Lifestyle - The Korea Times

Choi Jung-wha awarded French Legion of Honour Officier medal

Choi Jung-wha, chairperson of the Corea Image Communication Institute (CICI) and honorary professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, became the first Korean woman to be awarded the Legion of Honour at the rank of Officier by the French government. Ambassador of France to Korea Philippe Bertoux presented the honor on behalf of the French president in a ceremony Thursday at the ambassador’s residence in central Seoul. Choi was previously awarded the Chevalier grade of the same order in 2003, also marking a first for a Korean woman, and her elevation to Officier recognizes her decades-long contributions to strengthening Korea-France relations and promoting cultural exchanges. A lifelong advocate for cultural diplomacy, Choi has been widely recognized for her work in promoting Korean culture overseas and fostering global dialogue. During the ceremony, French Ambassador Bertoux praised Choi as a rare and charismatic figure who continuously inspired admiration through her energy, warmth and commitment to cultural diplomacy. "Choi's devotion to France began with her love for the French

May 15, 2025By Kwon Mee-yoo

Choi Jung-wha awarded French Legion of Honour Officier medal

From daydreams to deadline: A reporter’s spaced-out saga

“You’re joining a competition you can’t win,” my girlfriend said when I told her I’d be one of 126 participants in Seoul's annual Space-Out Competition, a celebration of the underrated art of doing absolutely nothing. I'm always busy doing something, even in my spare time. The last time I truly zoned out was in 2019, during my final winter as a sergeant at a remote Air Force radar base. Back then, I spent hours gazing at flickering CCTV feeds and the unmoving silence of the mountains beyond. Sometimes I’d space out without even realizing it. But after I was discharged — and a smartphone landed back in my hand (back then, getting caught with one in the barracks could land you in the brig) — that kind of stillness disappeared. So when I signed up for this year's Space-Out Competition, it had been six years since I last took a moment to truly zone out. Now in its 11th year, the Space-Out Competition has become a cultural phenomenon, offering exhausted modern individuals a rare chance to do nothing, on purpose. This year, 126 participants from 80 teams — including soldiers,

May 14, 2025By Park Ung

From daydreams to deadline: A reporter’s spaced-out saga

Better late than never: 71-year-old tackles first grade

At an age when most people are settling into retirement, 71-year-old Kim Young-ja has embarked on a different journey — starting first grade. Kim recently began her first year at Deokdo Elementary School in Yangju, Gyeonggi Province — a lifelong dream finally realized after decades of being denied the chance due to poverty and social stigma. As a child, Kim was unable to attend school because of financial hardship and the widespread belief in her rural community that education was unnecessary for girls. “I always envied children in school uniforms, carrying their books,” she said. “Now, I finally get to be one of them.” Her enrollment marks the first time in the school’s history that someone of her age has joined as a full-time student. Although there were initial concerns about her physical stamina and ability to adjust to life among much younger classmates, school officials unanimously supported her admission, commending her unwavering determination and the inspiration she brings to the classroom. Teachers have made small adjustments to help her settle in, and her fellow

May 14, 2025By Bahk Eun-ji

Better late than never: 71-year-old tackles first grade

IU earns ‘visual genius collector’ nickname with V and Cha Eun-woo in back-to-back music videos

Singer and actor IU is officially making her long-awaited musical comeback this month, and excitement is building as ASTRO’s Cha Eun-woo has been confirmed to appear in her new music video. Following BTS’ V, the addition of another top-tier “visual genius” has earned IU the nickname “visual genius collector” among fans. On Monday, IU’s agency EDAM Entertainment told Xports News, “IU is preparing for a comeback scheduled for May, and Cha Eun-woo will be making a special cameo appearance.” This marks IU’s first musical release in over a year since her February 2024 album “The Winning.” The prerelease track “Love wins all” instantly topped major music charts, climbing to No. 1 within an hour of release. Notably, it became the fastest song by a female artist to reach No. 1 on the Melon TOP100 since the chart’s 2021 revamp — reaffirming IU’s formidable chart power. Her return to music comes after her success as an actress in the hit Netflix series “When Life Gives You Tangerines,” which concluded last month. In the drama, IU took on dual roles as Ae-soon

May 13, 2025By KTimes

IU earns ‘visual genius collector’ nickname with V and Cha Eun-woo in back-to-back music videos

Seasoned trauma physician leads new era at Korea University Ansan Hospital

Korea University Ansan Hospital began a new chapter on Monday as Suh Dong-hun, a physician widely recognized for his expertise in treating severe trauma cases, took over its leadership. The hospital, a key institution in the industrial area southwest of Seoul, has undergone a remarkable transformation since its modest founding in 1985. Starting as a 100-bed facility, it has expanded into a major tertiary care center now encompassing 767 beds, becoming a crucial hub for specialized medical services throughout Ansan, Gyeonggi Province. In a region that once struggled to keep pace with the health care needs of its rapidly growing industrial base, Korea University Ansan Hospital has become an indispensable cornerstone of the local health system, reflecting the area's development and its increasing reliance on comprehensive medical care. The welcoming ceremony for Suh was attended by distinguished guests, including Korea University President Kim Dong-one, Korea Choongang Education Foundation Executive Director Park Myung-sik, and Yoon Eul-sik, executive vice president for medical affairs at

May 12, 2025By Park Ung

Seasoned trauma physician leads new era at Korea University Ansan Hospital

Actress Lee Si-young flaunts post-divorce elegance in head-to-toe luxury

Actor Lee Si-young offered a glimpse into her glamorous lifestyle with a new series of photos shared on social media. On Friday, Lee posted several photos to her personal account along with the caption, “Lately I’m into red. These shoes make me happy just by looking at them.” In the photos, Lee wears a sleeveless black dress paired with bright red flats and a matching mini handbag, creating a refined and fashion-forward look. Posed by a sunlit window, her flawless skin tone under natural light drew praise from fans. Lee’s trademark gentle smile added to her elegant and pure charm, enhancing the visual impact of the shoot. Lee married a restaurant entrepreneur in 2017 and welcomed a son in January 2018. However, the couple ended their marriage after eight years. This article from Xportsnews is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.

May 12, 2025By KTimes

Actress Lee Si-young flaunts post-divorce elegance in head-to-toe luxury

InterviewApollonian and Dionysian spirits spreading through soju bombs — and dreams

Father of the Korean film festival, the first festival executive director of the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), vice minister of culture and public affairs, the first president of the Seoul Arts Center and a film director: This is Kim Dong-ho, 88, a man with a generous smile. Adjacent to Paldang Lake in Gyeonggi Province, in a room that is like a cross between a small museum and library, outside the thick glass window, birds were flying freely in the sky. A long, waist-high bookshelf is lined front to back with books, trophies and photos of familiar movie stars. The walls are covered with plaques of appreciation and awards from around the world. I sat down with Kim in his office to hear the story of how he founded and developed K-cinema. German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche writes: “for art to exist, for any sort of aesthetic activity or perception to exist, a certain physiological precondition is indispensable — intoxication.” Kim secured Busan’s reputation as a hub of culture and film with Dionysian passion and intoxication. Lights of Busan: refugee’s dream Lee:

May 12, 2025By Lee Kyung-hwa

Apollonian and Dionysian spirits spreading through soju bombs — and dreams

Korean cardinal says Leo XIV was elected with overwhelming support

Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik, prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Clergy, revealed that support “poured in” for newly elected Pope Leo XIV during the secret papal conclave, describing the election as a deeply fraternal and spiritual experience. Speaking to Korean reporters at a press briefing held at the Vatican, Friday, a day after the 267th pope was chosen, Cardinal You recounted key moments from the conclave that elevated American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, 69, to the papacy. “As you know, a candidate must receive two-thirds of the votes — at least 89 out of 133 — to be elected,” he said. “The moment we confirmed that he had crossed that threshold, everyone applauded and there was great excitement.” He emphasized that, unlike dramatic portrayals in films such as “Conclave,” the process was marked by “brotherhood, communion, and beauty, not political strife or backroom deals.” Due to the oath of secrecy all cardinal-electors swear, Cardinal You did not disclose any specific voting results. However, given the public’s interest, he said he wish

May 10, 2025By KTimes

Korean cardinal says Leo XIV was elected with overwhelming support

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV expected to visit Korea for World Youth Day 2027

Pope Leo XIV, newly elected as the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, is expected to visit Korea in 2027 to attend the next World Youth Day (WYD) in Seoul. If realized, the visit would make him the third pope in history to set foot on Korean soil. The prospect of Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Korea emerged as Pope Francis had already announced Seoul as the next WYD host city during the 2023 gathering in Lisbon. Given the tradition of popes attending WYD in person, including in 2005 when Pope Benedict XVI attended the Cologne event following the death of John Paul II, expectations for Leo XIV’s attendance in Seoul are high. First formalized in 1986 under Pope John Paul II, WYD has since become a landmark event in global Catholicism, bringing hundreds of thousands of young people from around the world together for worship. The Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul predicts between 400,000 to 800,000 participants for the 2027 gathering, including both domestic and international visitors. It would become the fourth papal visit to Korea, following those of Pope John Paul II in 1984 and 1989 a

May 9, 2025By Kwon Mee-yoo

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV expected to visit Korea for World Youth Day 2027

Yoido Full Gospel Church pastor honored for promoting family-friendly culture

Lee Young-hoon, senior pastor of Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, received a presidential award Thursday for his leadership in advancing family-friendly initiatives through the church’s outreach programs. The award was presented by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family as part of May's Family Month celebrations. Lee was among 85 honorees recognized at a ceremony in Seoul. “The church was recognized for promoting the value of life through support for single-parent families and for contributing to the spread of a family-friendly culture through initiatives like childbirth celebration grants and day care centers,” the church said in a statement. Yoido Full Gospel Church is the largest Protestant church in the world by membership, with approximately 480,000 members, of which 150,000 are active. Lee has served as senior pastor since 2008. Between 2021 and 2024, the church has distributed a total of 6.1 billion won ($4.2 million) in childbirth encouragement funds and donated 120 strollers to single-parent families. In addition, the church supports the elderly, children and people w

May 8, 2025By Kim Se-jeong

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