K-pop artists bask in different popularity by region

K-pop artists bask in different popularity by region North America votes most for EXO, Japan for Kim Hyun-joong, Europe for SHINee K-pop artists have established different popularity turfs in different countries, a global survey conducted by CJ E&M showed. According to the poll results released Friday, the most popular K-pop artist globally turned out to be the girl group f(x) who won the highest percentage of votes at 16.4 percent, thanks to their Chinese fandom.  K-pop boy band Shinhwa won 15.1 percent...

Read More

K-pop charts in 2014 unpredictable

Psy performs during a concert at the Olympic Park’s Gymnastics Stadium in southern Seoul on Dec. 22. The K-pop sensation will return with a new album next year. / Yonhap By Park Si-sooNext year’s K-pop scene is expected to feature quite a battle for the top of the charts as Psy, Seo Taiji and other top stars are set to return with new albums, posing a challenge to the likes of Girls’ Generation, G-Dragon and EXO.In addition, new groups with game-changing potential are expected to debut after going through long and rigorous apprentice...

Read More

'Man from Stars' wins big attention

A television drama starring Jun Ji-hyun and Kim Soo-hyun has exceeded the 20-percent mark in terms of viewership, Nielson Korea has announced.“Man from the Stars,” which airs on SBS Television, achieved this rating in just four episodes. It is broadcast on Wednesdays and Thursdays, right on the heels of yet another popular drama, “The Heirs.”The drama about a man from outer space (played by Kim), who has lived on Earth for 400 years, falling in love with a top actress (played by Jun) easily beat out dramas airing in the same time slot...

Read More

Girl's Day to release album Friday

The four-member K-pop group Girl’s Day comprising Yura, Minah, Sojin and Hyeri will release their mini-album on Jan. 3.A well-known duo of composers commonly known as Double Kick (Park Jang-gen and Milkey) produced the album. Four new songs including “Something,” “Show You” are featured on the album.According to Dream Tea Entertainment, the agency of Girl’s Day, Double Kick Music was in charge of both composing the music and writing the lyrics. The team has composed numerous K-pop hits by artists such as Sister and K-will.Girl’s...

Read More

Rain to release sixth full-length album today

By Kim Ji-sooThe much-awaited return of top K-pop star Rain will occur in the first week of the new year.The singer’s agency Cube DC, which is an affiliate of Cube Entertainment, said Tuesday that he will release his sixth studio album “Rain Effect” Thursday.The release date has been brought forward because the schedule for filming of his Hollywood film “The Prince” has been reset.  “The Prince” — starring Bruce Willis and John Cusack —is the singer’s third Hollywood film following on the heels of “Speed Racer” and “Ninja Assassin.”“New...

Read More

Royal palaces to open until late in February

Winter in Gyeongbokgung Palace. (Cultural Heritage Administration) Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changgyeonggung Palace in Seoul will open until late at night in February, the Cultural Heritage Administration said Tuesday. The Changgyeonggung Palace will remain open until 10 p.m. and Gyeongbokgung Palace until 9 p.m. from Feb. 12-17, as part of the CHA’s cultural programs to help citizens and visitors immerse themselves in the rich history of the Joseon period. The CHA have set the quota for admission to 1,700 visitors a day at Changgyeonggung...

Read More

Event Calendar for Jan

The Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s New Year’s Concert will be screened at Megabox theaters on Jan. 3. (Megabox) Concert nights at Megabox: Local cinema franchise Megabox will broadcast the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra’s New Year’s Concert live on Jan. 1 at 7:30 p.m. and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s New Year’s Concert on Jan. 3 at 8:15 p.m. The Austrian orchestra will be led by the legendary maestro Daniel Barenboim while the German orchestra will feature Chinese piano sensation Lang Lang alongside maestro Simon Rattle. The concerts will...

Read More

The Korea Grand Sale kicks off Jan. 3 through Feb. 16

The Korea Grand Sale runs from Jan. 3 until Feb. 16 throughout Korea. The annual sales event offers discounts on shopping and special offers at hotels and department stores. This year’s event includes the participation of 118 duty free shops, shopping malls, outlets, large supermarkets and theaters, along with 17 traditional markets. A total of 27,291 stores will provide discounts of up to 50 percent. During the sales period, 23 hotels in Korea will offer an extra one-night stay for foreign tourists staying more than two nights. In...

Read More

Winter festivals to light up holiday season

For travelers looking to tough it out in the frigid winter temperatures, there are a number of worthwhile winter festivals where visitors can experience a wide range of snow and winter-fun activities whether it be ice-fishing, sledding or even ice soccer. The Pyeongchang Trout Festival is one of the most popular winter festivals, and is held annually in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province ― known for having one of the coldest, snowiest winters in Korea. Because of the region’s frigid climate and clear waters, Pyeongchang has an endless number...

Read More