Lifestyle - The Korea Times

Actress Moon Chae-won to marry in June

Moon Chae-won is set to tie the knot in June, her agency said Wednesday. "Moon Chae-won has met a precious partner and is preparing to get married this June," Blitzway Entertainment said Wednesday. Her fiancé is not a celebrity, and the wedding will be held privately with family members and close relatives. "We ask for your understanding that it is difficult to disclose specific details out of consideration for both families," the agency said. "We would appreciate it if you could send warm blessings for Moon Chae-won’s new beginning." Moon debuted in 2007 through the SBS drama “Mackerel Run” and has since built a solid career in both television and film. Her notable works include the dramas “Painter of the Wind,” “Brilliant Legacy,” “The Princess’ Man,” “Good Doctor” and “Flower of Evil,” as well as the films “Love Forecast,” “Fengshui” and “Heartman.” This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.

Apr 15, 2026By Hankookilbo

EXO ex-member Tao sparks health scare after fans notice ‘purple lips’ on livestream

Former EXO member Tao has found himself at the center of a sudden health scare after fans pointed out what they described as “abnormally purple lips” during a recent livestream. The incident unfolded while Tao was broadcasting with his wife, Xu Yiyang. Some viewers flooded the chat with concern, saying his lip color looked unusual and urging him to undergo a heart checkup. Tao initially brushed off the comments, appearing unconcerned. However, Xu reacted differently, telling him, “Don’t say that — you should really get it checked,” showing visible worry during the broadcast. As speculation spread online, Xu addressed the situation on April 7, saying Tao had already undergone a basic health checkup last year and plans to receive a more detailed examination this year. Tao debuted in 2012 as a member of EXO, one of K-pop’s most globally recognized groups, before leaving the group in 2015 and returning to China to pursue a solo career. Xu, his wife, is a former trainee under SM Entertainment. The couple went public with their relationship in 2020 and held their wedding in Sanya

Apr 11, 2026By Xportsnews

EXO ex-member Tao sparks health scare after fans notice ‘purple lips’ on livestream

Korean writers head to US, aiming for wider readership

Three Korean and two Korean American authors will gather in Los Angeles next week for a series of readings and discussions, part of a concerted effort to broaden the reach of Korean literature among American readers. The program, “Korean Literature: The Language of Love and the Future,” runs from April 15 to 19 and is a collaboration between the Literature Translation Institute of Korea (LTI Korea) and the Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles. The initiative, which coincides with the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, represents a strategic move by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to ensure that the global fascination with Korean culture translates into a lasting presence on international bookshelves. The participating writers include novelists Park Sang-young and Cheon Seon-ran, poet Lee Min-ha, Korean American novelist Crystal Hana Kim and poet Jennifer Kwon Dobbs. The five will gather for a panel discussion titled “Voices of Love and the Future, Beyond Boundaries” on April 17, held in conjunction with the 11th Korean Culture Festival at California State University,

Apr 10, 2026By Jhoo Dong-chan

Korean writers head to US, aiming for wider readership

From curiosity to contribution, Indian economist reflects on Seoul Honorary Citizenship

When Gouranga Das first turned his attention to Korea, it was purely academic. A development economist trained in India, Australia and the United States, he was drawn to the country's extraordinary postwar growth — the so-called "Miracle on the Han River" — and its potential lessons for other developing nations, including his own. “I came to Korea out of academic interest in its economic growth, particularly in comparison with India, which was also a developing country at the time,” Das, a professor of economics at Hanyang University’s ERICA campus, told The Korea Times. He noted that both countries share a history of colonialism and that he sought to explore lessons from Korea’s experience. What began as a research visit eventually became a life. Teaching and employment opportunities in Korea emerged and Das stayed. He has now lived in Korea for 24 years — a journey that earned him Seoul's honorary citizenship in November 2025. “Alongside academic motivation, the opportunity to be employed here played an important role in my decision to settle in Korea,” he said. Seoul

Apr 9, 2026By Jung Da-hyun

From curiosity to contribution, Indian economist reflects on Seoul Honorary Citizenship

Remains of soldier killed in Korean War return home after 75 years

The remains of a South Korean soldier killed in the Korean War (1950-53) have been returned to his family after 75 years, the Ministry of National Defense said Wednesday. The soldier was identified as Jeon Seung-nam, who was 19 at the time and served in the Army’s 8th Division. He was killed during a fight at Mount Baekseok in Gangwon Province in October 1951. His remains were recovered in Yanggu, Gangwon Province, in November 2024, and his identity was later confirmed through DNA analysis, the ministry recovery unit said. Born in 1931 in Naju, South Jeolla Province, Jeon volunteered for service in May 1951 during the height of the war. After completing training, he was assigned to the 8th Division and deployed to the front lines, where fighting remained intense. The fighting was part of a series of intense clashes in the area, as South Korean forces sought to secure key high ground against North Korean and Chinese troops during armistice talks. It took years to confirm his identity. DNA samples were first collected from his younger sister in 2017, with additional samples from his brot

Apr 8, 2026By Bahk Eun-ji

Remains of soldier killed in Korean War return home after 75 years

Rejected by Oxford, Korean prodigy with 204 IQ turns setback into self-made game

Korean prodigy Baek Kang-hyun, once dubbed one of the world’s brightest young minds, is drawing renewed attention after revealing he developed his own game following a rejection from the University of Oxford. On Tuesday, Baek shared via his social media and YouTube channel that he had released his first self-developed strategy puzzle role-playing game, marking a new chapter after what he described as a difficult period. “After the Oxford admissions results were announced in January, I went through a lot of pain,” he said. “But enduring that pain, I pushed myself day and night over the past few months to go beyond my limits, and this is the result.” He described the game as one that challenges users’ logic, memory and psychological skills, adding, “It’s a solo-developed project, but it contains a scale that does not fall behind major game companies. It’s my precious first work built purely on my own determination.” Baek also addressed online criticism with a firm stance. “Some people leave baseless, malicious comments, but they mean nothing to me,” he said. “All

Apr 8, 2026By Xportsnews

Rejected by Oxford, Korean prodigy with 204 IQ turns setback into self-made game

Korean streamer reveals massive earnings: $73,000 in virtual gifts, $730,000 yearly income

Korean livestreamer Gwajeup (Juice) Seyeon has drawn attention after sharing details of her earnings, highlighting both eye-catching income and the pressure that comes with it. In a video uploaded Friday to the YouTube channel, “Beautiful Nerd,” the streamer addressed past reports of earning 3 billion won (about $2.2 million), clarifying that the figure reflected her peak period. “That was when I was doing really well. It’s not like that now,” she said. Still, her recent earnings remain substantial. She revealed that during her birthday last year, she received 100 million won (about $73,000) in virtual gifts — known as “star balloons,” a popular donation system on Korean streaming platforms. “I did receive 100 million won on my birthday. It’s a special occasion, so fans really show up,” she said. She also disclosed that she earned around 1 billion won last year, offering a rare glimpse into the income structure of top-tier Korean livestreamers. However, she emphasized that high earnings come with equally significant obligations. “I paid a lot in taxes. Sometimes I th

Apr 7, 2026By Xportsnews

Korean streamer reveals massive earnings: $73,000 in virtual gifts, $730,000 yearly income

Seoul’s royal palaces to unveil immersive heritage programs for tourists

For nine days this spring, the storied stone corridors and sprawling courtyards of the 1392-1910 Joseon Dynasty will be recast as a living stage, linking Korea’s royal past with a growing global audience. The K-Royal Culture Festival, returning for its 12th year on April 25, is placing new emphasis on international visitors, with six specialized programs spread across the capital’s five main palaces and the Jongmyo Shrine. The shift comes as the festival looks to build on last year’s record 1.37 million visitors. Hosted by the Korea Heritage Service and organized by the Korea Heritage Agency, the event, which runs through May 3, will offer curated experiences ranging from traditional craft workshops to nighttime tours, aimed at providing a deeper and more accessible entry point into Korea’s centuries-old royal traditions. International visitors can reserve English-language sessions for six programs through Creatrip, with bookings now open. Highlights include the opening ceremony on April 24 at Heungnyemun Gate Square, a free event with 300 seats, along with a nighttime immersive

Apr 7, 2026By Jhoo Dong-chan

Seoul’s royal palaces to unveil immersive heritage programs for tourists

Chang Han-na named 1st female musician to lead Seoul Arts Center

Conductor and cellist Chang Han-na has been named president of the Seoul Arts Center, becoming the first female musician to head the institution since its founding in 1987, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Chang is expected to receive her official appointment from Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Chae Hwi-young on April 24, pending confirmation of her arrival schedule, and will serve a three-year term. A globally recognized figure in classical music, Chang won the Grand Prix at the fifth Rostropovich International Cello Competition in 1994 at age 11, launching an international career that included engagements with the Berlin Philharmonic, the New York Philharmonic and the London Symphony Orchestra. She shifted her focus to conducting in 2007 and has since built an extensive international network and repertoire across Europe and North America. In Korea, she served as artistic director of the Absolute Classic Festival at Seongnam Arts Center from 2009 to 2014 and led the Daejeon Grand Festival at Daejeon Arts Center from 2024 to 2025. In November 2025, she

Apr 6, 2026By Jhoo Dong-chan

Chang Han-na named 1st female musician to lead Seoul Arts Center

Korean elementary students take top honors at global math, science conference

Three Korean elementary school students took top honors at this year’s international math and science conference for young scholars, becoming the only winners from Asia in their respective categories. Kang Eun-seo, Rha Hyeon-u and Park Han-sol competed at Euro Math & Euro Science, an annual event held each March that brings together students aged 8 to 18 to present original research in mathematics and science in English. This year’s edition, held in Cyprus from March 12 to 16, was expected to draw around 800 participants from across the globe. But an unexpected variable intervened: the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. With Cyprus located relatively close to the region, 300 participants withdrew, leaving roughly 500 students from 20 countries in attendance. “Despite the reduced turnout and the challenges of getting to the venue, our students were able to deliver meaningful results,” said their instructor, Amanda Moon. The conference is split into math and science tracks, each divided into four categories: a 15-minute presentation, a three-minute “factor” pitch, post

Apr 2, 2026By Park Han-sol

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