[Herald Interview] ‘To resolve water shortage, go back to basics’

Despite the government’s efforts to improve water management through advanced technology, South Korea faces severe water shortage problems.The U.S.-based Population Action International lists Korea as a water-stressed country, with water availability per capita at 1,472 cubic meters in 1995, and projected to be 1,327 cubic meters by 2025. Countries with a yearly water supply of 1,000 to 2,000 cubic meters per person are considered water-stressed.Amid concerns over Korea’s water resources, the he

Social AffairsApril 13, 2015

[Herald Interview] Well-being market on the rise in aging society: Amway scientist

Thanks to improvements in diet, sanitation, technology and medical advancements, the average life expectancy has surged dramatically worldwide over the past decades. Those born in the developed countries are now expected to live past 80, according to recent data by the National Institute on Aging.Faced with changing priorities and a longer lifespan, people around the globe are focusing more on their health than ever before, seeking to improve their quality of life through various measures, accor

IndustryApril 13, 2015

[Herald Interview] Exploring humanity through raw, nude ‘Tragedie’

Devoid of clothing, bare, au naturel ― this seems to be the sole cloud hovering in everyone’s mind following French director and choreography Olivier Dubois’ latest contemporary dance production, “Tragedie,” making its Asian premiere over the weekend in Korea. After debuting in France in 2012, the show has now been performed more than 80 times worldwide. The 19-and-older, nonverbal show ― minus the occasional screams and grunts ― held two shows at the Seongnam Arts Center on Friday and Saturday,

PerformanceApril 12, 2015

[Herald Interview] Banking on creative cultural content

This is the last in a four-part series featuring IBK’s support for cultural content. ― Ed. It is often challenging for a state-run bank to support small-sized companies and to make tangible profits at the same time, especially when it comes to unpredictable industries such as culture and entertainment.But by discerning promising projects and making bold investments, the Industrial Bank of Korea has successfully distinguished itself in the creative content financing sector.“Actually, the spirit b

April 9, 2015

[Herald Interview] Noel Gallagher and his Birds flock to Seoul

Noel Gallagher, the former lead guitarist, vocalist and principal songwriter for hit English rock band Oasis, made his way back to Seoul to perform two sold-out shows on Friday and Saturday. In his third visit to Korea and the second with his own band, High Flying Birds, the British singer performed songs from his latest album “Chasing Yesterday.”Released in February, the album is a follow-up to his band’s eponymous debut album four years ago. After working on albums for Oasis, with which he par

PerformanceApril 5, 2015

[Herald Interview] ‘Stable investment fuels cultural productivity’

This is the third in a four-part series featuring IBK’s support for cultural content. ― Ed.The film or television drama production industry may look grand from the outside but for those who work in the trade, bidding contracts and meeting deadlines is a nerve-wracking process ― especially as it is operated on a tight budget.But what if banks provide a direct and sustainable investment channel so that these companies could focus on their cultural content production?This is what the Industrial Ban

April 3, 2015

[Herald Interview] Managing director of COS stresses timeless design, functionality

In the era of fast fashion, the life cycle of clothing is becoming shorter. People consume clothes as if they are disposable goods, driven by the supply of low-cost, trendy clothes offered by fashion giants such as Zara and H&M. However, the philosophy of COS goes against this fashion trend ― it believes fashion and longevity should go hand-in-hand, said Marie Honda, managing director of the company, a sister brand of H&M. “We have an approach to design that is timeless and permanent. Garments s

Arts & DesignMarch 29, 2015

[Herald Interview] Vulnerability of planet seen at the world’s ends

The full moon is the ruler of the night at the North Pole, casting a yellow glow on the snow-covered surface. What seems like the only moving object is a man kite-skiing through serenity. The stunning photograph was shot by Sebastian Copeland, polar explorer, photographer and environmental advocate. “The full moon at the North Pole means the sun is aligned on the opposite end. You could see the reflection of the sun coming down on the other end. This is one of the greatest and most peaceful mome

PerformanceMarch 26, 2015

[Herald Interview] ‘Personalized service key to success of Hilton Namhae resort’

Dedicated and personalized service is key to the success of Hilton Namhae Golf & Spa Resort in South Korea, which has been awarded as the country’s leading resort by the World Travel Awards for eight consecutive years, its general manager said. “People are now searching for a lot more information through the various media and this makes them want a more personalized holiday matching their own preference not the travel agents’ preference,” said Jesper Bach Larsen in an interview. “The backbone of

PeopleMarch 24, 2015

[Herald Interview] Wolfgang’s Steakhouse puts meat ahead of chef for success

Seoul is fast becoming a battlefield for steakhouses as Wolfgang’s Steakhouse ― one of New York’s best high-end steakhouse chains ― started its operations Monday. But what is the most important in a good piece of steak is the ingredient itself rather than having a star-chef, said Peter Zwiener, managing partner of the restaurant, showing his disdain for the current restaurant craze of showcasing renowned chefs.  Peter Zwiener (right) and his father Wolfgang Zwiener make a toast in southern Seoul

IndustryMarch 23, 2015

[Herald Interview] Korean firms advised to adopt data-driven talent search

In today’s competitive business environment, it is crucial that organizations should have the best available talent positioned in the right place and in order to address such needs, a combined mechanism of behavioral science and business strategy may be of use.“Companies pay much attention to talent, as well as to their organization, but few tend to take the two aspects in a comprehensive perspective,” said Ted Bililies, managing director and chief talent officer at AlixPartners, in an interview

March 19, 2015

[Herald Interview] Facial recognition developer offers better home security

With technological development many things in life have become simpler and easier. The way we enter a house will soon become much “smarter” as well, with facial recognition technology set to replace sets of keys.Jeong Gyu-taek, chief executive of start-up FiveGT, which produces facial recognition devices, is a South Korean tech pioneer who wants to keep the home safe and secure through biometric technology. “Home security systems have been changing over time and in the near future people will no

TechnologyMarch 4, 2015

[Herald Interview] ‘Artists should be guaranteed unlimited freedom of expression’

Hong Sung-dam, a high-profile South Korean satirical painter, has likened the role of an artist to a rabbit in a submarine. Rabbits are sensitive to a lack of oxygen and were often taken aboard submarines. If the boat’s rabbit had difficulty breathing, sailors sensed danger and rose to the surface. Hong argues that artists should be no different from a rabbit in a submarine. They should perceive abnormalities in their surroundings, such as injustice and oppression, and alert the public to the da

Social AffairsFeb. 27, 2015

[Herald Interview] Foodpolis, a smart way to unlock Chinese market

Global food manufacturers find the Chinese market a tough nut to crack.The U.S. government recently complained about China’s subsidies to enterprises including food manufacturers. Last year, E-mart, Korea’s largest supermarket chain, pulled out of China after 17 years of operations there.Despite such difficulties, the Chinese food market, with its 1.4 billion customers, is still enticing to exporters. “We cannot miss out on the food export market,” said Lee Ju-myeung, director general of the Foo

Feb. 27, 2015

[Herald Interview] ‘Restaurant curation’ booms in Korea

So-called curated dining businesses, collections of famous restaurants under one roof, are catching on in Korea. According to the founders of Over the Dish, a Seoul-based restaurant curator, success in the industry is all about location and a competitive edge in theme selection. “It seems like a fad ― from the high-end Galleria Department Store in southern Seoul with Gourmet 494 to the rather affordable and hearty Food Empire at IFC Mall in Yeouido, the select collections of popular diners seem

IndustryFeb. 26, 2015

[Herald Interview] Big ideas in Steve Barakatt’s upcoming Seoul concert

Long loved in Korea for gentle tunes such as “Rainbow Bridge” and “Day by Day,” composer and pianist Steve Barakatt has returned this time with an epic symphony that he hopes will “wow” fans.Barakatt will be showcasing, for the first time in Korea, his symphonic work “Ad Vitam Aeternam” ― “for eternity” in Latin ― alongside conductor Kim Bong-mee and Herald Philharmonic Orchestra. Written in 16 short movements, the symphony travels through different stages in the human experience.“We all have qu

PerformanceFeb. 26, 2015

[Herald Interview] ‘Thinking out loud’ with Ed Sheeran

Three-time Grammy nominee and up-and-coming singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran is becoming one of the decade’s most notable breakthrough artists. The 24-year-old musician, who went quintuple platinum in the U.K. with his 2011 debut album “+,” will be making his way to Korea to hold his first concert here. Sheeran’s debut album, featuring hit singles “The A Team” and “Lego House,” earned him the Best British Male Solo Artist and British Breakthrough Act awards at the 2012 Brit Awards. His second album

PerformanceFeb. 24, 2015

[Herald Interview] Korea faces multicultural challenges

When the governing Saenuri Party picked Jasmine Lee to serve as a lawmaker in April 2012, hate groups attacked her as a “dark-skinned” foreigner posing as a Korean.Saenuri officials hoped Lee, the first Philippine-born lawmaker here, would encourage “diversity” in a dominantly homogenous, and sometimes xenophobic South Korea, to better represent naturalized citizens, foreign laborers, and other minorities in the National Assembly.She has done her best to meet the expectations, Lee said in an int

PoliticsFeb. 23, 2015

[Herald Interview] Sky Asia pushes for Myanmar’s first cable car project

A Korean company is helping develop infrastructure for the rising tourism industry on Myanmar as it plans to build and operate the first cable car in Mount Kyaiktiyo in Mon State next year.“The cable car will give easier access to Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, better known as the golden rock, located at the summit of the 1,100-meter high mountain,’’ Sky Asia CEO Yoo Sun-ha said in a recent interview with The Korea Herald. Sky Asia CEO Yoo Sun-ha. (Chung Hee-cho/The Korea Herald)Currently, visitors can reach

IndustryFeb. 23, 2015