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.
Pianist Cho Seong-jin stands to takes a bow after playing Shostakovich’s piano concerto with the Philharmonia Orchestra, conducted by Santtu-Matias Rouvali, at the Southbank Centre in London, Sept. 24. It was the second time for the 2015 Chopin Piano Competition winner to play with the renowned British orchestra this year. Courtesy of Korean Cultural Centre U.K.
Sixteen students from Hebrew University's Korean studies program embarked on a journey in late August to build a cultural bridge between the two countries while experiencing the sounds of Korea ― from the pulsating beats of K-pop to the unique sounds of the country's traditional music ― emboldened by a passion for cultural understanding and innovation.
Culture Minsiter Park Bo-gyoon, sixth from right, and Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul Joy Sakurai, fifth from right, cut the tape during the opening ceremony of "Journey Together," a special exhibition commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Korea-U.S. alliance at the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History in downtown Seoul, Thursday. The exhibit features some 185 artifacts showcasing the two countries' deep cooperation in diplomatic, defense, economic and cultural fields, including the "Denny Taegeukgi," the oldest remaining prototype of Korea's national flag named after Owen Denny, an American consul who served as a diplomatic adviser to King Gojong in the late 19th century. Yonhap
Visitors wearing "hanbok" (traditional Korean dress) take pictures at the newly restored Gyejodang Hall of Gyeongbok Palace in central Seoul, Wednesday. The Gyejodang Hall was used as an office of crown princes of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910) but demolished by the Japanese colonial government soon after the annexation of Korea by Japan in 1910. The Cultural Heritage Administration started the resotration project in 2018 and the restored building is open to the public starting Wednesday. Yonhap
Ambassador of Poland to Korea Piotr Ostaszewski speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at the embassy in central Seoul, Aug. 29. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-sukBy Kwon Mee-yooIn a climate of increasing global uncertainties, the diplomatic relationship between Korea and Poland is flourishing, particularly in the realm of defense and arms cooperation. Recent high-level visits and strategic agreements have cemented this alliance, with Poland's acquisition of Korean-made FA-50GF fighter planes serving as a notable symbol of the deepening ties. As both nations navigate complex regional and international landscapes, their strengthened partnership in defense signifies a mutual commitment to long-term security and stability."I think it is my luck in my life that (as an ambassador) I am in the best place at the right moment," Polish Ambassador to Korea Piotr Ostaszewski said during an interview with The Korea Times, Aug. 29.His remark captures the timing of a Korea-Poland relationship that's not just flourishing, but literally "armed” for success.Before stepping into the dipl
The National Gugak Center will present Jongmyo Jeryeak at the Erkel Theatre in Budapest, Hungary, Sept. 21 and the Warsaw Philharmonic Hall in Warsaw, Poland, Sept. 25. Courtesy of NGCBy Kwon Mee-yooFor the first time, Jongmyo Jeryeak, a traditional form of Korean court music that has a history spanning over six centuries, is set to be showcased in Hungary and Poland later this month.The National Gugak Center will introduce this ritualistic music for Jongmyo, the royal shrine of the 1392-1910 Joseon Kingdom, to audiences in Central Europe at the Erkel Theatre in Budapest, Hungary, Sept. 21 and the Warsaw Philharmonic Hall in Warsaw, Poland, Sept. 25.Both events will feature a full-length performance of Jongmyo Jeryeak, accompanied with special lectures, costume demonstrations and exhibitions.This trip marks a new cultural outreach to Eastern Europe. While the ritual music has previously been performed in West European countries such as France and Germany, these upcoming performances will be the first of their kind in Central Europe. The performances aim to establish a cultural bridge
New director of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) Kim Sung-hee, right, poses with Culture Minister Park Bo-gyoon during her appointment ceremony at the Seoul branch of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in Yongsan District, central Seoul, Friday. The ministry named Kim to lead the nation's flagship art museum for three years, starting Monday. Kim was a professor at Hongik University and served as executive director for the CAN Foundation, a nonprofit art center. Courtesy of Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Kim Soo-ja's "Beyond the Forest" is drawn with the simple yet profound medium of colored pencils. Courtesy of the artistBy Kwon Mee-yooIn an era where the hustle and bustle caused by social network services fills our days, Kim Soo-ja, an illustrator whose career dates back 40 years, invites visitors to pause and reflect on at her latest exhibition "Concentric Circles."The exhibit, running through Sept. 20 at Gallery Dam in central Seoul, presents 26 artworks Kim created with her simple yet profound medium of choice ― colored pencils ― to share her personal journey through illness and recovery.Commonly seen as the first step for children into the world of art, colored pencils actually have a history that go back to ancient Greece. Kim finds a connection between the simplicity of colored pencils and her own approach to art and uses these ancient drawing tools to erase the "stains" left by the fast-paced digital era.Kim's works, mostly on circular canvas, are results of countless hand movements, painstakingly crafted to give a glimpse of the “essence of life beyond the tangible wo
Drones spell out "Blue House Concert" above the heliport of the former presidential compound Cheong Wa Dae, Saturday, during the first segment of the 2023 Blue House Concert series hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Courtesy of National Symphony OrchestraPianist Sunwoo Yekwon, the first Korean to win the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 2017, plays the piano during the Blue House Concert held at the heliport of Cheong Wa Dae, Saturday. Over 3,000 citizens attended the concert on Saturday and Sunday, enjoying classical music, traditional Korean music and K-pop. Courtesy of National Symphony Orchestra
An Indonesian model wears "hanbok," or traditional Korean attire, during the "Hanbok Wave" fashion show at Korea 360 in Jakarta, Indonesia, Friday. Courtesy of KCDFBy Kwon Mee-yoo"Hanbok" the traditional Korean garment took center stage in Jakarta last Friday, as the Korea Craft and Design Foundation (KCDF) showcased both its classic and contemporary interpretations in a fashion show.The fashion event, took place at Korea 360, a promotion center for Korean products at Lotte Shopping Avenue in Jakarta, Indonesia, showcasing the evolution of hanbok and marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Indonesia.Under the theme "Old Future," the show featured a variety of hanbok styles that spanned both traditional and modern interpretations. A total of 22 hanboks were presented, including 10 traditional pieces that captured the essence of Korean heritage, and 12 modern pieces that offered a fresh, contemporary twist on the classic attire.On the traditional side, the KCDF showcased reproduced hanboks inspired by garments from the Goryeo Kingdom (918-1392) and the Jo