Eric Nam releases all-English album Eric Nam's new album “Before We Begin.” Captured from Eric Nam's InstagramBy Cho Hae-minKorean-American singer Eric Nam's new album “Before We Begin” is set to be released at 6 p.m. Thursday. This is his first all-English album. It has eight songs: “Come Through,” “You're Sexy I'm Sexy,” “How'm I Doing,” “Wonder,” “No Shame,” “Congratulations,” “Runaway” and the pre-release single “Love Die Young.” Nam recently finished a successful European concert tour that began in Portugal in June. He went on a press tour in the United States last week. Nam debuted with the single “Heaven's Door” in January 2013. His latest digital single is “Runaway,” released on April 8. Nov 14, 2019
Hip-hop group Dynamic Duo in comeback Dynamic Duo's ninth album cover. Captured from Gaeko's InstagramBy Cho Hae-minKorean hip-hop group Dynamic Duo is set to make a comeback with its ninth album, ending a four-year hiatus.The group's agency, Amoeba Culture, said Nov. 13 that the group will return with the album “OFF DUTY” on Nov. 26.Its cover was revealed on the group's official Instagram on Nov.12. Members Choiza and Gaeko are shown as a pig and a dog riding in an old BMW convertible. Dynamic Duo made its debut with the 2004 album “Taxi Driver.” Its most recent album was “Grand Carnival,” released in Nov. 2015.Nov 13, 2019
Cellist-turned-conductor Chang Han-na tours Korea with Trondheim Symphony Orchestra Maestro Han-Na Chang speaks during a press conference at the Plaza Hotel in central Seoul, Monday. Courtesy of CREDIABy Anna J. ParkChang Han-na, 36, chief conductor and music director of Norway's Trondheim Symphony Orchestra, is presenting concerts in Korea this week with the orchestra she has been leading since 2017. Starting this evening at the Seoul Arts Center in the capital, Chang and the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra will perform three more concerts in Busan, Daegu and Iksan, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, respectively. This is the 110-year-old Norwegian orchestra's first visit to Korea and the tour is more special as Korea is the motherland of the orchestra's chief conductor. It is also Chang's first visit to Korea in more than five years, since she led a music festival as the music director and conductor in the summer of 2014. “I am very glad and excited that I am able to share the joy of music with the Korean people. This year particularly marks the 60th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties with Norway, as well as the 25th anniversary of my musical debut; I am vNov 12, 2019By Anna J. Park
British rock band reveals nervous excitement about Seoul concert From left to right, Ben Lovett, Marcus Mumford, Winston Marshall and Ted Dwane from Mumford & Sons/ Courtesy of Live Nation KraBy Jung Hae-myoung Mumford & Sons, a British folk rock band that performs with various musical instruments, will have its first performance in Korea this November. Prior to their visit, Ben Lovett ― who plays accordion as well as piano, synthesizers and sometimes vocals in the band ― had an interview with The Korea Times to give a sneak peek into their Seoul concert.Lovett said the band was thrilled to be able to tour Asia. He said the members of Mumford & Sons love traveling which was also a big reason why they set up the band in the first place. “I don't believe any of us have ever been to Korea, let alone play a show, so there's that nervous excitement about what it's going to be like,” Lovett said. Mumford & Sons will perform at MUV Hall near Hongik University in western Seoul, Nov. 15, as part of their Asian Tour 2019. / Courtesy of Live Nation KoreaMumford & Sons was founded back in December 2007 in the U.K. by Marcus MumNov 12, 2019
IU reveals new teaser video for comeback song IU is preparing for her comeback on Nov. 18. Korea Times fileBy Cho Hae-minKorean singer IU has released a new teaser video for her latest song “Above the Time.”The song is the sequel to “You and I,” which was the lead track on the second studio album “Last Fantasy,” released on Nov. 29, 2011.Actor Lee Hyun-woo from the teaser video. Korea Times fileKorean actor Lee Hyun-woo, best known for the 2013 action film “Secretly, Greatly,” played the main role in the “You and I” video. He was discharged from the military on Oct. 19 and also stars in the “Above the Time” video. IU is set to make a comeback with her new album on Nov. 18. Nov 11, 2019
Mamamoo reveals track list of 'reality in BLACK' Mamamoo's track list for its new album. Captured from Mamamoo's InstagramBy Cho Hae-minKorean girl group Mamamoo has revealed the track list for its second full album “reality in BLACK” on its official Instagram. Member Hwasa participated in the lyric writing and composition for the lead song “Hip.” Solar composed and wrote the lyrics of the last track “I'm Your Fan.” Other songs include “Destiny,” “Universe,” “Ten Nights,” “4x4ever,” “Better,” “Hello Mama,” “ZzZz,” “rEALITY” and “High Tension.”Mamamoo's new concept photo was also revealed, with the caption “what if MMM is not MMM?” with their concept of a parallel universe and each member showing different personas.The album is set to be released at 6 p.m. Nov. 14. Nov 8, 2019
Rapper Drake launches cannabis brand Drake. WikipediaRapper Drake has partnered with Canopy Growth on a new cannabis venture, the company announced Thursday, expanding the Canadian pot giant's list of celebrity backers.He joins Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg in partnering with Canopy Growth.The new company, More Life Growth Company, will be based in Drake's hometown of Toronto.Drake will own 60 percent of the company, while Canopy will retain a 40-percent stake and distribution rights, and run its day-to-day operations."Drake's perspective as a culture leader and entrepreneur combined with Canopy Growth's breadth of cannabis knowledge will allow our new company to bring an unmatched cannabis experience to global markets," Canopy chief executive Mark Zekulin said in a statement.For his part, Drake called the business venture "really exciting." "The idea of being able to build something special in an industry that is ever growing has been inspiring. More Life and More Blessing," he said.Comedians Rogen and Goldberg ("Superbad," "Pineapple Express" and "This is the End") launched Houseplant in MarNov 8, 2019
Members of After School reunited Nana, Lizzy and Jooyeon enjoy the birthday party. Captured from Nana's InstagramBy Cho Hae-minNana, a member of K-pop girl group After School, has uploaded a photo with former members Lizzy and Jooyeon to her Instagram.The photo showed them enjoying the birthday party of a friend.Nana has appeared in various television dramas and most recently starred in KBS's 2019 drama “Justice.”The group debuted in January 2009, releasing the single album “New Schoolgirl” with lead single “Ah!” The group is known for frequent member changes. It also performed as “units,” Orange Caramel in 2010 and After School Red and Blue in 2011. Currently with the group are Nana, Raina and E-Young.Nov 7, 2019
Mina looks healthy in new Instagram photo Mina, a member of K-pop girl group TWICE, posted this selfie to Instagram. Captured from TWICE's official Instagram.By Cho Hae-minMina, a member of K-pop idol group TWICE, who is resting due to a health problem, has uploaded a new photo to Instagram that shows her looking healthy. The photo, a selfie showing her with a Lego model she completed, has the caption “strangerthings.” Mina pulled out of TWICE's world tour due to a mental health problem and has been resting since August.But she surprised fans with a special appearance for TWICE's fourth anniversary fan meeting on Oct. 20 at Korea University's Hwajeong Gymnasium.TWICE recently announced it will play two additional concerts in Tokyo next year.Nov 5, 2019
IU reveals another teaser photo IU's new teaser image. Captured from IU's TwitterBy Cho Hae-minK-pop singer IU has revealed another teaser photo for her upcoming album “Love poem” through her official SNS, Twitter, Oct. 28.Compared to the prior teaser image with blue hair, the new image shows IU staring with gray hair.Her fifth mini album, “Love Poem,” is set to be released on at 6 p.m. on Nov. 1.Her songs and performance will be revealed during her tour concert that will begin in November. Oct 29, 2019
