Lifestyle - The Korea Times

Winners of 14th Global Korea Awards

The Korea Times has selected 14 students as winners of the 14th Global Korea Awards. Selma Naciri, a student at Bosung Girls’ High School in central Seoul's Yongsan District, won the grand prize, which will be presented by Minister of Gender Equality and Family Won Min-kyong. Born to a Moroccan father who later became a naturalized Korean and a Korean mother, she drew on her multicultural background to study Arabic and other languages, cultivating an early sensitivity to global perspectives. Hoping to pursue a career in diplomacy, she has been active in her school’s Model United Nations program, reflecting a deep interest in international affairs. The Korea Times also recognized two outstanding students each from the elementary, middle and high school levels, along with two from the university category. The winners are Myeong Soo-min from Geumsan Elementary School, Shrestha Mondal from Gwangnam Elementary School, Kim Eun-woo from Jinsan Middle School, Ryu Seo-yeon from Lausanne Collegiate Incheon, Kim Hyun-jin from Kwangdong High School, and Park Si-yeun from Hansung Science High Sch

Nov 11, 2025By Park Ung

Beckham knighted to the tune of 'Golden'

British football icon David Beckham officially received his knighthood from King Charles III at a solemn investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on Tuesday (British local time). However, the occasion drew unexpected attention for its choice of background music — a string quartet rendition of "Golden," the hit track from Netflix's global animated sensation "KPop Demon Hunters." The chart-topping hit was played as the former England captain stepped forward to receive the highest royal honor. The unconventional music selection immediately captured the attention of the media, breaking through the usual formality of the royal occasion. British tabloids, including the Daily Mail, quickly speculated on the deeper meaning of the K-pop genre song's inclusion. Many interpreted the choice of "Golden" as a playful, internal reference to Beckham's famous, affectionate nickname, "Goldenballs," which his wife, Victoria Beckham, a former member of the Spice Girls, had used during an interview in 2008. Beckham, who enjoyed a glittering career with clubs like Manchester United and Real Madrid, was recogn

Nov 7, 2025By Yonhap

Beckham knighted to the tune of 'Golden'

Novelist Hwang Sok-yong to receive nation's highest cultural honor

Prominent novelist Hwang Sok-yong has been named the recipient of the nation's highest cultural honor, the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit, the culture ministry said Friday. Hwang is among 33 recipients of the 2025 awards for contributors to the development of culture and the arts, including 17 honorees of the Order of Cultural Merit. The 82-year-old author of "Jang Gil-san," "Princess Bari" and "A Road to Sampo" was recognized for his profound insight into social realities and his contributions to social healing and reflection, having shaped the course of Korean literature for more than half a century, the ministry said. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place later in the day at the Modeu Art Theater in central Seoul. "I extend my sincere congratulations and respect to all 33 awardees," said Kim Young-soo, the ministry's first vice minister, vowing the government's continued support "to realize the vision of Korea as a cultural powerhouse."

Nov 7, 2025By Yonhap

Novelist Hwang Sok-yong to receive nation's highest cultural honor

Super Vibe Korea to bring global hip-hop, R&B acts to Incheon in December

Billing itself as Korea's "hottest" hip-hop and R&B festival, Super Vibe Korea will bring together leading artists from around the world for a concert at Inspire Arena on Incheon's Yeongjong Island on Dec. 6 and 7. Hosted by public broadcaster MBC, the two-day event will feature performances from international stars Trey Songz and Timbaland, who will both make their first appearances in Korea. Organizers said the festival aims to "close out 2025 with a showcase of talent spanning generations and genres" within the hip-hop and R&B scene. Trey Songz, known for his smooth R&B hits "Can't Help But Wait" and "Slow Motion," will headline alongside Timbaland, the Grammy-winning producer behind Justin Timberlake's "SexyBack" and Nelly Furtado's "Promiscuous," which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for six consecutive weeks. Their performances are expected to highlight the event's international scope. The lineup also includes Korean rapper E SENS, winner of the Korean Music Awards Album of the Year in 2016, and American rapper Mims, who topped the Billboard Hot 100 with "This Is Why I'm Hot." Joining

Nov 4, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min

Super Vibe Korea to bring global hip-hop, R&B acts to Incheon in December

High1 Resort hosts Asia Model Festival 2025 to promote models, fashion, industry

The High1 Resort hosted the Asia Model Festival 2025 from Oct. 25-31 to bring together Asia’s most influential fashion and beauty icons. Sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the event was the 20th of its kind. Under the theme of “Integration of Asian Fashion, Beauty and Culture,” the weeklong festival invited top models, designers and influencers from 26 countries, making it the largest edition in the festival’s history. The event programs included the Asia Senior Open Audition, Asia Open Collection, Face of Asia, Asia Beauty Awards and Asia Model Awards. The festival’s opening ceremony featured senior models walking the runway, showcasing their intergenerational talent. On Oct. 26 and 27, the Asia Open Collection highlighted models from Korea, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia and China presenting fashion that combined tradition with contemporary design against the scenic backdrop of the High1 Resort in Jeongseon, Gangwon Province. The Face of Asia segment offered emerging models a platform to compete for recognition, with international modeling agencies and brand

Nov 1, 2025By Jhoo Dong-chan

High1 Resort hosts Asia Model Festival 2025 to promote models, fashion, industry

K-water joins hands with NGO to discuss climate change

The Korea Water Resources Corp. (K-water) said Thursday it hosted a discussion session titled “Water and Energy” together with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) to study the converging risks of water scarcity and energy imbalance as climate change continues to escalate. Held at GGGI headquarters in central Seoul, the event was part of the four-day program for “The GGGWeek 2025,” which commenced on Monday. Aligning with the ongoing 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings, the event aims to strengthen global consensus on climate resilience and sustainable growth. The session brought together high-profile participants from five countries, including GGGI Director-General Kim Sang-hyup, K-water CEO Yun Seog-dae, World Resources Institute Executive Director Robyn McGuckin and Pakistani lawmaker Shezra Mansab Ali Kharal. Participants focused on the theme of water and renewable energy for climate resilience, exploring options for technological cooperation and reinforcing global partnerships. A key topic was the integrated management of water and energy systems as a

Oct 30, 2025By Jhoo Dong-chan

K-water joins hands with NGO to discuss climate change

Jang Na-ra honored with presidential award for $14 million in charitable donations

Actor and singer Jang Na-ra has received a presidential award for her exemplary charitable contributions, which have exceeded 20 billion won ($14 million) since her debut in 2001. The honor was presented at the annual Finance Day event, held on Tuesday at FKI Tower in Seoul. The Financial Services Commission (FSC) awarded a total of 192 commendations to individuals who have contributed to the development of Korea’s financial sector. In addition to her philanthropy, Jang, 44, was recognized for her volunteer work supporting underprivileged people and other social causes, as well as promoting a culture of giving. In March, she donated emergency relief supplies worth around 50 million won to people affected by wildfires in North and South Gyeongsang Provinces through World Vision Korea, a Korea branch of the global humanitarian NGO. Later that month, Jang participated in an animal charity event organized with Shinhan Bank to help stray animals. All proceeds and donations from the event were given to Angel's Nest, an animal welfare organization located in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. Other st

Oct 30, 2025By Jung Min-ho

Jang Na-ra honored with presidential award for $14 million in charitable donations

'Tazza' story writer, Busan webtoon festival director win top Manhwa Day honors

Writer Kim Se-young and cartoonist Nam Jung-hoon were selected as the recipients of Achievement Award at the 25th Manhwa Day ceremony, scheduled for Monday, the Korea Cartoonists Association announced Wednesday. Manhwa refers to Korean comics and cartoons. The association chose the two creators to recognize Kim's pioneering role in establishing the independent value of comic storytelling and Nam's dedication to building the comics ecosystem in Busan. Shin Il-sook, president of the Korea Cartoonist Association, praised Kim as "a pioneer who opened up the horizon of Korean manhwa storytelling and mentor who inspired junior writers," and Nam as "a reliable lighthouse that sustained the regional comics ecosystem." Kim has influenced Korea’s comics scene since his debut in 1973, having written the scripts for nearly 200 stories. His collaboration with veteran cartoonist Huh Young-man produced masterpieces such as “Oh, Han River,” “Mr. Q” and the “Tazza” series. Through these and other works, including “Rainbow Chaser” and “Gamble City,” Kim showed how important the comic

Oct 29, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul

'Tazza' story writer, Busan webtoon festival director win top Manhwa Day honors

Food Week Korea 2025 to showcase latest food products, tech from 42 nations

A global food event showcasing the latest food products, technology and trends will kick off in Seoul this week, the agriculture ministry said Tuesday. The Food Week Korea 2025 will run from Wednesday to Saturday in southern Seoul, with around 950 companies from 42 countries, under the theme of "Food: Redefined," according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Various conferences on the latest food-tech trends are planned for the event, including a presentation from the director of the World Food Program, Jean-Martin Bauer. A business lounge will also be opened throughout the week, where participants can book meetings with local and international buyers. "Food-tech is a future growth driver that leads people's dietary life in a healthy and sustainable direction," said Minister of Agriculture Song Mi-ryung, adding that her ministry will make all-out efforts to support new businesses in the food sector.

Oct 28, 2025By Yonhap

Food Week Korea 2025 to showcase latest food products, tech from 42 nations

DJ Koo moves fans to tears — his love for late wife’s family remains unchanged

Korean DJ and artist Koo Jun-yeop, better known internationally as DJ Koo, has deeply moved fans after appearing noticeably thinner while spending time with the family of his late wife, Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu. Photos released by Taiwan’s CTWANT captured Koo attending a recent family gathering hosted by Hsu’s relatives. Wearing a brown short-sleeved shirt, a cap and a mask, Koo was seen affectionately massaging his mother-in-law’s shoulder and escorting her to the car after dinner — a tender scene that reflected his enduring bond with his wife’s family. The warm atmosphere stood in stark contrast to Koo’s frail appearance. Once known for his muscular frame, the 56-year-old appeared visibly gaunt. Reports in Taiwan earlier revealed that Koo had lost more than 14 kilograms following his wife’s sudden passing in February, as he struggled to eat properly while managing funeral arrangements, remains placement and family matters in Taipei. Fans in Korea and Taiwan have since flooded social media with words of concern and admiration. Comments included: “Please take care of

Oct 28, 2025By Xportsnews

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