The Korea Herald

YouTube to launch music service amid indie dispute

Jun 18, 2014

LOS ANGELES (AP) ― YouTube will launch a new subscription music service, the company acknowledged Tuesday after being dragged into a public dispute over royalties that will result in the blockade of some independent artists’ music videos. The Google Inc.-owned video site said in a statement that it is “adding subscription-based features for music on YouTube” and that “hundreds of major label and independent artists” have signed on. The paid service ― to be launched within a few months ― will lik
Korea’s World Cup chant owned by Shin Hae-chul, singer’s agency claims

Jun 17, 2014

South Koreans are known for their immense zeal for soccer. And come every World Cup season, the nation unites to cheer for the national team together, shouting the now-familiar chant: “Dae-Han-Min-Guk (Republic of Korea)!” followed by five claps. For those wondering how the cheer came into existence, it has been disclosed that the signature chant was taken from a song titled “Into the Arena” by singer Shin Hae-chul. Shin wrote the song at the request of the nation’s official soccer fan club Red
[Herald Review] Fiery performances electrify Ultra Music Festival

Jun 16, 2014

Over 100,000 EDM fans and music lovers came out to Olympic Stadium at Sports Complex in Seoul last weekend for the heart-thumping beats produced by the world’s top DJs at this year’s Ultra Music Festival Korea.On Friday and Saturday, the entire ground floor of the Olympic arena was transformed into the nation’s largest outdoor club. Spread out over four stages, thousands of festival attendees enjoyed an array of electronica music delivered by big-name DJs including Steve Angello, Above & Beyond,
Psy's new music video tops 50 mln views on YouTube

Jun 14, 2014

South Korean rapper Psy's music video for his new song "Hangover" surpassed 50 million views on YouTube on Saturday, just six days after its release, his agency said.As of noon on Saturday, the video had some 53 million views on Youtube after debuting on Monday, according to YG Entertainment.The music video, which was shot in Seoul, depicts South Korea's drinking culture and nightlife. In the video, Psy and American hip-hop star Snoop Dogg have drinks to cure their hangovers andvisit some late n
Eyelike: Taeyang returns as R&B vocalist on ‘Rise’

Jun 13, 2014

Taeyang returns as R&B vocalist on ‘Rise’Taeyang“Rise”(KT Music)Nearly four years after the release of his debut solo album “Solar,” Taeyang from the popular K-pop boy group Big Bang has returned with his second full studio album, “Rise.”While Taeyang’s past releases have been characterized by flashy performances and catchy electronic and hip-hop sounds, his new nine-track album is geared more toward showcasing his soulful vocals and colors.The hit lead single “Eyes, Nose, Lips” is a bare, slow
Placido Domingo to sing before World Cup final

Jun 12, 2014

SAO PAULO, Brazil (AP) ― Placido Domingo will sing before a World Cup final for the sixth time, announcing Wednesday he will perform at Rio de Janeiro’s HSBC Arena on July 11. The concert featuring the 73-year-old classic musical star will take place two days before the final at Maracana Stadium. The show also is scheduled to include pianist Lang Lang, soprano Ana Maria Martinez, conductor Eugene Kohn and the Orquestra Sinfonica Brasileira. Domingo has attended every World Cup final since 1970 w
Streisand visits Capitol to talk heart disease

Jun 12, 2014

WASHINGTON (AP) ― Barbra Streisand appealed Wednesday to lawmakers on Capitol Hill for more funding and research devoted to women and heart disease, calling it the No. 1 killer of women even as most research into the disease focuses on men. “A woman’s heart is different from a man’s, yet women’s hearts are under-researched, go untreated and are misdiagnosed,” Streisand said in a statement. “Together, we can change that.” The Oscar, Emmy, Grammy and Tony winner, wearing all black and a long gold
Traditional Korean music with a modern twist

Jun 10, 2014

National Theater of Korea to showcase annual Yeowoorak Festival in July
Singing nun wins Italian TV talent show

Jun 8, 2014

MILAN (AFP) ― A singing nun clinched the final of The Voice of Italy television talent show contest on Friday after winning millions of followers with her lively dance act and soulful renditions of lusty pop classics.Wearing her black habit and a crucifix around her neck, Suor Cristina punched the air and thanked God for her victory, reciting an “Our Father” prayer to the puzzlement of organizers and audience.“I want Jesus to come in here!” said the wholesome 25-year-old with a self-effacing man
Oscar winner Nyong’o bags MTV Africa personality award

Jun 8, 2014

DURBAN, South Africa (AFP) ― Oscar-winning Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong’o won the personality of the year award at the 2014 MTV African Music Awards held in South Africa’s southeastern city of Durban on Saturday. The 31-year-old, who won the best supporting actress Academy Award in March for her role in historical drama “12 Years a Slave,” was not present to receive her award. She became the first winner of the newly introduced lifestyle non-music personality of the year award. Actress Lupita Ny
Teaser of Psy’s new song ‘Hangover’ tops 1m views on YouTube

Jun 8, 2014

A snippet of Psy’s new music video “Hangover.” (Yonhap)A snippet of the music video for Psy’s new song “Hangover” surpassed 1 million views on YouTube on Sunday, just two days after its release, his agency said.The new hip-pop song had a 10-second preview on U.S. network ABC’s talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live: Game Night,” where Psy and American hip-hop star Snoop Dogg were to appear, inviting 1.18 million views on YouTube, according to YG Entertainment.The full music video will be released Sunday (
Three decades at the top

Jun 3, 2014

Soprano Hong Hei-kyung shares secret behind successful career at Met opera
Girls’ Generation makes TIME’s Best 25 Songs of 2014

Jun 3, 2014

“Mr. Mr.,” the latest single by K-pop group Girls’ Generation, has been chosen as one of TIME’s best 25 songs of this year, according to the U.S. weekly news magazine.Girls’ Generation was the only Asian artist on the list released by the magazine on Monday in New York.TIME described “Mr. Mr.” as a “dance-friendly” track with “a scratchy electronic base line” and “a hint of darkness.” Girls’ Generation“Fans of K-pop juggernaut Girls’ Generation won’t be disappointed by their latest dance-friendl
Jazz pianist Corea, vibraphonist Burton to stage live concerts

Jun 3, 2014

Legendary American jazz pianist Chick Corea and renowned vibraphonist Gary Burton will together make their way to Korea to stage two live concerts next week. The jazz musicians will perform at the Suseong Artpia Yongji Hall in Daegu on June 13 and at the Blue Square Samsung Card Hall in Seoul on June 14. The upcoming concerts will mark the duo’s first visit to Korea since 2007.Chick Corea, 73, is considered one of the greatest living jazz pianists, alongside some of the biggest names in the fiel
Charles Aznavour dazzles London at 90

Jun 2, 2014

LONDON (AFP) ― Legendary French-Armenian singer Charles Aznavour, who celebrated his 90th birthday on stage in Berlin last month, defied the years to charm 5,500 spectators at London’s prestigious Royal Albert Hall on Sunday.Taking the limelight to a standing ovation, the activist-singer promised the audience: “I’ll sing half in English, half in French ... tonight is about Entente cordiale.”Surrounded by seven musicians and two singers, the giant of French song began his set with “Les emigrants,