K-pop
SEVENTEEN dominates Japan chart with group, unit albums
K-pop band SEVENTEEN achieved a remarkable feat by topping Japan's Oricon daily singles chart for two consecutive days with both its group and subunit releases.
Jan 20, 2025
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.
Read more
Films
Genre films kick off Lunar New Year box-office battle
"Seollal," or the Lunar New Year holiday, has traditionally been a family affair, with many filling movie theaters as they spend time with each other. The film industry is already gearing up for the fierce competition to capture their attention.
Jan 19, 2025
Films
INTERVIEW Kwon Sang-woo aspires to emulate Jackie Chan's action-comedy legacy in 'Hitman 2'
Actor Kwon Sang-woo, who will soon meet audiences with "Hitman 2," expressed his desire to turn this action-comedy flick into a long-running series and remain an action movie star for a long time, like his idol Jackie Chan.
Jan 16, 2025
People & Events
Yoido Church pastor to seek stronger Korea-US ties at Trump inauguration
Lee Young-hoon, senior pastor of Yoido Full Gospel Church, aims to contribute to strengthening the United States-Korea alliance and promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula by attending the inauguration ceremony of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, according to the church on Thursday.
Jan 16, 2025
Trends
Lab-grown diamonds sparkle in Korea’s jewelry market
A 42-year-old Seoul resident, who identified herself only by the family name Seo, recently encountered a pleasant surprise during a jewelry shopping trip. She discovered that lab-grown diamonds, which have the same properties as natural diamonds, come with a significantly lower price tag.
Jan 15, 2025
Trends
INTERVIEW Novita Diamonds CEO shares insights into future of lab-grown gems
The global diamond market is undergoing a transformative shift, with lab-grown diamonds emerging as a formidable force. This shift is particularly evident in Korea, where these ethically sourced and cost-effective gems are quickly gaining popularity, carving out a niche in the wedding and anniversary jewelry sectors, according to Iris Arnold, CEO and founder of the U.K.-based jewelry company Novita Diamonds.
Jan 14, 2025
Films
‘Love Letter’ reclaims Korean hearts after lead actor’s passing
Is there a Japanese film that resonates with Koreans as much as "Love Letter"? The 1995 romance film was rereleased in Korea on Jan. 1 and has been gaining considerable popularity again, drawing over 50,000 viewers in nine days.
Jan 11, 2025
People & Events
Australian war memorial misrepresents Chinese clothing as hanbok, sparks controversy
The Australian War Memorial's misrepresenting Chinese clothing as traditional Korean attire is sparking controversy. Despite calls for correction, the display remains in place, professor Seo Kyoung-duk, known for his efforts to rectify misinformation about Korea, said Friday.
Jan 10, 2025
Films
INTERVIEW European filmmaker duo draws inspiration from Busan
Busan, Korea’s second-largest city, is quickly becoming a vibrant hub for international artistic exchange, thanks to its charming port city atmosphere and strong global networks, highlighted by the long-established Busan International Film Festival (BIFF).
Jan 10, 2025