Korea Times Politics & City Reporter
Often found at theaters and museums, Kwon Mee-yoo has covered a wide range of cultural fields from K-pop and dramas to theater and fine art for over a decade. Now as K-Culture Desk editor, she tries to connect Korean culture with global readers through fresh perspectives.
In Korea, tattoos have a history of being stigmatized and associated with criminality. Against this backdrop, a new documentary from BBC 100 Women series sheds light on the lives of female tattoo artists navigating this reality. Titled "Secret Ink," the film will premiere this weekend on the BBC News channel and later be available on the BBC News Korean YouTube channel.
The Korean Cultural Center New York (KCCNY), in collaboration with the Korea National University of Arts (K-Arts), presents "Creatives in Motion," a five-day showcase of rising Korean figures in visual and performing arts, from Jan. 14 to 18. As part of the "K-Arts in New York" series, the program highlights three performances and three exhibitions selected through an open call that drew 155 submissions.
Korean musicals about the independence movement during the 1910-45 Japanese colonial period — a defining yet deeply scarred chapter in the nation’s modern history — are evolving. Moving beyond traditional portrayals of heroic resistance fighters, new works are exploring more multifaceted narratives about those who fought for their country’s freedom.
A wave of Korean literature is set to reach English-language readers in 2025, ranging from a new novel by a Nobel laureate to science fiction bestsellers and heartwarming healing fiction.
Korean singer-songwriter Sogumm collaborated with high-end audio brand KEF to host an intimate evening, creating a unique and immersive sound experience for music enthusiasts.
When artist Park Seo-bo died in November 2023, Korea lost one of its most influential modern art figures, widely known for pioneering the “dansaekhwa” (monochrome painting) movement.
Children dressed as Santa Claus hold candles and sing carols at a day care center in the southwestern city of Gwangju on Christmas Eve, Tuesday. Courtesy of Gwangju Buk District Office
Choi Eung-chon, right, head of the Korea Heritage Service (KHS), observes a replica of the "Flowers and Birds" wall painting at Gyotaejeon Hall at Gyeongbok Palace, downtown Seoul, Wednesday. This copy, along with "Monkeys and Immortal Peaches," was produced through a collaboration between the KHS and Gucci, following a social contribution agreement for preserving, managing and utilizing cultural heritage. Typically closed to the public, Gyotaejeon Hall will temporarily open through Dec. 30, allowing visitors a rare glimpse of these replicated paintings. Courtesy of KHS
When traditional Korean fermentation techniques meet the lush landscapes of Australia, chef Chae Jung-eun crafts an authentic and personal culinary experience.
Korean artist Lee Moka made a dazzling debut on the international art auction when her painting "I’m Not Like Me" (2020) fetched 1.65 million Hong Kong dollars ($211,328 or 300 million won) — more than quadrupling its estimate — at a Phillips sale in Hong Kong, Monday.