Chief Designer of Johnny Hates Jazz hopes to expand market to Asia and U.S.This is the first of a series of articles on up-and-coming South Korean designers. ― Ed.It has been a while since the fashion savvy girls in South Korea first started to recognize Johnny Hates Jazz. The brand’s hip but classy collections are attracting not only so-called fashionistas like actress Gong Hyo-jin but also many

Hit survival program catapults singer to soaring stardomKim Bum-soo was known as the “singer behind the curtain” before getting his new nickname “Visual Kim” in the hit TV program, “Survival: I’m a Singer.”The elimination contest is similar to “Britain’s Got Talent,” which brought Susan Boyle fame. However, one of the differences is that “I’m a Singer” is a competition for professional vocalists.A

PHILADELPHIA (AP) ― “Jackass’’ star Ryan Dunn, who made viewers cringe and snicker through vulgar stunts in their multimillion-dollar TV and movie franchise, was killed early Monday in a fiery car crash. He was 34.Dunn, a daredevil whose most famous skits included diving into a sewage tank and shoving a toy car into his rectum, was driving his 2007 Porsche in suburban Philadelphia when it went off

A military officer has become the youngest ever 8th-dan in taekwondo.Lieutenant Colonel Choi Jeom-hyeon, 44, passed the test held by Kukkiwon, the world’s taekwondo headquarters.Dan refers to level in the martial art. From the 6th level is usually referred to as “high-dan,” one which amateurs cannot usually reach. One must not only be the right age and fit but pass “poomsae,” breaking and combat.

American actor and practicing Buddhist Richard Gere paid a courtesy call to officials of Jogye Order, Korea’s largest Buddhist sect, at Jogye Temple in central Seoul, Tuesday.Gere worshipped with his palms pressed together as he entered the main building of the temple. After burning incense, he signed the temple’s guest book with a message that wished “peace and happiness” for all beings in the wo

Digital cartoon exhibition on wayAbout 300 animated films from 32 different countries and cartoon exhibitions covering diverse themes are arriving in Seoul next month.The 15th annual Seoul International Cartoon and Animation Festival (SICAF) will open on July 20 in several locations in Seoul, the festival organizing committee said Tuesday during a press conference in Seoul.The official poster of S