

Complex twists in simple lines: Vincent Huguet, Pierre Yovanovitch reimagine 'The Marriage of Figaro'
French creators bring to stage their inspirations including Bong Joon-ho's 'Parasite,' hanbok and 1920s French architeture The Korea National Opera opened its 2025 season last week with Mozart's comedic masterpiece, "The Marriage of Figaro," directed by Vincent Huguet with set and costume design by Pierre Yovanovitch. Hailing from France, the two brought a distinctly French sensibility to Seoul. Though the location didn't specifically shape their vision, he welcomed the opportunity to step outsi
March 24, 2025 - 15:10:47Interview: TurtleMe blends cultural influences into global fantasy hit
Korean-American writer Brandon Lee reflects on cross-cultural storytelling and the unexpected journey to web comic stardom Despite the virtual empire built under his pen name, TurtleMe, Brandon Lee still prefers the simple pleasure of writing in coffee shops. "I always try to get my writing done in the morning," he explains from his home in Seattle during a interview via video with The Korea Herald on Friday. "I like going to cafes and using my creative brain there. I get kind of stuffy if I alw
March 21, 2025 - 18:15:19Interview: Kang Ha-neul takes an obnoxious turn
Korea's beloved good guy transformed into an insufferable streamer in high-octane thriller 'Streaming' In an industry where reputations are meticulously cultivated, Kang Ha-neul stands apart. Stories of his kindness border on the mythical — the actor reportedly memorizes the names of every crew member, lavishes staff with thoughtful gifts and apologizes profusely to fans he cannot accommodate. His roles have largely aligned with this personality: The earnest professional Jang Baek-ki in "Misaeng
March 19, 2025 - 16:11:07Engaging boys and men key to ending gender-based violence
In the fight for gender equality, women have long been at the forefront, advocating for rights and dismantling systemic barriers. Yet, according to Humberto Carolo, CEO of White Ribbon Canada, achieving true gender equity is impossible without actively engaging men and boys in the conversation. Carolo, a globally recognized expert in gender-based violence prevention, said in an interview with The Korea Herald that changing harmful social norms and redefining masculinity are critical steps in era
March 18, 2025 - 14:50:24StayC ushers in new era with bold transformation
Following new album release, group set to embark on second world tour 'Stay Tuned' For six-member girl group StayC, the year 2025 marks a turning point in many ways. All members are now in their 20s, and they are attempting a bold transformation. StayC unveiled its fifth EP “S” on Tuesday, a record that drew attention prior to its release for the range of new styles it included. Since its 2020 debut, the group has made its name with its positive and energetic "teenfresh" concept, so fans were su
March 18, 2025 - 07:00:00Les Vents Francais brings celebration of woodwind mastery to Korea
French ensemble to present newly commissioned woodwind sextet piece The renowned woodwind musicians of Les Vents Francais will return to the Concert Hall of Seoul Arts Center Thursday after three years. Les Vents Francais, meaning "The Winds of France," is an ensemble of leading soloists: flutist Emmanuel Pahud, oboist Francois Leleux, clarinetist Paul Meyer, bassoonist Gilbert Audin, hornist Radovan Vlatkovic and pianist Eric Le Sage. The group is celebrated not only for their technical mastery
March 17, 2025 - 12:32:56EBay Japan chief vows to advance K-beauty growth in Japan
The future of Korean beauty in Japan looks promising to Koo Ja-hyun, CEO and vice president of eBay Japan, who announced at a beauty conference on Friday the company's initiative to help 20 K-beauty brands exceed one trillion won ($690 million) in value within the next three years. In an interview on the sidelines of the 2025 Qoo10 Japan K-Beauty Mega Conference, co-hosted by eBay’s e-commerce platform Qoo10 Japan and Korean cosmetics manufacturer Cosmax, Koo expanded on his vision of K-beauty b
March 14, 2025 - 17:55:43'Study Group' star Han Ji-eun leaves comfort zone to play enigmatic con artist in 'Anna X'
From film and television to the stage, Han Ji-eun is making her presence unmistakable this year. Over the past few months, the actress has tackled roles across a variety of mediums. Starting with the romantic comedy “Can We Get Married?” in October 2024, Han has since appeared in the action film “Hitman 2,” portrayed the devoted chaebol heiress Choi Go-eun in the tvN drama series “When the Stars Gossip” and the passionate teacher Lee Han-kyung in “Study Group.” On top of that, the 37-year-old ac
March 14, 2025 - 16:43:04Kim Do-yeon embraces her evolving identity, on and offstage
The I.O.I, Weki Meki K-pop star makes stage debut in 'Anna X' In her teenage years, Kim Do-yeon exuded bright energy with her vibrant and playful image, capturing the hearts of fans with her lively presence as a member of the popular K-pop girl group I.O.I and later, Weki Meki. Now in her 20s, the singer-turned-actor has evolved into a calm, poised version of herself. So, which Kim Do-yeon is the “real” her? She gave a simple answer: she is both. “I debuted at such a young age, of course I wasn’
March 14, 2025 - 16:42:32Pastor urges embracing differences as impeachment ruling nears
Campaign fueling disinformation, violence has to be put out, church elder Kim Sang-keun says The church always has to reflect the defining spirit of an era, and empowering people to embrace differences is the zeitgeist Protestant churches should seek now, according to the Rev. Kim Sang-keun. Kim, 86, is a prominent church elder who leads an ad hoc committee helping promote better politics at the National Council of Churches in Korea. It is one of the four largest church alliances in the country
March 12, 2025 - 14:20:26Shin Soo-hyun gears up for new solo journey
After 17 years as U-Kiss leader, singer charts independent path. The year of 2025 feels like a fresh start for Shin Soo-hyun. This year marks his first major step as a solo artist, leaving behind U-Kiss, the group he has been with for more than half his life. "For 17 years, I performed as 'Soohyun' with U-Kiss, but now that I’ve decided to go solo, I’m using my full name, 'Shin Soo-hyun,'” Shin said at a group interview in Gangnam, southern Seoul, Tuesday. The new album, “I Am,” was released Tue
March 12, 2025 - 12:05:22Tchaikovsky competition winners present opera 'Rusalka'
Interview: Soprano Seo Sung-young, bass Park Jong-min and tenor Son Ji-hoon to perform Korea's second-ever production of Dvorak’s 1901 opera Antonin Dvorak’s ninth opera, "Rusalka" (1901), is his most successful and most frequently performed opera around the world. Yet, an upcoming production in Seoul will be only the second time it has been staged in South Korea, almost 10 years after its local premiere in 2016. For this one-time performance Thursday at the Seoul Arts Center, three first-prize
March 11, 2025 - 14:53:09Reality vs. TV drama: Korean trauma nurse talks 'Trauma Code: Heroes on Call' and 'missing' nurses on choppers
In Netflix's latest hit medical drama series "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call," an air ambulance often turns into a high-stakes operating room. Trauma surgeons making bold incisions mid-flight in a race against time keep viewers on the edge of their seats. However, there's an important element missing: The presence of trauma nurses. According to Kim Dong-ju, a 33-year-old nurse at a trauma center at the Catholic University of Korea Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital, it is generally a team of two — a
March 5, 2025 - 10:19:46Onewe marks 10th year with new album, world tour, and a stronger bond than ever
Onewe returns with 'We: Dream Chaser,' full of all kinds of dreams This year is a special year for Onewe: The band has released its first studio album in five years, is celebrating its 10th anniversary and will embark on its first-ever world tour. “We are thrilled to be releasing our second studio album after five years, and we know our fans have been eagerly anticipating it as well. As always, every track on this album is self-composed," said guitarist Kanghyun during an interview with reporter
March 5, 2025 - 07:00:00Sharp violinist and warm pianist join forces for 'A New Chapter'
Violinist Lim Dongmin and pianist Choi Hyunglok explore Janacek, Poulenc, Bartok and Saariaho in duo recital Tuesday evening Violinist Lim Dongmin, described by pianist Choi Hyunlok as precise and sharp, exuding an air of cool intensity, contrasts with Choi’s own playing, which exudes warmth and fluidity. The duo, however, has found their contrasting styles create a synergy since first meeting each other last September through the KBS Young Musicians album project. “At first, I was concerned abo
March 4, 2025 - 16:19:52