Lifestyle - The Korea Times

US professor honored for spreading Korean literature globally

Mark Peterson, a professor emeritus at Brigham Young University in Utah, will receive one of the nation’s highest honors for his exceptional contributions to the Korean language and the global spread of traditional Korean literature, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said Wednesday. Professor Peterson is one of two individuals to earn the Bogwan Order of Cultural Merit, the third-highest national medal in culture, on the 579th Hangul Day, which falls Thursday, according to the culture ministry. The awardees are being recognized for their efforts in advancing the Korean alphabet, or Hangeul, and the Korean language. Peterson is recognized for his long career as a Korean language educator, his efforts to advance Korean language pedagogy as a member of key associations, and his dedicated work in translating and introducing sijo, the three-line Korean poetic form, to the world. Peterson is also a columnist for The Korea Times. Sharing the top honor is Jang Hyung-doo (1906-49), a former professor at Seoul National University, who will be posthumously awarded the Bogwan Order of C

Oct 8, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul

US professor honored for spreading Korean literature globally

Belgian TV star Julian Quintart to marry Korean girlfriend in Seoul this week

Belgian-born television personality Julian Quintart, a familiar face to Korean audiences for nearly two decades, is tying the knot with his Korean girlfriend this week — a love story that has drawn attention both for its cross-cultural charm and for how deeply the foreign-born entertainer has put down roots in Korea. According to entertainment insiders on Oct. 5, Julian will marry his girlfriend — a Korean woman five years younger than him — in a private ceremony in Seoul, Oct. 11. The bride is not a celebrity. Star-studded ceremony with close friends on stage Comedian Kim Sook and Julian’s longtime friend Daniel Lindemann, a German TV personality known for co-starring with him on JTBC’s talk show “Abnormal Summit,” also known as “Non Summit,” will co-host the wedding. Originally, fellow foreign entertainer Robin Deiana was scheduled to emcee the second part of the event, but the plan has changed due to scheduling conflicts. Singer Greg Priester will perform the wedding song. In wedding photos exclusively obtained by Xportsnews, Julian and his fiancée show off their che

Oct 6, 2025By Xportsnews

Belgian TV star Julian Quintart to marry Korean girlfriend in Seoul this week

Even in just jeans and a shirt, BTS member V shows flawless airport style

BTS member V left for Paris on the morning of Oct. 4 through Incheon International Airport for an overseas trip. V heads to the departure hall at Incheon International Airport. This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.

Oct 5, 2025By Xportsnews

Even in just jeans and a shirt, BTS member V shows flawless airport style

BLACKPINK’s Rosé responds with grace after racism controversy at Paris fashion show

BLACKPINK’s Rosé has spoken out — subtly but powerfully — after a controversy erupted over alleged racism at a major fashion event in Paris. On Wednesday, the singer shared photos from the Saint Laurent 2026 Spring/Summer womenswear show, which she attended as a global ambassador. Alongside a video of models walking the runway, she tagged Saint Laurent creative director Anthony Vaccarello and wrote, “Thank you for inviting me to another incredible show. Your work is so beautiful. Love you.” The post came just days after a growing backlash over a photo controversy involving Elle UK. At the Monday show in Paris, Rosé was photographed alongside Hailey Bieber, Zoë Kravitz and Charli XCX. But when Elle UK uploaded the group photo, the magazine cropped Rosé out, even as other fashion outlets posted the full image. Fans accused Elle UK of racism, with many arguing that erasing only the Korean star from the shot was unacceptable. Rosé, who has been Saint Laurent’s global ambassador since 2020, has become one of the most influential figures in luxury fashion. Many critics pointe

Oct 2, 2025By Xportsnews

BLACKPINK’s Rosé responds with grace after racism controversy at Paris fashion show

Cultural experiences to enjoy during Chuseok holiday

The upcoming Chuseok holiday, with an extended break running through Hangeul Day on Thursday, promises to be a cultural feast, with major historical sites and performance venues opening their doors for free. Numerous attractions across the country will offer free admission on the day of Chuseok, and some throughout the extended holiday period. A key highlight is free entry to some of the nation's key heritage sites. Four of the major royal palaces — Gyeongbok Palace, Changdeok Palace, Deoksu Palace and Changgyeong Palace — will be free to visit. Major institutions such as the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) and the Suwon Museum of Art, are also participating in the free-admission program. Seoul heritage, artistic celebrations Seoul is set to host a spectacular range of events, seamlessly blending traditional heritage with contemporary artistry during the holiday. The National Museum of Korea (NMK) will be the epicenter for traditional performances. NMK and the Foundation for Korea Traditional Performing Arts will host "The Art Spot Series," a free creative perfo

Oct 2, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul

Cultural experiences to enjoy during Chuseok holiday

British envoy to be named honorary citizen of Andong

British Ambassador to Korea Colin Crooks will be named an honorary citizen of Andong, highlighting his connection to the city that hosted Queen Elizabeth II’s 1999 visit and where he would later meet his future wife. The city of Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, said Tuesday it will grant Crooks the certificate on Friday, Andong Day, which has been celebrated annually since 2003 to boost civic pride and strengthen local identity. The ambassador’s ties with the city date back to 1999, when he was first secretary at the British Embassy in Seoul during Elizabeth's visit to Andong. The queen, who came to Korea on a four-day visit at the invitation of then-President Kim Dae-jung, marked her 73rd birthday in the city with a traditional Korean meal. Crooks was responsible for organizing her visit, during which he also met his future wife, an Andong native. He also served as the British ambassador to North Korea from 2018 to 2021 before taking up his current post as ambassador to South Korea in 2022. The Andong Day ceremony and award presentation will be held Friday at 3:30 p.m. at Andong Sta

Sep 30, 2025By Park Ung

British envoy to be named honorary citizen of Andong

How to enjoy Seoul’s fireworks festival without the hassle — and to stay healthy

Click here for more articles by Kormedi.com. On Sept. 27, the night sky over Yeouido in Seoul will briefly forget the darkness. It’s time for the 2025 Seoul International Fireworks Festival, the annual autumn event at Hangang Park where dazzling pyrotechnics light up the sky to the rhythm of music. Tens of thousands gather for the spectacle each year, and with it comes fierce competition for the best viewing spots. Hotel rooms with prime views of the fireworks have even been traded for around 1 million won (about $730) per night on secondhand markets. Some even hire part-time workers to claim seats — laying out mats early in the morning in exchange for 50,000 to 100,000 won. But when it comes to fully enjoying the festival, there is something even more important than the perfect spot: protecting your health from the chilly autumn weather and fine dust from the fireworks. Here are a few tips to make sure the night ends with great memories, not a cold or respiratory illness. Dress warmly with coats and blankets Even if the afternoon weather feels mild, make sure to pack a warm coat or b

Sep 27, 2025By Kormedi.com

How to enjoy Seoul’s fireworks festival without the hassle — and to stay healthy

North Texan activist’s mission: Raising awareness of wartime sex slavery victims in US

SAN FRANCISCO — Standing beside a statue commemorating the victims of wartime sexual enslavement by the Imperial Japanese Army at St. Mary’s Square in San Francisco, Sinmin Pak finds herself swept back to 2017, when she attended its unveiling. For Pak, the founder of Unforgotten Butterflies, every visit is a poignant reminder of the painful history these women endured, and her mission to ensure it is never forgotten. She recalled distributing butterfly bracelets to an American couple who visited the park and sharing the stories of the thousands of women across Asia — many from Korea — who were forced into wartime sex slavery by the Imperial Japanese Army during the 1930s and 1940s, euphemistically referred to as “comfort women.” The couple, like many visitors, had stumbled upon the statue without knowing its significance. Pak explained the symbolism of the bracelets: Like butterflies that go through many hardships before taking flight in their beautiful form, survivors of wartime sex enslavement endured immense pain, but that suffering did not diminish their beauty — in fa

Sep 26, 2025By Park Jin-hai

North Texan activist’s mission: Raising awareness of wartime sex slavery victims in US

One woman’s fight to remember WWII tragedies in Asia

PHOTO UNESCO aids learners with limited education access

Participants and organizers of UNESCO's BRIDGE Programme make hand gestures during its opening ceremony in Seoul, Tuesday. Launched by the Korean National Commission for UNESCO, the BRIDGE Programme aims to empower people with limited access to education around the world. This week's workshop in Seoul, which runs through Friday, shares knowledge with participants from 13 countries. Courtesy of Korean National Commission for UNESCO

Sep 25, 2025By Kim Se-jeong

[PHOTO] UNESCO aids learners with limited education access

Cheonan World Dance Festival underway with international lineup

The city of Cheonan has transformed itself into a global stage for dance, as the 2025 Cheonan World Dance Festival kicked off with vibrant performances and international flair. Hosted and organized by the Cheonan Cultural Foundation, the five-day festival opened at Cheonan Sports Complex in South Chungcheong Province on Wednesday, with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the South Chungcheong Provincial Government and the International Dance Council joining as supporters. Held under the theme of “Dance with Spirit of Challenge and Creativity,” the 21st edition of the festival highlights both tradition and contemporary expression, bringing together participants across generations and borders. This year, the festival is expected to set a new record for international participation. While last year saw participants from 54 countries, the 2025 event has drawn 4,000 dancers and visitors from 61 countries. The program lineup includes the National Dance Competition, International Dance Competition, Street Dance Parade, Cheonan International Dance Competition and the National Dance S

Sep 25, 2025By Jhoo Dong-chan

People & Events