[EVENTS CALENDAR]

Exhibitions



"Olafer Eliasson Solo Exhibition": Olafer Eliasson focuses on colors. The Danish artist rose to international fame with none other than the famous "Weather Project" at the Tate Modern Museum in London six years ago -- He created a giant artificial sun inside the museum. Currently, he is showcasing 10 of his newest works at PKM Trinity Gallery. People will be amazed to see the number of colors he uses in his works. His work "Color experiment" which resembles a color wheel, is actually comprised of 360 different colors. He works with about 30 scientists, architects and technicians at his studio in Berlin. Spiced up with scientific techniques, his artworks turn into something of a novelty. The exhibition runs through Nov. 30 at PKM Trinity Gallery in Cheongdam-dong, southern Seoul. For more information, call (02) 515-9496 or visit www.pkmgallery.com



"Bae Bien-u Solo Exhibition": Bae Bien-u`s black-and-white photos of pine tree forests are mystical. Better known as "the pine tree photographer," Bae is not only one of Korea`s leading photographers but is also well recognized around the world. Back from Spain, where he had photographed the forests and gardens of Alhambra for two years at the request of the Spanish cultural heritage administration, the photographer is holding his solo exhibition at The Museum of Contemporary Art, Deoksugung, in central Seoul. About 100 photos, including the photos of the Alhambra, "oreum," or parasitic volcanoes, in Jeju-island, Changdeokgung in four different seasons and of course, his newest pine tree series are on display. The exhibition runs through Dec. 6 at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Deoksugung. The museum is located inside Deoksugung, near City Hall station in Seoul (subway lines 1 and 2). For more information, visit www.moca.go.kr or call (02) 2022-6000.



"Beginning of New Era": National Museum of Contemporary Art offers a preview of what kind of museum the former Defense Security Command complex in central Seoul would become in 2012. The complex will be the museum`s third branch, completing the National Museum of Contemporary Art trio, also including the existing ones in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province and Deoksugung, central Seoul. Will the upcoming museum really be worth waiting for? Yes, if it really turns out to be as creative as its current exhibits. About 60 artists, ranging from veterans to rookies, are showcasing some 300 original and fun exhibits that make viewers once again ponder the limits of contemporary art. The exhibition runs through Dec. 6 at the former DSC complex in Sogyeok-dong, central Seoul. Admission is free. For more information, visit seoul.moca.go.kr or call (02) 2188-6000.



"Romero Britto Solo Exhibition": Romero Britto, one of our time`s most popular pop artists, is throwing his solo exhibition at Opera Gallery Seoul. The Brazilian neo-pop wall decorator, painter, serigrapher, and sculptor combines stereotyped elements of cubism, pop art and graffiti painting in his work. His signature colorful and bubbly paintings are collected in many high-profile museums and institutions worldwide. The exhibition runs through Dec. 6 at Opera Gallery Seoul in Cheongdam-dong, southern Seoul. For more information, call (02) 3446-0070 or visit www.operagallery.com



"Emerging Korean Artists in the World 2009 - U.S.B": Twenty four young up-and-coming Korean artists are showcasing their works at the Seoul Arts Center. They are Koreans from eight different countries. Although they have Korean nationality, they say that Korea is unfamiliar. For them, it is ironic that their unintended nationality provides so much bias to the viewers. The irony continues in Korea, as here, they are once again treated as aliens who are somewhere in between Koreans and foreigners. With or without any stereotypes concerning the artists` nationalities or current country of residence, however, the 100 exhibits are simply fun, original and sometimes a bit peculiar. The exhibition runs through Dec. 6 at the Seoul Arts Center in Seocho-dong, southern Seoul. Admission is 2,000 won for adults and 1,000 won for students and adolescents. For more information, call (02) 580-1300 or visit www.sac.or.kr



"Lee Lee-nam Solo Exhibition": Paintings by French artist Paul Cezanne and Joseon Dynasty artist Gyeomjae Jeongseon slowly blend together before visitors` eyes at Hakgojae Gallery. Raindrops splatter on the digitalized versions of the works hung side by side. The drops add colors to Jeongseon`s painting and bleach Cezanne`s, causing each to look like the other. This interesting work is by Lee Lee-nam, now a well-known Korean media artist. Lee first gained fame in abroad in the middle of this decade, earning favorable reviews at international art fairs, and attention soon grew in Korea, too. The exhibition also features his newest works which have stronger and more complex narrative structures. The exhibition runs through Dec. 13 at Hakgojae Gallery in Sogyeok-dong, central Seoul. For more information, visit www.hakgojae.com or call (02) 739-4937.



"Translation": Kukje Gallery presents 40 works by Shin Meekyung, a young Korean artist who is known as the "soap artist." Shin questions the conventional meaning of relics by reproducing ancient Greek sculptures and porcelains, glass vases from around the world, using soap. To make her works appear like real relics, she had placed some of them outdoors in the rain and installed others in public bathrooms and let people use them for a period of time. The exhibition runs through Dec. 19 at Kukje Gallery in Sogyeok-dong, central Seoul. For more information, call (02) 735-8449 or visit www.kukjegallery.com



"Masks": At the exhibition currently running at Sungkok Art Museum, viewers can find 100 photos by 48 photographers from around the world who questioned the stereotype that "photos are reproductions of reality." Works by renowned photographers like Man Ray, Diane Arbus, Brassai, Cindy Sherman, Koo Bohn-chang and Oh Heinkuhn are on display. The subjects in the photos are either disguised before being photographed, often by masks, or modified afterwards through various methods to show reality-look-alikes that are actually ambiguous and fake. The exhibition runs through Dec. 31 at Sungkok Art Museum in Jongno-gu, central Seoul. Tickets are 5,000 won for adults, 4,000 won for adolescents and kids. For more information, visit www.sungkokmuseum.com or call (02) 737-7650.



"Arario`s Finest": Arario Gallery is showcasing its collections to commemorate its 20th anniversary. The show is notable because the gallery`s collections are in fact those of Kim Chang-il, president of the Gallery, who is considered one of the world`s top 100 collectors. Kim was the first Korean to make the list of the world`s 100 most powerful collectors, as selected by British magazine Art Review. This show stages about 35 pieces from Kim`s collection by world-renowned artists like Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Keith Haring, Marc Quinn, Neo Rauch and Tracey Emin. The exhibition runs through Jan. 10 at Arario Gallery Seoul in Sogyeok-dong, central Seoul and Jan. 24 at Arario Gallery Cheonan in Cheonan cityi, South Chungcheong Province. For more information, call (02) 723-6190, (041) 551-5100 or visit www.arariogallery.com



"Special Exhibition on Ahn Jung Geun": Seoul Arts Center presents 34 pieces of Ahn Jung Geun`s autographs and about 30 photographs to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the independence fighter`s death. Ahn had assassinated a Japanese colonial ruler in the northeastern Chinese city of Harbin 100 years ago and was executed in 1910. It is the biggest exhibition that showcases Ahn`s keepsakes and most of the exhibits are open to the public for the first time. The exhibits were contributed by collectors in and outside Korea. The exhibition runs through Jan. 24, 2010, at the Calligraphy Museum in Seoul Arts Center. For more information, call (02) 580-1651 or visit www.sac.or.kr



"Martin Creed Solo Exhibition": Often it takes more than just artistic skill to become a world-renowned artist. After talking with Martin Creed, you might wonder if an artist needs to be philosophical as well. The British artist is a leading conceptual artist. A little younger than the Young British Artists, the 41 year old`s works range from sculptures, paintings, and installations to neon lights, sounds and films. Currently, his most famous and recent are showing at his first-ever solo exhibition in Korea. The exhibition runs through Feb. 12 at Artsonje Center in Hwa-dong, central Seoul. Tickets are 3,000 won for adults and 1,500 won for students. For more information, call (02) 733-8945 or visit www.artsonje.org



"MIKA Live in Seoul": Retro Brit-pop sensation MIKA will hold his first concert in Korea at the Melon AX-Hall in Seoul tonight performing songs off his latest record, "The Boy Who Knew Too Much" as well as hits from his debut album which includes "Grace Kelley," "Love Today," and "Relax." For more information on tickets, contact 02-3444-9969.



"Steve Barakatt`s Sweet November": Canadian New Age pianist Steve Barakatt performs tonight at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. His tunes like "Whistler`s Song" and "Rainbow Bridge" are well-known here thanks to having featured on the radio and in television commercials.

The concert will be at 7:30 p.m. Tickets run from 30,000 won to 80,000 won. For details, call (02) 318-4303.



"Kim Gun-mo`s Soul Groove Concert": Veteran crooner and newly minted king of blues, Kim Gun-mo will hold a pair of performances at Olympic Park Hall in southern Seoul on Dec. 5-6 after his tour following the release of his 12th album, "Soul Groove." Tickets cost from 30,000 to 110,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 720-8500.



"Guns N` Roses Chinese Democracy Tour": Legendary head bangers Guns N` Roses are set to take their Korean fans back to their salad days when they perform for the first time in Korea next month. Bringing with him a new crop of musicians, the poster boy and icon of `80s metal Axl Rose will perform the band`s concert at Olympic Park Gymnasium in Seoul on Dec. 13 as part of the "Chinese Democracy" Asian tour. For inquiries on tickets, contact (02) 3141-3488.



"Earth Wind & Fire Live in Seoul": Some music acts are indisputable in their reputation. Earth, Wind & Fire happen to be one of them. To call them funk legends would be most apt and these legends will be in Seoul on Dec. 17 for a special show. For more information on tickets, contact (02) 3443-9969 or visit http://ticket.interpark.com



"Eric Benet Live in Seoul": Considered one of the pioneers of smooth groove modern soul along with Maxwell and D`Angelo, Eric Benet will be in Korea for the first time for a concert at Yonsei University concert hall on Dec. 19. For more information and tickets contact (02) 563-0595



Winterreise": Germany-based Korean bass Youn Kwang-chul gives a solo recital -- his first in 10 years here-- on Dec. 21 at Seoul Arts Center, playing out the total 24 tunes of Schubert`s "Winterreise." Maestro Chung Myung-whun accompanies him on the piano.

"Winterreise," was composed just a year before Schubert died and is thus known for its grief and dark yet beautiful melodies. It describes a young man wandering around in the snow on a cold winter night with his heart broken from losing his love. Tickets run from 30,000 won to 80,000 won. For more information, call (02) 518-7343.



"Lee Seung-hwan`s 20th Anniversary": Ballad maestro Lee Seung-hwan will hold a concert celebrating the 20th anniversary since his debut at the Fencing Gymnasium of the Olympic Park in southern Seoul on Dec. 24 to 26. Tickets cost from 55,000 to 132,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 2261-1393~4.



"Sarah Chang Recital: Korean-American violinist Sarah Chang gives her first solo recital here in 10 years on Dec. 28 at Seoul Arts Center. The artist who recently released her 18th album, "Brahms and Bruch Violin Concertos," will play for the recital tunes including Brahms Violin Concerto No. 3 and Frank Violin Concerto.

Tickets for the concert run from 60,000 won to 160,000 won. For details, call (02) 541-6235.



Musicals



"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 Dec. 3-6 at Goyang Aramnuri Theater in Ilsan, Gyeonggi Province. 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, go to www.allshookup.co.kr or call (02) 556-8556.



"My Sweet Soul": The long-awaited musical version of the best-selling novel, "My Sweet Soul," by Jung I-hyun, will be staged at Theater Yong in the National Museum of Korea through Dec. 31. The show, like the novel, deals with the love and worries of a single woman in her 30s living in the city. Musical actor Kim Woo-hyung, and actresses Park Hye-na and Lee Jung-mi will star in the show.

Tickets cost from 50,000 to 90,000 won. For more information, call (02) 1544-5955.



"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.



"Jack the Ripper": The acclaimed musical is a mystery thriller based on the facts of the 1888 murders in London`s East End and inspired by the 1913 novel, "The Lodger" by Marie Belloc-Lowndes. It features an impressive cast -- including experienced singers Kim Won-jun and Ahn Jae-wook as well as actors Yoo Jun-sang and Kim Bup-rae. The show will run through Dec. 13, and then from Jan. 8-31 at Universal Arts Center in Neung-dong, Seoul. Tickets run from 60,000 won to 120,000 won. For more information, call (02)764-7858



"Wedding Singer": The Broadway musical adaptation of same-titled movie starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore premieres here at Chungmu Arts Hall in central Seoul. Actors Hwang Jung-min and Park Gun-hyung double in the role of the wedding singer Robby Hart who once dreamed of but failed in becoming a famous musician. The show will also feature well-known tunes from the movie, including "Grow Old With You."

The show will run through Jan. 31, 2010. Tickets are from 30,000 won to 75,000 won. For details, call (02) 501-7888.



"Legally Blonde": The Broadway musical that revived the film version of the movie with the same title premieres at COEX Artium in Samsung-dong, Seoul. The Korean production features an impressive cast. 2006 Miss Korea Lee Honey, Jessica of girl group Girls` Generation and actress Kim Ji-woo each play Elle Woods who enters Harvard Law School breaking the prevailing stereotype of "dumb blonde." The show runs through March 4, 2010. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 90,000 won. For more information, call 902) 738-8289.



"The Phantom of the Opera": The Korean production of the mega-hit West-end musical, "The Phantom of the Opera," returns through Aug. 8, 2010 at Charlotte Theater in Jamsil-dong, Seoul. A British troupe 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 Christine. Tickets run from 40,000 won to 140,000 won. For details, call (02) 501-7888.



Dramas



"The Merchant of Venice": Myeongdong Theater shows Shakespeare`s classic comedy, "The Merchant of Venice," from Dec. 11 to 31 as its year-end performance. The production, which is directed by Lee Yoon-taek and choreographed by Kate Flatt who also worked for "Les Miserables," will be unique and suitable for the younger generation`s taste. Tickets run from 20,000 won to 50,000 won. For more information, call 1644-2003 or go to www.MDtheater.or.kr



"University of Laughs": The hit play from last year by theater venture group Yeongeukyeoljeon is restaged until 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 responses 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.



Dance



"Taepyeongmu": The Korean traditional dance, "Taepyeongmu," currently handed down by Kang Sun-young, one of Korea`s important intangible cultural assets, is showing at Taepyeongmu Instruction Hall in Anseong, Gyeonggi Province. The piece features a king and a queen dancing in the hopes of a peaceful future, as well as familiar traditional Korean melodies.

Entrance is free. For more information, call (031)676-0142 or 02)747-0185, or visit www.taepyungmu.net



"Cirque Nut": Premiering Dec. 4 is a new kind of "Nutcracker," one of Koreans` favorite year-end performances, which combines factors of an art circus, widely known through Cirque du Soleil, and a classical ballet. The show aims at achieving both popularity and artistry by doing so, while creating a new kind of genre. It features some 50 Belarusian circus artists and ballet dancers.

The show will be staged through Dec. 31 at the Big Top at the Olympic Park in southern Seoul. Tickets run from 30,000 won to 130,000 won. For more information, call (02) 522-9762 or go to www.cirquenut.com