Svetlana Alexievich awarded Korean international peace prize

Belarusian writer and journalist Svetlana Alexievich has been awarded the 6th Jeju 4·3 Peace Prize. Established in 2015, the Jeju 4·3 Peace Prize honors the spirit of reconciliation and coexistence demonstrated by the people of Jeju in addressing the legacy of the April 3 Incident and the subsequent Jeju Massacre. Jeju 4·3 refers to the tragic governmental crackdown and civilian massacre that took place on the island from 1947 to 1954. Presented biennially, the prize recognizes individuals who h

April 3, 2025

Leading Korean women writers to speak in Madrid, Salamanca

The Literature Translation Institute of Korea, in collaboration with the Korean Cultural Center in Spain, will host a special Korean literature event series, “Stories Crossing the Night: Encountering Korean Literature,” April 25-28 in Madrid and Salamanca. Renowned Korean authors Kim Ae-ran, Bae Suah and Son Won-pyung will take part in the event, which is set to coincide with Madrid’s flagship literary festival, La Noche de los Libros (The Night of Books). Launched in 2005 and now celebrating it

April 1, 2025

SHINee’s Minho returns as scientist with OCD in rom-com play ‘Rendezvous’

After making his theatrical debut in "Waiting for Waiting for Godot" last year, Choi Min-ho is back on stage again this time in the romantic comedy "Rendezvous." The SHINee member and actor takes on the role of Tae-seop, a rocket scientist with obsessive-compulsive disorder stemming from childhood trauma. His meticulously structured life is disrupted when he forms an unexpected bond with Ji-hee (played by Kim Ha-ri), the daughter of his go-to Chinese restaurant’s owner. As their interactions dee

April 1, 2025

Star chef curates fine dining banquet at Sejong Center lobby

The Sejong Center for the Performing Arts is launching Sejong Inspiration, a new program series designed to break away from conventional theater spaces and performance formats. By transcending traditional boundaries of the stage, the initiative seeks to integrate diverse genres and expand the scope of artistic expression. The first event under Sejong Inspiration, Heritage Banquet, celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Seoul Metropolitan Traditional Orchestra — Korea’s first traditional music en

March 31, 2025

Weekly open-air market with live music at Namsan

Themed markets at National Theater of Korea in April, May The National Theater of Korea will be hosting its outdoor cultural festival, “Art in Series,” every Saturday from April 5 to May 24 at the plaza in front of Haeoreum Grand Theater, at the foot of Seoul's Namsan. This year's edition of the weekly festival will feature an open-air market with a different theme each week — crafts, flowers, seasonal produce and coffee — while live music adds to the festival's vibrant atmosphere. The festival

March 30, 2025

Interview: Astrid Lindgren nominee Ko Jung-wook pioneers disability representation in children’s literature

Last fall was a surreal time for children's book author Ko Jung-wook. Amid the whirlwind of his writing and lecture schedule, his nomination for the prestigious Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award in October gave him a rare opportunity to reflect on his long and prolific career -- a journey spanning over three decades and resulting in over 350 published books. "I can certainly say I've written a lot, truly a lot," Ko said in an interview with The Korea Herald in March. "Looking back, I realize I've p

March 29, 2025

South Korea ready to assist Myanmar, Thailand in earthquake relief efforts

South Korea's Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul expressed the country's readiness to assist those affected by the earthquake that struck Myanmar and neighboring Thailand. "Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been impacted by the earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand," Cho said via social media on Friday. He further added, "We sincerely hope for the swift rescue of the victims." Earlier on Saturday, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar, followed by an aftershock measuri

March 29, 2025

Breakdancing, parkour at Sydney Opera House’s forecourt in April

Two Korean street art groups, Letitle and A-Run Crew, will transform the Sydney Opera House’s forecourt into a stage for street dance, breakdancing and parkour. The event marks the first of its kind at the iconic Western Broadwalk, offering audiences a chance to experience contemporary Korean street performances outdoors. Letitle will present “Purpose,” a 30-minute performance specially choreographed as a dance “conversation” with the Opera House building and its forecourt. Five performers will

March 26, 2025

Korean picture books 'Borders,' 'Mo Story' win Prix Sorcieres in France

Two Korean picture books have won the 2025 Prix Sorcieres, one of France’s most prestigious awards for children’s and young adult literature. The French edition of the Korean picture book "Borders" (direct translation of the Korean title) has won the award in the Nonfiction category. Written by Gudol and illustrated by Haerang, the book explores the concept of borders -- the human-made boundaries that "can appear, disappear and change suddenly." Titled "Qu'est-ce qu'une frontiere?" in French, th

March 26, 2025

Royal ritual performance to tour Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong

The National Gugak Center is set to embark on a tour across Asia this year, with performances of Jongmyo Jeryeak planned for Singapore, Japan and Hong Kong. Jongmyo Jeryeak is a royal ceremonial performance that combines song, music and dance. It was originally performed during ancestral rites at Jongmyo shrine, where the tablets of Joseon kings and queens are enshrined, honoring the eternal repose of royal ancestors. The music was originally composed in 1447 during the reign of King Sejong for

March 25, 2025