Lifestyle - The Korea Times

Inside Korean makeup studios that craft K-pop idols' iconic looks

Many fans aspire to replicate the glamorous looks of their favorite TV stars, and for K-beauty enthusiasts, Seoul has become the ultimate destination. The city is home to numerous makeup studios, frequented by K-pop idols, actors, broadcasters, and everyday people preparing for special occasions. Now, international fans can experience the magic of K-beauty firsthand.

Nov 13, 2024By Pyo Kyung-min

Inside Korean makeup studios that craft K-pop idols' iconic looks

INTERVIEW Makeup artist unveils secrets to star-quality makeovers

INTERVIEW 'Health without intense exercise? Wishful thinking. Don't walk, run!'

Jung Se-hee, 47, a rehabilitation medicine professor at Seoul National University College of Medicine and Seoul Boramae Hospital, has been a committed runner since 2003. She logs 10 kilometers along the river every morning, has completed over 30 full marathons and achieves semi-professional marathon times in the three-hour range.

Nov 9, 2024By KTimes

[INTERVIEW] 'Health without intense exercise? Wishful thinking. Don't walk, run!'

Brushing teeth, cucumbers among celebrities' appetite-curbing tips

For many, a strong appetite is the biggest hurdle to dieting, and even stars who strive to maintain healthy, beautiful bodies have shared their battles with cravings. To inspire their fans, they've revealed their tips for suppressing appetite.

Nov 8, 2024By KTimes

Brushing teeth, cucumbers among celebrities' appetite-curbing tips

Diversity, inclusiveness can be game changers for K-beauty

TIRTIR, a Korean beauty brand, has broken new ground in the U.S. market with its Mask Fit Red Cushion, showcasing the expanding diversity in Korean beauty products.

Nov 4, 2024By Park Jin-hai

Diversity, inclusiveness can be game changers for K-beauty

'Text Hip' trend helps ignite fresh interest in reading among youth

On the rainy night of Oct. 22, a dimly lit bar was filled with the sounds of classical music. The bar's walls were lined with shelves stacked with books, either for sale or to browse, with chalkboards inscribed with eye-catching quotes, hand-scribbled notes pinned here and there, and green hardcover menus listing cocktails named after literary classics. Beneath soft pools of light, late-night readers were sipping their drinks and reading.

Nov 2, 2024By KTimes

'Text Hip' trend helps ignite fresh interest in reading among youth

ANNIVERSARY How disabled artists in Korea are shattering stereotypes, inspiring changes

Standing on stage at the Modu Art Theater in Seoul, Jung Eun-hye, an artist and actor with developmental disabilities, powerfully delivered a line from her role in the 2022 tvN drama "Our Blues": “You bitch! You don't believe me, do you? That I'm an artist just like mom and dad! You! You abandoned me! Seven years ago!”

Nov 1, 2024By Park Jin-hai

[ANNIVERSARY] How disabled artists in Korea are shattering stereotypes, inspiring changes

ANNIVERSARY Hiring people with disabilities remains thorny issue

Shamans struggle with social stigma in Korea

Kim Dan-wol (pseudonym), a shaman, does not advertise herself. She refuses to participate in YouTube or broadcast media, even when approached for TV appearances. Although fame might bring wealth and luxury, it would also leave her with less time to pray to the spirits and fewer opportunities to meet those who are truly in need.

Oct 26, 2024By KTimes

Shamans struggle with social stigma in Korea

Princess Hwasun's love story retold with immersive tech at Changdeok Palace

Princess Hwasun (1720-58), the daughter of King Yeongjo the 21st king of the 1392-1910 Joseon Dynasty, is remembered for her poignant love story. Now, her tale is being told in an immersive and high-tech way at Seoul's royal palaces, offering visitors a unique glimpse into her life.

Oct 25, 2024By Kwon Mee-yoo

Princess Hwasun's love story retold with immersive tech at Changdeok Palace

Surging addiction to shorts, reels sparks calls for regulation

As the competition for short-form video content heats up among global social media platforms, concerns over its potential adverse effects are growing. Critics point out that recommendation algorithms, considered a trade secret by these platform companies, contribute to smartphone addiction.

Oct 25, 2024By KTimes

Surging addiction to shorts, reels sparks calls for regulation

Over 300,000 shamans in Korea: A community invisible to the government

In 2007, the New York Times reported that there are 300,000 shamans in Korea, or roughly one for every 160 people, highlighting a resurgence of shamanism in a country renowned for its cutting-edge technology.