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.
What do Tony Award-winning designer Linda Cho, the captivating Ruthie Ann Miles of "Sweeney Todd" and newcomer Hwang Joo-min of "& Juliet" have in common? They are part of an expanding circle of talents of Korean descent or origin who are transforming Broadway, signaling a shift toward greater inclusivity and diversity.
From left, National Palace Museum of Korea Director Jeong Yong-jae, Denver Art Museum Director Christoph Heinrich, Cleveland Museum of Art Korean Art Curator Sooa Im McCormick, Amorepacific Museum of Art Director Jeon Seung-chang and Gyeonggi Ceramic Museum Director Kang Myoung-ho pose for a photo during the signing ceremony for the memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the Joseon Dynasty Heritage Project at the National Palace Museum of Korea in central Seoul, Friday. These five Korean and U.S. organizations signed the MOU to foster a cooperative relationship focused on the exhibition, research and utilization of cultural heritage from the Joseon royal court. Courtesy of Korea Heritage Service
Chef Park Jung-hyun, also known as JP, is at the forefront of culinary innovation at his New York restaurant Atomix, where he masterfully combines deep-rooted Korean traditions with modern gastronomy. Each dish, from the delicately flavored baby sea bream accented with gim bugak (seaweed chips) and kimchi to the zest of cheongju mieum (refined rice wine porridge) topped with firefly squid and sea urchin, tells a story of cultural exploration and gastronomic excellence.
A celebration of Korean culture is set to captivate audiences worldwide through a series of exhibitions and performances across 17 Korean Cultural Centers in 16 countries.
Illustrator Wooh Na-young, left, also known by her pen name Obsidian, poses with Korea Heritage Service (KHS) head Choi Eung-chon at Gajeongdang Hall in central Seoul's Changdeok Palace, Friday, as Wooh was appointed as an honorary ambassador for the KHS. The KHS also announced a collaboration with Walt Disney Company Korea to enhance the cultural impact of Korean heritage through Disney brands and to develop joint content and products. Courtesy of KHS
The official banquets for the Korea-Africa Summit showcased a fusion of Korean culture and the vibrant energy of Africa, pointing to a future of mutual cooperation and cultural exchange.
When I visited New York about a decade ago, Korea was almost non-existent in the city, except for the narrow stretch of Koreatown on 32nd Street. However, the situation has changed drastically. Today, it is common to see and experience Korean culture in New York in a variety of forms and locations.
NEW YORK — "I think soju is just starting to gain traction in America," said Irene Yoo, a Korean American chef and content creator behind Yooeating.
NEW YORK — Nestled in the heart of midtown Manhattan, just a stone's throw from Koreatown, the Korean Cultural Center New York (KCCNY) has opened its new home in February, 15 years after acquiring the land. This strategic location is not just a geographic choice but a statement of purpose to bring Korean culture closer to the heart of one of the world's most vibrant cities.
"Hansik," or Korean food, continues to gain awareness internationally with soju (a Korean clear distilled alcoholic drink) and bibimbap (rice mixed with meat and vegetables) leading the surge in popularity, according to the latest Korean Food Promotion Institute findings.