The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on Thursday appointed Ko Hak-chan president of Seoul Arts Center, one of the largest performing arts centers here. Ko, 65, has been managing Yundang Art Hall, a comprehensive arts space in Apgujeong-dong, southern Seoul, since 2009. The Jeju native and Hanyang University graduate worked as producer for TBC; managing editor at Q Channel; and taught at Chugye University for the Arts and Seoul Institute of the Arts. “Ko is expected to use his managerial e

March 14, 2013

A South Carolina man said he and his family approached a roadside box they suspected might contain puppies and instead discovered a trio of bear cubs.Brandon Poole of Long Creek said he and his family were driving in their truck when they spotted the box and decided to investigate, WBTW-TV, Myrtle Beach, S.C., reported Tuesday."I thought it was little puppies in that little box, so I got closer to it, I noticed I heard squealing so I thought it was baby pigs. I got closer and picked one up. It w

March 13, 2013

LONDON (AFP) ― British researchers on Saturday unveiled a new theory for the origins of Stonehenge, saying the ancient stone circle was originally a graveyard and venue for mass celebrations.The findings would overturn the long-held belief that Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain in southwestern England was created as a Stone Age astronomical calendar or observatory.A team led by Professor Mike Parker Pearson of University College London said Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is both older and

March 11, 2013

The 2012 London Olympics Opening Ceremony was a new chapter for the so-called creative industry. It was the moment when creativity beat big-scale, blockbuster conventionality.A huge group of dancers performed a running storyline and the Olympic Flame was lit in a flower-shaped cauldron, while everyone sang along to “Hey Jude” with Paul McCartney: It was not as lavish or grand as the Beijing opening ceremony, but more of a condensed, cool and witty celebration.On Monday, Ed Vaizey, U.K. minister

March 11, 2013

Koreans love to sing, but they hesitate to visit karaoke rooms alone for it is widely known as a place to go with friends or family members. But a growing number of people are venturing to sing by themselves, which is prompting noraebang (Korean karaoke) owners to install one-person rooms to hit the niche market. The single-person singing rooms are for those who want to practice singing without worrying about others. The rental fees are cheaper -- as much as 50 percent lower -- than conventional

March 11, 2013

Protestant churches here are grappling with various scandals involving their leaders and high-ranking members. From tax evasion to inappropriate inheritance of leadership, fabrication of reports and influence peddling, slews of allegations of unethical deeds are turning away congregations, insiders said. The following are just a few of the scandals enveloping Protestant church leaderships.Tax evasion, breach of trust The Seoul Central Prosecutors’ Office last week said it was investigating alleg

March 10, 2013

Internet and mobile platforms are facilitating South Korea’s community culture to push its physical limits of time and space.The online community era emerged in the late 1990s when local club-centric portals such as Cyworld and Freechal were introduced. It blossomed as portal sites competed for users with their own services, departing from traditional email and search services. Naver, the nation’s biggest portal service in market share, hosted 9.05 million online communities in 2012, though its

March 8, 2013

There is something about dining out alone that just seems so daunting. Being escorted by the matre d’ through a crowded restaurant and being taunted with the sounds of laughter and conversation, all the while having random diners flash a gaze of pity or disbelief ― as though solo diners should be presented with a medal of bravery for their courage in allowing themselves to be seen eating alone. To some, dining out by oneself is right up there in terms of social faux pas with going stag to the mo

March 8, 2013

Pop Calendar“Shinhwa 15th Anniversary Concert”: The country’s longest-running boy band Shinhwa is celebrating 15 years together with a special anniversary concert. The six-member group first debuted in 1998 and they have since released more than 10 albums and made a name for themselves as one of the nation’s most successful music acts. The group came back to the music scene last year after a four-year hiatus with the album “Return.” “Shinhwa 15th Anniversary Concert” will be held in the Gymnasti

March 8, 2013

A building by the renowned Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta on Jeju Island is being torn down this week, ending months-long debate on whether to preserve or demolish the building. The building named “Casa del Agua,” meaning the House of Water in Spanish, was originally built in 2009 to function as a temporary model house for a hotel and condominium resort in Jungmun Tourist Complex in Seogwipo, Jeju. Legorreta, who died at 80 in 2011, won several prestigious architecture awards including the

March 7, 2013

A Seoul court on Thursday declared Shim Hyung-rae bankrupt, saying that the comedian-turned-director will be exempted from his debt if found to have no assets.After receiving a suspended prison term in mid-January for failing to pay wages to former employees at his movie production company, the 55-year-old Shim filed for personal bankruptcy with the Seoul Central District Court on Jan. 30.The court accepted the petition, allowing the former comedian to benefit from the state-run personal credit

March 7, 2013

The 2013 Family Concert with a renowned orchestra and choir was held at Seoul Arts Center on Tuesday. Sponsored by the United Foundation, the event opened with the World Vision Korea Children’s Choir singing familiar songs such as “Sanduelbaram (Breeze),” “Eolgul (The face),” and “Gohyangeuibom (Spring in my hometown).” The members also presented traditional Korean fan dance and drum dance folk songs such as “Arirang,” “Ongheya,” “Hangangsutaryeong” and “Jindobukchum.” The World Vision choir wa

March 7, 2013

The Korea Herald is publishing “Korea’s Cultural Pride,” a 10-part series on the country’s cultural and natural heritage. A total of nine tangible and 14 intangible examples of heritage in Korea have already been designated UNESCO World Heritage items for international preservation. This year,15 cultural properties are on the tentative list, awaiting designation. This installment explores the Naganeupseong, Town Fortress and Village, in Suncheon, South Jeolla Province, which boast 600 years of h

March 6, 2013

Thirty-four-year-old office worker Chung Hye-sun has started reading e-books, readable on computers and other electronic devices. She enjoys reading business management books on her iPad while commuting and whenever possible.“E-books are convenient. Instead of having to carry books in a large bag, all you need is a light and thin tablet PC or other gadgets in my purse,” she said. “You can underline important passages, press the ‘search’ tab to find the exact sentences or parts you need. Bookmark

March 6, 2013

The following is part of a series exploring unique museums, collections and the passionate collectors behind them. ― Ed.For those who love to travel, explore and learn about new cultures, the question of “Where to go?” can present a daunting series of tough decisions to make. With so many places on this spinning rock to choose from, a simple Google search to research and absorb a quick study of a city or country doesn’t quite have the same effect as, say, a visual or hands-on cultural experience

March 5, 2013

Parts of China are artificially spray-painted green in an attempt to beautify the county’s landscapes, sources reported.  Workers in China’s southwestern city of Chengdu’s landscaping department were spotted spray-painting Top Green Turf Greening Agent’s green spray on yellow grass, according to Chinese sources. The landscaping department declined to comment on its use of spray paint, but said the chemical included nutrients to keep grass alive during the winter. According to Top Green employees

March 5, 2013