[EVENTS CALENDER]

Exhibitions

"Platform in KIMUSA": Korean curator Kim Sun-jung and Mami Kataoka, chief curator of the Mori Art Museum in Tokyo, hosts this year`s Platform - a contemporary art festival been held annually since 2006 - at the former Defense Security Command complex which is nicknamed Kimusa, an abbreviation of the command`s Korean name. As the artists were fully aware of the history of the venue, the exhibits appear rather dark. There are nearly 200 works by more than 100 artists to see. It runs through Sept. 25 at the former DSC complex in Sogyeok-dong, central Seoul. It opens at 2 p.m., and only docent tours are available during the day, starting at 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Reservations are required. Visitors can look around freely from 5-9 p.m., following the guiding lights that were specially installed for nighttime visitors. Admissions (including entrance fee for entering Artsonje Center) are 8,000 won for adults and 4,000 won for students. For more information, visit www.platformseoul.org or call (02) 733-8945.



"Lee Gang So 1989-2009": Artist Lee Gang So is one of Korea`s leading contemporary artists, famous for his experimental works. His "The Chicken Performance" at the 1975 Paris Biennale, for which he borrowed a chicken from the exhibition`s guard, was an epochal incident that opened a new era for Korean contemporary art. Gallery Hyundai and gonggan purple are showcasing over 100 of Lee`s paintings dating from 1989 to 2009. The exhibition runs through Sept. 27 at Gallery Hyundai in Sagan-dong, central Seoul and until Dec. 31 at gonggan purple in Heyri, Paju city in Gyeonggi Province. Call (02) 2287-3500 or visit www.galleryhyundai.com for more information on the exhibition at Gallery Hyundai and call (031) 956-8600 for the one at gonggan purple.



"Hello. Into. Ink, Paper. 2": If you are tired of Western art, how about some Korean paintings for a change? Hello Museum introduces Korean paintings by seven young Korean artists. The paintings are familiar, easy and fun. Among the exhibits, a nice-looking tiger gives a broad smile, showing all of his bright white teeth. Named "Happy Hoya," this painting teaches children about the importance of health. Reservations are obligatory for the docent tour, which takes about 70 minutes. Following the tour, children not only get to see art but participate in various experience programs. The tour is also available in English. The exhibition runs through Sept. 30 at Hello Museum in Yeoksam-dong, southern Seoul. Tickets for the docent tour and a full day experience are 20,000 won for kids and 2,000 won for parents. Regular admission to the museum is 5,000 won. For more information, visit www.hellomuseum.com or call (02) 562-4420.



"SU:MBISORI": The Jeju Museum of Art, a new venue which opened three months ago, is hosting four inaugural exhibitions called "Eye of the Pacific Rim." Among them, the most in touch with nature is the main exhibition "SU:MBISORI." "Sumbisori" - in Jeju dialect - is the sound female divers make when they emerge from the water before taking another deep breath and diving in again to hunt for shellfish. At the exhibition, 36 local and international artists showcase paintings, photos, installations or media works that look at Jeju Island`s wind, water, lights and sounds. Exhibits are divided into two styles; nature that claims to be art, and artificial works that remind us of some part of nature. The exhibition runs through Sept. 30 at Jeju Museum of Art in Jeju City, Jeju Island. For more information, call (064) 710-4300 or visit www.jmoa.jeju.go.kr



"Magic of Photography": The only thing the pieces at this exhibition have in common is that they are based on photographs. Only about half are hanging on the walls, normally in frames. The rest of the photos are printed on or made into unexpected forms, such as different-sized boxes, long paper rolls clustered together or stretched out vertically. Fourteen Korean artists including Jung Yeon-doo, Lim Taek, Bae Joon-sung and Jang Seung-hyo are showcasing more than 50 photographs, stereo photos, installations and videos that makes visitors wonder if they are photos or not. The works are fairly original. The exhibition runs through Oct. 1 at the Museum of Photography in Bangi-dong, southeastern Seoul. Tickets are 3,000 won for students and 5,000 won for adults. For more information, visit www.photomuseum.or.kr or call (02) 418-1315.



"Kang Kang-hun Solo Exhibition": At first sight, Kang Kang-hun`s works look like photographs. But taking a closer look, one will notice the traces of delicate brush strokes. Kang, an up and coming artist who is currently holding his first solo exhibition at Park Ryu Sook Gallery, created amazing hyper realistic paintings. From cigarette smoke to a model`s pores, everything depicted on the canvas is even more realistic than photos. Hearing of the artist`s talents, many celebrities including actor Jeong Woo-seong, Lee Jeong-jae and designer Lee Sang-bong happily modeled for him. Kang is already quite a star artist overseas. The exhibition runs through Oct. 3 at Park Ryu Sook Gallery in Cheongdam-dong, southern Seoul. For more information, call (02) 549-7575 or visit www.parkryusookgallery.com



"EXPosition of Music - ELectronic Television": Nam June Paik Art Center is shedding new light on Paik`s first exhibition. After seeing the Vienna Contemporary Art Museum`s show which commemorated Paik`s first exhibition, Lee Young-cheol, director of the Nam June Paik Art Center, decided to hold another reinterpreted version of the exhibition - which will hopefully be even better - in Paik`s home country. More than 30 pieces by 21 Korean and international contemporary artists are on display at the exhibition. The work either pays homage or shows some sort of connection to Paik`s work. Some original work by Paik can also be found at the exhibition, including "Zen for TV," and "Tiger Lives." The exhibition runs through Oct. 4 at Nam June Paik Art Center in Sanggal-dong, Yongin city in Gyeonggi Province. It takes about 30 minutes from Gangnam Station by bus. Admission is free. For more information, call (031) 201-8527 or visit www.njpartcenter.kr



"Fashion Ethics `Wear Good`": Gyeonggi Museum of Modern Art is hosting the exhibition to suggest an alternative to fast fashion. It is the second in the museum`s cross-genre exhibition series that seeks new artistic possibilities through interactions with genres other than pure art. From six different countries, fashion designers, contemporary artists and even architects got together to present some "ethical clothes" which are made of organic fabric or recycled materials, or those that are produced with third world labor recruited through fair trade. The pavilion looks like something between a fashion show and a contemporary art exhibition. Most of the exhibits are fanciful, but no more than the designer-labeled clothes seen on runways. The exhibition runs through Oct. 4 at Gyeonggi Museum of Art in Ansan City, Gyeonggi Province. For more information, visit www.gmoma.org or call (031) 481-7007~9.



"Sculpture": Weighty rocks, large iron plates and sticks lay around in the first and second floors of Kukje Gallery. They are Lee Ufan`s works. Lee is one of Korea`s most renowned artists, and also known as a writer and a philosopher. Currently, he is holding a solo exhibition in his home country for the first time in six years.

It is also the first-ever show featuring his sculptures in Korea. At this show, Lee is showcasing a three-dimensional version of Mono-ha, one of the most important concepts in his works, which is a Japanese movement that criticizes modernism and illuminates the relationship between natural and artificial materials through visual art. In fact, it was Lee who theoretically established the concept in Japan in the 1970s. The exhibition runs through Oct. 9 at Kukje Gallery in Sogyeok-dong, central Seoul. For more information, visit www.kukjegallery.com or call (02) 733-8449.



"Green Utopia": Savina Museum of Contemporary Art provides a short escape from the hot and dusty city with its exhibition "Green Utopia." Thirteen artists showcase 30 works that depict nature in a positive and optimistic light. A mini willow tree forest by Lee Hyun-jean is actually a work of video-recorded willow trees projected onto ribbons, but they look, feel and smell like real willows as you wander through the installation. Beside the willows, Won Seoung-won put up a very refreshing photo of her dream room; under the deep blue ocean a man happily swims with different kinds of fish, while water plants grow in every nook and corner of the room. The exhibition runs through Oct. 24 at Savina Museum of Contemporary Art in Anguk-dong, central Seoul. For more information, call (02) 736-4371 or visit www.savinamuseum.com



"In the Flower Garden": 63 Sky Art, the world`s highest art museum, is displaying about 50 flower-themed paintings, interactive installations and actual flower works by 40 Korean and foreign artists including Kim Whanki and Andy Warhol. The exhibition is divided into four parts. While the first division, "Beauty Garden," shows relatively ordinary flower paintings, the second and third, "Fantastic Garden" and "Re-creation Garden," exhibit abstract and reinterpreted paintings, plus installations featuring flowers. The final part, "Play Garden" is the most unique with many interactive installations that react to the viewers` voices and movements and make beautiful images. The exhibition runs through Nov. 15 at 63 Sky Art in Yeouido, southwestern Seoul. Tickets are 12,000 won for adults, 11,000 won for adolescents and 10,000 won for children. For details, visit www.63.co.kr call or (02) 789-5663.



Concert

"Lee Moon-sae Concert": Famous singer Lee Moon-sae will hold a pair of shows at The War Memorial of Korea today with his hit songs from years back to new acoustic songs. Tickets cost from 33,000 to 99,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 747-1252. The venue is located near exit 12 of Samgakji Station on subway lines 4 and 6.



"Hong Kyung-min Live": Singer Hong Kyung-min is set to perform at the Sungkyunkwan University New Millenium Hall with two shows tonight and tomorrow. The concerts are in celebration of the release of his new 10th studio album. All tickets cost 66,000 won. For more information, visit www.interpark.com or call (02) 522-9933. Venue is located near exits 1 or 4 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.



"My Life, My Song": U.S. soprano Jessye Norman holds her third recital in Korea on Sept. 18 at Seoul Arts Center. The singer, who is oftern referred to as the female Pavarotti, has been loved by audiences throughout the world with her rich, powerful and soulful vocals that were featured in diverse operas and concerts. Norman will sing for the Seoul recital various tunes including "Marcia Trionfale" and ""Ritorna Vincitor" from Verdi`s opera "Aida," plus the overture and "Somewhere" from Bernstein`s musical "West Side Story." Tickets run from 50,000 won to 220,000 won. For details, call (02) 541-6235



"Nostalgia - A Journey of Musical Memories": Australian popera (operatic pop) group, the Ten Tenors, will give two concerts in Korea Sept 19-20 at Ewha Womans University`s auditorium. The group will perform some familiar tunes including "Moon River" and "What a Wonderful World" from their latest album "Here`s to the Heros," plus "Danny Boy," one of Koreans fans` most requested tunes. Tickets run from 60,000 to 150,000 won. For details, call (02) 3463-2466.



"2009 French Musical Original Cast Concert": Actors from three of most popular French musicals - "Notre Dame de Paris," "Don Juan" and "Les Dix" - perform the well-known tunes from the show through the "2009 French Musical Original Cast Concert" which will be on Sept. 25 at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Seoul. The list includes Matt Laurent and Nadia Bel from "Notre Dame de Paris," plus Sergio Moschetto and Ahmed Mouici from "Les Dix." Tickets run from 30,000 won to 110,000 won. For details, call (02) 399-1114.



"Martin Stadtfeld Recital": Up-and-coming German pianist Martin Stadtfeld who recently released his Bach album holds his first recital in Korea Sept. 27 at Seoul Arts Center. Stadtfeld will perform for the recital some tunes from his album, Franzosische ouverture, Chorale preludes and Goldberg Variations. Tickets run from 30,000 won to 60,000 won. The recital will be at 8 p.m. For more information, call (02) 599-5743.



"Piano Trios and More": Well-known Korean Cellist Yang Sung-won holds a chamber music concert with French violinist Olivier Charlier and pianist Emmanuel Strosser on Sept. 27 at LG Arts Center. The four-hour concert will feature Yang and his friends exploring diverse tunes of Schubert - including piano trio No.1 and 2, violin sonata "Grand Duo" and "Arpeggione" sonata. The concert will be at 4 p.m. Tickets run from 30,000 won to 60,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2005-0114.



"Vienna Philharmnic with Sumi Jo": Acclaimed Vienna Philharmnic Orchestra, led by renowned Indian maestro Zubin Mehta, unites with Korean soprano Jo Su-mi for a concert on Sept. 29 at Seoul Arts Center. Jo will perform diverse tunes including "Mein Herr Marquis" from "Die Fledermaus" and "Je veux Vivre" from "Romeo et Juliette."

The concert is the fifth of the Super Concert series which is hosted by Hyundai Card. Tickets are from 70,000 won to 350,000 won. For details, call (02) 318-4301.



"New York Philharmonic": The renowned New York Philharmonic holds concerts on Oct. 12 and 13 at Seoul Arts Center. Led by its newly-elected musical director Alan Gilbert, the orchestra will ply diverse pieces from Beethoven symphony No. 1 to Mahler symphony No. 1. The concert on Oct. 12 features up-and-coming Korean violinist Choi Ye-eun, who together with the orchestra will perform Mendelssohn violin concerto. Tickets run from 40,000 won to 280,000 won. For more information, call (02) 6303-7700.



Musicals

"I Love You": The Korean production of the hit romantic musical from Off Broadway features the diverse love stories of around 60 characters played by just four actors, including veteran musical actor Nam Kyung-joo, who starred in the 2004 premiere. The realistic description of the evolution of a relationship - from the joyful beginning stages, to eventual ennui - as well as witty dialogue has appealed to audiences. The show will be staged through tomorrow at KT&G Sang Sang Arts Hall in Samsung-dong, Seoul. Tickets are 35,000 won and 50,000 won. For details, call (02) 501-7888.



"Jekyll & Hyde": One of Koreans` favorite musicals debuts with the original Broadway cast and will run until Sept. 20 at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. The show is receiving particular attention from local music fans because acclaimed U.S. actor Brad Little plays the leading role of Henry Jekyll. Little is already well known to Koreans for his powerful 2005 performance as the phantom in "Phantom of the Opera", as well as his solo recital in 2006. Tickets run from 22,000 won to 140,000 won. For details, visit www.musicaljekyllnhyde.com or call 1588-5212.



"Rent": The original Broadway production of "Rent" is showing in Korea through Sept. 20 at KBS Hall in Yeouido-dong, Seoul. The Broadway production`s final tour features actors Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp who starred in the original production. The show is about poor young artists - their love and passion for the arts. Tickets run from 40,000 won to 200,000 won. For more information, go to www.rent-broadway.co.kr or call 1544-1681.



"Assassins": A well-known creation by renowned composer Stephen Sondheim, "Assassins" will run from Sept. 26-Nov. 8 at The Stage in Shinchon, Seoul. Depicting the murder of a U.S. President by nine assassins, the show`s 2005 premiere drew much attention not only from musical fans but the general public. This year`s performance features musical actors including Kang Tae-eul and Han Ji-sang. Tickets are 50,000 won. For details, call 1588-5212.



"All Shook Up": The Korean version of a Broadway jukebox musical "All Shook Up," featuring music of rock and roll legend Elvis Presley, will be performed until Nov. 11 at the Chungmu Arts Hall in Heungin-dong, Seoul. Singer and actor Son Ho-young plays the leading role, Chad. The original piece was created by Joe DiPietro, also producer of a hit musical "I Love You."

For details, call (02) 556-8556 or go to www.allshookup.co.kr



"Spring Awakening": The Tony Awards-winning musical from Broadway premieres in Korea at Doosan Arts Center in Yeonji-dong, Seoul. The show highlights the confrontation between teenagers who have just started to discover their sexuality and adults who try to suppress them with their authority. It discusses diverse topics including abortion, rape and suicide. The Korean production revives everything from the Broadway show. Musical actors Kim Mu-yeol and Jo Jung-suk play the two leading roles, Moritz and Melchior, respectively. It will be shown through Jan. 10, 2010. Tickets run from 40,000 won to 80,000 won. To find out more, go to www.springawakening.co.kr or call (02) 744-4011.



"The Phantom of the Opera": The Korean production of the mega-hit West-end musical, "The Phantom of the Opera," returns from Sept. 23-Aug. 8, 2010 at Charlotte Theater in Jamsil-dong, Seoul. A British team performed here in 2005 featuring popular musical actor Brad Little as the phantom. This year`s show will be more spectacular than previous years, with a reinforced set and stage settings. Musical actress Kim So-hyun from the show`s 2001 premiere run stars as Chistine. Tickets run from 40,000 won to 140,000 won. For details, call (02) 501-7888.



Dramas

University of Laughs": The hit play from last year by theater venture group Yeongeukyeoljeon is restaged from Oct. 2 to Jan. 31, 2010 at Eda 1 Theater in Daehangno, Seoul. Based on the popular Japanese novel by Koki Mitani, the piece depicts a seven-day confrontation between an inspector trying to ban comic plays and a scriptwriter who values humor above all in his works, and the friendship that later develops between the two. Tickets run from 25,000 won to 40,000 won. For details, call (02) 766-6007.



"Story of an Old Thief": The popular play from Yeongeukyeoljeon returns at two venues - Daehangno and Gangnam. "Story of an Old Thief," a satirical piece which sheds light on social and political issues with humor, has received favorable response since premiering in 1989, making actors like Mun Sung-geun and Yoo Oh-sung popular. For this year`s version, veteran theater actors Park Jun-seo and Choi Jae-sup join the cast. The play is showing as an open run at Sangmyung Arts Hall in Daehango and COEX Artium in Samsung-dong, Seoul. Tickets are 25,000 won and 35,000 won. For details, call (02) 766-6007.



Circus

"ID": Celebrating the Global Fair & Festival 2009 Incheon, "ID," co-produced by Canadian circus troupe Cirque Eloize and local Showwave Entertainment opened yesterday and will run through Oct. 25 at the Big Top Theater established for the show in New Songdo City. The troupe introduced "Rain" and "Nebbia" - relatively lyrical shows - in 2006 and 2007, respectively. "ID" is a faster and more dynamic circus set to modern music. Tickets run from 30,000 won to 100,000 won. For details, go to www.id2009.co.kr or call (032) 471-8600.



Dance

"Tchaikovsky": The Korea National Ballet stages "Tchaikovsky," a biographical ballet about the Russian composer, through tomorrow at Seoul Arts Center. "Tchaikovsky" tells the story of the composer who encountered a mysterious death after years of suffering from the pain of creation. Performed in Korea for the first time, the work features an impressive cast. Vladimir Malakhov, the artistic director and first soloist at Staatsballett Berlin (Berlin State Ballet), plays the role of Tchaikovsky, as well as top-notch dancers the national troupe. Tickets for run from 5,000 won to 150,000 won. For details, call (02) 587-6181.



"Onegin": Universal Ballet will show the rarely staged "Onegin" through Sept. 20 at LG Arts Center. While called the essence of dramatic ballet, "Onegin" is scarcely performed because the John Cranko Foundation only grants permission to perform the work to A-class ballet troupes. The ballet centers around Onegin, an indecisive man who first refuses adventurous and attractive Tatiana`s love but later regrets his decision. UBC`s star dancers Kang Ye-na and Hwang Hye-min will play Tatiana. Tickets run from 40,000 won to 100,000 won. For more information, call (02) 070-7124-1736.



"Gezeiten (Tides)": Sasha Waltz & Guests of Germany, led by acclaimed choreographer Sasha Waltz, makes their first return to Korea since 2004` sensational "Korper." Inspired by the power of deadly natural and man-made disasters that have been occurring frequently in the past years, Waltz looks at how humans accept and react to such crises through "Gezeiten." Performances will be on Sept. 25 and 26. Tickets run from 30,000 won to 70,000 won. For details, call (02) 2005-0114.



Festivals

"World Festival of Theaters": The 3rd annual World Festival of National Theaters will continue through Nov. 4. The festival, hosted by the National Theater of Korea takes place at two venues - the National Theater of Korea and Myongdong Theater in downtown Seoul. For a detailed schedule and ticket prices, call (02) 2280-4221.



"Jeonju International Sori Festival": Jeonju International Sori (Sound of Voice & Music) Festival is part of the country`s efforts to revive and promote classical Korean music and dance at home and abroad. The festival has been taking place since 2001 in the city located in North Jeolla Province long known for their excellence in music. This year the event will take place Sept. 23-27 at various venues including Sori Arts Center of Jeollabukdo and Jeonju Hanok Village. The festival plans to set the identity of Korean sori, while expanding audience size with diverse pansori and gukak performances, plus high-quality performances by foreign artists. For the schedule and additional information, visit www.sorifestival.com or call (063) 232-8399.