[Herald Interview] Cultivating hope through ‘Boccia’

Indonesian moviemaker Natalie Tjahja hopes to promote the para-sport through nonprofit documentary filmUnlike Cristiano Ronaldo, Floyd Mayweather and Lebron James of the sports world, boccia players are not buried in fame and riches, nor do they have the ability to leap off the ground and perform near-superhuman feats. On the contrary, hurdles often loom large for them, even more so than for most people.What they do have, however, is an unconquerable spirit that transcends their wheelchair-bound

March 6, 2019

YouTubers go global with CJ ENM’s DIA TV

Korean YouTubers are making their way into the global market in partnership with DIA TV, a multichannel network for online content creators affiliated with local entertainment mogul CJ ENM.According to DIA TV’s announcement Wednesday, its partner creators are carving out successful careers overseas, promoting Korea’s entertainment culture.  Korean YouTuber Banzz with Chinese internet celebrity Mizijun (DIA TV)The firm partners with creator Banzz, a major “meokbang,” or eating broadcasts, creator

Feb. 20, 2019

OCA director-general receives honorary degree from Kookmin University

Husain Ali Al Musallam, director-general of the Olympic Council of Asia and the first vice president of the Federation Internationale de Natation, which administers international competitions in water sports, was presented with an honorary Ph.D. in sports science by Kookmin University on Monday.At the 11 a.m. ceremony, the former swimmer received the degree from university President Yu Ji-soo and Park Chan-ryang, the dean of its graduate school. Husain Ali al-Musallam (center), director-general

Feb. 20, 2019

Handwriting style released in homage to late Cardinal Stephen Kim

In memory of the late Cardinal Stephen Kim Sou-hwan, publisher Catholic Book has released a handwriting style modeled after his penmanship.Based on the handwritten scripts of the cardinal who passed away a decade ago on Feb. 16, 2009, the publisher re-created his handwritten font, also minding the texture of his pen.  A new handwritten font is modeled after the style of the late Cardinal Stephen Kim Sou-hwan. (Catholic BookThe late cardinal still stands as an emblematic figure in the Catholic sc

Feb. 15, 2019

YouTube becomes platform for diversity

As YouTube has grown to a major communication platform, there are all kinds of YouTube channels today: from vlogs, beauty, travel, cooking, sports to even farming. With varied topics, YouTube also functions as a platform for people with “differences” to be heard. On Tuesday, the video-streaming business invited YouTubers from three channels -- Studio Guru, Soo Not Sue and Dotface -- to a press event at Google Campus Seoul. YouTube categorized them as “diversity YouTubers” who discuss differences

Jan. 22, 2019

[Herald Interview] Englishmen in Seoul, London and all over YouTube

Here are two Englishmen who are even more famous in Korea than they are back home. To define them, one needs to add one more word to their nationality and get rid of the plural. They are not just Englishmen, they are “Korean Englishman.” YouTubers Josh Carrott and Ollie Kendal -- Josh & Ollie -- are better known as “Korean Englishman” on the global streaming platform. With more than 3 million subscribers on YouTube, they are definitely big players in the new entertainment industry. The duo intro

Jan. 17, 2019

CICI honors YouTubers, ballerina for promoting Korea’s image

The Corea Image Communication Institute handed down CICI Korea Image Awards to YouTubers Josh Carrott and Ollie Kendal, ballet dancer Park Sae-eun, and the Korean language.Since 2005, CICI -- a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Korea’s image abroad -- has annually honored individuals, organizations and objects that have helped to spread a positive image of Korea. This year’s award ceremony took place at the InterContinental Seoul Coex in southern Seoul on Thursday. Participants pose

Jan. 10, 2019

[Herald Interview] Life beyond the lens

Lights, camera, action! There is always a sense of glamour in the fashion industry. Pricey labels, niche perfumes and expensive Champagne exude a certain “wow” factor. Here is fashion photographer Hong Jang-hyun, a man who must be living a life full of glamour. He is the first man you search for when planning a luxury photo shoot here. He is invited to every posh party and event, where he mingles with high-profile figures. Working with top celebrities and high-end fashion houses, those who do no

Jan. 10, 2019

Henry appointed Goodwill Ambassador for International Vaccine Institute

Singer-actor Henry Lau, better known as Henry, was named a Goodwill Ambassador for the International Vaccine Institute at a ceremony at the IVI’s headquarters in Seoul on Tuesday. Founded by the UN Development Programme in 1997, IVI is an independent international organization that works on vaccine development, with a focus on creating awareness about the importance of vaccines among the general public, especially in low-income developing countries.  IVI Goodwill Ambassador Henry Lau tries out e

Jan. 9, 2019

Novel about love for all living creatures wins Yi Sang award

Writer Yoon Yi-hyung’s novel “Their First and Second Cat” (unofficial translation) was announced the winner of the 43rd Yi Sang Literary Award, one of the most prestigious literary awards in Korea, at a press event held in central Seoul on Monday.The story, inspired by Yoon’s experience after the death of her cat early last year, was published in the November and December issues of local literary magazine Munhaksasang.   (Munhaksasang) Writer Yoon Yi-hyung, winner of the 2019 Yi Sang Literary Aw

Jan. 7, 2019

Lotte Foundation for Arts appoints new chief

The Lotte Foundation for Arts has appointed Kim Sun-kwang as its new head, according to the foundation on Wednesday.Kim, 60, formerly managed the retail business of Mario Outlet before being appointed at the foundation. Kim Sun-kwang (Lotte Foundation for Arts)Kim has been working for Lotte Group since 1986, when he first joined Lotte Shopping. Since then, he has mainly worked for Lotte Department Store’s retail business. He reportedly does not have professional experience in the culture industr

Jan. 3, 2019

Korea Joongang Daily chief re-elected foreign language newspaper group head

Ryu Kwon-ha, the Korea JoongAng daily executive editor and current chairman of the Foreign Language Newspapers Association of Korea, has been reappointed as the FNA chief.The association announced that Ryu was elected for a second term during a board meeting of the FNA held Wednesday.Ryu has been the leader of Korea Joongang Daily since 2013, prior to which he was the paper’s German correspondent between 2003 and 2007. Ryu Kwon-haThe association was founded in July 2015 for the cooperation and d

Dec. 27, 2018

CICI announces 2019 award winners

The Corea Image Communication Institute will be honoring the Korean language, YouTubers Josh & Ollie and ballet dancer Park Sae-eun with CICI Korea Image Awards. Since 2005, CICI, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Korea’s image abroad, annually honors cultural figures, organizations or objects that have contributed to spreading a positive image of Korea.  Graphics depict “Hunminjeongeum Haerye,” an instruction book on Hangeul (CICI)The Korea Image Stepping Stone Award will be award

Dec. 11, 2018

LTI Korea recognizes prominent, aspiring Korean literature translators

Each year Literature Translation Institute of Korea recognizes translators who have worked on promoting Korean literature to international readers through quality translations. This year, Masuo Omura’s Japanese translation of Lee Gi-yeong’s “Hometown” was recognized as the best translation among 167 works in 29 languages published last year and submitted for consideration. Recipients of LTI Korea Translation Awards speak during a press conference held Monday at Koreana Hotel in central Seoul. (L

Dec. 10, 2018

[Herald Interview] ‘Taekwondo to spearhead bringing peace to Korean peninsula’

Choue Chung-won, president of World Taekwondo, expresses confidence in ‘One world, one taekwondo’A punch to the face. This seems to be all that separates taekwondo practice in South and North Korea. The South, following the rules of World Taekwondo -- on which most international competitions, including the Olympics, are based -- bans punches to the face, while the North allows them with gloves.As the two Koreas seek to mend fences and expand exchanges in the cultural sector, World Taekwondo Pres

Nov. 22, 2018

SNU professor honored in Spain

A Seoul National University professor emeritus has been honored by the Spanish government for improving Spain’s international status through his newspaper column.Kim Seong-kon, a professor of English language and literature, received the Order of Civil Merit -- an award that recognizes service performed by Spanish and foreign citizens for the benefit of Spain -- from Spain’s King Felipe VI in October. The specific honor awarded to him is the Officer’s Cross.  Professor Kim Seong-kon with the Off

Nov. 7, 2018

Korean SMEs get trade and investment tips for Ethiopia

Representatives of Korean small and midsized companies pose at the Social Cooperative of Korean Small and Medium Business Federation building in Seoul on Friday following a business meeting with Ethiopian Embassy officials. (Social Cooperative of Korean Small and Medium Business Federation)The Social Cooperative of Korean Small and Medium Business Federation held a business forum on Ethiopia at its headquarters in Seoul on Friday, inviting Ethiopian diplomats to offer their advice on trade and i

Oct. 25, 2018

KOREA-LAOS FRIENDSHIP

Members of the Korea-Laos Friendship Association - mostly politicians, government officials and academics from the two countries - pose for photographs ahead of their annual general meeting at a Seoul hotel on Wednesday. The meeting will last until Saturday and the Laotian members will have a chance to visit Yongin City while they are here. The foundation was established in 2004 to strengthen the relationship between the two countries. Photos by Chung Hee-jo

Oct. 24, 2018

[Newsmaker] Indian prime minister wins Seoul Peace Prize 2018

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 68, was chosen for the Seoul Peace Prize this year for his contributions to the growth of the Indian and global economies, crediting “Modinomics” for reducing social and economic disparity between rich and poor.The Seoul Peace Prize Cultural Foundation, headed by Chairman Kwon E-hyock, made the announcement Thursday, following its final selection meeting in Jung-gu, Seoul.Selection Committee President Choe Chung-ho stated the 12-member committee conducted a r

Oct. 24, 2018

Rotary Korea offers free heart surgery for 60 Mongolian infants

Some 60 Mongolian infants have received heart surgery operations free of charge over the past six years through a charity program funded by Rotary Korea, the organizers said. Korean medical professionals pose for a photo in Mongolia, where they have performed some 60 free heart surgery operations for local children over the past six years. Rotary KoreaThe Seoul bureau of Rotary International, a global service organization dedicated to bringing professional leaders and businesses together to prov

Sept. 30, 2018