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Creating fiction rooted in non-fiction
Rarely does an architecture exhibition achieve such popularity that its scheduled run is extended. “Fiction Non-Fiction: In Search of the Forms of Our Lives” by Guga Urban Architecture has achieved just that: Originally slated to run Oct. 10-Nov. 11, the exhibition has been extended to Nov. 23 due to high demand. It is apparent from the very start that this architecture exhibition is unlike most such shows. As soon as you enter the exhibition venue, a three-story red brick building in Gyeonji-do
Nov. 19, 2025 -
Leenalchi vocalist on what it means to be modern pansori singer
When Korean students sat for the college entrance exam last week, many found themselves grappling with an unexpected challenge: trying not to hum along to the passage in front of them. A section from the pansori epic Sugung-ga appeared on the Korean-language test, and students immediately recognized the line “The tiger is coming down, the tiger is coming down” — the irresistible hook from Leenalchi’s viral 2020 hit. The lyric, originally a relatively minor moment in the epic, became a near–natio
Nov. 19, 2025 -
Kim Whan-ki painting fetches $8.4m, giving market much-needed boost
The Korean art market, only beginning to show signs of recovery, gained much-needed momentum Monday when Kim Whan-ki’s painting set another record at Christie’s evening sale in New York. Titled “19-VI-71 #206,” the Korean art master's painting fetched $8.4 million at Christie’s New York 20th Century Evening Sale, falling short of the highest auction price fetched by a Korean artwork. Also by Kim, “05-IV-71 #200 (Universe)” sold for HK$88 million ($11.3 million) in 2019 at a Christie’s auction he
Nov. 19, 2025 -
Netflix’s 'Physical: Asia' comes to life with Seoul pop-up
Netflix’s hit variety show "Physical: Asia" is bringing its grueling challenges to life with a Seoul pop-up store open through Sunday. Located in Seongsu-dong, the pop-up will allow visitors to immerse themselves in the intense physical trials of the survival series. Challenges range from pushing heavy poles to battling ropes, with the latter requiring visitors to execute dynamic movements, such as waves and slams with ropes anchored to a fixed point. Completing each challenge will earn visitors
Nov. 19, 2025 -
Sound of Slovenia reverberates in Korea for first time
The Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra — one of Europe’s oldest ensembles, with a history stretching back more than 300 years — makes its Korean debut this week with a three-city tour visiting Daegu, Seoul and Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. Although Slovenia and South Korea have maintained diplomatic relations since 1992, exchanges between the two countries remained limited until recently. The opening of the Slovenian Embassy in Seoul in 2022, followed by Korea’s establishment of its own mission in Lj
Nov. 19, 2025 -
Traditional drama powerhouse KBS struggles to bring weekend hits
Korean Broadcasting System, once a dependable ratings engine, is facing a 10 billion won ($6.8 million) deficit as its recent tentpole projects stumble — a slump industry watchers attribute to a mismatch between the shows’ genres and KBS’ core, middle-aged audience. The network recently launched two high-profile weekend series — “Twelve,” starring superstar Don Lee (“The Outlaws,” “The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil”) and “Walking on Thin Ice,” led by veteran actress Lee Young-ae (“Sympathy for La
Nov. 19, 2025 -
Agoda taps comedian Lee Su-ji as ambassador for new Korea campaign
Digital travel platform Agoda has named popular comedian Lee Su-ji as the ambassador for its new domestic brand campaign, aiming to spotlight its expanded range of motel booking options and value-driven travel deals. Released Wednesday, the campaign features advertisements on Meta and YouTube, leveraging the platforms’ broad reach and Lee’s strong public appeal. The ad video humorously depicts a couple’s conversation inside a motel room, weaving in Agoda’s affordable offerings and booking benefi
Nov. 19, 2025 -
SBS’ hit vigilante franchise 'Taxi Driver' revs up with third season
One of Seoul Broadcasting System’s most bankable franchises, “Taxi Driver” -- the vigilante procedural in which a band of renegade cabbies take justice into their own hands -- returns with Season 3, promising a fresh slate of cases inspired by real crimes from Korea’s underbelly. The third season of “Taxi Driver” once again centers on Do-gi (Lee Je-hoon) and the clandestine crew at Rainbow Transport, who carry out private revenge missions on behalf of victims failed by the legal system. The dram
Nov. 18, 2025 -
Wagner’s epic 6-hour ‘Tristan und Isolde’ makes its long-awaited Korean premiere
With a total running time of 340 minutes, including a 40- and 30-minute intermission, Wagner’s “Tristan und Isolde” will make its long-awaited Korean premiere through a rare collaboration under Jaap van Zweden. The production brings together the Korea National Opera and the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as a roster of Wagner specialists, for a music drama that turns the universal themes of love and death into a transcendent musical experience through heavy use of chromatic harmony and th
Nov. 18, 2025 -
Nine years on, Judy and Nick team up again
"I know that I cannot put a jigsaw puzzle together if all of my pieces are the same shape," Ginnifer Goodwin said Tuesday in a virtual press conference. The actor, returning as bunny cop Judy Hopps in "Zootopia 2," was explaining what the film is really getting at beneath all the slapstick chase scenes and talking-animal jokes. "You need all of the pieces to be all different shapes in order to make a beautiful puzzle." Nine years after the original film topped $1 billion worldwide and drew 4.6 m
Nov. 18, 2025 -
'The mind does not age': At 105, philosopher continues to teach the art of living
When does a person grow old? Only when you let the thought, “I’m old now,” take over. The mind itself never ages, says Kim Hyung-seuk, the world’s oldest living author. Born on July 6, 1920, Kim, who turned 105 this year, has lived long enough to see his literary legacy set a world record. Last year, Guinness World Records recognized the Yonsei University emeritus professor of philosophy as the world’s oldest male author for his book “Kim Hyung-seuk, 100 Years of Wisdom,” confirming his age at 1
Nov. 18, 2025 -
'Heroes Next Door': Coupang Play’s year-end tentpole reunites 'The Outlaws' alumni
Coupang Play -- the country’s most-watched streaming service after Netflix -- is rolling out its marquee year-end release, “Heroes Next Door,” a comedic action series that reunites several unforgettable faces from “The Outlaws” universe. The result is a light-hearted comedy that blends feel-good humor with punchy action. “Heroes Next Door” centers on a band of seemingly ordinary neighbors who turn out to have extraordinary pasts. Leading the ensemble is Yoon Kye-sang, the “Outlaws” alumnus who p
Nov. 18, 2025 -
Tving partners with Disney+ to launch Korea’s first 3-way streaming bundle
Korean streamer Tving, home to hits like “Yumi’s Cells” and “Pyramid Game," announced Tuesday it has partnered with Disney+ to launch a bundle offering access to Tving, Disney+ and Wavve under one subscription. The rollout marks the first three-way streaming bundle from a Korean platform and the first partnership of its kind between a Korean platform and a global streamer in the domestic market. The new bundle comes in two variations: 3 Pack, which unlocks all three services for 21,500 won per m
Nov. 18, 2025 -
Spyair's love for turning live performances into pure connection
For Japanese rock band Spyair, performing live on stage is about sharing music with the audience in the most direct and genuine way. The group, which formed in 2005 and professionally debuted in 2010, operates under the belief that music is at its best when it brings people together. Each song has something to say and the singers carry that message forward. "The magic of a live performance comes from the things that can only happen on stage — the sense of unity with the audience and the emotion
Nov. 18, 2025 -
Maestros, emerging talents converge for KBS Symphony's 70th anniversary season
The KBS Symphony Orchestra’s 2026 season unfolds as a celebration of its 70-year musical journey, bringing together world-renowned maestros with a powerful lineup of international guests and rising Korean talent. With maestros' offerings ranging from Mahler and Shostakovich to Bruckner, and Sibelius, the season runs under the theme of "70 years of Melody, an Everlasting Resonance." Kicking off the new season is Chung Myung-whun, one of Korea’s most revered conductors and the orchestra's first "h
Nov. 17, 2025