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.
Director Bong Joon-ho's Hollywood movie "Mickey 17" has surpassed 1 million moviegoers at the Korean box office in just four days since its release, reaffirming the Korean director's strong appeal with audiences.
Dahyun, best known as a vibrant member of the K-pop band TWICE, has taken a leap into the world of acting, making her debut in a recently released teem romance film, “You Are the Apple of My Eye.” Revealing her goal as an actor, she expressed her desire to bring joy and comfort to audiences, adding that she will continue to keep balancing acting and singing.
Korean animated film “Exorcism Chronicles: The Beginning" is sweeping through cinemas, not just as a box office hit but as a nostalgic revival that's deeply resonating with fans of the classic occult novel.
At Gyeongbok Palace, an Indonesian tourist marveled at the blend of ancient architecture and the modern skyline of Seoul. "I was captivated by Korean palaces and Joseon-era culture (1392-1910) after watching the Korean drama 'Princess Hours.' Despite the cold weather, I visited Korea to experience how traditional culture coexists with modernity here," the tourist said. The tourist is among millions of international visitors who, drawn by Korean period dramas and Korean movies and a fascination with Korean heritage, have flocked to the four royal palaces from the Joseon Dynasty in Seoul in record numbers in recent years. In 2024, Gyeongbok Palace, Changdeok Palace, Deoksu Palace, Changgyeong Palace and Jongmyo Shrine collectively welcomed over 13 million visitors. For the first time, more than 3 million were foreign tourists, according to the Korea Heritage Service. While Seoul’s palaces have long been popular tourist attractions, the range of nationalities visiting them has notably expanded. "It’s not surprising that these palaces and Jongmyo Shrine continue to attract large numbers o
Seoul's four major royal palaces — Gyeongbok Palace, Changdeok Palace, Deoksu Palace and Changgyeong Palace — along with Jongmyo Shrine, witnessed an unprecedented influx of visitors in 2024, collectively welcoming over 13 million guests. Marked by a notable rise in global fascination with Korea's royal heritage, over 3 million foreign visitors came to experience Korean royal culture last year for the first time, according to reports from the Korea Heritage Service (KHS). Experts say this surge of interest in the legacies of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) is attributed to several factors, including the global influence of Korean pop culture, known as "hallyu" (Korean wave), designation as UNESCO World Heritage sites and the immersive cultural experiences they offer to visitors. Hallyu, strategic location fuel growth Seoul's palaces serve as tangible links to the Joseon Dynasty's 500-year legacy. Gyeongbok Palace, established in 1395, was the dynasty's primary palace. Changdeok Palace, Changgyeong Palace and Deoksu Palace each played pivotal roles during periods of political upheaval
The upcoming mystery and comedy film "The Noisy Mansion" aims to explore how severe inter-floor noise can devastate one's life, based on the director Lee Ru-da's personal struggles with the issue.
The 75th Berlin International Film Festival is currently taking place in the German capital, featuring numerous filmmakers and industry officials attending one of the world's most prominent film festivals.
The Korean Film Council (KOFIC) and the Saudi Film Commission (SFC) launched an executive collaboration program to strengthen cooperation in the film sector, foster cultural exchange and promote the film industry's growth between the two countries, they said Friday.
Acclaimed Korean director Bong Joon-ho said his upcoming film "Mickey 17," starring British actor Robert Pattinson, aims to convey that human nature persists even in the face of extreme adversity.
A high school boy, devoid of dreams and passion, falls in love with a girl in his class and undergoes a journey of growth before finally confessing his feelings. "You Are the Apple of My Eye" evokes the fresh, sweet memories of first love that everyone cherishes. While the story treads familiar ground, its charm remains undeniable.