25-year-old pianist explores the life of Beethoven by recording his 30 sonatas in a debut album The country’s classical music scene was surprised at first when EMI Classics, a major record label, signed an exclusive recording contract with young pianist Lim Hyun-jeong, a first for a Korean artist since pianist Lim Dong-hyek did so 10 years ago. Lim, now backed by the full-fledged support from t...

For those who reminisce on the good old ’70s and ’80s, a festival sure to conjure up old memories and exhibit the culture of the time is to be held next month. The music festival “Arirang Fest,” themed around the music of the ’70s and ’80s and makgeolli, one of Korea’s favorite alcoholic beverages, will be held for the first time from June 8-10 at Kintex in Ilsan, Gyeonggi Province. Well-known ...

Pop singer Justin Bieber is being investigated for battery after allegedly hitting a paparazzo who tried to take pictures of him, California authorities said. The incident happened Sunday afternoon outside the Calabasas mall The Commons, TMZ.com reported. Police said Bieber and his girlfriend Selena Gomez were leaving the mall when a photographer, whose name was not reported, attempted to take ...

Versatile classical music artist Caroline Fischer says she wishes to collaborate with K-pop stars For Caroline Fischer, an acclaimed pianist born to a Korean mother and a German father, being biracial is something she feels proud of. The classical musician has been travelling around the world promoting the cultures of both countries and, more importantly, bridging them. “I am very proud of bei...

Local scene gets busy, with major shows to hit Seoul The long, hot and humid summer may not be favored by everyone in Seoul, but some are excited by the seasons’ arrival. Local musical fans would certainly be among them. Three of the most anticipated shows of the year are finally going onstage in Seoul this summer ― all for their first runs ― to the delight of the musical goers here. This Thu...

Festivals “Korea International Boat Show”: Gyeonggi Province holds the annual boat show in the port city of Hwaseong and Ansan. The boat exhibition showcases the latest boats, yachts and water sports equipments and offers participants opportunities to experience water sports on the spot. A world yacht match cup will be held along with the exhibition. Participants are recommended to travel from J...

Garbage releases your kind of album Garbage “Not Your Kind of People” (Stunvolume Records) For a band that’s been around for almost two decades, Garbage has released surprisingly few studio albums. Their fifth, “Not Your Kind of People,” comes on the heels of a seven-year hiatus, which makes it all the more anticipated.euro Fans who have missed Shirley Manson’s powerful vocals and scenic pre...

Pixie Lott, a 21-year-old singer-songwriter from Britain, captivated the Korean audience with her signature husky voice and adorable smile at her album showcase in Seoul on Wednesday evening. The singer, who gained popularity around the world with her hit-song “Mama Do (Uh oh, Uh oh),” was in Seoul for four days this week to promote her special album “Young Foolish Happy” released only in some A...

Junsu, a member of the group JYJ, will hold the “XIA 1st Asia tour in Thailand” on May 27, marking the second venue for his much-anticipated music tour following performances for his Korean fans in Seoul May 19-20. Cjes Entertainment said the concert in Thailand would host 4,000 seats and offer the same 90-minute performance that Junsu showcased in Seoul. “The first batch of tickets for the con...