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Bookings open for royal dinner with music
Starting later this month, the main palace of the Joseon era (1392-1910), Gyeongbokgung in Seoul, will invite the public to sample royal cuisine while listening to court music. From May 28 to June 5, the royal kitchen, known as “sojubang,” will invite 136 people on tours with either a royal dinner or a selection of desserts. The tours, to take place twice daily for an hour from 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., will feature royal court music playing in the background. Participants will be able to take part
May 7, 2025 -
Boy saves mom with CPR, commended on Children's Day's ceremony
An elementary school student who performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation on his mother received a certificate of appreciation, city officials in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province said Wednesday. Jeong Tae-wun, a third-grader of Bucheon Elementary School, was commended in the Children's Day ceremony at Bucheon City Hall last Thursday, for his swift actions that saved his mother's life on Jan. 8. When his mother collapsed at home that evening, the boy called the 119 emergency service to report the case a
May 7, 2025 -
'Maybe Happy Ending' wins top award from New York Drama Critics' Circle
The original Korean musical "Maybe Happy Ending" has been named Best Musical by the New York Drama Critics' Circle. According to the organization's website on Wednesday, the musical -- a collaboration between writer Park Chun-hue, also known as Hue Park, and composer Will Aronson -- won the prestigious award at the 89th annual ceremony. It secured a majority on the first ballot, receiving 15 out of 23 votes from active New York-area drama critics. The New York Drama Critics' Circle, presented an
May 7, 2025 -
Will someone give birth on 'Squid Game' 3?
Netflix has unveiled the first official look at the third and final season of “Squid Game,” and the new footage promises a chilling return to the deadly competition, with shocking twists, a possible childbirth and a new maze-based game. The trailer, released via Netflix's official YouTube channel, kicks off with iconic pink-suited guards transporting a coffin into a dormitory. Inside lies Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), who opens his eyes, signaling the start of the series' third and final chapter. In th
May 6, 2025 -
Clash of stars: 61st Baeksang Arts Awards delivers shake-up in Korean entertainment
Amid a banner year for Korean entertainment propelled by breakout hits such as "When Life Gives You Tangerines," "Culinary Class Wars" and "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call," this year’s Baeksang Arts Awards delivered one of the most hotly contested races in the award ceremony's history. Held Monday night at Coex in Seoul’s Gangnam-gu, the Baeksangs, widely regarded as one of Korea’s most prestigious awards spanning film, television and theater, were closely watched as globally beloved Korean tit
May 6, 2025 -
Sold-out final run of 'Godot' by two veteran stars
It’s not every day a theater production sells out instantly in Korea -- let alone one headlined by two octogenarian actors. But Shin Gu, 88, and Park Geun-hyung, 84, have done it again. Tickets for their final run of “Waiting for Godot” were snapped up the moment they went on sale. The production runs from Friday through May 25 at the National Theater of Korea’s Daloreum Theater. This farewell staging marks the end of a landmark collaboration that has captivated audiences since its 2023 premiere
May 6, 2025 -
'Maybe Happy Ending’ earns 10 Tony nominations
“Maybe Happy Ending,” a Broadway adaptation of the beloved South Korean musical, has earned 10 nominations at the 78th annual Tony Awards, including best musical, best direction of a musical for Michael Arden, and best actor in a musical for Darren Criss. This achievement places it alongside "Buena Vista Social Club" and "Death Becomes Her" as one of the most-nominated shows of the year. The winners will be announced at the ceremony on June 8. Set in a near-futuristic Seoul, "Maybe Happy Ending"
May 6, 2025 -
Four K-pop stars adorn Met Gala
K-pop stars stole the spotlight at this year’s Met Gala, an annual fundraising event for the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, on Monday, showcasing iconic outfits on the blue carpet. Jennie of Blackpink embraced a classic Chanel look, wearing a tailored black suit inspired by Karl Lagerfeld’s 1987 fall-winter collection for the brand. She added her own twist to the ensemble with a black-and-white steampunk hat, complementing the original design. As announced
May 6, 2025 -
Netflix show 'Culinary Class Wars,' historical film 'Harbin' win grand prizes at Baeksang Awards
"Culinary Class Wars," Netflix's hit cooking show pitting elite chefs against underdogs to find Korea's top cook, won the grand prize in the broadcasting category at the 61st Baeksang Awards on Monday. The series, released last September, topped Netflix's non-English TV chart for several weeks and garnered millions of views worldwide. "When Life Gives You Tangerines," another Netflix's original Korean series, took home the best series award in the category. Praised for its heartwarming narrative
May 6, 2025 -
Unique drink pairings you need to try
During the extra long weekend that stretches into Tuesday, sharing drinks with friends and loved ones can be the perfect way to unplug and celebrate a short break from work and life's daily stress. Following are some drink mash-ups worth a try for those wishing for a taste of something they may have never expected to find in a drink before. The unexpected marriage of soju and iced tea is a unique drinking trend among South Korean millennials and Generation Z — roughly those in the early 40s and
May 5, 2025 -
Temple cuisine: Meal away from distraction or desire
In a city celebrated for its bold, spicy street food and electric culinary energy, Balwoo Gongyang offers something different: a meal of silence, simplicity and spiritual depth. Located directly across from the historic Jogyesa Temple in southeastern Seoul, Balwoo Gongyang is the only temple food specialty restaurant in South Korea operated by the Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism — and it serves Korean temple food refined over centuries. “Balwoo Gongyang” is the name of a traditional Korean Bud
May 4, 2025 -
Korea gears up to celebrate Buddha's birthday
With Buddha's birthday falling on Monday this year, South Korea geared up for the celebrations on Sunday. Lotus lanterns are hung around Jogyesa, the main temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, which is situated in central Seoul. On Sunday, children participated in a "Buddha bathing" ritual, traditionally held on the eve of Buddha's birthday. One can pay his or her respect to Buddha and celebrate his birth by bathing a statue of baby Buddha. Calligraphy artist Kim Dong-wook performed a ce
May 4, 2025 -
Hottest Korean games to play while unwinding over long holiday
A few days' break to start the month of May will help you recharge with a refreshed mind and body. And while you're unwinding, here are some of the hottest Korean games to enjoy in your downtime. Mabinogi: Mobile Since its debut in late March, Nexon's Mabinogi: Mobile has become a sensation, drawing nearly 400,000 daily active users in its first week and establishing itself as the most-played mobile MMORPG in Korea within just one day. One of the game's standout features is its ability to cater
May 3, 2025 -
Take Retro Romantic Train for nostalgic journey to heartland
Somewhere between the soft strum of a guitar and the scent of old-fashioned snacks drifting down the aisle, the Retro Romantic Train Tour to the south-central region of the country pulls its passengers gently out of the present and back into Korea’s past. This vintage-themed rail journey, co-organized by the Korea Tourism Organization, Korail and seven cities and counties in South Chungcheong Province, offers more than transportation — it promises a rediscovery of regional charm through the lens
May 3, 2025 -
Be bold, be you, be colorful with nail art
Nail art is no longer just about adding a little color to one's life. As tastes and cultural perceptions of expressing one's self shift, nails have become a bold canvas for individuality. In recent years, celebrity nail art has also been on the rise. Rapper Cardi B's signature stiletto jeweled nails show off her glitz and glamour and help build her bold image. Challenging outmoded gender norms, singer Lee Hong-ki of boy band FT Island is also famous for showcasing his unique sense of style throu
May 3, 2025