Lifestyle - The Korea Times

She quit TV at her peak to marry into Hyundai family — fans say she looks the same

Noh Hyun-jung, once one of South Korea’s most recognizable TV presenters, is trending again after a rare public appearance at a charity event—prompting a wave of nostalgia from fans who say she looks "just the same as before." A video released April 30 by Daily Fashion News shows Noh attending a fundraising bazaar hosted by Areumjigi, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving traditional Korean culture. The clip quickly spread online, drawing attention not only for her appearance but also for how little she seems to have changed since her broadcasting years. In the video, Noh explains the purpose of the event, saying, "Areumjigi holds a bazaar once a year to raise donations that support the preservation of Korean cultural traditions." She adds, "It’s nice to gather with friends, strengthen friendships, introduce good products and contribute together to a meaningful cause." The brief appearance was enough to ignite social media buzz, particularly among viewers who remember her as a household name in Korean entertainment during the 2000s. Comments ranged from admiration to disbelief at he

May 1, 2026By Xportsnews

She quit TV at her peak to marry into Hyundai family — fans say she looks the same

K-culture must evolve into sustainable global asset

K-culture has grown into a global phenomenon over the past few years. To maintain this momentum, industry leaders and policymakers emphasized that Korean culture must evolve beyond a temporary trend into a sustainable asset that connects the world during The Korea Forum 2026 on Thursday. Seung Myung-ho, chairman of The Korea Times and its sister paper the Hankook Ilbo, said he hopes Korean culture will continue to elevate the country. "I expect K-culture to become a driving force that raises the national prestige of Korea and strengthens the competitiveness of various industries," Seung said during his opening remarks at the forum hosted by the two newspapers. "The spirit of pursuing practicality and beauty has combined with the innovation of companies and the sense of creators to develop into the K-culture we see today." Under the theme "K-culture, A New Grammar Connecting the World," experts from various fields gathered to share their insights on how Korean culture can maintain its global influence and prepare for the next stage of growth. You Hong-june, director of the National Museum

Apr 30, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul

K-culture must evolve into sustainable global asset

Late Korean, French veterans named Korean War heroes of May

The veterans ministry on Thursday appointed late staff sergeant Kim Young-deok and late French Army Lt. Col. Ralph Monclar as the Korean War heroes of May in recognition of their service during the 1950-53 Korean War. Kim, who enlisted in the Korean Army in 1952 to serve in the 8th Infantry Division, died while fighting against Chinese troops to gain control of enemy lines in May 1953, according to the ministry. He was promoted by one rank and posthumously awarded the Hwarang Order of Military Merit, a primary military decoration. Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Monclar held the rank of lieutenant general at the time of the Korean War, but he voluntarily reduced his rank to command the French battalion alongside the U.S. Army's 2nd Infantry Division. Under harsh conditions, Monclar led his battalion during the battle of Chipyong-ni, where they had to go up against a massive wave of Chinese forces in Yangpyeong, east of Seoul, from Feb. 13-16, 1951. Monclar was awarded the Legion of Merit, a U.S. decoration awarded to citizens of other nations, in recognition of his achievements that led to the victor

Apr 30, 2026By Yonhap

Late Korean, French veterans named Korean War heroes of May

Tang Wei sparks 2nd pregnancy rumors after Shanghai appearance

Chinese actress Tang Wei, who is married to Korean director Kim Tae-yong, is at the center of second pregnancy rumors following her recent public appearance in Shanghai. Local Chinese outlets including Sina Entertainment reported that speculation began after Tang attended an event hosted by a British luxury fashion brand in the city. Photos and videos from the event quickly spread online, fueling discussion. Tang appeared in a black trench coat paired with a loose-fitting dress. Some observers claimed that a slight “baby bump” was visible when she turned sideways, prompting rumors of a possible pregnancy. The speculation intensified after actress Ni Ni, who was also present at the event, was seen cautioning others not to push Tang and appearing to look out for her, further drawing attention online. Despite the growing buzz, Tang’s camp has not issued any official statement regarding the pregnancy rumors through social media or other channels. Attempts to reach Kim for comment were unsuccessful. Tang currently does not have a management agency in Korea. Tang, born in 1979, met Kim whi

Apr 29, 2026By Xportsnews

Tang Wei sparks 2nd pregnancy rumors after Shanghai appearance

Seoul Spring Festival culminates with ‘Super Week’ beginning May 1

The 2026 Seoul Spring Festival moves into its centerpiece week Friday, beginning a five-day stretch of large-scale concerts and interactive programming along the Han River. The festivities, which run through May 5, will span several waterfront parks, anchoring a seasonal lineup that city officials expect to draw record crowds to the river’s edge. The festival’s highlight, the multi-genre Wonder Show, will take place May 3 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at a special outdoor stage at Yeouido Hangang Park’s Mulbit Plaza. The program combines K-pop, traditional Korean music, classical music and performance art, featuring the Seoul Metropolitan Traditional Music Orchestra, Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theater, Seoul Metropolitan Chorus and KBS Symphony Orchestra, alongside K-pop acts Hwasa, LNGSHOT, sEODo and La Poem. Additional concerts are scheduled across the week: Seoul Soundwave on May 1 will feature Dutch jazz drummer Eric Ineke and French vibraphonist Simon Moullier alongside Broadway and Seoul musical actor Michael K. Lee; Seoul Jazz Festa follows May 2; and a special stage tied to KBS2’s

Apr 29, 2026By Jhoo Dong-chan

Seoul Spring Festival culminates with ‘Super Week’ beginning May 1

Dreaming of victory: Seoulites to face off in napping contest

In a city that runs on caffeine and sheer willpower, nearly 200 Seoulites are heading to the banks of the Han River this Saturday for a high-stakes competitive nap. Billed by city officials as a grueling test of "sleep concentration," these elite horizontal athletes will attempt to drift off into deep REM cycles while the rest of the world rudely continues to exist around them. The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Wednesday that the 2026 Han River Nap Competition will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, at Multiplex Plaza in Yeouido Hangang Park along the Han River. Now in its third year, the event has become one of the city’s more unusual recurring cultural programs, intended to underscore the value of rest in the midst of a fast-paced urban life. A total of 170 participants were recruited from April 16-20, selected from applicants based on submitted personal stories. Competitors will be judged on their ability to maintain deep sleep despite deliberate disruptions — including being tickled with a feather and exposed to the sound of mosquitoes — administered twice during the c

Apr 29, 2026By Jhoo Dong-chan

Dreaming of victory: Seoulites to face off in napping contest

Monaco’s modern ‘Swan Lake’ ballet set for Korean debut

Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo is set to return to South Korea in May, presenting the domestic premiere of "LAC," a contemporary reimagining of Tchaikovsky’s "Swan Lake." The production, choreographed by artistic director Jean-Christophe Maillot, marks the company’s fifth visit to the peninsula. The tour begins May 13 at Hwaseong Arts Center in Gyeonggi Province, moves to Seoul Arts Center Opera House on May 16 and 17, and concludes May 20 at Daejeon Arts Center. The production will be attended by Maillot and Princess Caroline of Monaco — also known as Her Royal Highness the Princess of Hanover — who established the ballet company in 1985. Her visit is described as a private engagement in her capacity as company president. "LAC," which premiered in 2011, strips away the traditional veneer of the 19th century fairy tale. In its place, Maillot and Prix Goncourt-winning writer Jean Rouaud have constructed a psychological drama centered on childhood trauma and familial tension. The aesthetic is defined by the stark scenography of French street artist Ernest Pignon-Ernest and costumes by

Apr 28, 2026By Jhoo Dong-chan

Monaco’s modern ‘Swan Lake’ ballet set for Korean debut

IU says she chews each bite up to 150 times, drawing attention to her eating habits

IU has once again drawn attention for her eating habits, with fans reacting to her minimalist meals and unusual routines — including chewing each bite up to 150 times. The singer appeared as a guest on “Yoo In Radio,” hosted by close friend Yoo In-na, on April 22, where she spoke about her daily diet. When asked what she had for lunch, IU replied, “I had an apple and blueberries today,” surprising listeners with her notably small portion. IU has previously said she maintains a body weight of around 44 kilograms (97 pounds), which continues to draw attention alongside her dietary habits. Her eating routines have also resurfaced through recent YouTube appearances. On a channel run by chef Ahn Sung-jae, IU introduced a simple dish she eats at night: a soft tofu pancake made with low-calorie ingredients. “I usually get home late at night, and if I have a schedule coming up, I try to avoid heavier foods,” IU said, explaining how she came across the recipe online. In a separate 2024 YouTube appearance with comedian Moon Sang-hoon, IU also spoke about how slowly she eats. “I chew

Apr 25, 2026By Xportsnews

IU says she chews each bite up to 150 times, drawing attention to her eating habits

Jinju to host Esports Championships Asia 2026

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) will host the Esports Championships Asia 2026 in Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province from Friday to Sunday, officials said Thursday. The event, to be held at Jinju Indoor Gymnasium, is co-organized by the Korea e-Sports Association, South Gyeongsang Province and the city of Jinju. About 150 participants, including players and officials from seven Asian countries, are expected to attend, making it the largest edition of the tournament since its inception. Launched in 2021 through cooperation among Korea, China and Japan, the competition has evolved from an East Asian event into a broader Asian regional tournament. Korea has hosted the event three times and played a leading role in its expansion. Players are selected by national esports federations authorized by their respective Olympic committees, reinforcing the tournament’s status as an official national team competition. This year’s event will feature six official titles and one demonstration event. Official competitions include three fighting games — Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8 and

Apr 23, 2026By Jhoo Dong-chan

Jinju to host Esports Championships Asia 2026

Agriculture ministry to offer eco-friendly farming program at KidZania Seoul

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is launching a hands-on children's program at KidZania Seoul beginning May 1, offering young visitors a chance to learn about eco-friendly farming and cook with organic ingredients, the ministry said Wednesday. The program will run at the Food Information Center pavilion inside KidZania Seoul for a total of five months — May through August and October through November. The ministry expects the program to draw significant participation from early childhood education institutions as well as families visiting with children. The program will cover the basics of eco-friendly agriculture, including how sustainable farming practices protect the environment and climate, and how to distinguish between different eco-certification labels. Children will also have the opportunity to cook using certified eco-friendly ingredients, such as pesticide-free perilla leaves and organically certified cheese, with the aim of building familiarity with environmentally safe food from an early age. Core educational topics will include the value of eco-friendly