Seoul International Writers' Festival to explore dual nature of literature

The 2024 Seoul International Writers' Festival will take place at the JCC Art Center in Jongno from Sept. 6 to 11 under the theme "Particles and Waves," the Literature Translation Institute of Korea announced Monday. "This year’s theme is inspired by modern physics' definition of light, that it is both a particle and a wave. This definition could be applied not only to physics and natural sciences but also to literature and art," said literary critic Oh Hyung-

BooksAug. 12, 2024

Liberation Day-themed programs, events held at local travel spots

Celebrating its 79th Liberation Day this Thursday, tourist destinations around the country offer special programs to highlight what Korean independence fighters went through under Japanese occupation, commemorate their sacrifices and remember the history. Seodaemun Prison History Hall, in Seodaemun-gu, northwestern Seoul, offers a hands-on activity and concert for young visitors keen on taking in some of the nation’s arduous modern history. Children aged 7 to 10 can participate in a &ldquo

CultureAug. 11, 2024

Disney unveils sequels for hit franchises

Disney unveiled an exciting slate of sequels for its popular franchises -- "Avatar," "Zootopia," "Moana," "Toy Story" and "Tron: Legacy” at the eighth D23, the official Disney fan club event held Friday night at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, where some 12,000 fans gathered for the biannual convention. Among the announcements, the third installment of the global blockbuster "Avatar" series is set to hit theaters on Dec. 19,

FilmAug. 11, 2024

[Eye Interview] Actor-novelist Cha In-pyo reflects on trials of bringing his debut novel to global spotlight

Set in the peaks of Baekdusan in 1931, Cha In-pyo’s 2009 debut novel "Once We Look at the Same Star" captures the budding friendship of a young tiger hunter, Yong, and Suni, the village chief’s granddaughter, until their tranquil life is soon shattered by historical events. Infused with a fairytale-like sensibility and vivid descriptions of nature, the novel explores the intertwining lives of two 16-year-olds against a historical tapestry, addressing the issue of "comf

BooksAug. 10, 2024

‘The Roundup: Punishment,’ ‘Inside Out 2’ lead CJ CGV profits in Q2

South Korea’s largest multiplex cinema chain CJ CGV saw a fifth consecutive quarter of operating profit in the second quarter this year thanks to the success of megahit films, according to the company. CJ CGV said its April to July sales increased by 7.6 percent on year to 430 billion won ($315 million). Its operating profit over the same period increased 26.4 percent on-year to 22.3 billion won. The company attributed such performance to an increase in moviegoers who went to the cinema to

FilmAug. 9, 2024

‘My Dearest Fu Bao’ offers close look at beloved panda's last 3 months in Korea

“My Dearest Fu Bao,” a South Korean movie depicting the interactions between the panda Fu Bao and her zookeepers, will feature in-depth stories about the beloved giant panda, the movie’s director said Thursday. This documentary film is based on interviews with zookeepers Song Young-gwan and Kang Cheol-won, who is widely known as Fu Bao's "grandpa" by fans. The movie narrates stories of how the zookeepers met Fu Bao and how the beloved panda was cared for by them

FilmAug. 9, 2024

Old Korean Legation under review for US Register of Historic Places

The Old Korean Legation building in Washington, DC is expected to be registered in the US as a historic place worthy of preservation as early as mid-September. According to a US Federal Register notice Wednesday, the National Park Service plans to gather public input on whether to recognize officially the 19th-century building on the National Register of Historic Places -- the US government list of buildings, sites and structures known for their historic or artistic value. The process will run t

CultureAug. 9, 2024

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

Legoland Korea Resort holds pop-up event for children Legoland Korea Resort in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, presents the new pop-up event “Lego Dreamz,” running until Sept. 12. Children can play with Lego bricks to design their own creations at the pop-up zone. Visitors can also experience the “mission portal” event that allows them to receive "dream chaser" gifts, including a dream chaser license, lanyard and Legoland badge. After completing a survey, visitors

TravelAug. 9, 2024

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Hongcheon Beer Festival Beer and barbecue combine for the ultimate summer cookout, one available with a choice of accommodations, either a “hanok,” the traditional Korean house, during the Hongcheon Beer Festival organized by Hongcheon County, Gangwon Province. Book a room in advance to enjoy not only beer and barbecue but also kayaking, a separately charged activity that will be available depending on weather conditions. Stays are possible from Friday to Saturday until Aug. 18.

TravelAug. 9, 2024

[Well-curated] Escape from heat with Samoyeds, nature in a glass, comics

Fluffy happiness In the bustling streets of the Hongdae area, there is a must-visit spot for dog lovers. At the special cafe named Winter’s Village, visitors can meet 11 Samoyeds and one Malamute spread across two floors, all enjoying their free time. While animal welfare is a common concern with pet-related businesses, this cafe is run by the owner who personally raises all the dogs. They limit the number of customers to prevent overcrowding and provide regular breaks for the dogs. To dis

CultureAug. 9, 2024

[Box office] Movies in theaters this week

“Revolver” (South Korea) Opened Aug. 7 Crime Directed by Oh Seung-wook Former detective Soo-young (portrayed by Jeon Do-yeon) is released from prison after being convicted of crimes she did not commit. With one goal in her mind -- getting her some 700 million won back -- she visits the people who owe her one by one. “Pilot” (South Korea) Opened July 31 Comedy Directed by Kim Han-gyeol Han Jung-woo (Jo Jung-suk) who, after getting fired from his job and divorced by his w

FilmAug. 9, 2024

Stay cool inside

Heading to one of South Korea’s several coastal getaways, a water park or an exciting festival is a great decision for a refreshing summer. But avoiding outdoor activities may be a better option, as the country has been caught up in an ever prolonged heat wave. Though people can easily find their own chilly summer paradise at practically every street corner -- think comics cafe, ubiquitous coffee franchises, bingsu (creamy shaved ice) spots and internet cafes -- there are more options, som

TravelAug. 8, 2024

[Herald Interview] K-drama remakes aim to cater to streaming viewers

Masterpiece K-dramas from the early 2000s are soon to make a return this time as reimagined by their original creators. Korean streaming platform Wavve is currently undertaking a "New Classic" project, which will bring popular K-dramas from the past such as "My Lovely Sam Soon" and "I'm Sorry, I Love You," in a new format. The original 70-minute, 16-episode series will be condensed into 40-50 minute episodes with 6-8 episodes per series, and will feature new so

TelevisionAug. 8, 2024

‘Twisters’ director Lee Isaac Chung says what scared him made him grow

Korean American filmmaker Lee Isaac Chung of the latest American disaster film “Twisters” said what scared him has made him grow, in terms of his first-ever production of a blockbuster film. “Twisters” is Chung's work to be released after “Minari,” an autobiographical family drama that won the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2021. “One of the reasons I wanted to do this movie was that I got scared. How do I make a movie like t

FilmAug. 8, 2024

Actress Han Ji-min, Jannabi's Choi Jung-hoon confirm relationship

Actress Han Ji-min and Jannabi front man Choi Jung-hoon are dating, Choi's agency confirmed Thursday. The couple reportedly developed feelings for each other after Han's appearance on the KBS music show "The Seasons," hosted by Choi, in August last year. During the show, they performed Jannabi's "A Thought on an Autumn Night" together. The 41-year-old actress debuted as an advertisement model in 1998 and has since built a successful acting career. She has starr

TelevisionAug. 8, 2024

Japanese SF film 'The Human Vapor' to be remade as Netflix series

The legendary Japanese science fiction film "The Human Vapor" (1960) will be remade into a Netflix series helmed by Yeon Sang-ho, the producer behind hits such as "Hellbound" and "Train to Busan," according to Netflix, Thursday. "The Human Vapor" (1960) follows the aftermath of a failed scientific experiment that turns its subject into a gaseous mutant, who then uses his abilities to carry out crimes. By exploring the darker facets of society's struct

TelevisionAug. 8, 2024

Suga's agency issues another apology over 'kick scooter' mention

Big Hit Music, the agency of BTS member Suga, issued a new apology Thursday morning related to the K-pop megastar's recent drunk driving, stating that it referring to the vehicle used in the incident as "a kick scooter" was in no way intended to understate the gravity of the situation. "There was no intention at all to downplay the situation as suggested by some. We once again apologize for hastily addressing the issue without more consideration," the company said, rel

PeopleAug. 8, 2024

[Herald Review] ‘Mission: Cross,’ a high octane action flick with comedic elements

Kang-moo (Hwang Jung-min) is a stay-at-home husband who cooks and cleans while his wife Mi-seon (Yeom Jung-ah) is a veteran crime squad team member who was once an Asian Games silver medalist in shooting. Kang-moo, a warm-hearted man, helps Mi-seon by putting his past as a former agent behind and keeping it a secret from her – until he accidentally bumps into his former agent colleague Hee-joo (Jeon Hye-jin). After the encounter, he often goes out of contact and leaves the house all messy.

FilmAug. 7, 2024

Find your hanbok at DDP

A variety of hanbok, the traditional Korean clothing, will be up for sale at an up-to 80 percent discount during a four-day hanbok expo opening Friday at Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Over 100 shops will be offering both traditional and modern hanbok varieties, including pieces for pets and accessories to go with the garment. Everything will be sold at a 30 percent discount on average, with some discounted up to 80 percent. The annual event, launched in 2018 by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tou

Arts & DesignAug. 7, 2024

Conference to examine activist artists’ contribution to Korean independence

The National Museum of Korean Contemporary History will hold a conference Friday to explore independence activist artists ahead of Liberation Day next week, the state-run museum said Wednesday. The event will look at how Korean artists and their works boosted efforts towards achieving independence from Japan’s 1910-45 colonial rule, with seven academics discussing their research in different fields. A keynote speech by Kim Jeong-in, a historian teaching at Chuncheon National University of

Arts & DesignAug. 7, 2024