f(x) and Exo Team Up to Give Fans Special Xmas Concert

Two idol groups will celebrate Christmas with their fans. The five girls that make up f(x) will work with the 12 male members of Exo to stage joint concerts at KINTEX in Ilsan, Gyeonggi Province on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Both belong to top talent agency SM Entertainment. f(x) have enjoyed continuous popularity since their debut in 2009, while Exo have recently emerged as one of the hottest K-pop boy groups.

The two groups will perform their hit songs and Christmas carols, accompanied by dance performances. 

Meanwhile, SM Entertainment will offer year-end concerts from Dec. 21-29 under the banner of "SM Town Week," featuring Girls' Generation, SHINee, Super Junior and TVXQ.

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Ticket for LEE SEUNG-GI ,KENNY G,PSY,BROWN EYED SOUL,LEE SEUNG-CHUL

	Brown Eyed Soul, a four-member R&B group, will be commemorating its 10th anniversary with a concert around Christmas at Kintex in Ilsan, Gyeonggi. See MUSIC, left. Provided by the organizer

MUSIC

LEE SEUNG-GI 

Olympic Park, Gymnastics Hall

Saturday and Sunday: Lee Seung-gi, the talented entertainer, is back with a concert titled “Concert of Hope.” Since 2009, Lee has performed his “Concert of Hope” each year, taking a different approach to the show’s music and staging each time.

The concert starts Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m. 

Tickets range from 55,000 won ($51) to 132,000 won. 

Olympic Park Station, line No. 5, exit 3.



KENNY G

Seoul Arts Center, Concert Hall

Dec. 6: Kenny G, one of the world’s most famous saxophone players, comes to Korea once more. Ever since his 1992 album “Breathless” sold 15 million copies, Kenny G has been a global icon in smooth jazz and adult contemporary music. 

This time, he will be performing with both his band and the Korean Symphony Orchestra, their second time teaming up since 2012. 

Tickets range from 99,000 won to 220,000 won.

The concert starts at 8 p.m.

Nambu Bus Terminal Station, line No. 3, exit 5.



PSY: ALL NIGHT STAND 

Olympic Park, Gymnastics Hall

Dec. 20 to 24: Psy is ready to dance under the moonlight with his Korean fans. The singer’s concerts are always popular thanks to the singer’s nonstop energy on stage.

Psy recently wrote on Twitter that he had a hard time last year despite his amazing international breakthrough because he had to keep performing only “Gangnam Style” and “Gentleman.” For this concert, he will perform around 15 songs, as per usual for his concerts in Korea.

The concert starts Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 7 p.m.; Tuesday at 7:45 p.m. and 11:45 p.m. 

Tickets range from 77,000 won to 165,000 won.

Olympic Park Station, line No. 5, exit 3.



BROWN EYED SOUL:

THANK YOUR SOUL

Kintex in Ilsan

Dec. 20, 21, 24, 25: Brown Eyed Soul, the four-man R&B group, will hold a concert to commemorate its 10th anniversary. The group released new music for the first time in three years earlier this month, an EP titled “Always Be There.” 

The concerts starts on Dec. 20 at 8 p.m., Dec. 21 at 6 p.m., Dec. 24 at 6 p.m. and Dec. 25 at 8 p.m. 

Tickets range from 88,000 won to 132,000 won.

Daehwa Station, line No. 3, exit 1.



LEE SEUNG-CHUL

COEX, Hall D

Dec. 20, 21, 22, 24: One of the best vocalists in Korea, Lee Seung-chul will present his third series of concerts in 2013, “Carol Line.” These shows follow “Beach Voice,” his summer concert in August, and “Love Rain,” his fall concert in October. 

Lee is known for his sweet yet powerful voice. He also was a judge on the popular TV show “Superstar K” on cable channel Mnet. 

“Carol Line” will kick off in Busan on Dec. 7 and continue through Dec. 31 in Daegu.

The Seoul concerts all start at 8 p.m.

Tickets range from 77,000 won to 154,000 won.

Samseong Station, line No. 2, exit 5.



GLEN CHECK

Blue Square

Dec. 31: Korea’s rising electro-dance sensation ushers in the new year and its new album with a big concert.

The show begins at 9:30 p.m.

Tickets cost 44,000 won to 66,000 won.

Hangangjin Station, line No. 6, exit 2 or 3.



DJ DOC CONCERT: AGAIN THIS YEAR

Olympic Park, SK Handball Stadium

Dec. 30, 31: Hip-hop group DJ DOC will have its first solo concert in two years to celebrate its 20-year anniversary. Its concerts are famous for their party-like atmosphere, full of the group’s many hits. 

For the show on Dec. 31, there will be a countdown to the new year. 

The concert starts on Dec. 30 at 8 p.m. and on Dec. 31 at 10 p.m.

The tickets range from 88,000 won to 121,000 won.

Olympic Park Station, line No. 5, exit 3.



THEATER

WICKED

Charlotte Theater

To Jan. 26: A Korean production of the musical “Wicked” is presented in Korea for the first time. Adapted from the best-selling novel “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West” by Gregory Maguire, the musical is an alterative view of L. Frank Baum’s famous story “The Wizard of Oz.” 

Taking the point of view of Oz’s witches, “Wicked” shows how the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch of the North were originally close friends. 

Oak Joo-hyun and rising star Park Hye-na will perform as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch; Jeong Sun-ah and Kim Bo-kyung will play Glinda the Good Witch.

The musical starts Tuesdays to Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sundays and holidays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. No shows on Mondays.

Tickets range from 60,000 won to 140,000 won.

Jamsil Station, line No. 2, exit 3.



GHOST

D-Cube Arts Center

To Dec. 22: The West End’s popular musical “Ghost” is presented in Korea for the first time. Adapted from the Hollywood movie with the same name, “Ghost” tells the undying love story of Molly and Sam. 

This production features musical stars such as Joo Won, Choi Jung-won and the inimitable diva Ivy. 

The musical starts Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m.; Wednesdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. No shows on Mondays.

Tickets range from 60,000 won to 130,000 won.

Sindorim Station, line No. 2, exit 1.



MAMMA MIA!

Blue Square, Samsung Card Hall

To March 23: Sophie, who lives on a Greek island, is about to be married and wants her father to give her away. 

The problem is that Sophie doesn’t know who her father is. After taking a peek in her mother’s diary, she discovers that he could be one of three candidates, so she slyly tricks them into attending her wedding. Along the way there will, of course, be plenty of Abba.

The original Broadway crew is coming to Seoul for this presentation of the popular musical. Made famous by the movie, audiences will appreciate hearing it performed with humor, energy and proper pitch by the original cast.

Tickets range from 50,000 won to 150,000 won.

The musical starts Tuesdays to Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. No shows on Mondays.

Hangangjin Station, line No. 6, exit 1.



CARMEN - THE MUSICAL

LG Arts Center

Dec. 3 to Feb. 23: This musical version of “Carmen” is not based on the famous opera by Georges Bizet, and only slightly on the original novella by Prosper Merimee. With music by Frank Wildhorn, lyrics by Jack Murphy and Norman Allen, and directed by Gabriel Barre, the musical “Carmen” made its debut in 2008 in Prague, becoming the successful music in recent times to debut there.

While the basics of the story are the same - a successful young Spanish police officer, Jose, falls in love with the beautiful gypsy girl Carmen, only to find their love threatened by a jealous suitor - this version is set in a circus in modern times, and features plenty of thrilling stunts and impressive visuals.

The Korean version stars Choi Sung-hee (better known as Bada), Cha Ji-hyun, Ryoo Jung-han and Shin Sung-rok.

The musical starts at 8 p.m. on weekdays; 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays; 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Sundays and holidays.

Tickets range from 60,000 won to 130,000 won.

Yeoksam Station, line No. 2, exit 7.



DECEMBER

Sejong Center for the Performing Arts

Dec. 16 to Jan. 29: This musical is completely based on songs by the late Kim Kwang-seok, one of Korea’s most important singers from the late 1980s and early 1990s, before his untimely death in 1996. 

Kim would have been 50 years old in January. His songs, like “Around 30,” “Become Dust” and “Although I Loved You,” are some of the most iconic from that era. Twenty-four songs made famous by Kim are included in the musical.

In addition, this is the musical directorial debut for Jang Jin, for many hit movies, including “Guns and Talks”(2001) and “Romantic Heaven”(2011). Jang has also directed numerous works for the stage, including “Welcome to Dongmakgol,” which was later turned into a huge hit film.

“December” is the story of tangled love. Ji-wook and his best friend Hoon both loved E-yeon, who disappeared without a trace when they were in their 20s. But Yeo-il loved Ji-wook, while Seong-tae was secretly in love with Yeo-il. After 20 years, Ji-wook meets a girl who looks just like E-yeon, and soon the past and present collide. 

Ji-wook is played by the idol singer Kim Jun-su from the K-pop trio JYJ for some shows, and others by actor Park Gun-hyung. 

The musical starts on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m.; Wednesdays at 3 p.m and 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 7:20 p.m.; and Sundays and holidays at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. 

Tickets range from 50,000 won to 140,000 won

Yeoksam Station, line No. 2, exit 7



UNIVERSAL BALLET: 

THE NUTCRACKER

Universal Arts Center

Dec. 20 to 31: Korea’s renowned Universal Ballet presents its regular Christmas performance of “The Nutcracker.” 

“The Nutcracker” is a wonderful staple of ballet, along with “The Sleeping Beauty” and “Swan Lake,” thanks to the great combination of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and ballet choreographer Marius Petipa. 

Based on the story “The Nutcracker and the King of Mice” by E. T. A. Hoffman, the ballet tells the story of a little girl who, one Christmas Eve, dreams of a Nutcracker Prince and takes part in a fierce battle against the frightening Mouse King. 

The performance starts Mondays to Fridays at 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sundays and holidays at 2:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. No shows on Dec. 23 and Dec. 27. 

Tickets range from 10,000 won to 100,000 won.

Achasan Station, line No. 5, exit 4.



FESTIVAL

SENSATION 2013

Kintex in Ilsan

Saturday: The dance-theater hybrid “Sensation,” created in 2000 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, returns to Korea with the theme of “Wicked Wonderland.” 

Featured DJs include Mr. White, The Man With No Shadow, Mark Knight and Dirty South. Attendees are encouraged to wear white, just like at the 2012 event.

The event runs 9:00 p.m. to dawn. 

Tickets cost 125,000 won. 

Daehwa Station, line No. 3, exit 1.


Event information is collected from the Korea Tourism Organization and tickets for most events are available at ticket.interpark.com/global or by calling 1544-1555.

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Taeyang reveals another new song

Singer Taeyang of boy group Big Bang debuted a new song Tuesday night during a concert in the United States.

	Taeyang

Titled “1 AM,” the song was part of a show Taeyang did for a concert series hosted by MTV Iggy and Intel called the Music Experiment 2.0.

In addition to introducing the new song, he also performed many of his other hits such as “Look at Me Only” and “I Need a Girl.” Music producer Choice 37, who has composed many hit songs for YG Entertainment including “Bad Boy” and “One of a Kind,” performed as a guest.

The Music Experiment series has included such artists as Empire of the Sun and Arcade Fire.

The two versions of Taeyang’s latest single “Ringa Linga” have racked up 10.6 million and 6.1 million YouTube views since they were released three weeks ago.

By Lee Sun-min

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SHINee to host concert in Shanghai

SHINee. (S.M. Entertainment)

Boy band SHINee is heading to Shanghai to hold the “SHINee Festival Tour,” a concert that will commemorate the group’s 5-year anniversary. 

On top of preparations for the performances, the group is also preparing a special stage for the concert, which will take place on Nov. 30 in Shanghai Gymnasium. 

“We are paying a lot of attention to the lighting and musical aspects of the stage,” a representative stated, adding, “We are checking even the smallest detail to make a perfect performance that fans will not be able to forget.” 

Since debuting in 2008, the K-pop group has gained popularity all over the world, with strong fan bases in Japan and China. 

SHINee recently released its newest EP, “Everybody,” in October and won the Best Dance Performance of the Year at the fifth annual Mnet Asia Music Awards held in Hong Kong. 

After performing in Shanghai, the group is set to perform in Beijing on Jan. 18 of next year. 

By Cha Yo-rim 

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K-pop beloved, far under the radar

Earlier this month, K-pop girl group Girls’ Generation beat out big names Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus and even Korean YouTube sensation Psy to take the “Video of the Year” award at the first-ever YouTube Music Awards.

The initial reaction of the crowd gathered at the awards ceremony in New York can be summed up with one word: Huh?

Despite being one of the hottest groups in Korea and most of Asia, their name still does not ring a bell immediately in U.S. mainstream music. On YouTube, however, the group has emerged as a force to be reckoned with.

“I Got A Boy,” the song that grabbed the top video honor for Girls’ Generation, has accumulated nearly 78 million views as of Thursday, along with well over 449,000 likes.

The nine-member group is not the only K-pop frontrunner that has enjoyed success on the video sharing website. Boy band Big Bang’s “Fantastic Baby” garnered 89 million views in less than two years, and many still remember the worldwide impact of Psy’s “Gangnam Style” last year.

They are not quite global hot shots like Bieber, Lady Gaga and Cyrus, but individual fans’ reactions to K-pop certainly create a buzz.

What is called “reaction videos” -- where Internet users record their reactions on YouTube as they view certain videos -- for K-pop are sprouting up all over the Internet. 

Although some may find it hard to understand why such reaction videos are made in the first place, K-pop reaction videos shed light on how Korean singers captivate a wider range of audiences. 

“It’s great. It’s like a colorful chaos,” said one YouTube user in a video made by online producers Fine Brothers after watching the music video for “Fantastic Baby.” Another user said bright colors, dancing, chaos and key English lines in the video combine to make up K-pop.

The K-pop music videos have plenty of attractive features beside their catchy tunes. The singers’ fashion, abundant use of color or exaggerated gestures are only some of the eye-catching characteristics. 

Some people find their music videos downright odd. As one person put it, “This is the most confusing thing I’ve watched in the past 48 hours.”

K-pop videos are gaining greater popularity on the strength of such peculiar features.

After all, “Gangnam Style” -- the most beloved K-pop video ever and by far the most viewed YouTube video in history -- is all the more popular due to its eccentric nature.

This reaction from a U.S. man who watched Shinee’s music video may best explain the unexpected surge of K-pop videos on the YouTube: “Ridiculous …But I like it.” 



By Yoon Min-sik

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Fresh from the street

Fresh from the street Vendors cook the deep-fried version of “hotteok,’’ or Korean pancakes, at the Namdaemun shopping district in downtown Seoul. / Korea Times photo by Yuh Suh-young Seoul’s street food scene is international attraction By Yun Suh-young One of Seoul’s biggest attractions as a food destination is that its culinary offerings are not confined to restaurants. An amazing variety of food is available at the food carts and trucks that are a common sight along the streets of leisure and business districts, providing pleasure and refuge for the city’s famously overworked citizens. It could be said that the city’s street-food culture was more vibrant from the 1960s to the early 1990s. But vendors now struggle to compete with franchised fast-food chains, the dull but relentless juggernauts that now dominate the inexpensive eating industry. “Gyeranpang” (buns garnished with a cooked egg) Still, it could be argued that the cheap food options continue to be better on the streets. While French toast, fish sticks, sweet pancakes and “tteokbokki” (rice cake with red chilli sauce) remain the most popular items among meals-on-wheels, street chefs are experimenting more than before to satisfy the generation of eaters who grew up with food blogs and Facebook. The diversity and quality of Seoul’s street food have been noticed by foreign travelers as well. Tourism officials here say that the city’s areas known for their density of street food outlets, such as the office district near Seoul City Hall, have become must-stops among tourists. There are even companies like O’ngo Food Communications, which build travel products around street food attractions. Deep-fried hotteok “Our tourists experience street food like tteokbokki, hotteok (fried sweet pancakes), odaeng (boiled, steamed or fried fish sticks) and sundae (Korean blood sausages). The items change from time to time. Bbopki (sugar candy) and patbingsu (ice flakes with sweet red bean syrup) are also popular,” said Jia Choi, president of O’ngo Food Communications, which operates a street food tour program. “They love the experience. Western travelers seem to enjoy it particularly. Asian tourists find the street food culture similar to what they experience at home but seem to enjoy discovering the differences.” There are a number of street food items that are more popular when the weather gets cold. They include “boongeopang” (fish-shaped pies with sweet red-bean filling), “gukhwapang” (flower-shaped red-bean buns), “gyeranpang” (buns garnished with a cooked egg), “hodugwaja” (walnut cakes) and “dakkochi” (marinated chicken on skewers). There are also carts that sell baked sweet potatoes, chestnuts, ginkgo nuts and steamed corn. “Odeng” (fish cakes), fried vegetable pancakes and squid fritters.  A street vendor in her 60s, who sells stir-fried squid on her cart in Namdaemun, said that she has seen a dramatic increase in foreign customers in the past few years. “I think most of my customers are foreigners now. Most of them used to be from Japan, but now I see more tourists from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan,” she said, adding that she has been running her food cart for over 30 years. Shopping districts in Namdaemun, Myeong-dong and Dongdaemun are always buzzing with foreigners and the food carts seem to be benefiting from it. “Myeongdong has different kinds of street food such as tteokbokki, odaeng, and ‘kimbap’ (rice, vegetables and meat rolled in seaweed), but I think I find the tastiest vendors in Dongdaemun,” said Aya, a tourist from Japan. “Gukhwapang” (flower-shaped red-bean buns) Emily from Hong Kong said her favorite street food was boongeopang. “I liked the fish-shaped bread but I also like other street food such as tteokbokki or odaeng. Hotteok is good too,” she said. “In my country, street food is sold inside shops, but I like eating outside on the streets here.” It seems that the influx of foreigners is allowing vendors to be bolder in giving their traditional food items a twist. A success story is the hotteok in Namdaemum, where vendors fill the pancakes with seafood, meat, vegetables and fried noodles instead of just the traditional sugar-cinnamon mixture. Myeongdong is also becoming famous for its instantly squeezed fruit juice provided in disposable clear packs, which have been apparently tailored for tourists.

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Event Calender for December

Pop music

“The Sensation: Wicked Wonderland” concert performance will be held on Nov. 30 at KINTEX in Ilsan, Gyeonggi Province. (Communique)

“Sensation: Wicked Wonderland”: “Sensation” is a live music and performance event that was first developed in Amsterdam 13 years ago. Over the years the event, which has been referred to as “the biggest club on earth,” grew in popularity and has been brought all over the world to more than 30 countries and seen by millions. This year’s Sensation with the theme of “Wicked Wonderland” will be held on Nov. 30 at KINTEX in Ilsan, Gyeonggi Province, from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Tickets can be purchased online, with prices ranging from 99,000 won to 200,000 won. VIP packages are also available. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com. 

“2013 Psy Concert All Night Stand”: Psy will be ringing in the holiday season by holding a special four-day solo concert series in December. The upcoming performances will mark his first concert in Korea in nearly eight months after his globally broadcast “Happening” show in April, where he attracted around 45,000 concert goers and more than 130,000 fans who tuned in online for the live feed. The rapper has been busy this year promoting single “Gentleman,” which was also been nominated for the Video of the Year award at this year’s inaugural YouTube Music Awards. Psy’s special four-day solo concert series will be held from Dec. 20-22 and on Christmas Eve at Seoul Olympic Park’s Gymnastics Stadium. Tickets can be purchased online, with prices ranging from 77,000 won to 165,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com. 

“HotSechGodRG Concert: Legend Back”: The 90s are making a return with the project group HotSechGodRG holding its first concert next month. HotSechGodRG is a collaboration group made up of some of the country’s most popular pastime idols Moon Hee-jun and Tony An from H.O.T, Sechs Kies’ Eun Ji-won, g.o.d’s Danny Ahn, and NRG’s Cheon Myeong-hun. The group made its official debut through the release the group’s first music video ― a remake of NRG’s debut song “I Can Do It! ― back in May. The union of the 90s rivaling stars both shocked and excited fans who have now been offered a rare opportunity at taking a live stroll down memory lane. HotSechGodRG first concert will be held on Dec. 24 and 25 at Central City Millennium Hall in Seoul. Tickets are 132,000 won and can be purchased online. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

“James Blake: Live in Seoul”: James Blake is young singer-songwriter and producer from London whose critically acclaimed eponymous debut album was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize in 2011. Blake released his second studio album titled “Overgrown” earlier this year and it went on to win the 2013 Mercury Prize, surprisingly beating out heavy favorites including the legendary David Bowie. The album was ranked at the top of the U.S. Dance/Electronic Albums Chart and no. 8 of the U.K. Albums Chart. Blake will be performing live in Seoul on Jan. 19 at the Uniqlo AX Hall. Tickets can be purchased online, with prices listed at 88,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

SHINHWA Minwoo to Celebrate X-mas with Fans

K-pop artist Minwoo of K-pop group SHINHWA. [Liveworks Company]

K-pop’s long-beloved idol group SHINHWA member Minwoo will celebrate this Christmas with his dedicated fans.

Minwoo will host Christmas concert “2013 M Lee Minwoo Christmas Live – XMAS” at Seoul’s UNIQLO-AX Hall on December 24 and 25, his promoter The J Story said on Wednesday.

The dance star will also release his new solo album next January, his first record in four years after 2009 mini-album “Minnovation.”

The Christmas shows will be held to celebrate Minwoo’s 10th solo debut anniversary since he first dropped his solo debut album “Un-Touch-Able” in November of 2003.

The talented performer is set to feature sessions to recall the past 10 years and new memorable performances which can commemorate the meaningful anniversary.

Since he sold out 4,000 tickets to his Christmas concerts last year in two minutes, the upcoming ticket sales would also be highly competitive, The J Story explained.

K.Will Gets Ready to Celebrate Christmas with Fans at '2013 K.Daebak Concert'

K.Will is getting ready to celebrate Christmas with his fans this year.

The K-Pop balladeer will hold his annual Christmas concert, this year titled 2013 K.Daebak Concert, on December 24 and 25 at the Kyunghee University Peace Hall.

The singer addressed his fans and explained plans for the holiday showcase by saying, "Although it is difficult to prepare for my concert, the happiness that I get from seeing many people coming out and enjoying themselves is indescribable."

K.Will plans to try something very new for this year's Christmas performance. Known for his sweet ballads and melodies, he will branch out into somewhat uncharted territory and incorporate R&B, dance, and hip-hop genres at the 2013 K.Daebak Concert.

"If you spend this Christmas with me, you won't regret it," he added.

Tickets for the yuletide show go on sale October 24 at 2pm KST through the Interpark ticketing website.

So if you are planning on being in Seoul this holiday season, be sure to head over to Kyunghee University and celebrate Christmas with K.Will!

More than Feel’ to send off 2013

Poster for hip-hop concert “More than Feel” (Ponds)

Hip-hop fans can end the year with a dose of their favorite music at “More than Feel” at Sejong University on Dec. 28.

The lineup for the concert includes hip-hop artists Verbal Jint, Bumkey, San E and Outsider.

“Concert-goers will not only be able to see solo performances by their favorite artists, but also feel their synergy on stage,” a concert organizer stated.

Veteran artist Verbal Jint made his debut in 1999 and became one of the most popular mainstream hip-hop artists in Korea. His hits include “Good Start,” “If It Ain’t Love” and “Walking in the Rain,” taking top spots on major music charts.

Bumkey made a name for himself with hit songs “Bad Girl” and “Attraction,” while rising rapper San E recently released an EP titled “‘Not’ Based On the True Story.”

Outsider is known for his speed-rapping on hit songs “Loner” and “Hero.”

“More than Feel” will take place in Sejong University’s Daeyang Hall located in Gunja-dong, Seoul, at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. 

Seo In-guk to Hold 1st Exclusive Concert

The poster of Korean singer/actor Seo In-guk’s first exclusive concert “Surpringuk.” [Jellyfish Entertainment]

Korean singer/actor Seo In-guk is about to hold his first-ever exclusive concert at the end of this year.

Seo released through his Twitter account on Thursday the poster of his first concert, which will be held at Ewha Women’s University’s Auditorium in Seoul on December 28 and 29.

Dubbed “Surprainguk (compound word of surprise and In-guk),” the poster features Seo holding a list of his hit tunes in a Moulin-louge mood.

The upcoming concert will show Seo’s splendid performances, emotional music dramas, crazy party time with fans and the 26-year-old star’s confessions on himself, the multi-entertainer’s promoter Lune Communication said.

Seo also raised the bar of the concert by mentioning in several interviews that he’d like to show a parody performance of this year’s hottest girl group during his concert, the firm explained.

Dance

A scene from “Into Thin Air” (KNCDC)

“Into Thin Air”: Israeli choreographer Idit Herman is presenting “Into Thin Air,” a collaborative project with the Korea National Contemporary Dance Company. Featuring a total of nine dancers, the piece was inspired by each artist’s personal experiences. The show runs from Nov. 22 to 24 at CJ Towol Theater of Seoul Arts Center. The featured dancers are: Kim Dong-hyun, Cho Hyun-bae, Ji Kyung-min, Park Seong-hyeon, Lee Hye-sang, Park Myung-hoon, Kim Ho-yeon, Lee So-jin, and Choi Min-seon. Tickets range from 30,000 won to 50,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3472-1420 or visit www.kncdc.kr. 

“Mother”: Dance Company DTS Ballet is presenting their oldest repertoire, “Mother,” in celebration of their 10-year anniversary. The dance, featuring a mother’s unconditional love and sacrifice, premiered in 2003 as the troupe’s first performance shortly after being founded. Koh Young-hee, a North Korean defector who was a principal dancer for a Pyongyang-based troupe, will join this year’s performance. Koh’s mother and choreographer Bae Geum-ee are said to have been taught by Korea’s legendary modern dancer Choi Seung-hee (1911-1967). The show runs on Nov. 22 and 23 at Arko Arts Theater in Daehangno, Seoul. All tickets cost 20,000 won. For more information, visit www.dts-ballet.com or call 010-3262-4802.

“Schwanengesang”: Local troupe Lee Tae Sang Dance Project is presenting “Schwanengesang,” a dance that deals with young victims of sex abuse. Choreographer Lee’s works have been featured at the International Munchen Festival in Germany, International Kontakt Budapest Dance Festival in Hungary and ImpulsTANZ Vienna Dance Festival in Austria. “Schwanengesang” runs from Nov. 29 to 30 at Gangdong Arts Center in Seoul. All tickets cost 30,000 won. For more information, emailballet0639@hotmail.com.

“The Nutcracker”: Korea’s Universal Ballet Company is getting ready to treat its fans to its popular rendition of “The Nutcracker.” First performed by UBC in 1986, the show is based on 19th-century German writer E.T.A. Hoffmann’s version of the story and French ballet choreographer Marius Petipa’s dance. UBC has cast some 10 of its finest dancers, including principal dancers Hwang Hye-min and Eom Jae-yong. The show, which tells the story of a young girl’s favorite Christmas toy coming alive and whisking her away to a magical kingdom, is one of Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet compositions along with “Swan Lake” and “Sleeping Beauty.” The show runs from Dec. 20-31 at Universal Art Center in Neung-dong, eastern Seoul. Tickets range from 10,000 won to 100,000 won. For more information, visit www.uac.co.kr.

Classical music
“Carmen”: The Goyang Cultural Foundation will feature Bizet’s “Carmen” with an all-Korean cast and crew through Dec. 1 at the Goyang Aram Nuri. Accomplished director Yang Jung-ung will lead a group of equally noted singers including mezzo soprano Kim Jung-mi as Carmen and tenor Na Seung-seo as Don Jose. The opera, composed by Bizet, follows the tragic but passionate love story between fiery gypsy Carmen and nave soldier Don Jose. Seats for the 170 minute-performance are priced between 20,000 won and 80,000 won. For more information call 1577-7766.

“Choral”: Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra’s all-time popular repertoire, Beethoven’s Symphony No.9 “Choral,” will be staged on Dec. 27-28 at Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall. SPO Art Director Chung Myung-whun will take the barton leading the National Chorus of Korea, Seoul Motet Choir, and Anyang Civic Chorale, too. All seats are sold out but the SPO is opening the choir seats to those who want to enjoy the grandeur of the music. For more information, call (02) 3700-6334.

Violinist Clara-Jumi Kang (left) and pianist Son Yeol-eum will hold “Fantasy for Two” concert at Seoul Arts Center on Dec. 7.  (Credia)

“Fantasy for Two”: Up and coming violinist Clara-Jumi Kang and pianist Son Yeol-eum will perform in seven cities around the country starting Dec. 7 at Seoul Arts Center. The duo will continue at Suncheon Cultural Center on Dec. 9; Geoje Arts Center on Dec. 10; Nowon Arts Center on Dec. 12; Bupyeong Arts Center on Dec. 13; Ansan Arts Center on Dec. 14 and HHI Culture and Arts Center in Ulsan on Dec. 16. They will perform Mozart’s Violin Sonata No.27; Schubert’s Fantasia for Violin and Piano in D major; Prokofiev’s Violin Sonata No.1 in F minor and Hubay’s “Carmen Fantasie Brillante.” For reservation, visit www.interpark.com and for more information about the concerts call (02) 318-4301. 

“Mischa Maisky with Seoul Philharmonic”: Famed cellist Mischa Maisky will be back on the Korean stage with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra on Dec. 11 at Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall. They will perform Max Bruch’s “Kol Nidrei for violin and Orchestra,” Saint Saens’ Cello Concerto No.1; and Dvorak’s Cello Concerto. The orchestra will be led by the SPO’s vice-conductor Sung Si-yeon. The Jewish-Latvian cellist gained international stardom, winning various competitions throughout the 1960s and ’70s. In 1972, he settled in Israel and has since trotted around the world to share his love for music ― with or without the best orchestras at the best concert halls ― and has released numerous bestselling records including the Bach suites. Seats are priced between 50,000 won and 150,000 won and the show begins at 8 p.m. For more information, call (02) 599-5743.

Theater
“Space Chicken Opera”: Local troupe Dugonga is presenting “Space Chicken Opera,” a play that deals with vegetarianism in a humorous way. The piece is set in the future, where eating meat is prohibited in every country on earth. Its plot develops as a spaceship arrives with boxes filled with chicken wings to sell. “Space Chicken Opera” runs from Dec. 17 to 29 at Daehangno Areumdaun Theater in Daehangno, Seoul. For more information, call (02) 822-5707.

“Music Show Wedding”: Popular musical producer Song Seung-hwan, whose 1997 nonverbal piece “Nanta” became a global hit, has returned with another foreigner-friendly work. Titled “Wedding,” Song’s latest musical is also nonverbal; its actors and actresses sing, dance, act and play more than 20 musical instruments. The one-of-a-kind performance is specifically designed to draw foreign audiences. The show is a comical theatrical portrait of an ordinary Korean wedding, where the bride’s father isn’t particularly fond of his future son-in-law. Song follows the groom’s hilarious efforts to impress his father-in-law prior to the wedding ceremony, mixed with rhythmic music and dance. “Wedding” runs until Dec. 31 at Music Show Wedding Theater in Hongdae area in Seoul. For tickets and information, call (02) 739-8288.

A scene from a dress rehearsal for “Wicked”  (Seol & Company)

“Wicked”: After playing an unhappy Austrian empress (Elisabeth) and a mysterious, obsessive housekeeper (Rebecca), musical actress Oak Ju-hyun has now been cast to play the famous green-skinned witch in Broadway musical “Wicked.” The upcoming run, featuring an all-Korean cast, is the first Korean-language edition of the musical. The musical tells the story of two very different witches in the Land of Oz ― green-skinned, struggling and often-alienated Elphaba and beautiful and popular blonde Glinda. The show is a ravishing spectacle and fantasy, mixed with a touching account of one’s experience of a difficult youth, life-changing friendship and growing up. “Wicked” will open on Nov. 22 at Charlotte Theater in Jamsil, southern Seoul. Tickets range from 60,000 won to 140,000 won. For more information, call 1577-3363.

Exhibitions

“Arbre de Vie Soleil Rouge,” 2013 by Jean Francois Larrieu (Opera Gallery)

“Dream Blossom”: Opera Gallery Seoul presents an exhibition by Korean and French artists currently in the spotlight for their portrayal of beautiful trees. The gallery’s fourth exhibition of the year showcases pine tree sculptures by Lee Gil-rae and imaginative, colorful paintings by Jean Francois Larrieu under the title “Dream Blossom” from Thursday to Dec. 31. Opera Gallery Seoul is located on Dosan Boulevard, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. For more information, call (02) 3446-0070.

“Engrave”: Artist Kang Hyung-koo presents new portraits, clay sculptures and drawings in a solo exhibition at Arario Gallery Seoul until Dec. 20. The highlight of the exhibition includes portraits of Western and Asian cultural icons such as Korean artist Yun Du-suh from the Joseon period, Leonardo Da Vinci, Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe. Kang also presents clay sculptures of Auguste Rodin, Vincent Van Gogh and Marilyn Monroe and dozens of caricature-style pencil drawings of famous figures, including Abraham Lincoln, Marilyn Monroe, Auguste Rodin and Mahatma Gandhi, which give a hint of his working process that leads to the completed portrait. For more information, call (02) 571-5701.

“Jesus and Deaf Lamb”: One of the most famous biblical scenes ― baby Jesus in the arms of Mary surrounded by Wise Men from the East ― doesn’t feature the usual Western biblical representation in the late artist Woonbo Kim Ki-chang’s Jesus paintings. At a thatched-roof house, home for commoners in the Joseon period (1392-1910), Jesus appears as a happy child in the arms of Mary, wearing a rainbow-striped jeogori ― the traditional Korean children’s jacket. The Eastern Wise Men worshipping the newborn are dressed in official robes of Joseon ministers. Such paintings interpreting Jesus in Korean culture are on view at Seoul Museum’s “Jesus and Deaf Lamb” exhibition that marks the centennial birthday of the artist Kim Ki-chang (1914-2001) at Seoul Museum in Buam-dong, Jongno, Seoul, until Jan. 19, 2014. For more information, call (02) 395-0100 or visit www.seoulmuseum.org.

“Video Vintage”: An extensive video art collection is on exhibit at the Gwacheon Museum of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea. A total of 72 video works that date from the early 1960s to 1980s examine the birth of video art, its expansion into other media in art and connection with the television era. Highlights include “Button Happening” by Nam June Paik, “The New Wave” by Fred Barzyk, “The Eternal Frame” by ANT FARM and T.R. Uthco. The exhibition continues through Dec. 31. For more information, visit www.mmca.go.kr.

Festivals

Visitors ice-fish for trout during the previous Pyeongchang Trout Festival. (Pyeongchang Trout Festival organizing committee)

“Pyeongchang Trout Festival”: The annual trout fishing event will be held in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province, known as one of the coldest regions with record snowfalls in Korea. The Pyeongchang Trout Festival invites visitors to try trout ice fishing and a variety of folk and snow spots activities such as riding on four-wheel ATVs on the ice, snow rafting and sleigh trains. The festival will be held from Dec. 20 to Feb. 2, 2014, at Oedaecheon Stream, located in front of Jinbu Bus Terminal. For more information, visit festival700.or.kr (only in Korean), or call (033) 336-4000.

“Boseong Green Tea Light Festival”: A light festival will take place at the famous tea plantation in Boseong, South Jeolla Province, from Dec. 13 to Feb. 2, 2014. The vast tea plantation will be decorated with thousands of colorful light bulbs. One of the highlights of the winter light festival is the 120-meter-high “Millennium Tree,” decorated with more than 100,000 lights, which made its way into the Guinness Book of World Records in 2000. The lights will go on from 5:30 p.m. to midnight every day. Admission is free. An opening ceremony will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 13 in Yeongcheon-ri, followed by an event that will invite visitors to walk through a long light tunnel. For more information, call (061) 850-5211.

“The Garden of Morning Calm Chrysanthemum Exhibition”: More than 300 kinds of chrysanthemum are on view in the 33,000-square-meter outdoor Garden of Morning Calm in Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi Province. The garden is designed to reflect the beauty of a traditional Korean garden in harmony with its surrounding nature. The exhibition ends Nov. 30. For more information, call (031) 584-6701 or visit www.morningcalm.co.kr.

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