[Herald Interview] Cellist Mun Tae-guk takes up challenge of Bach Cello Suites earlier than expected

For cellists, Bach’s Cello Suites hold deep significance. Many renowned cellists have recorded their interpretations of the masterpieces — some multiple times throughout their careers, others only once in a lifetime. The 30-year-old Korean cellist Mun Tae-guk said he felt significant pressure about recording Bach’s Cello Suites but decided to take up the challenge. “Honestly, I felt a lot of pressure. When I first received the proposal, I had many doubts, wondering if

CultureOct. 7, 2024

[Herald Interview] Always around but never understood: ‘Tiger Stripes’ speaks up for teenagers

Written and directed by Malaysian director Amanda Neel Eu, “Tiger Stripes” follows carefree 12-year-old Zaffan who starts to experience unexpected bodily changes as she is the first to get her period among her group of friends. For Zaffan, puberty becomes something she fights for in front of others after being publicly ostracized at school and in the community. Later, she embraces her anger and wrath to show everyone the beauty of her changing body. “Going through puberty and s

FilmOct. 7, 2024

[Herald Interview] Toonsquare aims to open new era for webtoon creation with AI

Fueled by the surge in digital content consumption during the pandemic, the global webcomic market has seen unprecedented growth in recent years, with South Korea, home to a $1.1 billion webtoon market, cementing its position as a leader in this burgeoning industry. Leveraging Korea's unmatched market data and intellectual property, Seoul-based artificial intelligence startup Toonsquare, which provides creative tools for webcomic creators, is now aiming to expand its global presence, with g

IndustryOct. 6, 2024

[Herald Interview] Social media era creates more challenges for pastry chefs

Julien Perrinet, Hyatt’s executive pastry chef for the Asia Pacific region based at the Park Hyatt Tokyo, aims to offer a stunning gastronomic experience to those with a sweet tooth at an upcoming chefs’ collaboration between Park Hyatt Seoul and Park Hyatt Tokyo. The French-born Perrinet, 42, has honed his pastry skills across multiple countries -- France, Canada, Qatar, China, Singapore, India and more -- and did not hesitate to share some of his concerns before showcasing desserts

TravelOct. 3, 2024

[Herald Interview] Buddhism will 'pave way' for stronger Korea India ties

Buddhism can strengthen the ties between South Korea and India, according to Indian actor Gagan Malik. Malik is known for playing the role of Prince Siddhartha in the 2013 film “Sri Siddhartha Gautama,” for which he won best actor at the 2014 World Buddhist Film Festival, but he is also a Buddhist activist and an actor. Malik recently visited Korea, invited by the International Interchange Development Association here. “India is the cradle of Buddhism. The country has seen a gr

PeopleOct. 3, 2024

[Herald Interview] 'Dancing with P' explores dance's legacy after death of Pina Bausch

“Dear members of Tanztheater Wuppertal, I am Lee Kyung-sung, a theater director from South Korea.” The play “Dancing with P” opens with this letter Lee wrote in the summer of 2021 to the renowned German dance company founded by Pina Bausch (1940-2009), the legendary figure who transformed the landscape of contemporary dance. “After Pina passed away in 2009, I often saw her works performed on stage, because Tanztheater Wuppertal was still touring worldwide. While it

PerformanceOct. 3, 2024

[Herald Interview] Hanwha Life Esports aims high with 2024 LoL Worlds

Hanwha Life Esports completed its David-and-Goliath story and shocked many spectators by defeating Gen.G in the League of Legends Champions Korea Summer finals, winning the title for the first time in September. Not only did HLE upset the team expected to win gold this year, but its victory ended T1 and Gen.G's dominance in the LCK finals, with the two teams having enjoyed a total of five consecutive championship victories since 2022. But Choi “Dandy” In-gyu, the head coach for

More SportsOct. 2, 2024

[Herald Interview] Pappano connects LSO with Korean audiences

On Tuesday night, conductor and pianist Antonio Pappano stood before the Korean audience at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts’ Grand Theater with the London Symphony Orchestra, marking the orchestra's first Korean tour under the new music director. The 64-year-old conductor took the helm of the LSO from Simon Rattle this summer, after leading the Royal Opera House since 2002. Pappano's extensive experience in the opera realm has profoundly influenced his conducting style.

CultureOct. 2, 2024

[Herald Interview] Sleep tech startup Munice seeks bigger footing in US

In a world where sleep disorders reportedly affect millions, South Korean startup Munice is offering a unique and science-based solution. Their app, Nightly, specializes in using a specific type of rhythmic sound frequency, called monaural beats, designed to promote relaxation and deep sleep. According to CEO Kwon Seo-hyun, 26, Nightly helps users fall asleep faster and experience deeper rest through brainwave entrainment. The app encourages electrical oscillations of the brain to synchronize wi

IndustryOct. 1, 2024

[Herald Interview] Thai envoy expects progress on immigration issues by year-end

The drop in Thai tourists to Korea as a result of tight screening and the large population of Thais working in Korea illegally should be addressed simultaneously, according to Tanee Sangrat, who began his mission as Thai ambassador to South Korea in April. In an interview with The Korea Herald, Sangrat said that for Korea to see a rebound in tourism from Thailand, some efforts were needed on his country’s part to reduce the number of Thais overstaying their visas. “We are doing our

Foreign AffairsSept. 30, 2024

[Herald Interview] Vanner sings about ordeal of being young in 3rd EP ‘Burn’

K-pop boy group Vanner returns to the music scene with its third EP, “Burn,” on Monday, in which it sings about the hardships that youth face on their journeys to realize their dreams. Such difficulties are familiar to the group that debuted in 2019, shortly before COVID-19 pandemic brought things to a standstill. "We did not get a chance to perform. But winning on JTBC’s idol survival program ‘Peak Time’ last year, we began to garner a lot of love from the pub

K-popSept. 30, 2024

[Herald Interview] Korea, Chile eye two-way benefits in green energy

With a renewed push toward a leading green energy supplier with its vast energy resources, Chilean government officials urged South Korea, which shares similar goals in reducing dependence on fossil fuels, to expand investments to Chile and boost strategic partnerships. “The challenge today for Chile is to increase the participation of Korean companies in the Chilean economy and the flows of Korean capital into Chile,” Chilean Ambassador Mathias Francke told The Korea Herald at the E

IndustrySept. 29, 2024

[Herald Interview] After 'Good Partner,' Jang Na-ra sees marriage as miracle

Jang Na-ra, who portrayed Cha Eun-kyung, the skilled divorce lawyer cheated on by her husband in the popular series "Good Partner," expressed that the show prompted her to reflect deeply on marriage and divorce -- and that the series led her to consider all marriages as "miracles." "Good Partner" follows the stories of divorce lawyers as they tackle a range of clients and their legal challenges. While depicting various divorces faced by modern Koreans, the series al

TelevisionSept. 26, 2024

[Herald Interview] Dmytro Udovychenko, winner of Queen Elisabeth Competition, on uplifting Ukraine with violin

Dmytro Udovychenko, a Ukrainian violinist, is experiencing his busiest season after winning the 2024 Queen Elisabeth Violin Competition in June. With the latest triumph adding to a long list of prizes won at international competitions, including first prize at the Montreal International Violin Competition in 2023 and third prize at the International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition in 2022, Udovychenko is finally done with competitions and set to launch his journey as a musician in earnest. Reca

CultureSept. 25, 2024

[Herald Interview] Portraying a version of god for young people in 'Hadestown'

When Kim Min-seok sees veteran musical stage actor Choi Jung-won on stage during the musical performance of "Hadestwon," the singer-turned-musical-actor hopes the audience can see her up close from his perspective. "Her face is full of expression, giving a sense of warmth and courage," Kim, who portrays poor dreamy musician Orpheus, said during an interview with The Korea Herald on Sept. 12. And that is exactly how Choi, 55, intends to portray Hermes, a role originally create

CultureSept. 24, 2024

[Herald Interview] Han River set to transform into lifestyle platform

Once a symbol of Korea‘s rapid economic growth, the Han River is poised to evolve into a “lifestyle platform” for citizens and the ultimate place for healthy pleasure, according to Joo Yong-tae, deputy mayor of the city government’s Future Hangang Project Headquarters. “The Han River is a source of both relaxation and pride for the citizens of Seoul,” Joo said in an interview with The Korea Herald in early September. “Until a few years ago, the Han Riv

IndustrySept. 24, 2024

[Herald Interview] Korean ballet sensation Jeon Min-chul pours his heart into dancing

For Jeon Min-chul, the 20-year-old sensation who has captured the hearts of Korean ballet fans, dancing has been at the center of his world. Asked about hobbies outside of dance, he struggled to find an answer. “That’s actually the hardest question for me. I think I’ve spent all the time I could’ve used for hobbies on dancing. From high school on, it’s all I thought about. Ballet reflects the time and effort you put into it, so I didn’t have the energy for any

PerformanceSept. 24, 2024