Seven Korean words added to Oxford English Dictionary

The Oxford English Dictionary just got a K-culture upgrade. In its December 2024 update, the dictionary added seven Korean words — "dalgona," "hyung," "noraebang," "maknae," "jjigae," "tteokbokki" and "pansori" — reflecting the growing presence of Korean culture in the English-speaking world. This is not the first time Korean words have made the cut. Back in 2021, the dictionary added 26 Korean terms, including K-drama, Hallyu, mukbang and daebak. Its inclusion of Korean terms reflects the rise

Jan. 7, 2025

'Crypto Man' turns crypto chaos into missed opportunity

Song Jae-rim's final act overshadowed by muddled script Camera flashes erupted like strobe lights Monday at Seoul's Yongsan CGV theater to capture an emotional scene: An otherwise staid film promotion event transformed into an impromptu memorial. The press conference for "Crypto Man," an upcoming cryptocurrency drama, kept circling back to its absent star -- Song Jae-rim, who was found dead at his home in November. Director Hyun Hae-ri broke down as she discussed Song's casting as the film’s mai

Jan. 7, 2025

Gucci introduces special campaign for Year of Snake

Italian fashion house Gucci has launched a special campaign for the 2025, which is recognized as the Year of the Blue Snake in the Chinese zodiac. The campaign celebrates family, tradition and a new start, according to Gucci. The luxury brand’s creative director Sabato De Sarno introduced a selection of goods motivated by the symbolic heritage of a graceful, elegant snake. The snake represents change and a new beginning that aligns with the brand's modern creativity, Gucci explained. Most of the

Jan. 7, 2025

Gallery exhibitions in Seoul to add to your calendar

Galleries prepare for another milestone year, shedding light on renowned Korean artists and international artists being shown in Korea for the first time Galleries in Seoul have unveiled a roster of exhibitions for 2025 that will have collectors and art enthusiasts alike looking forward to the openings. Arario Gallery will focus on presenting Asia-based artists of different generations who are expanding their career globally. The new year began with the solo exhibition of Kim Byung-ho who, using

Jan. 7, 2025

Orchestra of Dream performs overseas for first time, opening new world

Korea's 'El Sistema' musicians, music director discuss their experience in Abu Dhabi On Nov. 27, 2024, Orchestra of Dream, consisting of 15 South Korean students, took to a very special stage together with the Abu Dhabi Youth Orchestra at the Blue Hall, located in The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates. It marked the first time a chapter of Orchestra of Dream -- there are 50 local units across South Korea -- and the first time any of its members from Seoul’s central district

Jan. 7, 2025

'Newtopia' to break new ground for K-zombie productions

Jisoo of Blackpink continues solo career as main lead Coupang Play’s original series "Newtopia," starring K-pop sensation Blackpink’s Jisoo in her second lead role in a series, promises a reinvention of the zombie genre, according to the show’s director, Yoon Sung-hyeon. "Newtopia" plunges into the journey of Jae-yoon (Park Jeong-min) and his girlfriend Young-joo (Kim Ji-soo), whose relationship teeters on the brink of collapse just as a zombie apocalypse engulfs Seoul. The plot unfurls as the e

Jan. 7, 2025

Meet Japan's best dining through Catch Table

Reservations can be made for some 500 restaurants in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hokkaido through Korean app Looking to reserve a table at a popular restaurant in Japan? Now, reservations for some of the Japan's most sought-after dining experiences can be made through a Korean app. Wad, the developer of South Korean restaurant reservation platform Catch Table, said Tuesday it has partnered with GMO Omakase, a leading restaurant reservation service in Japan, to help Korean visitors explore the neighb

Jan. 7, 2025

'Squid Game' season 2 met with backlash over Vietnam War reference

Vietnamese video regulatory authority to review series for violation of law "Squid Game" season two, Netflix Korea's biggest show, is facing backlash from Vietnamese audiences over a remark that implied South Korean soldiers who fought in the Vietnam War achieved a commendable feat. The controversial scene features Dae-ho (played by Kang Ha-neul), explaining his background to Jeong-bae (played by Lee Seo-hwan), a senior Marine Corps officer he encounters during the deadly games. When Jeong-bae c

Jan. 6, 2025

Arete Quartet set to showcase charm of chamber music

Award-winning quartet hopes to broaden strings' reach as Kumho Art Hall‘s first ensemble-in-residence The Arete Quartet, four stars rising together in Korea's chamber music scene, has been named Kumho Art Hall Yonsei’s first-ever ensemble-in-residence. The first ensemble to receive this honor, the quartet expressed hope to broaden the reach of chamber music through the residency. Since its formation in September 2019, the quartet has won multiple prizes at prestigious competitions, including top

Jan. 6, 2025

Premieres, beloved classics set for 2025 ballet season

Korean National Ballet, Universal Ballet to perform ‘Giselle’ in April and November, respectively Last year, Korea's ballet scene saw the rise of a new ballet sensation and the reunion of two of the country’s most celebrated ballet stars after a decade. Two major ballet companies -- the Korean National Ballet and Universal Ballet -- have unveiled captivating lineups for this year, suggesting another thrilling year that includes classic favorites, Korean premieres and the return of unique perform

Jan. 6, 2025

[Herald Gallery] Bodyscape 76-3-2023

The solo exhibition titled “Lee Kun-Yong” by artist Lee Kun-Yong (b. 1942) is being held at Gallery Hyundai Dugahun in Jongno-gu, Seoul until Jan. 9. This exhibition features two pieces from his representative series,"'Bodyscape 76-3," along with fifteen drawing works that expand on the series, titled "Bodyscape 76-3 Drawing." Lee creates unique forms by combining chance and intention, drawing lines through the movement of his body as he shakes both hands while deliberately avoiding looking at t

Jan. 6, 2025

Buddhist sect opposes government funding for Catholic event

Bill supporting 2027 World Youth Day violates Constitution, Jogye Order argues Korea’s largest Buddhist sect is ramping up opposition to a bill that would allow the government to fund the hosting of World Youth Day, a Catholic event that Seoul is set to hold in 2027. The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism launched a committee to block the National Assembly from passing the bill, which was floated in November. A review by the relevant parliamentary committee -- the first of the three-stage enactment

Jan. 6, 2025

Celebrities shape fashion, beauty industries with own brands

With their hands-on involvement, celebrities are proving their brands can grow beyond fandoms to make a lasting mark Korean celebrities are expanding their reach into fashion and beauty by launching their own brands. Though many celebrity-launched brands seem to disappear without much success when the products are perceived as merchandise for fans, some brands are making new waves with unique brand identities. These brands have the celebrities themselves leading direction, promotion, and communi

Jan. 6, 2025

Han Suk-kyu wins top honors at 2024 MBC Drama Awards

Han Suk-kyu, a beloved fixture in the Korean entertainment scene, clinched the top accolade at Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation’s annual drama awards Sunday, marking a successful return to the network after a 29-year break. The 2024 MBC Drama Awards, a year-end staple typically held on Dec. 30 to honor excellence in MBC’s annual programming, took on a more somber tone this year. In a rare move, the network postponed the event following the Dec. 29 Jeju Air tragedy at Muan International Airport in

Jan. 6, 2025

Museums to bring mega shows to Seoul with foreign partners

From prominent international artists to leading Korean artists, art museums here are gearing up to present highly anticipated exhibitions. This year will see a variety of collaborations between art foundations and museums from home and abroad including M+ museum, Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art and Punta della Dogana. Leeum Museum of Art will kick off the year with its exhibition of works by Pierre Huyghe on Feb. 27. Fourteen of the French artist's works including media art, installation

Jan. 5, 2025