Peter Jackson has a message for J.R.R. Tolkien: I can’t quit you.Nearly a decade after the New Zealand filmmaker concluded his massively successful “Lord of the Rings” trilogy ― a string of films that grossed more than $2.9 billion worldwide, capped with a best picture Oscar for 2003’s “The Return of the King” ― Jackson is set to launch yet another three-film series from the fantasy novelist’s other famous tome, “The Hobbit.”Unlike his previous trifecta, Jackson wasn’t the original filmmaker beh

Young artists are giving a new twist to traditional Korean painting with unique styles in both presentation and technique. A variety of styles in traditional Korean painting have been explored by young artists who majored in Oriental painting as more strive to create something that better connects with the wider audience of today. Choi Hae-ri, 34, is holding a replica exhibition through which the artist intends to connect the past and the future with something familiar to the public at 16 Bungee

As “Gangnam Style’’ gallops toward 1 billion views on YouTube, the first Asian pop artist to capture a massive global audience has gotten richer click by click. So too has his agent and his grandmother. But the money from music sales isn’t flowing in from the rapper’s homeland South Korea or elsewhere in Asia.With one song, 34-year-old Park Jae-sang ― better known as Psy ― is set to become a millionaire from YouTube ads and iTunes downloads, underlining a shift in how money is being made in the

Ever since she could crawl, Baek Ah-yeon has had a strong connection to music. Her parents told her that she was already singing and memorizing the lyrics to Kim Soo-hee’s 1980s hit “Southbound Train” at 3 years old. “It was then that my parents thought that I had a talent for singing,” said the rookie soloist.In pursuit of her musical dreams, she started playing the piano at age 6, began taking vocal lessons when she was in junior high and later joined the church choir. However, Baek wanted mor

“Secret Garden” heartthrob Hyun-bin was officially discharged from his mandatory military duties yesterday. He enlisted in the Marines on March 7, 2011, and after nearly two years of service, has completed his compulsory duties and expressed his anticipation to start working again. Despite the freezing weather, hundreds of fans gathered outside his base in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, to welcome him back. Hyun-bin gave an emotional speech about the hardships he endured for not being able to act

Following is part of a series on Seoul’s hottest bars and clubs. ― Ed. Itaewon is one of the most unique and ethnically diverse areas in Seoul. The area’s free and exotic night scene is incomparable with any other district in Seoul. Among the most frequently visited clubs in Itaewon is the multi-entertainment facility DISTRICT.DISTRICT is located in the most crowded part of Itaewon, on the strip behind the Hamilton Hotel, which has lines of clubs and bars, much like Hong Kong’s famous club dist

The Korea Society presents photographs taken by Korean realist photographers during the turbulent modern days of Korea for the first time in the U.S. The exhibition titled “Traces of Life: Seen Through Korean Eyes, 1945-1992,” depicts the details of people’s everyday lives during the critical period of transition in modern Korean history, offering fresh insight into Korean history and culture, as well as its photography. It features 54 original black-and-white photographs taken by prominent Kore

Actress’ foray as Nubian princess captivating but only partly successful

After taking a "selfie" photo on her cell phone with Hillary Clinton at the Kennedy Center honors reception, Meryl Streep donated the photo to Shutter to Think, a charity supporting girls education.It's like the ultimate Text From Hillary.Meryl Streep snapped a cell phone photo of herself and Secretary of State Clinton at the dinner celebrating this year's Kennedy Center honorees, and now she has donated the picture to charity.The Shutter to Think project, which will sell framed prints of the Cl

Korean artist Ahn Chul-hyun showcases his sculptural works at the international fine art event, Art Miami, this week. The Baltimore-based Korean sculptor will present his unique sculptures at the art week until Dec. 9. Ahn has received growing recognition in the U.S., Europe and the Middle East and has participated in a group exhibition, “Aha! Moment,” at the Seoul Arts Center in Korea. He held a solo exhibition at C. Grimaldis Gallery in Baltimore last year. Ahn is known for sculptures that exp