G-Dragon visits Japan for Chanel fashion show

G-Dragon, a popular fashion icon and member of K-pop boy band Big Bang, departed for Japan to participate in a fashion show of luxury brand Chanel on Wednesday.G-Dragon, who participated in Chanel’s 2014 spring-summer fashion show in January, was invited to the “Chanel Paris-Dallas 2013/14 Metiers d’Art Show” to be held in Tokyo.The singer’s appearance at the airport also captivated many as he chose a Chanel bag pack to top off his casual outfit.By Ha Ji-won, Intern reporter (jiwonha@heraldcorp.

June 9, 2014

T.O.P. says he doesn’t understand SNS

Actor and Big Bang member T.O.P revealed the reason why he is not active on SNS during a press conference for his photo exhibition “From Top Exhibition” on Wednesday.“My job itself requires me to stand in front of a camera all the time. So I don’t really enjoy selfies,” T.O.P. replied to a reporter’s question regarding selfies and SNS. “For SNS, that’s something that I don’t get. I rather spend that time on working hard.” (YG Entertainment)The determined star also explained that the photo exhibi

June 9, 2014

EXO‘s ’Overdose‘ crowned most viewed music video in May

K-pop sensation EXO’s latest music video “Overdose” was the most viewed K-pop video in the U.S. and around the world this May, according to Billboard. The U.S. music magazine compiled a list of the 10 most-viewed K-pop music videos on YouTube. EXO’s subunit EXO-K’s “Overdose” topped the list, with the same track by EXO-M in second. The two music videos together reached 22 million views within a month since its release on May 7. The group, which has 12 members, has been pursuing their activities

June 9, 2014

Mixed responses to Psy’s new song ‘Hangover’

Netizens have expressed mixed reactions to South Korean rapper Psy’s latest song, “Hangover,” which debuted on YouTube Monday morning, following his appearance on the U.S. talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live: Game Night.” Some fans welcomed the viral sensation’s grand comeback, while others expressed their disappointment and concern over the song.  “PSY ft. Snoop Dogg? More like Snoop Dogg ft. PSY,“ said a YouTube user identified as cindy veloso. Another netizen, identified as Ashley Davidson, wrote, “

June 9, 2014

‘A Hard Day’ starring Lee Sun-kyun nabs No.2 in box office

Film “A Hard Day” starring actor Lee Sun-kyun nabbed No. 2 in the box office charts Sunday, beating Hollywood blockbuster “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” the state-funded Korea Film Council said Monday. “A Hard Day” has attracted 149,598 viewers Sunday, behind only Hollywood blockbuster “Edge of Tomorrow.”The Korean film has so far attracted about 1.5 million viewers since its May 29 launch. Despite the recent launch of two more films starring top Korean actors -- “No Tears for the Dead,” starring

June 9, 2014

SNSD’s Seohyun and Hyoyeon train for hot body together

Members of SNSD, also known as Girls’ Generation, Seohyun and Hyoyeon revealed a photo of their daily workout.Seohyun, the youngest member, and Hyoyeon, one of the eldest members, expressed their friendship in the picture. (Twitter)“We worked out happily in the breezy weather at a school yard. It reminds me of my school days. Have a nice day, everyone,” Seohyun said on Twitter alongside the picture of herself and Hyoyeon in trainers and sweat suits.In the photo, the duo posed for the camera flau

June 9, 2014

Kim Soo-hyun loves dark colored outfits

The fashion style of Korean heartthrob Kim Soo-hyun rarely stands out. The colors are basic and the designs are simple. But he never fails to give off a chic vibe that can hardly be copied by others.  (OSEN)At formal events, Kim mostly chooses a simple dandy look. During the fan meeting tour event in Asian countries earlier this year, Kim wore dark suits that delivered a high-class air.  (OSEN) (OSEN) (OSEN)Kim showed off a casual look only once at a formal event. Kim matched the jeans with a li

June 9, 2014

Kim So-eun, Seo Kang-joon pose as couple for magazine

Celebrities Kim So-eun and Seo Kang-joon recently posed as a lovely couple for InStyle Magazine. Seo showed off fashionable suits while Kim looked lovely in a black dress and crop tops. By Cho Han-na, Intern reporter (hnncho@heraldcorp.com)(Photo credit: InStyle)

June 9, 2014

After School’s Nana looking flawless in mag photo

   After School’s Nana poses for the magazine High Cut, looking effortlessly beautiful. The K-pop star wears crop tops, shorts and dresses that emphasize her back and legs. By Cho Han-na, Intern reporter (hnncho@heraldcorp.com)(Photo credit: Highcut)

June 9, 2014

Chinese fans craze for ‘Doctor Stranger’

Korean TV drama “Doctor Stranger” is gaining popularity in China as it is set to surpass 150 million views soon.　 Chinese fans watch the drama starring famous Korean actor Lee Jong-suk through download sites and file share sites as it has yet to be broadcast through the country’s TV networks.The publication rights of the SBS drama episodes have recently been sold to YOUKU, a Chinese online program service provider.Currently, “Doctor Stranger” has released ten episodes and scored 123 million view

June 9, 2014

Choo Sa-rang wants her own baby, would hate to have siblings

Child-starlet Choo Sa-rang said on an episode of KBS reality show “Superman Is Back” aired on Sunday that she wanted her own baby, but remained wary of having siblings in the future. Yano Shiho and child-starlet Choo Sa-rang appear in the KBS reality show "Superman Is Back" aired on Sunday. (KBS)Choo, the only child of mixed martial arts fighter Choo Sung-hoon, told her model mother Yano Shiho that her doll’s name is “Baby.” When Yano asked her daughter if she wanted a baby of her own, the starl

June 9, 2014

‘Big Man’ crew releases photo of Choi Daniel going cute

The filming crew of KBS television series “Big Man” on Sunday released a picture of actor Choi Daniel making cute poses that belie his coldhearted character in the drama. Actor Choi Daniel makes “cutie poses” at the filming site of KBS drama “Big Man.” (KBS)In the picture, Choi Daniel is making funny gestures, beaming behind his trademark glasses. Choi is known for his playful personality. The actors sometimes ended up making behind-the-scenes clips, the filming crew said, because Choi’s hilario

June 9, 2014

EXO-K, Kwanghee take selfie

Korean boy group ZE:A member Kwanghee (second from right) uploaded a selfie taken with three EXO-K members -- Tao, Suho and Sehun -- last week on Instagram. (khnews@heraldcorp.com)

June 9, 2014

Psy unveils video of new song 'Hangover'

South Korean rapper Psy uploaded the video of his latest song "Hangover" on YouTube on Monday morning, hours ahead of the song's official release.Also released on the official blog (www.yg-life.com) of YG Entertainment, the rapper's local management agency, the video comically features Korea's unique drinking culture. It depicted Psy and the famous American hip-hop artist Snoop Dogg having drinks to cure their hangovers and gimbap at a convenience store, making bomb cocktails and going to a saun

June 9, 2014

[Herald Review] Gender identity quest, noir or comedy

Many new film releases have drawn audiences to the theater, especially during the long weekend thanks to the local elections and Memorial Day. Of those, two come into focus as they explore a theme that has not yet been examined thoroughly in Korean films: the coming out narrative.Themes like homosexuality and transgender have kept a low profile in Korea, a society with strong Confucian traditions that regard the subjects as absolute social taboo. But recently, the topic of homosexuality has beco

FilmJune 8, 2014

Singing nun wins Italian TV talent show

MILAN (AFP) ― A singing nun clinched the final of The Voice of Italy television talent show contest on Friday after winning millions of followers with her lively dance act and soulful renditions of lusty pop classics.Wearing her black habit and a crucifix around her neck, Suor Cristina punched the air and thanked God for her victory, reciting an “Our Father” prayer to the puzzlement of organizers and audience.“I want Jesus to come in here!” said the wholesome 25-year-old with a self-effacing man

PerformanceJune 8, 2014

Tony Awards to be a knockout ― literally

NEW YORK (AP) ― The competition at the Tony Awards is fierce every year, but this time promises to be positively brutal: A fight will actually break out onstage. Sunday’s telecast will feature the usual black ties, soaring songs and gentle jokes ― and an eye-popping boxing match between Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed in a regulation-size ring on the Radio City Music Hall stage. It’s part of an attempt to highlight as many Broadway musicals as possible and promises to be a boon to the backers of t

PerformanceJune 8, 2014

‘Godzilla’ director in Japan feels like ‘surrogate mother’

TOKYO (AFP) ― As excitement builds in Japan for a Hollywood reboot of “Godzilla,” the new film’s director said on Thursday he felt like a “surrogate mother” who was returning a baby to its home. Hollywood giant Warner Bros put the fate of the classic behemoth ― originally a Japanese film ― in the hands of Briton Gareth Edwards, who made independent sci-fi flick “Monsters” in 2010. Godzilla’s latest incarnation has been appearing on screens in the United States and 60 other countries and territor

FilmJune 8, 2014

[Band Uprising] Peterpan Complex takes listeners on audio trip to Never Land

As the Korean music market begins to receive more international recognition, the local band scene is looking to rise up and represent the next generation of Korean music. This is the 15th installment of a series of interviews with Korean rock, acoustic and alternative bands. ― Ed.Once a contemporary indie band, Peterpan Complex is shifting gears by putting the electronic guitars on the back burner and bringing back the synthesizer and the sounds of the ’80s with its electro funk twist to undergr

June 8, 2014

Oscar winner Nyong’o bags MTV Africa personality award

DURBAN, South Africa (AFP) ― Oscar-winning Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong’o won the personality of the year award at the 2014 MTV African Music Awards held in South Africa’s southeastern city of Durban on Saturday. The 31-year-old, who won the best supporting actress Academy Award in March for her role in historical drama “12 Years a Slave,” was not present to receive her award. She became the first winner of the newly introduced lifestyle non-music personality of the year award.  Actress Lupita Ny

PerformanceJune 8, 2014