The Korea Herald

Discovery Channel documentary to introduce K-pop

Dec 10, 2012

The Discovery Channel is to air a documentary about Korea that will include a segment titled “Finding Hallyuwood,” which will introduce the world of K-pop. The documentary will feature Korean celebrities Lee Byung-hun, Super Junior’s Si-won, B.A.P. and global star Psy, whose “Gangnam Style” was recently listed as the 25th best song of the year by Rolling Stones magazine.The documentary is a five-part series called “Korea Next” focusing on Korean culture, tradition, technology, religion and the e
Tiger JK celebrates 20-year musical career

MusicDec 10, 2012

A special two-part documentary, titled “Onstage Hero Tiger JK.ing,” premiered on Mnet on Monday in honor of the rapper Tiger JK’s 20th anniversary in the industry. It will air a second time on Dec. 17.The documentary was made to commemorate the artist’s many contributions to the nation’s hip-hop scene and revealed the story behind the rapper’s history in the Korean music scene during the 1990s. The documentary featured never-before-seen footage and shared behind-the-scenes stories about the arti
Psy performs in front of U.S. first family

Dec 10, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) ― A holiday concert attended Sunday by President Barack Obama and his family included some non-traditional entertainment this year: a performance by South Korean rapper and Internet sensation Psy.Psy ― wearing an all-red outfit including a sparkling, sequined top ― was backed by dancers wearing reindeer antlers as he performed his popular “Gangnam Style” dance, which mimics riding a horse.The rapper, born Park Jae-sang, had apologized Friday for using what he called “inflammatory
Ex-model slams Victoria's Secret show

TelevisionDec 10, 2012

A former model says the Victoria's Secret TV special is not "wholesome," and criticizes producers for booking Canadian singer Justin Bieber to perform on it.Nicole Clark, a former fashion model who advises girls on the pitfalls of modeling, said the appearance by the 18-year-old pop star is "clear evidence" the lingerie maker is targeting teen and preteen girls."The practice some corporations use of applying the rule 'sex sells,' regardless of the cost, should not apply to our children," Clark s
Psy performs in front of U.S. first family

MusicDec 10, 2012

South Korea‘s Psy performed at a charity event attended by U.S. President Barack Obama as scheduled on Sunday, despite a controversy over the anti-American lyrics of his song several years ago.Psy, who has gained popularity worldwide, was among the “artist performers” in the “Christmas in Washington” concert, according to a pool report of the White House correspondents.Obama and his family participated in the evening concert held at the National Building Museum. No South Korean reporter was allo
Plane believed to be singer's found in Mexico

MusicDec 10, 2012

The wreckage of a small plane believed to be carrying Mexican-American singing superstar Jenni Rivera was found in northern Mexico on Sunday and there are no apparent survivors, authorities said. Transportation and Communications Minister Gerardo Ruiz Esparza said that ``everything points toward'' it being the U.S.-registered Learjet 25 carrying Rivera and six other people from Monterrey en route to Toluca, Mexico. The plane had gone missing after takeoff early Sunday. ``There is nothing recogni
Psy apologizes for past anti-American lyrics

Dec 9, 2012

Singer Psy, mired in controversy concerning his performance of a song containing anti-American lyrics several years ago, is still scheduled to perform at an annual Christmas special in Washington, D.C. In 2004, the rapper joined in the singing of a Korean-language song titled “Dear America,” written by metal band N.EX.T, which called for the slaying of U.S. soldiers and their families. A story on the performance appeared in the U.S. media last week. Part of the lyrics read, “Kill those f―king Ya
La Scala opera season opens with contested ‘Lohengrin’

MusicDec 9, 2012

MILAN (AFP) ― La Scala opera house in Milan on Friday celebrated the start of its 2012/2013 season with Richard Wagner’s “Lohengrin” ― a disputed choice ahead of the bicentenaries of the famous German composer and his Italian rival Giuseppe Verdi.The premiere coincides with the Feast of Saint Ambrose, the patron saint of Italy’s commercial capital, and the country’s economic and political elites were out in force for the gala.The performance, lasting nearly five hours, was produced by Claus Guth
Celebrate New Year’s with the classics

MusicDec 9, 2012

As the year 2012 comes to an end, come celebrate the holidays with the sound of music. Seoul has an abundance of performing arts centers that have prepared a variety of classical concerts and performances to ring in the New Year. Seoul Arts CenterSeoul Arts Center will celebrate the New Year with the sounds of Verdi, Wagner, Puccini and more with the Gangnam Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Chi-Young Chung. The performance will feature Shin Hyun-su on violin, Kim Won on Piano and Alfred Kim on T
Rolling Stones hit N.Y. for 50th anniversary gig

MusicDec 9, 2012

NEW YORK (AP) ― “Time Waits for No One,’’ the Rolling Stones sang in 1974, but lately it’s seemed like that grizzled quartet does indeed have some sort of exemption from the ravages of time.At an average age of 68-plus years, the British rockers are clearly in fighting form, sounding tight, focused and truly ready for the spotlight at a rapturously received pair of London concerts last month.On Saturday, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and Charlie Watts hit New York for the first of thr
Nurse who died after Kate hoax call was from India

TelevisionDec 9, 2012

A nurse found dead days after she took a crank call about the pregnant Duchess of Cambridge was originally from India, British police said Saturday, as details began to trickle out about the woman whose death has sparked anger at the Australian radio DJs behind the hoax.Jacintha Saldanha, 46, was found dead early Friday at nurses' housing provided by London's King Edward VII hospital, where Prince William's wife, the former Kate Middleton, was being treated for acute morning sickness this week.
Psy issues apology for anti-American lyrics

MusicDec 8, 2012

South Korean rapper-singer Psy has issued a formal apology Saturday for anti-American lyrics he performed at a 2004 concert protesting the U.S. presence in Iraq, following their recent revelation in U.S. media two days before he is set to perform for the U.S. president and his family.The 35-year-old rapper, who became a worldwide star with his hit song "Gangnam Style," said in the statement that the concert was held as a "deeply emotional reaction" to the war in Iraq following the beheading of a
International K-pop stars make their debut

MusicDec 7, 2012

More non-Koreans appearing in the local music scene
Box office

FilmDec 7, 2012

Love 911 (Korea)Opening Dec. 19Romance. Drama. Directed by Jeong Gi-hoon. Kang-il (Go Soo) is an unhappy firefighter who lost his wife to an illness. He suffers from utter guilt for choosing to stay with a fire victim instead of going to his wife who was desperately calling him for help and died before he arrived. Losing his wife only made him work harder, always putting himself out there to save lives in danger. His nothing-to-lose attitude and strong work ethic intrigue Mi-soo (Han Hyo-joo), a
Eyelike

MusicDec 7, 2012

Ke$ha gets better on ‘Warrior’Ke$ha``Warrior‘’(RCA Records)Don‘t hate me - but this new Ke$ha album is good. Kind of really good.``Warrior,’‘ the 25-year-old’s sophomore release, is entertaining from top to bottom. Ke$ha _ along with hitmaker Dr. Luke _ has a knack for creating carefree and upbeat electro-pop songs that make you want to have a good time. It‘s pure fun.Yes, some of her lyrics are vapid and need work, but melodically, she’s got a winner, especially on the hooks throughout ``Warrio