In the 1920s, a "modern breeze" swept through Gyeongseong, as today's Seoul was called during the Japanese colonial period. Leading this movement were Korean women who earned the moniker "modern girls" for embracing Western attire, wearing suits and high heels and adopting progressive thinking. Breathing life into the bygone streets of Jeongdong, where this modern wind first stirred, is the National Jeongdong Theater with its latest dance drama, "Modern Jeongdong.&q

K-pop artist-turned-actor Ahn So-hee made her theatrical debut on April 23, playing a leading role in the play "Closer." The play, written by British playwright Patrick Marber, premiered in London in 1997 before being adapted into a 2004 film featuring Julia Roberts, Jude Law, Clive Owen and Natalie Portman. Set in modern-day London, "Closer" delves into the intertwining relationships of four main characters -- Alice, Dan, Anna and Larry -- as they fall in and out of love. Ah

K-pop fans are raising concern over Hybe's promotional activities for BTS member RM and girl group NewJeans, as they are each set to make a comeback with new albums in May, amid an ongoing conflict between Hybe and Min Hee-jin, the CEO of Ador sublabel under Hybe. BTS and NewJeans are boy and girl groups under Big Hit Music and Ador, respectively, which both fall under the Hybe umbrella. They are considered the “beloved kids” of their producers Bang Si-hyuk and Min, who have r

Gwacheon will present free outdoor jazz performances this weekend. "Gwacheon Jazz Picnic," featuring a variety of artists from vocalists to orchestra, will take place on the lawn next to Gwacheon Citizens' Hall May 3-4. This event, combining jazz performances with camping, "Healing Campnic Day," is being introduced for the first time this year. On May 13, the 17-member Hoo Kim Big Band, led by jazz bassist Kim Young-hoo will kick off the event, followed by Lazykuma &

“Pungnyu” in Korean literally means “wind flowing.” It encompasses a multifaceted concept such as harmony with nature, artistic flair, musical appreciation, leisurely stylish indulgence and being free-spirited enough to revel in life’s pleasures. During the Joseon era (1392–1910), the aristocracy considered entertainment as a chance to visit majestic mountains and pristine rivers, and write verses describing nature's beauty and their sentiments, accompani

Jeon Do-yeon, Park Hae-soo bring modern reinterpretation of Chekhov’s play

Star pianist Lim Yunchan has announced changes to the program for his upcoming June recitals. Initially slated to feature works by Frederic Chopin, the program "has been changed at the artist's request," said his Korean management, MOC Production, via Instagram on Friday. "In order to respect and support the artist's enthusiasm for the new program and musical judgment, as the performance organizer, we have decided to change the program," it said. The initial lineup

The Korean National Ballet is gearing up for the eagerly awaited Korean premiere of John Neumeier's adaptation of "The Little Mermaid" at the Seoul Arts Center, scheduled for May 1-5. Neumeier, widely acknowledged as one of today's foremost choreographers, has lead the world-renowned Hamburg Ballet since 1973 as its director and chief choreographer. With a prolific career spanning over five decades, he has crafted more than 170 pieces. Currently in Seoul overseeing the KNB&#

Pianist Cho Seong-Jin has been named the artist-in-residence of the prestigious Berlin Philharmonic for the 2024-25 season. The announcement of the appointment posted on the German orchestra's website on Wednesday said Cho will present five programs during his residency, which includes programs with the Berlin Philharmonic, collaborations with members of the orchestra, chamber music concerts and a solo recital featuring the complete piano works of Maurice Ravel. In October this year, Cho wi

Music festivals are gearing up for the summer season with artists of various genres from around the world set to ignite the summer in Korea, transcending borders and bringing diverse musical experiences. The Seoul Jazz Festival 2024, celebrating its 16th edition this year, will herald festival season on the summer's cusp, from May 31 to June 2. On the festival's opening day, the band Day6 and singer-songwriter and rapper Kik5o will take to the stage along with American singer-songwrite

A blend of tradition and the contemporary, show marks fourth run since 2022

The six-piece-band Xdinary Heroes kicked off a five-month-long project with the solo concert “Closed beta ver. 6” on Sunday, which continued from Friday for three days. The concert, which took place at Yes24 Hall in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, comes after successfully wrapping up the sextets’ first world tour last month. Xdinary Heroes, a rock band that debuted in 2021 under JYP Entertainment's sub-label Studio J, will showcase a five-month-long “2024 Xperiment Project&rdquo

Renowned British choreographer Matthew Bourne's "Romeo and Juliet" is set to make its Korean premiere at the LG Arts Center in Seoul from May 8 to May 19. This contemporary reimagining of Shakespeare’s tragic romance and Prokofiev’s ballet masterpiece takes the audience to the near future at the Verona Institute, an imaginary reformatory for young people that is tightly watched over by security guards. In a written interview with The Korea Herald on Thursday, Bourne de

First Decca studio album of 20-year-old pianist released on April 19; Lim to kick off national recital tour in June

From pop to rock, foreign artists are gearing up to entertain Korean fans this summer. Japanese singer Lisa will hold her first solo concert in Korea in July. The upcoming concert is part of her Asian tour. It will take place on July 20 at Korea University's Hwajeong Gymnasium. Tickets sold out in just three minutes, demonstrating Korean fans' interest in the singer-songwriter. Lisa debuted with the mini-album "Letters to U" in 2011. In 2018, she gained widespread recognition