SAC head's pricey cello steals spotlight in asset filing

Chang Han-na, president and CEO of Seoul Arts Center Korea, has disclosed ownership of a rare cello valued at 1.37 billion won ($940,000), according to a government asset filing released Friday. Her cello was reportedly made by celebrated Italian luthier Giovanni Battista Guadagnini in 1757. It was purchased and presented to Chang in 1995 by South Korean corporate sponsors and arts patrons after her victory at the Rostropovich International Cello Competition at age 11. The instrument, together w

2026-07-24 14:05:45:00

Tang Wei gives birth at 47

Chinese actress Tang Wei, the wife of South Korean film director Kim Tae-yong, has given birth to the couple's second child, a baby boy, according to local reports quoting her aide on Thursday. The person close to Tang confirmed that the actor recently delivered a son, Yonhap reported. Tang, 47, announced the birth herself a day earlier on social media, sharing a photo of the family of four holding hands. It was not known when she actually delivered the child. In the post, she quoted her 10-year

2026-07-24 10:35:57:00

UNESCO urges Japan to reflect 'whole story' of Korean forced labor at Sado mine

UNESCO's World Heritage Committee on Thursday adopted a decision urging Japan to better present the history of the Sado Gold Mine, saying Tokyo has yet to fully honor its commitment to reflect the wartime mobilization of Korean laborers at the site. The decision, adopted without amendment or debate during the committee's 48th session in Busan, calls on Japan to further develop its interpretation and exhibition strategy to ensure it reflects the site's "whole history," including the forced mobili

2026-07-23 16:51:22:00

When to watch BTS' halftime show at the FIFA World Cup final

BTS is set to perform at the first official halftime show in FIFA World Cup final history, taking the stage during the championship match between Spain and Argentina. The World Cup final kicks off at 4 a.m. Korea time on Monday, with BTS expected to perform during halftime at around 5 a.m. The 11-minute show will feature BTS alongside Madonna, Justin Bieber and Shakira in what FIFA President Gianni Infantino has called "the biggest halftime show in the world." The production, curated by Coldplay

2026-07-19 10:45:09:00

IU, Lee Jong-suk break up after 4 years together

Actors Lee Jong-suk and IU have ended their relationship after four years of dating publicly, their agencies confirmed Friday. Representatives for both stars said the couple recently decided to part ways and remain on good terms as colleagues. Lee and IU first met in 2012 while serving as co-hosts of SBS's music program "Inkigayo." After nearly a decade of friendship, they confirmed their romantic relationship in late 2022. The couple's increasingly demanding schedules left them with less time t

2026-07-10 14:05:08:00

Christopher Nolan to make first Seoul visit to promote 'The Odyssey'

Director Christopher Nolan will visit South Korea for the first time next month to promote his latest film, "The Odyssey," Universal Pictures said Monday. Nolan will arrive in Seoul on Aug. 3 alongside cast members Matt Damon and Charlize Theron. The visit marks Nolan's first trip to South Korea. In a handwritten letter released through Universal Pictures, Nolan thanked Korean audiences for their longstanding support. "I'm deeply grateful for the support and love you've shown for my films. I'm e

2026-07-06 14:37:09:00

Arden Cho of 'KPop Demon Hunters' ties the knot in Italy

Arden Cho, who voiced the lead character Rumi in Netflix's animated film "KPop Demon Hunters," tied the knot last week. Vogue reported Tuesday that the Korean American actress married Christopher Lee, a surgeon, on Saturday in Florence, Italy. The couple incorporated Korean wedding traditions into the ceremony, wearing hanbok, traditional Korean attire and holding a "pyebaek," a post-wedding rite in which newlyweds pay respects to their families. Cho is best known for her roles in the television

2026-07-02 11:43:16:00

BTS buses, blimp set Busan concert opening abuzz

Busan was awash in BTS fever on Friday, on the eve of the group’s 13th debut anniversary, as fans from all over the world gathered, and themed displays — including a blimp and buses wrapped with members' pictures — marked the opening of the group's two-day concert. Ahead of BTS' two-day "Arirang" world tour stop at Busan Asiad Main Stadium, the group said it was "very happy" to reunite with its fans, known collectively as Army, in Korea. "We are so happy to be able to enjoy this special day with

2026-06-12 16:31:57:00

Girls' Generation's Sooyoung, actor Jung Kyung-ho confirm split after 14 years

Girls' Generation's Choi Soo-young and actor Jung Kyung-ho have ended their relationship after 14 years together, their agencies confirmed Tuesday. A representative of Jung's agency said the actor and Choi had recently broken up, but declined to provide further details, citing privacy concerns. Choi's agency also confirmed the split, saying the two have decided to remain on good terms as colleagues. Local media reports said the couple's busy schedules gradually created distance in the relationsh

2026-06-09 17:26:55:00

The hottest thing in Seoul? Jensen Huang’s leather jacket and his new Dior look

It was nearly 30 degrees Celsius in Seoul on the first day of Jensen Huang’s Seoul visit, but he sported his signature black leather jacket despite the sweltering weather. The fashion item quickly drew attention and dominated conversations online. On major South Korean online shopping platforms, products modeled after Huang’s look began appearing under keywords such as “Jensen Huang jacket.” Online posts cataloging the brands and prices of leather jackets Huang has worn over the years also gaine

2026-06-07 11:28:50:00