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Kim Se-jeong

Korea Times K-Culture Reporter

I am covering trend, food and fashion. Previously, I covered diplomacy, city, environment and unification.

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Books

2 Korean publishing associations sue Google, Apple over mandatory in-app purchases

Korea's two publisher associations have filed class-action lawsuits in the United States against two tech giants, Google and Apple, accusing them of enforcing monopolistic in-app purchasing policies and imposing a mandatory commission of up to 30 percent. Currently, users of both Android and Apple devices in Korea must use the tech companies’ in-app payment systems when purchasing e-books or subscribing to book-related applications, and the app developers must pay up to 30 percent commission for each transaction. The Korean Publishers Association (KPA) and the Korea Electronic Publishing Association (KEPA) — whose members include Kyobo Book Centre, Korean online bookstore Yes24 and various webtoon apps — say they are representing the interests of the broader publishing and content industry in these suits. “These companies have long been victims of Big Tech monopolies but were too afraid to take action alone due to fear of retaliation,” Kim Hwan-cheol, chairperson of KEPA and founder of the online novel platform Munpia, said during a press conference in central Seoul, Tuesday. K

Jun 10, 2025By Kim Se-jeong
2 Korean publishing associations sue Google, Apple over mandatory in-app purchases
Arts & Theater

Stage adaptation of 'Hunchback' challenges taboos on disability, desire

"Hunchback,” an acclaimed Japanese novel that drew attention both for unflinching content and the author's disability, will make its world premiere as a theatrical production at the National Theater of Korea in Seoul this week. The play marks the first-ever stage adaptation of the novel by Saou Ichikawa, who lives with congenital myopathy and uses a ventilator and an electric wheelchair. The story centers on Shaka, a woman with a debilitating spinal disorder who refers to herself as a “hunchbacked monster.” The drama unfolds as she offers 100 million yen ($694,000) to a male caregiver in exchange for his help in becoming pregnant and then having an abortion. “Reading 'Hunchback' was both shocking and refreshing,” director Shin Chung said in a recent interview with the National Theater of Korea’s monthly magazine. “It felt like an experience that pushed me beyond the boundaries of what I thought I knew — beyond the limits of my own understanding. As a director, I hoped that creating an accessible performance could become a catalyst for breaking away from the conventional s

Jun 10, 2025By Kim Se-jeong
Stage adaptation of 'Hunchback' challenges taboos on disability, desire
Trends

Matcha craze sweeps Korea’s cafes, supermarkets

There’s something about the color of a matcha latte that draws people in, as if the shade itself has healing powers. Also there’s an undeniable allure to matcha's rich, creamy texture and sweet, earthy flavor. And these days, it feels like everyone is sipping on it. The popularity of matcha, a finely ground powder of specially grown green tea leaves, is sweeping through cafes and dessert shops across Korea. From small independent cafes to major franchise chains, matcha has taken over menus in the form of lattes, cookies and cakes. It’s also turning supermarket snack aisles green, with matcha-flavored Choco Pie — Korea’s version of the Moon Pie — and matcha-flavored Pepero, the chocolate-covered biscuit sticks developed in collaboration with popular cafe Cheongsudang, filling the shelves. Scroll through social media, and you'll find a sea of matcha content. People share photos of their beautifully layered matcha drinks, short videos of green batter swirling into cookies and even do-it-yourself matcha-inspired recipes. Matcha’s appeal goes beyond aesthetics and taste. Matcha is

Jun 10, 2025By Kim Se-jeong
Matcha craze sweeps Korea’s cafes, supermarkets
Travel & Food

6 places to see hydrangeas in full bloom across Korea this summer

As summer unfolds, gardens and forests across Korea transform into a sea of blue, pink and purple. The star of this seasonal spectacle is the hydrangea, a flower known for its globe-like clusters and fascinating, color-changing petals. Native to East Asia and the Americas, hydrangeas captivate flower lovers with their delicate beauty and dramatic hues. Their colors — ranging from soft blues and purples to vibrant pinks — vary depending on soil acidity, adding to their mystique. In Korea, hydrangeas are especially popular during the early summer months, with peak bloom typically occurring between June and early July. Their voluminous blossoms create stunning photo backdrops and attract visitors to gardens, temples and coastal trails where the flowers flourish. Here are some top spots to enjoy hydrangea blossoms and take Instagrammable photos around Korea this summer: 1. Seoul International Garden Show Visitors to the Seoul International Garden Show can find hydrangeas among the diverse floral displays. The 2025 edition, held at Boramae Park in southern Seoul, features 111 themed garden

Jun 6, 2025By Kim Se-jeong
6 places to see hydrangeas in full bloom across Korea this summer
Music

Summer concerts to hear maestro Chung Myung-whun live

June and July are packed with performances by maestro Chung Myung-whun, who was recently appointed the first Asian music director of Italy’s La Scala Theater, stirring excitement among classical music fans in Korea. A pianist and conductor, Chung is currently serving as honorary conductor of KBS Symphony Orchestra and artistic director of Classic Busan, which operates the Busan Concert Hall opening later this month and the Busan Opera House scheduled to open in 2027. He will officially begin his tenure at Italy’s famed opera house in early 2027. On Sunday, Chung will join the KBS Symphony Orchestra and pianist Sunwoo Ye-kwon for an outdoor performance in Busan, featuring Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat Major, Op. 73 “Emperor” and Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67 “Fate.” The same program will be performed in Gyeongju and Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, on June 13 and 14, respectively. On Thursday, Chung will again lead the KBS Symphony Orchestra at Lotte Concert Hall in Seoul for the orchestra’s regular concert. The program includes Beethoven’s “Emperor

Jun 5, 2025By Kim Se-jeong
Summer concerts to hear maestro Chung Myung-whun live
Travel & Food

How to cook at home for slow aging

In Korea, the "slow aging" movement is showing no signs of slowing down. YouTube shorts, lecture clips and cooking videos focused on slow aging are not only abundant but also hugely popular. Social media is equally saturated with related content. At the forefront of this trend is Jung Hee-won, a geriatric specialist at Asan Medical Center. He virtually coined the Korean term "jeosongnohwa," or "slow aging," authored a book on the topic and runs a YouTube channel dedicated to the concept, guiding people toward healthier aging in an era when living to 100 is becoming more common. His lectures and cooking sessions on YouTube have drawn plenty of interest, but what truly excites viewers are his personal recipes and menus. In one viral video, he shared the types of grains he mixed into his steamed rice. Not long after, instant rice bowls featuring his face and recipe appeared in convenience stores and grain mix products named after him hit major online platforms like Coupang. Jung often criticizes the fast-paced Korean lifestyle for promoting what he calls "accelerated aging" and emphasizes

Jun 5, 2025By Kim Se-jeong
How to cook at home for slow aging
Korean Heritage

Korea to celebrate 1st Gugak Day on June 5

Starting this year, Korea will officially celebrate Gugak Day on June 5, marking a new annual occasion to honor and promote the country’s traditional music and dance. According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the celebration will feature a wide range of events in Seoul and across the country. "Gugak," or traditional Korean music, also encompasses various forms of traditional dance. The official designation of Gugak Day was made possible by the Gugak Promotion Act, which was enacted last year. The law mandates the establishment of a day to recognize and promote the genre. “Gugak has long been promoted as part of Korea’s cultural heritage,” a ministry official told The Korea Times. “But with the Gugak Promotion Act in place, the genre will now have better access to financial and human resources.” Unlike K-pop, Korea’s traditional music remains relatively unknown globally and relies heavily on public sector support for production and promotion. “From my experience overseas, Gugak has virtually no recognition outside of Korea. This new law could change that,”

Jun 4, 2025By Kim Se-jeong
Korea to celebrate 1st Gugak Day on June 5
People & Events

Egyptian twin sisters reflect on 11 years of sharing Korea with world

For Salwa Elzeny Mostafa, and her twin sister Esraa, the fascination with Korea began with K-dramas and K-pop — just like many fans around the world. But their decision 11 years ago to become Honorary Reporters for Korea.net, a promotional website run by the Korean government, brought their experience and understanding of Korea to a whole new level. Now, they are among the longest-serving members of the program. “Our journey with Korean culture began over 20 years ago. Our love for Korea started in middle school, when we first watched Korean dramas like ‘Winter Sonata’ (2002) and ‘Boys Over Flowers’ (2009), and listened to K-pop groups like Girls’ Generation, T-ARA, SS501, Super Junior and CNBLUE on Egyptian TV,” Salwa told The Korea Times during a recent Zoom interview. After graduating university, the twins joined Korea.net's Facebook page, called “Korea Clickers,” where they discovered the Honorary Reporter program. Launched 15 years ago by the Korean government, the program produces a variety of content on Korea in 10 languages, some of which is published on Kore

Jun 4, 2025By Kim Se-jeong
Egyptian twin sisters reflect on 11 years of sharing Korea with world
Music

Pianist Won Sook Hur to present Mozart sonata recital in Seoul

Pianist Won Sook Hur will perform six of Mozart’s piano sonatas in her upcoming recital in Seoul, scheduled for June 26. According to the recital's organizer, OPUS, the concert, titled “Mozart: Salzburg and Munich Sonatas,” will be the first in a five-piece series dedicated to Mozart’s entire 18 piano sonatas and 15 variation works. As a music prodigy, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791) composed his first sonata when he was only 10 years old. At the upcoming recital, Hur will perform Sonata K. 279 in C major, K. 280 in F major, K. 281 in B-flat major, K. 282 in E-flat major, K. 283 in G major, and K. 284 in D major — all of which Mozart composed while residing in Munich between 1774 and 1775. Hur is a graduate of Seoul National University and the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. She won first prize at the Valsesia International Music Competition and was also a prizewinner at the Viotti International Music Competition and the Ettore Pozzoli Piano Competition. In addition to numerous solo recitals, Hur has performed at the Kumho Special Concert Series, the Seoul

Jun 3, 2025By Kim Se-jeong
Pianist Won Sook Hur to present Mozart sonata recital in Seoul
Music

Seoul philharmonic music director Jaap van Zweden accused of workplace abuse

Renowned Dutch conductor Jaap van Zweden, currently serving as music director of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra (SPO), has been accused of workplace harassment, including making demeaning remarks to orchestra members and fostering a culture of fear in the orchestras where he previously worked. Van Zweden began his five-year term as music director of the SPO in early 2024 and is also set to begin a new post as music director of the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France in 2026. Previously, he held top posts at several major orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. The allegations were presented in a 47-minute documentary released on May 22 by Pointer, an investigative journalism program produced by Dutch public broadcaster KRO-NCRV. The production team conducted a six-month investigation, interviewing about 50 orchestra members, staff and executives from around the world. Many of the musicians interviewed — most of whom spoke on condition of anonymity — claimed that van Zweden’s behavior was deeply

May 29, 2025By Kim Se-jeong
Seoul philharmonic music director Jaap van Zweden accused of workplace abuse
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