Korea's performing arts scene soars past 1.4 trillion won in post-pandemic surge

Pandemic-era social distancing rules that once left theaters empty and concert halls silent are now a fading memory, with South Korea's performing arts sector reporting record-breaking revenue of 1.4 trillion won ($1.08 billion) in 2023, up 46 percent from the previous year. The figure represents a 67 percent increase over 2019, before COVID-19 began to spread. The numbers in the latest report released Thursday by the state-run Korea Arts Management Services paint a picture of an industry t

Nov. 29, 2024

[Herald Review] Aladdin: The Korean Genie is out of the bottle in magical adaptation

The Genie is out of the bottle in Korea, a decade after the hit musical "Aladdin" hit Broadway. The Korean edition of "Aladdin," which debuted on Friday, delivers a winning combination of Disney’s beloved story and tunes, standout performances by Korea’s top actors, and humor that resonates with local audiences. The role of the Genie is shared by three actors: Jung Sung-hwa, Kang Hong-seok and Jeong Won-yeong. Aladdin is played by Kim Jun-su, Park Kang-hyun -- kno

Nov. 27, 2024

Diva Lee Eun-mi to 'Move On' with nationwide tour

Singer Lee Eun-mi is set to celebrate her 35th debut anniversary with a nationwide tour concert titled “Move On,” offering audiences a meaningful stage that bridges her past and present. Her timeless music, which has captivated listeners for decades, will be reimagined with fresh sensibilities and emotional depth in this series of performances. Affectionately called the "Barefoot Diva" -- the ballad singer is known for singing barefoot on stage -- Lee is known for her soulf

Nov. 27, 2024

Legendary avant-garde director Robert Wilson on the power of silence

The lecture had begun, but the 83-year-old director stood silently at the lectern on the stage in the 500-seat auditorium. He looked straight ahead, occasionally turning his gaze to observe the audience. The weight of the silence filled the space. Only after five full minutes did he finally speak, breaking the tension with a brief greeting. A wave of relief and small laughter rippled through the audience. Robert Wilson, the legendary avant-garde theater director and one of the most innovative vi

Nov. 26, 2024

Oasis confirms first Korean concert in 16 years

Legendary Britpop group Oasis confirmed it would perform in South Korea next year, marking the band's first concert here in 16 years. Event organizer Live Nation Korea announced on Friday that Oasis will hold a concert on Oct. 21 next year at the Goyang Sports Complex. Tickets for the event will go on sale exclusively through Interpark Ticket from Nov. 29 at noon. Oasis confirmed the news via the band's official social media, posting, "South Korea, Our new best friends. Hold on. O

Nov. 22, 2024

AKMU, NewJeans to perform at Yoasobi's year-end concert

Japan's trendsetting duo Yoasobi will feature local special guests at their upcoming year-end concert in Korea. The Korea act of Yoasobi Asia Tour "Cho-Genjitsu," meaning surrealism in Japanese, set to take place on Dec. 7-8 at Inspire Arena in Jung-gu, Incheon, will feature performances by sibling duo AKMU and girl group NewJeans as guest artists. NewJeans will perform on Dec. 7, while AKMU will take the stage on Dec. 8. Unlike their first concert in Korea last year, which showca

Nov. 22, 2024

[Herald Review] Jin celebrates first solo album release, brings happiness to fans

Jin mesmerized fans with his wide musical spectrum and vibrant energy at the fan showcase “Jin ‘Happy’ Special Stage” on Sunday. Held Saturday and Sunday, the showcase marked the first live performance of songs from Jin's first solo album "Happy." Over two days, Jangchung Arena in Seoul was packed with approximately 3,800 fans. As Jin appeared on stage by parting the red curtains, the arena erupted into thunderous cheers. "Two days ago, my album was re

Nov. 18, 2024

BTS star Jin celebrates solo album release with fan showcase in Seoul

Jin, a member of global K-pop sensation BTS, marked the release of his first solo album, "Happy," with a two-day fan showcase in Seoul. The 33-year-old artist, who completed his mandatory military service earlier this year, expressed his excitement about reconnecting with BTS fans, known as ARMY. "Since returning to civilian life, I've been looking forward to meeting ARMY in person. Thank you for filling the seats and joining online as well. I feel excited and nervous,"

Nov. 17, 2024

TikTok's inaugural awards in Korea honor 16 creators and artists

TikTok's annual award ceremony celebrated the creativity and influence of top creators and artists here who shaped trends and inspired the TikTok community throughout the year. The first-ever TikTok Awards held in Korea took place Friday at the Peace Hall of Kyunghee University in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul. Previously held in the UK, Malaysia, and Indonesia, this marks the event's inaugural year in Korea. About 250 TikTok creators and artists attended the event, hosted by Eric Nam and Jin H

Nov. 17, 2024

BTS' Jin tops iTunes charts in 70 countries with 'Running Wild'

Jin of K-pop superband BTS has topped iTunes charts in 70 countries with his latest release, "Running Wild," his agency said Saturday. The lead track of his new album, released Friday, claimed the No. 1 spot on iTunes' Top Songs charts across various nations, such as Australia, Finland and Brazil, as of 9 a.m. the following day, according to BigHit Music. His first solo album, "Happy," landed atop the iTunes "top album" charts in 48 countries, including Japan,

Nov. 16, 2024

[Herald Review] Cho Seung-woo takes 'Hamlet' crown

When the Seoul Arts Center announced its production of "Hamlet" for the year, it was met with mixed reactions, some asking, "Another Hamlet?" After all, the play had already been staged twice in 2024 -- once by Seensee Company (June 9 - Sept. 1) under the direction of veteran director Sohn Jin-chaek, and again by the National Theater Company of Korea in July in a genre-bending iteration with Princess Hamlet. Both productions had already captured the public’s attention,

Nov. 14, 2024

National Theater of Korea reignites folk spirit with pansori, folktales

The National Theater of Korea is set to present two new productions that celebrate the rich heritage of Korean performing arts. Featuring iconic pansori, or Korean traditional narrative singing, and an unexpected convergence of characters from classic folktales, these works promise to be a showcase of dynamic storytelling, captivating performances and a fresh take on timeless traditions. Tale of legendary pansori singer featuring greatest hits, tightrope acts Like a flying fish gliding swiftly

Nov. 13, 2024

An invitation to Jinchan, a royal banquet of the Joseon era

Seoul Donhwamun Traditional Theater, located in central Seoul, will host a specially curated performance on Friday, with shows at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. This event offers audiences a glimpse into the grandeur of Jinchan, or the royal banquets of the Joseon era (1392–1910). These feasts, held to commemorate special occasions for the king, queen and other members of the royal family, were lavish affairs featuring music, dance and exquisite cuisine. For the first time, the venue is presenting a

Nov. 12, 2024

Chinese violinist Luo Chaowen wins Isangyun Competition

Chinese violinist Luo Chaowen won first prize at this year's Isangyun Competition on Saturday, performing Brahms' Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 77 with the Tongyeong Festival Orchestra, led by conductor Christoph Poppen. Luo was followed by South Korean violinist Park Eun-joong. Park also took home the UNESCO Creative City of Music Special Prize decided by audience votes. Tongyeong was designated a UNESCO Creative City of Music in 2015. The third prize went to South Korean violinist

Nov. 10, 2024

Dua Lipa pop-up store to open in Seoul

Global pop star Dua Lipa is launching special merchandise pop-up stores for fans as part of promotions for her ongoing world tour "Radical Optimism" -- including one in Seoul. The pop-up store will offer exclusive tour merchandise that won't be available at the concert venues, and American Express cardholders will receive exclusive entry and perks. Additionally, limited-edition Puma Speedcat shoes will be available for purchase at the stores in Seoul, Singapore, and Tokyo. The Seo

Nov. 8, 2024

NewJeans to appear on biggest year-end festival in Japan

NewJeans will be the first K-pop girl group to perform at one of Japan’s largest year-end festivals, "Countdown Japan 24/25," the group's agency announced Thursday. Countdown Japan 24/25 will take place from Dec. 28-31 at Makuhari Messe in Tokyo, and NewJeans will perform on the final day, adorning the last day of 2024. Countdown Japan is Japan's largest indoor year-end festival, established in 2003, featuring Japan’s top artists every year. Following their appear

Nov. 8, 2024

Moliere-winning Joel Pommerat’s 'Tales and Legends' brings story of human-android coexistence

Acclaimed French playwright and director Joel Pommerat, celebrated with nine Moliere Awards, has brought one of his original productions to Korea for the first time. His 2020 production “Tales and Legends,” set in a near future that features androids, is onstage at the LG Arts Center from Thursday to Sunday. While several of Pommerat’s works, such as “This Child” and “The Reunification of the Two Koreas,” have been translated and performed in Korea by lo

Nov. 7, 2024

Song So-hee to show broad music spectrum as a singer-songwriter in first solo concert

Folk singer Song So-hee will hold her first solo concert as a singer-songwriter. Song So-hee’s solo concert, "Aesthetic Flow," will be held on Dec. 1 at Gurumare Theater. Seodo Band, known as the pioneer of "Joseon Pop," a genre influenced by Korean traditional music, will appear as a special guest. This concert marks Song's first solo performance under her name as a singer-songwriter. Active as a "Gyeonggi Minyo" -- a traditional Korean folk music genre

Nov. 7, 2024

[Herald Review] TXT concludes third world tour, opens new chapter

Boy band TXT celebrated the grand finale of its third world tour with three days of concerts in Seoul and returned with a new album. The quintet held the final performance of “Act: Promise,” the encore concert of its third world tour, which began in May, at KSPO Dome in Seoul on Sunday. Including the encore concerts, TXT completed a total of 31 performances across 17 cities, including major venues like Tokyo Dome, Kyocera Dome Osaka, Vantelin Dome Nagoya in Japan, and Madison Square

Nov. 4, 2024

Twice to appear as special guest at Coldplay concerts

Girl group Twice will perform as a special guest at Coldplay's upcoming concerts in Korea. JYP Entertainment shared the news via its official social media post saying, "We look forward to Twice’s stunning visuals and stage presence at Coldplay’s world tour.” Coldplay is set to perform six shows in Korea as part of its "Music of the Spheres" world tour at the Goyang Sports Complex on April 16, 18, 19, 22, 24 and 25. Twice will appear at all six shows, joining

Nov. 4, 2024