For Cha Jin-yeob, dance begins with conversation and ends with care

A group of travelers traverses an endless range of mountains with bundles slung over their backs. They sweep across the floor on their knees, shifting from side to side, and stooping under invisible burdens as they labor forward one step at a time. Then, as if momentarily released from gravity itself, they burst into free, weightless runs. At times, they move hand in hand. Moments later, they scatter across the stage, each tracing a different path. As bodies overlap and intertwine, they merge wi

2026-06-16 14:19:45:00

Deoksugung's Seokjojeon to host annual concert

A guitar and harp concert will be held on June 24 at Seokjojeon in Deoksugung, the palace's management office said Monday. Seokjojeon, the first Western-style stone building commissioned by King Gojong during the Korean Empire, was completed in 1910. Records show that Korea's first pianist, Kim Young-hwan, performed before the emperor there during a royal birthday banquet. The annual Seokjojeon Concert, launched in 2015 in partnership with the Kumho Cultural Foundation, draws on that musical leg

2026-06-15 13:35:25:00

Artist prince behind Park Bo-gum's hit role comes to changgeuk stage

For many Koreans, Crown Prince Hyomyeong represents one of history's great "what ifs." Widely regarded as one of the most artistically accomplished royals of the Joseon era (1392–1910), he excelled in literature, writing more than 400 poems, and left an enduring legacy in the performing arts by creating more than 20 court dances. Some historians say that had he not died at the age of 21, the trajectory of the late Joseon era might have been different. Hyomyeong was born in 1809 as the only son o

2026-06-14 14:12:52:00

Installation artist Suh Do-ho says living abroad deepened his sense of home

Living abroad made installation artist Suh Do-ho think more deeply about the meaning of home, the internationally acclaimed artist said Tuesday as he received the arts award at the third Musan Cultural Awards. "When I lived in Seoul, I didn't think much about it because it was simply there. It was only after leaving that I became much more aware of what home means," Suh said at a press conference ahead of the ceremony. Based in New York, London and Seoul, Suh has long explored themes of home, mi

2026-06-13 16:00:00:00

How Karina keeps her favorite stories close

For many travelers, a long-haul flight is for catching up on sleep or finally watching the movies they've been putting off. For Aespa's Karina, it is time to finish another book. The 26-year-old K-pop star is often spotted carrying an oversized bag. She has jokingly described herself as a "bobusang," a term originally used for traveling peddlers but now referring to someone who carries everything they might need. And among the cosmetics and everyday essentials, one thing is almost always tucked

2026-06-10 11:44:27:00

Ivy to make Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in 'Chicago'

South Korean musical actor and singer Ivy will make her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in the US production of "Chicago," Korean production company Seensee Company said Wednesday. Ivy was cast after auditioning at the invitation of the musical's US producers last year. She will play Roxie Hart from Aug. 17 to Sept. 6 at the Ambassador Theatre in New York. The 43-year-old debuted as Roxie Hart in the Korean licensed production of "Chicago" in 2012 and reprised the role across six seasons through 20

2026-06-10 11:23:17:00

What Korea is reading in 2026

A year ago, the country's bestseller lists were dominated by the works of Han Kang after her 2024 Nobel Prize win in literature brought renewed attention to her fiction. This year, however, a different picture has emerged: A wave of new Korean and international novels has reshuffled the bestseller lists, signaling a broader revival of literary fiction among readers. Leading the shift is Andy Weir's science fiction novel "Project Hail Mary," which became the bestselling book of the first five mon

2026-06-09 11:01:17:00

Recreated furnishings bring Joseon king's space at Deoksugung to life

Jeukjodang, a palace hall next to Seokjojeon at Deoksugung, is known as the site where Joseon kings Gwanghaegun (r. 1608-23) and Injo (r. 1623-49) ascended the throne. The term "jeukjo" means "the king's enthronement." During the early Korean Empire, the building served as the main throne hall before later being used as the emperor's office. The previously empty hall, which visitors could only view from outside, will open to the public from Tuesday through June 21 as part of the "Re-creation of

2026-06-09 10:45:05:00

Kim Soo-hyun to resume activities with commercial for Philippine fashion brand

South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun will resume his official activities after a yearlong hiatus following allegations related to the late actress Kim Sae-ron, his agency said Monday. Kim will film a commercial for a Philippine fashion brand in Korea on July 14, his agency Gold Medalist said. It will be his first public activity since March 2025. Kim largely suspended his public activities following allegations that he had dated Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor and that pressure over debt repayment c

2026-06-08 20:55:32:00

Why young Koreans are stepping into ballet

What do singer-actresses Bae Suzy, Seo Seohyun and Son Na-eun have in common? All have recently taken up ballet. Bae, who took up ballet last year, said in an interview that she was still a beginner and focused mainly on stretching exercises. She regularly shares glimpses of her ballet practices on social media. "Ballet movements are very graceful, and they help improve posture. I'm really enjoying it because it feels like it's doing a lot of good for my health," she told Elle Korea. Bae is not

2026-06-06 16:00:00:00