders during the Imjin War (1592-1598), has been reimagined in diverse mediums, including drama series, movies, novels and even a graphic novel in English. Set to premiere in November, “Sun-sin,” a genre-bending production by the Seoul Performing Arts Company brings together accomplished artists from various performing arts backgrounds, including
Performance Oct. 25, 2023
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[Herald Interview] Kang Ik-joong weaves Hangeul philosophy into Spain mosaic art
MADRID -- A grand mosaic wall art installation by New York-based Korean artist Kang Ik-joong has made its Spanish debut, featuring more than 6,000 hand-drawn Korean characters on tile canvases. The 6,072 three-by-three-inch tiles, covering three walls at the Korean Cultural Center's exhibition space in the Spanish capital, were created by around 365 students studying the Korean language in Spain. They were asked to inscribe their favorite Korean phrases, or the things they know, along with
Arts & Design Oct. 22, 2023
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[From the Scene] Kang Ik-joong's 'Things I Know' shows people's inner voices in Hangeul
MADRID -- Heavy rainfall in Madrid caused the city to declare a red alert for adverse weather conditions at 3 p.m. on Thursday. Several subway stations and city parks were shut down, but the downpour did not dampen the spirit of the crowd who had gathered to celebrate a vibrant display of art and Korean culture. About 150 people gathered at the Korean Cultural Center in Spain to attend the opening of the public installation work “Things I Know” -- a colorful series of wise words writ
Arts & Design Oct. 20, 2023
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Cast of ‘Norma’ says opera difficult to sing but easy to enjoy
Director Alex Olle's production of “Norma,” which premiered to open the 2016 season at the Royal Opera House in London, is set to be staged at the Seoul Arts Center from Oct. 26-29. “I am happy to conduct one of the true masterpieces of Italian operas. Bellini’s (composition) is very demanding technically. ... It is a difficult piece to cast. Without exceptional singers, it's better not to perform," said conductor Roberto Abbado during a press conference Mo
Performance Oct. 16, 2023
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Welcome Daehakro Festival lights up Seoul's stage hub
Seoul's Daehangno district was brimming with visitors on Sunday for the opening of "2023 Welcome Daehakro," the largest domestic performance tourism festival in the country. The festivities began with a vibrant opening show on the main street, which was closed to traffic for the event. The opening show featured a festive parade of performances from musicals, dance, taekwondo demonstrations and marching bands. As part of the festival, fringe performances will continue throughout Oc
Performance Oct. 16, 2023
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New book sheds light on ongoing debate and legacy of comfort women issues
The issue of women forced into Japanese military sex slavery during World War II, known euphemistically as comfort women, has become a much politicized issue in Korea. The passing of a comfort woman, 91, in May, whose identity is being kept confidential at the request of her bereaved family, leaves only nine registered survivors of Japanese military sex slavery registered with the government. A new book titled "New Ways of Solidarity with Korean Comfort Women: Comfort Women and What Remains
Books Oct. 16, 2023
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[New in Korean] Witches, ecofeminism, climate crisis: Tale of resilience and nature’s power
"And the Witch Went into the Forest" By Sanho Goble/Dulnyouk In Sanho’s latest graphic novel, readers are transported into a world where witches grapple with the looming threats of an environmental crisis and climate change. Once known as shamans or mystics, these witches wield powers that resonate with nature and wild animals. They can make plants grow on barren lands or even sleep underwater. But with a loss of natural habitats and dying species, the witches are also sufferin
Books Oct. 15, 2023
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[New in Korean] The power to save just one person: Blessing or curse?
"Only One Person" (a literal translation of the Korean title) By Choi Jin-Young Hankyoreh Publishing This year’s winner of the prestigious Yi Sang Literary Award, Choi Jin-young, returns with a full-length novel after two years. The story revolves around the tallest and the longest-living tree on Earth that can save only one person in danger of dying by borrowing just one leaf from the tree. The protagonist, 16-year-old Mok-hwa, is destined to become a “lifespan mediator&
Books Oct. 14, 2023
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[New in Korean] Booker Prize-shortlisted Bora Chung returns with thriller on suffering
"On Suffering" By Bora Chung Dasan Books Where does human suffering come from? Can we ever be completely free from it? Is a life without suffering a path to salvation? These thought-provoking questions lie at the heart of Bora Chung's latest full-length novel, “On Suffering.” Chung delves into the abstract theme of pain within the intriguing framework of science fiction. The novel may be a turning point in Chung's literary career as it is the first thriller by the
Books Oct. 14, 2023
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[Exclusive] 'Game of Thrones' publisher inks deal for Korean books for first time
Bantam Books has inked a deal with Korean author Jang Se-ah to bring her debut novel, "Runaway," to English-speaking readers, an official at Barbara J. Zitwer Agency, a New York-based literary agency, told The Korea Herald on Thursday. Bantam Books is the Random House subsidiary renowned for the publication of George R. R. Martin's epic "A Song of Ice and Fire" fantasy series, the basis of HBO hit series "Game of Thrones," "Runaway" hit Korean bookshe
Books Oct. 13, 2023
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[Well-curated] Evening stroll at Jeong-dong, waterway fest at Gimpo and kimchi interpreted in surprising ways
Take a journey through time to the streets of Jeong-dong this weekend, where Jeongdong Culture Night will be held Friday and Saturday at Deoksugung Palace and the Jeong-dong area in Jung-gu, central Seoul. During its heyday, the Jeong-dong area was the epicenter of burgeoning new trends. Cultural sites will remain open late into the evening during the two-day festival, featuring performances, guided historical tours, a stamp tour along the stonewall walkway, street performances, busking, nightti
Culture Oct. 13, 2023
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[Herald Interview] Alex Olle’s realistic reimagination of opera ‘Norma’ keeps art form alive
In opera, tradition often takes center stage. But director Alex Olle of La Fura dels Baus boldly reshapes timeless classics with realism, breathing fresh life into operatic experience while challenging the boundaries of tradition. The opera “Norma,” which premiered as the opening production of the 2016 season at the Royal Opera House in the UK, is set to be staged at the Seoul Arts Center on Oct. 26-29. "I wanted to come to Korea for at least a week to meet the actors and help t
Performance Oct. 12, 2023
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[Herald Interview] Monte-Carlo Ballet's minimalist ‘Romeo and Juliet’ from Maillot
The Monte-Carlo Ballet Company, led by the artistic director and choreographer Jean-Christophe Maillot, is set to present “Romeo and Juliet” at the Seoul Arts Center in Seocho-gu from Friday to Sunday. This is the Monaco-based ballet company’s first performance in Korea since their 2019 rendition of “Cinderella.” Maillot reimagines Shakespeare’s literary masterpiece through the flashbacks experienced by the distraught Friar Laurence as he reflects on how the t
Performance Oct. 11, 2023
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SPAF kicks off with boundary-breaking performances
The Seoul Performing Arts Festival, celebrating its 23rd year, kicks off Friday and runs until Oct. 29 in various venues across Seoul, including the National Theater of Korea, the National Jeongdong Theater of Korea, the ARKO & Daehakro Arts Theater and Yohangza Theater. Nineteen Korean and international productions are set to deliver messages that transcend the boundaries of art and technology, as well as those between nations and regions. "We will introduce works that challenge conven
Performance Oct. 6, 2023
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‘Art in Series’ embraces autumn delights
Every Saturday in October, the "Art in Series" presents a variety of themed events such as a plant market, book market, farmer's market and mask dance workshops, in the outdoor plaza in front of the National Theater of Korea's Haeoreum Grand Theater. This Saturday's event, "Art in Garden," is a plant market where visitors can browse through a variety of flowers, rare plants and gardening supplies. Gardening classes will provide tips and insights into growing an
Culture Oct. 6, 2023
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