[Herald Review] Inconvenient truth of ‘Black Deal’

A heated debate on privatization raged in Korea last year. Supporters argued that it could provide increased efficiency and better quality, reducing the government’s deficit and losses. Opponents countered that the mandate to make a profit could deteriorate service quality, and cause increased costs and inequality among consumers.Privatization, which is linked to economic theories and policies, has become a complicated matter with layers of implications. People are interested in it, but often ge

FilmJune 23, 2014

Priests right to speak out on political issues, Vatican bishop says

Catholic churches are entitled to speak out on political and social injustices, a high-ranking bishop from the Vatican said Monday. Speaking at a press conference in Seoul, Bishop Mario Toso, secretary of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, stressed that churchmen are obliged to work for the redemption of all mankind, with this redemption including relief from social and political injustices. “The more you love Christ, the harder you work for justice and peace in this world,” he added.

CultureJune 23, 2014

Humorous take on Korean elegance

Koreans have certain stereotypical expectations toward those dressed in traditional clothes. In old Korean paintings, those wearing traditional hanbok are usually sitting calmly, sipping tea and appreciating beautiful mountain views. Artist Kim Hyun-jung subverts such conventional perceptions of Korean painting. Her paintings show women in beautiful, elegant hanbok dresses playing pool, going rock climbing and doing sit-ups. “My paintings seek to break the images associated with the Korean tradi

PerformanceJune 23, 2014

Pop icon Sting says his kids won’t get trust funds

Sting performs at the 25th Anniversary Rainforest Fund benefit concert at Carnegie Hall in New York on April 17. (AP)LONDON (AP) ― Pop icon Sting says his children won’t be getting trust funds from his vast fortune, assuming there’s any money left in it The 16-time Grammy Award winner and former frontman of The Police told The Mail on Sunday that the vast wealth would be “albatrosses” around the necks of his six children. The singer-songwriter, who grew up in a shipbuilding community in northeas

PerformanceJune 23, 2014

Katie Couric marries financier in Hamptons

TV personality Katie Couric (left) and John Molner attend the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit celebrating “PUNK: Chaos to Couture” in New York in May 2013. (AP-Yonhap)EAST HAMPTON, New York (AP) ― Katie Couric has married a New York financier in a small ceremony at her East Hampton home. People magazine reports the former “Today” talk show host and John Molner took the vows on Saturday in front of 50 guests. The 51-year-old Molner is a partner at investment firm Brown Brot

TelevisionJune 23, 2014

Incheon Asian Games official album released

“17th Asian Games Incheon 2014 Official Album” (Universal Music)The official album for the upcoming 2014 Incheon Asian Games was released by Universal Music on Friday.The “17th Asian Games Incheon 2014 Official Album” is the first of its kind to commemorate the international sports event, said Universal Music Korea. In line with the global event’s official slogan of “Diversity Shines Here,” the album features popular hits by diverse international artists filled with messages of support, passion

PerformanceJune 23, 2014

Cambodia seeks local to represent nation in K-pop World Festival

K-pop World Festival 2012 grand prize winners “Nadya & Marwah” from Indonesia. ( Courtesy of K-pop World Festival)The upcoming K-pop World Festival in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province is gearing up to showcase the talents of some of the world’s most die-hard K-pop fans in the annual international Korean music cover dance and song festival this October. In order to find the best candidates to represent Cambodia in this year’s competition, officials at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Ca

June 23, 2014

EXO’s ex-member Kris to shoot for Chinese film from June 24

EXO-M former leader Kris is to start shooting a Chinese film in the Czech Republic from June 24.According to news reports by Chinese media outlets, Kris is staying in Prague to participate in the Chinese rom-com “Somewhere Only We Know,” directed by Xu Jinglei. 　There has been speculation that Kris might make a comeback with Xu Jinglei’s film after the famous director posted a comment in support of Kris on her Weibo in the wake of the lawsuit. 　Kris was spotted on June 6 by a fan at Moscow Airpo

June 23, 2014

Park Bom’s nickname was ‘Park Messi’ during high school

 Group EXO-K’s Chanyeol gave 2NE1’s Park Bom a nickname: Park Mess.In the most recent episode of SBS’ “Good Sunday – Roommate,” Park talked to other members that she was part of a soccer team during high school. Chanyeol responded with, “I heard your nickname was Park Messi.”“Isn’t soccer hard for girls?” Chanyeol asked and Park answered, “I had no choice in high school.” Park played soccer for four years in America and showed great soccer knowledge. Her knowledge made other members exclaim and

June 23, 2014

Top 5 male hallyu actors whose look barely changed

Putting efforts into keeping up your looks is not only limited to female celebrities. Male stars undoubtedly invest a great amount of time and money on their physical appearances. Some, however, have boasted good looks from a young age. The Korea Herald has charted the top five male hallyu stars whose looks have been attractive since they were young. 1. Kim Soo-hyun  (OSEN)Korean heartthrob Kim Soo-hyun has shown a decent appearance since a young age. His school graduation pictures show Kim a li

June 23, 2014

Is AKMU ugly?

A pictorial of popular singer Akdong Musician and two rising models were released on June 19 through “Star Style” magazine “High Cut.”The four have worked together before. Nam Juhyuk and Lee Haeun appeared in AKMU’s “200%” and “Give Love” music videos. (Highcut)AKMU did an interview during the pictorial shoot about the changes after winning “K-pop Star,” the stories behind their songs, and fans’ love and hateful comments. Chanhyuk said, “After I appeared in ‘K-pop Star,’ I think I’m living in a

June 23, 2014

EXO’s Lay to debut as emcee on Chinese music program

Lay, a member of EXO, filmed for China’s only music program, Yinyue Fengyunbang, as a temporary emcee, marking his debut as a presenter.“Yinyue Fengyunbang’s temp MC Lay’s first ever challenge was a big success,” the music program’s official Weibo account posted, with photos of Lay in a suit and tie with a script.In the disclosed pictures, Lay’s strong body features were complimented by a crisp striped and floral tie. His stiff facial expression showed his nervousness holding the microphone as a

June 23, 2014

Korean broadcaster apologizes to FIFA for sneaking into stadium

(KBS)State-run broadcaster KBS announced Monday that it delivered an official apology to the Federation of International Football Association for breaching security regulations. “We were not issued enough number of AD cards,” a KBS spokesperson told reporters here. “We have offered an apology to FIFA.”“We will try to get more AD cards in the future,” the spokesperson added.The disgrace came after a KBS correspondent in Brazil was found to have unlawfully passed down his AD pass to let an unautho

June 23, 2014

Lee Min-ho receives more than 100 offers for his next work

Lee Min-ho’s agency has revealed that he got more than 100 offers for his next project.According to his agency “Starhouse Entertainment,” Lee was sent more 100 scenarios and scripts in just the first half of this year. The offers came from not just Korea but from other countries, leading the agency to hire professionals to examine, analyze and translate the scripts and scenarios.“Ever since Lee gained popularity via ‘Boys Over Flowers,’ we managed to establish a global management system for him,

June 23, 2014

SNSD’s YoonA takes photo with Dakota Fanning

A photo of Girls’ Generation member YoonA and Hollywood star Dakota Fanning was revealed Monday. The picture was taken at the Chanel Cruise 2015 Collection show in Dubai.Receiving an invitation from Chanel, YoonA modeled various Chanel Spring-Summer collection styles during the event, with her look ranging from funky to formal. In the photo, the SNSD member is wearing a short white dress and has waved hair. More photos and a full interview are available in Cosmopolitan magazine’s July issue. (kh

June 23, 2014

Henry reveals his first love cheated on him

In the most recent episode of MBC’s “Sunday Night -- Real Man,” for which cast members joined the 5th Infantry Division, member Henry talked about his pitiful first relationship.On the way back to the military camp after successfully finished GOP duty, Henry said, “I want to come here with my girlfriend.” Other members asked him if he had one and he said “No.”When actor Park Geon-hyeong said, “Henry hasn’t met his true love,” Henry answered, “I did have one in Canada. We met for seven years.”Par

June 23, 2014

Teen Top to comeback in August

Teen Top announced its comeback on August with a new album.On its official homepage, the group’s schedule for July and August was posted on June 23. “To make this album near perfect, we decided to meet ours fans in August after more preparation,” the group was quoted as saying. As the 4th anniversary of the group is in July, Teen Top named the upcoming month “TEEN TOP Meets ANGEL in JULY,” and will hold various events with their official fan club.Also, the idol group is to have their third offic

June 23, 2014

Taecyeon gives a surprise kiss to Lee Eliyah

 Ok Taecyeon surprised Lee Eliyah by kissing her in their KBS2 drama “Incredible Days” on Sunday.In the drama, Kim Marie (played by Lee) asked Kang Dong-hee (played by Ok) what he wants to do when he feels gloomy.“One, have chocolate cake. Two, enjoy fried chicken with beer. Three, going to see an action movie. Four, doing all the things mentioned earlier. I personally like number four,” Lee said in the drama.Then Lee asked to Taecyeon, “Which one do you want?”He answered, “None of the above,” a

June 23, 2014

Agency denies rumors of engagement between Sung Yu-ri and golfer

Actress Sung Yu-ri’s agency on Monday claimed that rumors about an engagement between the actress and her golfer boyfriend were “groundless,” saying their six-month relationship was “too short (for them) to consider marriage.” Actress Sung Yu-ri and golfer Ahn Sung-hyun. (OSEN)The agency’s denial came shortly after Star News, a local sports tabloid, exclusively reported that their marriage is imminent, alleging that the golfer told his friends that he has “a woman to marry.”“The two have been go

June 23, 2014