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[Highlights] Arts and entertainment calendar

Pop Music

Boy band Shinhwa (Shinhwa Company)
Boy band Shinhwa (Shinhwa Company)

“2016 Shinwa Live -- Unchanging”: Shinhwa, a K-pop boy band that has been active since 1998, is holding a concert at the Korea International Exhibition & Convention Center in Ilsan, Gyeonggi Province, on Dec. 17 and 18 at 4 p.m. Prior to the show, Shinhwa will be releasing its 13th studio album “Unchanging” on Nov. 29. A track on the album titled “She Said” was released on Oct. 22. The six-member veteran boy band has a number of hits under its belt, including “This Love,” “Wild Eyes,” “Perfect Man,” “Brand New” and “T.O.P.” Tickets will be available at ticket.interpark.com starting Nov. 8.

“BTS 3rd Muster”: K-pop boy band BTS will be holding a concert at the Gocheok Skydome on Nov. 12-13. The seven-member group has recently broken sales and chart records in the US with its new album “Wings,” becoming the first K-pop act to stay on the Billboard 200 chart for more than one week. Its lead single “Blood Sweat & Tears” has also been listed on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100. BTS will be performing songs from the new album along with past hits, including “No More Dream” and “Danger” during the concert. Tickets are priced at 55,000 won and available at ticket.interpark.com.

“No Sleep ‘Til...”: Some of the biggest names from Korea’s hip-hop scene are getting together for one night at the Olympic Hall in Olympic Park on Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. Up-and-coming female artist Ilya will be kicking off the night. The concert will also feature Mnet’s hip-hop competition show “Show Me the Money” season five winner BewhY, rapper-producer Paloalto, boy group Block B’s lead member Zico, and singer-songwriter Dean. Newly formed duo MOBB -- consisting of boy band Winner’s Mino and iKON’s Bobby -- will also be performing tracks from its debut album “The MOBB.” Tickets range from 66,000 won to 88,000 won, and can be reserved at ticket.interpark.com.

“Kim Feel”: Singer-songwriter Kim Feel will be holding a two-day solo concert on Nov. 12-13 at Yonsei University’s Centennial Hall, located in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. The concert will begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday and at 5 p.m. on Sunday. Kim, who was the runner-up on the sixth season of the popular talent competition program “Superstar K” in 2014, will be performing a never-before-heard track. Tickets range from 99,000 won to 110,000 won, and can be reserved at ticket.interpark.com.

Dance

Marcia Haydee’s rendition of “The Sleeping Beauty” (Patricio Melo)
Marcia Haydee’s rendition of “The Sleeping Beauty” (Patricio Melo)

“The Sleeping Beauty”: The Korean National Ballet will perform “The Sleeping Beauty” at the Seoul Arts Center Opera House from Thursday to Sunday. After presenting Rudolf Nureyev’s rendition in 2004, the group is back with a different take of the classic fairy tale, choreographed by Marcia Haydee, a former prima ballerina of the Stuttgart Ballet group. The performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. on weekdays, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets range from 5,000 won to 100,000 won, and can be reserved at ticket.interpark.com. For inquiries, call (02) 587-6181. 

“Soul, Sunflower”: The National Dance Company of Korea will be showcasing “Soul, Sunflower” at the National Theater of Korea in Jangchung-dong, Seoul, from Nov. 18-20. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of its premiere, the piece balances Western influence of German jazz with a powerful performance of traditional Korean shamanic dance, salpuri. The performance will begin at 8 p.m. on the Friday, and at 3 p.m. on the weekend. Tickets range from 20,000 won to 70,000 won, and can be reserved at ticket.interpark.com. For inquiries, call 1544-1555.

“Macbeth”: UBIN Dance will be presenting the Shakespearean classic “Macbeth” at the National Theater of Korea in Jangchung-dong, Seoul, from Dec. 13-14. Divided into three acts, the company will be presenting its rendition of the timeless tragedy that reveals much about the human greed for power. The performance will begin at 4 p.m. on both days. Tickets range from 30,000 won to 50,000 won, and can be reserved at ticket.interpark.com. For inquiries, call (010) 3129-4243.

“The Nutcracker”: The Universal Ballet will be performing the holiday classic “The Nutcracker” at the Universal Arts Center in Seoul from Dec. 16-31. Originally choreographed by Petipa and Ivanov, the two-act ballet boasts score by the legendary composer Tchaikovsky. Tickets range from 10,000 won to 100,000 won, and are available at ticket.interpark.com. For inquiries, call 154-1555.

Exhibitions

"The House at the End of the World” by David LaChapelle (official website)

“Reflections”: Korean installation artist Kim Seung-young will be holding a solo exhibition at the Savina Museum of Contemporary Art in Anguk-dong, Seoul, from Nov. 11 until Dec. 16. With a special focus on understanding the human psyche, the modern art exhibition aims to express both personal and societal shortcomings and pain through his 3-D pieces. For more information, visit www.savinamuseum.com.

“Water-Moon Avalokiteshvara”: A rare Goryeo Buddhist painting “Water-Moon Avalokiteshvara” is currently on display at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul. With less than 50 known pieces in existence today, the 14th-century painting only recently returned to Korea after it was purchased by Kolmar Korea CEO Yoon Dong-han from an art dealer in Japan. After its public exhibition until Nov. 13, the painting will be taken away for a year of further restoration and research. For more information, visit www.museum.go.kr.

“Wallpaper +”: Print Bakery, a gallery run by Korean auction house Seoul Auction, is holding a special exhibition of print art from contemporary designer Chang Eung-bok at its flagship store in Samcheong-dong, Seoul until Nov. 13. The collection features the artist’s modern take on traditional Korean lifestyles using various textiles and patterns. For more information, visit www.printbakery.com.

“Denmark:Design”: In collaboration with Design Museum Denmark, the Seoul Arts Center is showcasing some of the most understated, yet eye-catching works of everyday household items from leading Danish designers and brands, including Hans. Wegner, Vitra, Bang & Olufsen, Finn Juhl, and more. The exhibition runs until Nov. 20. Tickets are 10,000 won for adults, and range from 5,000 won to 8,000 won for children. For more information, visit www.sac.or.kr.

“Archive of Mind”: The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea is hosting artist Kim Soo-ja’s solo show as part of its annual exhibition program sponsored by Hyundai Motor Company. The exhibition showcases Kim’s latest work, including site-specific installations, videos, sculptures and photos that explore the body and the mind. The exhibition runs until Feb. 5 at Gallery 5 and the museum’s courtyard. For more information, visit www.mmca.go.kr.

“The Parliament of Possibilities”: Danish-Icelandic installation artist Olafur Eliasson is holding a solo exhibition at Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art in Seoul. An experimental artist who works with a wide range of elements and concepts, Eliasson presents a total of 22 works, from “Moss wall,” made with moss from Iceland, to “Your unpredictable path,” a glass sculpture made from more than 1,000 spheres. The exhibition runs until Feb. 26. Tickets are 8,000 won for adults, and 4,000 won for children. For more information, visit www.leeum.samsungfoundation.org.

“David LaChapelle: Inscape of Beauty”: American photographer David LaChapelle will be holding a solo exhibition at the Ara Modern Museum in Insa-dong, Seoul. Throughout his career, he has captured iconic images of global pop idols, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Angelina Jolie, Kanye West, and countless others. The 53-year-old photographer is also best known for his surrealist pieces that present human nature in fantasy-like environments. The exhibition will run from Nov. 19 until Feb. 26. Tickets are 12,000 won for adults, and range from 8,000 won to 10,000 won for students. For more information, visit www.aramuseum.org.

“Nick Knight:Image”: British photographer Nick Knight is holding his first Seoul exhibition at Daelim Museum. Best known for his collaborations with leading design icons, including Alexander McQueen, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent and more, Knight is showcasing some of his never-before-seen photographs and digital images from over the years. The exhibition runs until March 26. Tickets are 5,000 won for adults, and range from 2,000 won to 3,000 won for children. For more information, visit www.daelimmuseum.org.

Classical Music

Pianist Son Yeol-eum (Son Yeol-eum Homepage)
Pianist Son Yeol-eum (Son Yeol-eum Homepage)

Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra & Chung Myung-whun”: Former Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra music director Chung Myung-whun will be returning to the local stage in November, taking the helm of one of the classical world’s greatest ensembles -- the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Chung and the Vienna Philharmonic will perform Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 in F major “Pastorale,” Op. 68” and Brahms’ Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98 at the Seoul Arts Center’s Concert Hall on Wednesday. Ticket prices range from 70,000 won to 380,000 won. For more information, call 1577-5266.

“Chung Kyung-wha: Bach”: Chung Kyung-wha needs no introduction as one of Korea’s most recognized and highly regarded musicians. She first began playing the violin at the age of 6 and was immediately recognized as a child prodigy. She made her concert debut at the tender age of 9 with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, performing the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto. At 13, Chung enrolled at The Juilliard School in New York City and began studying with masters Ivan Galamian and Joseph Szigeti. Chung’s upcoming concert recital will be dedicated to the works of Bach. The performance will be held at Seoul Arts Center’s Concert Hall on Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. Ticket prices range from 40,000 won to 150,000 won. For more information, call 1577-5266.

“San Francisco Symphony”: The world-renowned San Francisco Symphony will perform at the Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall on Nov. 10 at 8 p.m. The concert will be conducted by the symphony’s music director Michael Tilson Thomas, who has been lauded by the San Francisco Examiner as “an enthusiastic ambassador for classical music.” The performance will be accompanied by award-winning classical pianist Lim Dong-hyek. Tickets range from 60,000 won to 280,000 won and can be reserved at ticket.interpark.com. For inquiries, call 1577-5266.

“Clara-Jumi Kang & Son Yeol-eum”: Critically acclaimed Korean violinist Clara-Jumi Kang and pianist Son Yeol-eum will hold a concert together presenting Brahms and Schumann pieces at the Seoul Arts Center on Nov. 17 at 8 p.m. Born in Germany, Kang is an award-winning violinist who has performed with world-class composers and chamber musicians, including Chung Myung-whun, Gidon Kremer and Jian Wang. Born and raised in Korea, Son first gained international recognition when she was chosen as the soloist for New York Philharmonic’s Asia tour in 2004. Tickets range from 30,000 won to 100,000 won and can be reserved at ticket.interpark.com. For inquiries, call (070) 8879-8485.

Theater

A scene from Mr. Show (Mr. Show Production)
A scene from Mr. Show (Mr. Show Production)

“Phantom”: Not to be confused with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Broadway smash hit production “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Phantom” is a musical with music and lyrics by Maury Yeston and based on the novel by Arthur Kopit. The musical’s storyline is often billed as the “hidden and untold” story of the infamous opera ghost. The Korean rendition of the musical will star Park Eun-tae, Park Hyo-shin and Jeon Dong-suk. “Phantom” will be staged at the Blue Square theater in Seoul from Nov. 26 to Feb. 26. Ticket prices range from 60,000 won to 140,000 won. For more information, call 1577-6478.

“Monte Cristo”: Edmund Dantes, a promising young sailor, is awaiting his wedding with the beautiful Mercedes until he is suddenly falsely accused and arrested for conspiracy by the dastardly Mondeo, who is secretly in love with the fair Mercedes. The musical rendition of the famed literary tale of “Monte Cristo” will be held at the Chungmu Art Hall’s Grand Theater in Seoul from Nov. 19 to Feb. 12. It will star Ryu Jeong-han, Um Ki-jun, Kai, Shin Sung-rok. Ticket prices range from 50,000 won to 140,000 won. For more information, call 1577-6478.

“Mr. Show”: By renowned musical director Kolleen Park, the naughty male striptease show “Mr. Show” is returning to the stage this year. The women-only variety show features strapping young men who dance and perform various themed acts that are geared toward tantalizing females. The live show -- only for those 19 and above -- will be staged until Dec. 4 at the Shinhan Card Fan Square’s Live Hall in Seoul. Tickets are 52,000 won and 80,000 won. For more details, call (02) 547-5694.

“Dorian Gray”: CJeS Culture is unveiling its first original production -- a musical adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s 19th century novel “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” Starring K-pop star Kim Jun-su, the musical was scripted by Cho Yong-shin and directed by Lee Gi-na. It also features music composed by Kim Moon-jeong. “Dorian Gray” will be staged until Saturday at the Seongnam Arts Center’s Opera House. Tickets range from 50,000 won to 140,000 won. For more information, call 1577-3363.

“Kinky Boots”: The hit Broadway musical “Kinky Boots” is making its way back to Seoul once again. Based on the book by Tony-winner Harvey Fierstein and with music and lyrics by Tony, Emmy and Grammy-winner Cyndi Lauper, the musical tells the true story of Charlie Price who goes to oddly extreme lengths to save his father’s shoe factory. The local production will star Lee Ji-hoon, Kim Ho-young, Jung Seong-hwa and Kang Jong-seok. “Kinky Boots” will be staged until Nov. 13 at Blue Square in Hannam-dong, Seoul. Tickets range from 60,000 won to 140,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.
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