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Baek Byung-yeul

Korea Times K-Culture Reporter

Baek Byung-yeul is a journalist at The Korea Times focused on cultural content, including films and cultural events in South Korea. You can contact him at baekby@koreatimes.co.kr to share your insights.

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People & Events

'Tazza' story writer, Busan webtoon festival director win top Manhwa Day honors

Writer Kim Se-young and cartoonist Nam Jung-hoon were selected as the recipients of Achievement Award at the 25th Manhwa Day ceremony, scheduled for Monday, the Korea Cartoonists Association announced Wednesday. Manhwa refers to Korean comics and cartoons. The association chose the two creators to recognize Kim's pioneering role in establishing the independent value of comic storytelling and Nam's dedication to building the comics ecosystem in Busan. Shin Il-sook, president of the Korea Cartoonist Association, praised Kim as "a pioneer who opened up the horizon of Korean manhwa storytelling and mentor who inspired junior writers," and Nam as "a reliable lighthouse that sustained the regional comics ecosystem." Kim has influenced Korea’s comics scene since his debut in 1973, having written the scripts for nearly 200 stories. His collaboration with veteran cartoonist Huh Young-man produced masterpieces such as “Oh, Han River,” “Mr. Q” and the “Tazza” series. Through these and other works, including “Rainbow Chaser” and “Gamble City,” Kim showed how important the comic

Oct 29, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
'Tazza' story writer, Busan webtoon festival director win top Manhwa Day honors
Travel & Food

Ancient Silla capital illuminated for APEC

As the APEC meetings started with the opening of APEC week on Monday, the host city of Gyeongju — once the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom (57 B.C.-935 A.D.) — unveiled its transformation into an after-hours masterpiece through illumination and multimedia art. By combining cutting-edge technology with its world-renowned heritage sites, Gyeongju is offering unforgettable nighttime experiences for delegates and tourists from APEC member economies. With more people seeking after-dark cultural experiences, Gyeongju is reimagining its historical sites, including Woljeong Bridge, Cheomseongdae, Daereungwon royal tomb complex, and Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond as luminous nightscapes that blend ancient storytelling with digital spectacle. At the heart of the city is Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, once a Silla royal garden and pavilion complex. The site glows with soft lighting focused on the tranquil pond and restored structures, creating a serene yet majestic atmosphere perfect for evening strolls and photography. Nearby, the magnificent wooden structure of Woljeong Bridge shines w

Oct 29, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
Ancient Silla capital illuminated for APEC
Films

Korean cinema gets needed boost from 'Good News,' 'World of Love'

Despite persistent concerns about a prolonged slump in Korean cinema, the latter half of the year is seeing a promising turnaround, fueled by a pair of critically acclaimed films instilling hope in audiences and the industry. Following award-winning director Park Chan-wook’s new work, “No Other Choice,” which premiered at the Venice Film Festival in late August and was released here in September, the momentum is being carried by two highly praised films that offer distinctly different cinematic experiences — Netflix’s black comedy movie “Good News” by director Byun Sung-hyun and independent film “The World of Love” from director Yoon Ga-eun. ‘Good News’ hailed as Byun Sung-hyun’s best work Released on Netflix on Oct. 17, “Good News” is a sharp black comedy based on the actual 1970 Yodogo hijacking incident, portraying the suspicious operation of officials determined to land the hijacked airplane at a disguised airport. The movie stars Sul Kyung-gu, Hong Kyung and Ryoo Seung-bum. The film has been hailed by film critics and fans as director Byun’s best work t

Oct 28, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
Korean cinema gets needed boost from 'Good News,' 'World of Love'
Foreign Affairs

POLL Most Koreans say APEC enhances Gyeongju’s image

More than eight in 10 Koreans expect the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting to bring significant international recognition to the historic city of Gyeongju in North Gyeongsang Province. The poll, commissioned by The Korea Times, reflects a national hope that the global exposure will elevate the former capital of the Silla Kingdom (57 BCE-935 CE) beyond its current status as a cultural destination. The survey, which polled public sentiment ahead of the major diplomatic gathering, found that a resounding 85 percent of 1,004 Koreans aged 18 or above believe the APEC event will help promote the city to the world, while only 14 percent thought the event would not help Gyeongju’s global profile. The strong national optimism reflects a widespread desire to see Gyeongju leverage the international spotlight to transition from a national historical destination, best known for its many UNESCO World Heritage sites, to a global city. The main APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting is set to take place from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1, along with the APEC CEO Summit from Oct. 29 to 31 and other ministerial meetings.

Oct 27, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
[POLL] Most Koreans say APEC enhances Gyeongju’s image
Korean Heritage

Smile of Silla: How ancient tile became face of APEC 2025

As Gyeongju prepares to host the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1, the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom (57 BCE-935 CE) is shining a spotlight on one of its most iconic artifacts: a sumaksae, or roof-end tile, featuring a gentle human face, widely known as the “Smile of Silla.” Also called the “millennium smile” for capturing the long-lasting spirit of Silla, the tile was chosen for the official emblem for APEC events. It represents Korea’s message of warmth, harmony and enduring spirit as it welcomes leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region. Smile for a thousand years The tile was discovered in the early 20th century at the site where Yeongmyo Temple once stood. Measuring just 11.5 centimeters in diameter, the tile may be small, but it holds extraordinary cultural and emotional value. It was more than just a decorative ornament — the tile also served a practical purpose capping off the ends of traditional Silla-era roofs. Unlike most end tiles from the period, which were mass-produced using molds, this particular piece was sculpted by hand,

Oct 26, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
Smile of Silla: How ancient tile became face of APEC 2025
Films

Yoon Ga-eun's 'The World of Love' heads to Tokyo Filmex competition

Director Yoon Ga-eun’s new feature “The World of Love” was officially invited to the competition section of Japan’s leading indie movie festival Tokyo Filmex, following a series of invitations and awards at major international film festivals. The film's invitation to the festival follows its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, and notable wins including the Roberto Rossellini Jury Award and Audience Award at the Pingyao International Film Festival and the Fipresci Prize at the Warsaw International Film Festival. "The World of Love" delves into the turbulent inner life of 18-year-old high school student Lee Joo-in (Seo Su-bin), who appears charming and sure of herself, hiding a painful history. Her world is disrupted when a classmate starts a petition to protest the return of a notorious child sex offender to their neighborhood. While every student signs without hesitation, Joo-in solely refuses to sign. This leads to a tense confrontation and she soon begins receiving mysterious notes. The film explores complex social and emotional issues, arguing that heal

Oct 23, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
Yoon Ga-eun's 'The World of Love' heads to Tokyo Filmex competition
Travel & Food

Officials prep Korea Welcome Week for APEC summit, tourists

The government is launching Korea Welcome Week, from Thursday to Nov. 9 at major entry points to capitalize on the expected surge in visitors ahead of the upcoming APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said Thursday. Co-hosted by the ministry and the Visit Korea Committee, Korea Welcome Week is designed to welcome and assist overseas tourists. The event features welcome booths at key transportation hubs — including Incheon International Airport, Gyeongju Station, Gimhae International Airport and Busan Port — offering various benefits and conveniences related to shopping and transportation. Korea Welcome Week is scheduled to coincide with the 2025 APEC event, which will take place in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. The tourism ministry expects the APEC event to act as a springboard for both qualitative and quantitative growth in the inbound tourism sector. "As the inbound tourism market is rapidly revitalizing, we will continue to use the welcome week and similar initiatives to ensure foreign visitors can travel more

Oct 23, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
Officials prep Korea Welcome Week for APEC summit, tourists
Trends

Occult webtoon 'Mirae's Antique Shop' wins Grand Prize at World Webtoon Awards

“Mirae's Antique Shop,” an occult webtoon by author Gu A-jin, clinched the prestigious Grand Prize at the 2025 World Webtoon Awards, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said Wednesday. Co-hosted by the ministry and the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), the second annual World Webtoon Awards recognized the year’s best webtoon works from around the globe. The ministry said this year's competition was fierce as around 1,400 webtoons and online comics competed for the top honors. "I shed tears when I saw the video announcing my work was selected for the Grand Prize," Gu said at the award ceremony held at Lotte Cinema World Tower in Seoul. "There is still a long way to go for 'Mirae's Antique Shop,' but this award gives me great strength to complete the series well." "Mirae's Antique Shop" tells the story of Mirae, a young shaman who uses exorcism to save the world from destruction. “Judges highly praised the work's solid narrative and elegant artwork,” the ministry said. The judging panel selected 10 winners for the main awards. They are: "The Uncanny Counter," "Myst, M

Oct 22, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
Occult webtoon 'Mirae's Antique Shop' wins Grand Prize at World Webtoon Awards
Trends

World Webtoon Festival grows into global celebration of online comics

“I learned about this event while traveling in Korea, and I’m so glad I could buy merchandise for my favorite webtoon,” said a visitor from Taiwan, a fan of the popular webtoon “The Remarried Empress,” with a shopping bag full of exclusive merchandise. She was among the many international fans flocking to Seoul as the 2025 World Webtoon Festival transforms Lotte Town Jamsil into a global hub for comics lovers. Now in its second year, the festival has been expanded both in scale and ambition, drawing visitors from around the world to celebrate the growing influence of webtoons in global entertainment and pop culture. With a more international atmosphere and an array of fan-centered experiences, this year’s edition underscores how Korea’s homegrown digital comics have become a worldwide phenomenon. Co-hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), the four-day event running from Sunday to Wednesday transformed the Lotte Town Jamsil complex in southeastern Seoul into a hub for webtoons, or online comics. The festival offer

Oct 22, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
World Webtoon Festival grows into global celebration of online comics
Films

Sul Kyung-gu on tackling enigmatic role in Netflix black comedy ‘Good News’

Veteran actor Sul Kyung-gu confessed he struggled with the mysterious role of Nobody in the Netflix film “Good News,” but ultimately put his faith in director Byun Sung-hyun for their fourth film together. "This was a role I'd never done before," Sul said during an interview with The Korea Times at a cafe in Seoul, Monday. "It was the first time I was given such an abstract character, and I felt confused. I questioned my own acting until the very end." He explained that Byun intentionally crafted his character Nobody to be detached from others and exaggerated. He added that the character's unusual nature sometimes required him to act as a commentator, looking directly at the camera, which he found awkward. "The director said that all the characters are somewhat 'floating,' and I had to 'float' even more. I developed the character by trying to look flashy and dramatic, like someone putting on a show for those in charge,” he said. Released on Oct. 17, “Good News” is a black comedy-drama inspired by the 1970 Yodogo hijacking incident, where members of the Japanese Red Army Faction

Oct 20, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
Sul Kyung-gu on tackling enigmatic role in Netflix black comedy ‘Good News’
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