NEW YORK (AP) ― Here’s something the folks at Disney can take real pride in: “The Lion King” is the top ticket of all time. With a worldwide gross of over $6.2 billion, “The Lion King” stage musical has now achieved the most successful box office total of any work in any media in entertainment history, The Associated Press has learned. The show quietly took over top spot from the $6 billion-earning “The Phantom of the Opera” late this summer, according to representatives from both shows. “Phanto

Kim Young-ha, one of South Korea’s most celebrated novelists of his generation, has published a book of essays titled “See,” collating his thoughts and observances of changes in Korean society since his return from New York in 2012.The much-awaited book came five years after his previous collection of essays “Remember What You Have Lost” was published in 2009. “I used to live like a radio station from a government in exile,” Kim wrote of his motivation for the book. “I once believed that my job

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) ― It’s danced to Tchaikovsky’s famous melody, but it’s not your traditional Christmas “Nutcracker”: the Joburg Ballet has set it in the Kalahari desert among ancient Bushmen paintings.The winter theme has been replaced with sun, sand and baobab trees.The role of the Sugar Plum Fairy is instead played by a sangoma or traditional healer, and the famous “Russian Dance” is performed in overalls and gumboots.“The Nutcracker Reimagined” comes with the original music and story line o

Choi Kyoung-gyu. (Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital)Professor and medical doctor Choi Kyoung-gyu, who currently practices at Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, was given an award last week by the Health Minister for his contributions to dementia awareness.Choi has served as the head of the Yangcheon-gu Center for Dementia, a state-run institution for dementia patients and their families in Seoul’s district of Yangcheon, since 2008. The doctor was recognized for raising awareness abou

MILAN (AP) ― Milan designers are making a nonbinding treaty with women. The collections being previewed during Milan fashion week, in its fourth day Saturday, are easy to wear and roomy, not binding, meant for every day and not rarified occasions. Here are some highlights from Saturday’s shows: Giorgio ArmaniOscar-winning filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino’s latest film opened Giorgio Armani’s womenswear collection for next summer, teaming up two of Italy’s top cultural ambassadors. The art short, title

Exhibition“The Art of Dansaekhwa”: Kukje Gallery in Seoul brings together the works of key Dansaekhwa artists from the 1970s and 1980s in the exhibition “The Art of Dansaekhwa,” which runs through Oct. 19. Curated by Yoon Jin-seob, art curator and promoter of the term Dansaekhwa in the global art world, the exhibition showcases some 18 monochrome paintings, offering insight into the Korean Dansaekhwa movement and its distinctive style. For more information, call (02) 735-8449.  “Conjunction” by

CHICAGO (AP) ― In a city famous for its deep-dish pizza tourists wouldn’t know that the locals more often eat a thinner-crust, tavern-style pie topped with homemade Italian sausage and cut into squares, not slices ― unless they went on a pizza tour. Chicago is one of a handful of cities across the country, like Boston, Milwaukee and New York, with companies that offer tours of the local pizza scene. Chicago Pizza Tours owner Jonathan Porter takes his customers on a bus ride around the city that

Most of us spend nearly the whole day with some sort of technology ― in front of a computer, an app on our cellphones, watching the TV to unwind ― and that might be why our minds and bodies crave time outdoors so badly that we find ourselves edgy, depressed, agitated. Just generally out of sorts. When you feel nature calling, answer it.The natural beauty of Norway is stunning, with stunning views everywhere you look. (This is a bonus for the less-than-professional photographers among us, who wil

Holy Smoke dishes out meaty ribs and housemade sausages

Kimchi bibim guksu (spicy noodles with kimchi) (Korean Bapsang)When there seems to be nothing in the fridge, bibim guksu made with kimchi comes in handy for a quick meal. Well-fermented kimchi is truly all you need for this humble dish. But, you can add other vegetables such as cucumber, carrot, red cabbage or lettuce, if available. I added some perilla leaves (kkaennip) in this recipe. In no time, these spicy, sweet and tangy noodles will be ready for your table.2 servings Ingredients:● 2 servi

Autumn package at Hilton Namhae Golf and Spa ResortHilton Namhae Golf and Spa Resort presents a fall accommodation package available from Sept. 21 to Oct. 31. The all-inclusive package includes a one-night stay, breakfast and dinner for three people and entrance tickets to the hotel’s spa facility. Guests who reserve for three or more people will be given a cosmetic travel kit of the organic skin and body care brand Dr. Bronner’s. The cosmetic kit will include the new product Green Tea Castile S

A Korean orthodontist has found a new way to align crooked molars without using metal brackets, allowing elderly patients to receive this particular orthodontic treatment ― which is often a requirement for dental implant surgery ― in comfort. Orthodontist and professor Jeon Yoon-sik, who currently practices at Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, invented a new technology that simply uses a thin wire to align tilted teeth without using metal brackets and rubber bands. The new method reduces

Lee Shin says creating successful characters is all about reading the trends