Most Popular
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Tensions heighten ahead of first president-opposition chief meeting
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Seoul to provide housing subsidy to married couples with newborns
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[KH Explains] No more 'Michael' at Kakao Games
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Rapper jailed after public street fight with another rapper
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Woman gets suspended term for injuring boyfriend with knife
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Samsung chief bolsters ties with Germany’s Zeiss
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NewJeans pops out ‘Bubble Gum’ video amid troubles at agency
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Nominee for chief of anti-corruption body pledges 'independence, effectiveness'
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Med schools expect 1,500+ new admission slots next year
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KT launches new mobile plans for foreign residents
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Classic stage works hit movie screens
More operas, ballets and classical music concerts are coming to movie screens in Korea, offering a chance to watch and listen to world-renowned artists at a fraction of the cost. Megabox, the nation’s largest cinema chain, is launching a new program Thursday, showing famed pianist Lang Lang’s solo recital held at the Royal Albert Hall in London in November last year. Arguably one of the most beloved living pianists, Lang Lang mesmerized the 5,300 audience members who filled the prestigious Briti
CultureMarch 26, 2014
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[Uniquely Korean] K-pop trainees’ hard-knock life
It is certainly no secret in Korea that the training process to debut as a K-pop star is no quick or simple venture. Often referred to as music “boot camp,” K-pop training among some of the nation’s biggest talent agencies is intense, to say the least. And with only a fraction of trainees able to become K-pop stars, the atmosphere among trainees can be fiercely competitive and cutthroat. Although other nations’ talent agencies play a role in “grooming” acts to make it big in the entertainment in
PerformanceMarch 26, 2014
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Revisiting Machiavelli
Niccolo Machiavelli’s “The Prince” is often described as a handbook for ruthless rulers. In the book, he famously wrote: “In the actions of men, and especially of princes, the end justifies the means.” An exhibition in Seoul aims to provide a reappraisal of Machiavelli, taking visitors to Italy 500 years ago. At the time, the country was going through political upheavals, and the author dreamed of a unified and independent Italy. “Machiavelli, Renaissance Man,” now running at the National Librar
CultureMarch 26, 2014
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Curators gather famed signatures from U.S. archives
WASHINGTON (AP) ― An eclectic mix of some of the most cherished autographs in history ― including those of George Washington and Michael Jackson ― are on display to showcase what curators say is the dying art of the signature. The “Marking the Mark” exhibit, which opened Friday at the National Archives, includes more than 100 original signatures by the famous and infamous and is the result of a wide search by curators for signatures representing important names and events in history. The exhibi
PerformanceMarch 26, 2014
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‘Fifty Shades,’ ‘Fast,’ ‘Dumber’ teased in Vegas
LAS VEGAS (AP) ― Universal Pictures had a strong start at the box office this year, with “Lone Survivor” grossing more than $124 million and “Ride Along” bringing in nearly $146 million globally. The run could continue for the studio, which previewed its upcoming slate of films on Tuesday at the annual movie theater convention CinemaCon. “A healthy slate is a diverse one,” said Donna Langley, chairman of Universal. “Hits don’t come just in summer and Christmas,” added Nikki Rocco, president of d
FilmMarch 26, 2014
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Paper airplanes, interactive fun mark Travis’ return to Seoul
Internationally famous British alt-rock band Travis returned to Seoul an old friend, kicking off a lively concert Tuesday night.“Hi everyone, it’s been a long time since we’ve been here,” said Fran Healy, the vocalist and leader, opening up the show. “And we’ve never forgotten you!” he shouted.Travis, considered a forefather of modern British pop-rock, is currently on its Asia tour for its recent album “Where You Stand,” which topped the U.K. album charts last year. Composed of vocalist and guit
PerformanceMarch 26, 2014
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Old rubber stamp maker Schwaab still making its mark
MILWAUKEE ― You might have thought rubber stamps and embossers had gone the way of buggy whips and common sense, but not so at Schwaab Inc., which has been making stamps and embossers for 133 years.The Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, firm, at one time the world’s largest manufacturer of watch fobs, has added a third work shift to meet the growing demand from Internet sales.The company once known for having a small army of door-to-door sales people now generates more than a third of its business from websi
CultureMarch 26, 2014
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In China, supersize menus are in order
BEIJING ― A Peking duck dinner might inspire a twinge of guilt about indulging in some decadent, fatty fowl. But health-conscious diners at the high-end Da Dong restaurant chain here in the Chinese capital can at least rationalize that they did a little weightlifting before their meal.That’s because the menus at Da Dong are heftier than a small gym dumbbell ― 2.4 kilograms, to be exact. Measuring 45 centimeters tall, 38 centimeters wide and more than 2.5 centimeters thick, the 140-page menu outw
CultureMarch 26, 2014
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Israeli Miss World’s crusade against sexual assault goes global
NETANYA, Israel (AP) ― When 18-year-old Israeli beauty queen Linor Abargil was crowned Miss World in 1998, the tears streaming down her cheeks appeared to be the overwhelming joy of a young woman fulfilling a childhood dream. Few knew the painful truth behind them ― that just six weeks earlier she had been raped at knifepoint. Unlike most victims of sexual assault, Abargil refused to keep quiet. She pressed charges, spoke out publicly and testified at a trial that sent her attacker to prison for
FilmMarch 26, 2014
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Wando puts final touches on int'l seaweed expo
With less than 20 days to go, South Korea's southern island of Wando is putting the final touches to the country's first international seaweed-themed expo, organizers said Tuesday.The Wando Seaweeds Expo 2014 will be held on Wando, a remote island off the nation's southwestern coast, from April 11 for a month, organizers said. The expo, under the theme of "seaweeds and their role in mankind's future," will provide a chance to raise awareness of the importance of seaweed as an alternative food so
TravelMarch 25, 2014
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'Snowpiercer' claims No. 2 spot at China box office
South Korean sci-fi thriller "Snowpiercer" took second place in the Chinese box office, posting a strong 8.2 billion won (US$7.5 million) in the opening week, the film's distributor said Tuesday.Released last Monday throughout China, the film was ranked No. 2 on the Chinese box office with 8.2 billion won, following 3-D Hollywood action film "Need for Speed," CJ E&M Corp. said, citing a Chinese box-office tracker.It marks the best opening for South Korean films released in China. "Snowpiercer" b
FilmMarch 25, 2014
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Jeju’s female divers a dying breed
JEJU ― On a windy Tuesday morning, two elderly women are selling fresh abalone, conch, sea cucumber and sea squirt in plastic basins filled with seawater in front of the Haenyeo House on Saekdal Beach in Jungmun, southern Jejudo Island. A small plate of assorted seafood, cut up fresh to order, costs 20,000 won.The women are female divers, known as haenyeo or jamsu, selling their catch. “Right now is not a diving period. I will go into the water in a couple of days,” says one of the divers, who w
CultureMarch 25, 2014
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Scholarship set up to remember Gwangju expat Michael Simning
A scholarship to help female high school graduates in Kenya has been set up in memory of Gwangju expat Michael Simning, who died in February aged 39.The scholarship will support vocational training for girls who finish high school in Kenya’s Ndwara community, which Simning had been involved in helping. Margaret Law, Simning’s mother, said that she and her son had talked about helping girls in the community through vocational training. “In that part of Africa, girls don’t get any training. There’
Expat LivingMarch 25, 2014
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Indians in Korea celebrate Holi
Holi, the festival of colors, is one of the most enjoyed and celebrated festivals in India, marking the beginning of a new season and a new year for some. Indians in Korea clinched a deal to provide a colorful, jovial atmosphere for the IIK Holi Dhamaka 2014 celebration on the banks of the Hangang River in Seoul’s Ichon-dong on March 16. Holi has its roots in ancient Indian cultural rituals and is celebrated across all communities in India regardless of social background. Holi is a festive day t
Expat LivingMarch 25, 2014
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New choir to be launched in Gwangju
Gwangju Performance Project is starting a choir, with an opening meet-and-greet session for the new members to be held Saturday.The choir will be directed by Heather Mary Aitken and Caitlin O’Neill, who were both heavily involved in choirs in their home countries.Aitken said that there would not be auditions, and that the choir would be open to anyone interested in singing.“We want to have a fun and relaxed atmosphere where people can be involved in something new or restart something that they h
Expat LivingMarch 25, 2014
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Business start-up school in Seoul
The Seoul Global Center is accepting applications from entrepreneurs for its Business Start-up School from next week.The program is a two-week course of evening classes that provides expats in Seoul with information and guidance on how to set up and run a business. Classes will cover regulations on tax, employment, insurance and foreign-direct investment. They will also provide guidance on financing and presenting business plans and offer a chance to network with other expats and local professio
Expat LivingMarch 25, 2014
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Busan seeks Global Gathering participants
Busan will hold its annual Global Gathering festival on May 24, and is seeking applications from foreign communities to perform and run stalls at the event.The Global Gathering is an annual multicultural celebration that features performances, food and cultural demonstrations by foreign communities in Korea. It used to be held in October but was moved to May last year. Organizers say they are seeking participation from foreign communities, international schools, volunteer groups and individuals
Expat LivingMarch 25, 2014
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Composer Schwartz talks ‘Wicked’ politics
While the popular musical “Wicked” is largely promoted in Korea as a fairy tale-like story about two witches, its composer Stephen Schwartz put the show’s political interpretation in the spotlight during a press conference in Seoul on Monday. “The other day in America, somebody died recently,” he told reporters. “His name is Fred Phelps. He was a very angry person who used to organize pickets at funerals. And he caused a lot of trouble. When he died, someone wrote an article for one of our major
PerformanceMarch 25, 2014
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Public art on display in Anyang
Diverse art displays and programs will open to the public starting Friday in the city of Anyang, about 20 kilometers south of Seoul.Held every three years and hosted by the Anyang Foundation for Culture and Arts, the 4th Anyang Public Art Project (APAP) will take place at the newly-built Kim Chung Up Museum, the refurbished Anyang Pavilion and Anyang Art Park.As an internationally established public art event, the 4th APAP aims to reflect on the past decade of the project and explore solutions t
CultureMarch 25, 2014
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Vocal maestro Jang Sa-ik to perform in New York
Jang Sa-ik, Korea’s vocal maestro, will return to New York next month to present once again the unique world of his music that blends traditional Korean harmonies and rhythms with modern jazz, pop and blues. This time, he will perform with four of his longtime colleagues with whom he just “loves to have fun.” “For me, the ultimate fun has to involve some dancing. After all, don’t we all sing and dance when we’re happy?” Jang said at a press conference in Seoul on Tuesday. “So, it’s going to be m
PerformanceMarch 25, 2014