This fall, Seoul will see a captivating artistic duel, as two leading ballet companies stage their productions of “La Bayadere,” a timeless ballet masterpiece. The Universal Ballet will perform the piece from Sept. 27 to 29, while the Korean National Ballet’s production will go onstage Oct. 30 to Nov. 3. Both productions will be staged at the Seoul Arts Center’s Opera House. “La Bayadere,” which translates to “The Temple Dancer” in French, is set a

The historical novel “The Last Prince” weaves in imagination with the true story of Prince Yi Kang (1877-1955), the fifth son of Emperor Gojong, set against the backdrop of Korea’s turbulent history during the final years of the Korean royal family and the Japanese colonial era (1910-1945). In an unexpected twist for a work steeped in Korean history, the novel comes not from a Korean author but from Daniel Tudor, a British journalist and former Seoul correspondent for The Econo

South Korean author Mirinae Lee has won the William Saroyan International Prize for Writing for her debut novel, “8 Lives of a Century-Old Trickster.” This biennial prize, jointly established in 2003 by Stanford University Libraries and the William Saroyan Foundation in honor of the novelist, playwright and short-story writer William Saroyan, recognizes one fiction and one nonfiction book to “encourage new or emerging writers, rather than to recognize established literary figur

The National Changgeuk Company of Korea’s comical and provocative changgeuk, “Madam Ong,” a long-standing favorite, is set to return to the stage this September, celebrating its 10th anniversary. Changgeuk is a Korean form of opera that combines elements of pansori, a traditional narrative singing style. "Madam Ong," the first changgeuk to be rated for adults only, has garnered attention for its bold themes and vibrant portrayal of human vitality. This year's pro

In Korea, the choice of alcohol can carry subtle social meanings. Saying, "Let's grab a beer," and, "Let's have some soju," conveys different vibes, according to medical doctor and journalist Park Jae-young. Inviting someone for a beer typically means, "Let's hang out," or, "I have something to talk about, but it's nothing too serious." On the other hand, asking someone to have soju can suggest, "I have something personal to share,

Choreographer Ahn Ae-soon, a leading figure in contemporary dance in South Korea, is set to premiere her latest work with the National Dance Company of Korea later this month. The company will present "Hang PlusMinus" at the Haeoreum Grand Theater from Aug. 29 to Sept. 1, in their first joint production. "Hang PlusMinus" draws from the royal court dance "Chunaengmu,” the only solo dance among court dances, which captures the minimalistic essence, according to Ahn.

Reflecting on South Korean history as a former president, Kim Dae-jung said, "When we examine history over the long term, those who dedicate themselves to the people are never truly defeated. They may face temporary setbacks, but history ultimately moves in the right direction." A new book on Kim Dae-jung (1924-2009) marks the centenary of the birth of the country's 15th president and Nobel Peace Prize laureate as well as the 15th anniversary of his passing on Sunday. Over 780 pages lo

The 27th Seoul International Dance Festival, presented by the Seoul section of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO), is set to captivate audiences from Sept. 1 to 14 across Seoul. This year’s festival will showcase 35 performances from eight countries, including Canada, Australia and Luxembourg, at various locations including Sogang University’s Mary Hall, Samil-ro Changgo Theater, Daehakro Arts Theater, Eunpyeong Arts Center and Seoul Namsan Gukakdang. In a departure from pr

Eight poignant lines, penned by Yoon Dong-ju, one of Korea's most beloved poets, in November 1941, may be one of the most famous in all of Korean poetry: Until I breathe my last breath I wish to face my sky without shame. Even the wind blowing on leaves Has left me restless. With a heart singing hymns to the stars I shall love all that must die; And I shall walk diligently Upon the path assigned to me. Tonight again, the stars are blown by the wind The untitled poem, widely recognized a

The Changmu International Performing Arts Festival, dedicated to exploring international exchanges with traditional Korean dance, is set to hold its 30th edition this month. Organized by the Changmu Arts Center, the dance festival will be held Aug. 21-31 at various locations, including Sejong Arts Center in Sejong City, Arko Arts Theater in Daehangno and Seoul Namsan Gugakdang. Founded in 1992 by the esteemed choreographer and dancer Kim Mae-ja, affectionately known as the "mother of Korean

If you have some time to spare before (or after) shopping at the popular shopping complex HDC IPark Mall in Yongsan, central Seoul, head over to “The Great Era of Piracy," a special exhibition on "One Piece," a mega-hit Japanese animation series on air since 1999, on the mall's sixth floor. In Seoul, the exhibition which previously toured Hong Kong, Malaysia and Indonesia, presents Korean anime fans with opportunities to enjoy the beloved series via limited edition merc

Novelist Hyun Ki-young's three-volume epic novel "Oh, Jejudo” and 15 other Korean literary works have been selected for the 2024 Grants for the Translation, Research and Publication of Korean Literary Works, the Daesan Foundation said Monday. The novel, which won the fiction prize of the 31st Daesan Literary Awards last year, narrates Jeju Island myths and tales following the history of the island from the late Joseon period to the Japanese colonial period and the April 3 uprisin

The 2024 Seoul International Writers' Festival will take place at the JCC Art Center in Jongno from Sept. 6 to 11 under the theme "Particles and Waves," the Literature Translation Institute of Korea announced Monday. "This year’s theme is inspired by modern physics' definition of light, that it is both a particle and a wave. This definition could be applied not only to physics and natural sciences but also to literature and art," said literary critic Oh Hyung-

Set in the peaks of Baekdusan in 1931, Cha In-pyo’s 2009 debut novel "Once We Look at the Same Star" captures the budding friendship of a young tiger hunter, Yong, and Suni, the village chief’s granddaughter, until their tranquil life is soon shattered by historical events. Infused with a fairytale-like sensibility and vivid descriptions of nature, the novel explores the intertwining lives of two 16-year-olds against a historical tapestry, addressing the issue of "comf

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism appointed Chon Soo-young, emeritus professor of English Literature at Ewha Womans University, as president of the Literature Translation Institute of Korea, Monday. Chon will serve a three-year term. Born in 1954, Chon holds a master’s and a doctorate in English Literature from the University of Michigan. She has served as a professor in the English departments of Kyung Hee University (1993-1997) and Ewha Womans University (1998-2019). She was al

A landmark anthology series, "Changbi Anthology of Korean Ideology," has been published, compiling the writings and philosophies of 59 influential Korean figures spanning roughly 700 years, from the Joseon era (1392-1910) to contemporary times. The Korean-language series features luminaries such as Chong To-jon, who helped overthrow the Goryeo Kingdom (918-1392) and establish the Joseon Dynasty; King Sejong, who invented the Korean alphabet Hangeul in 1443; King Jeongjo, noted for his

At 3 a.m., a young woman stands alone on Mapo Bridge in Seoul, leaning against the railing. Cars speed past, no one noticing her. She is contemplating ending her life: The pandemic has stripped her of her job, her debts are mounting and her hope is waning. It’s been two hours of deep, dark introspection. Suddenly a taxi stops right in front of her. A woman in a glowing white dress, white shoes and a white bow steps out. She is Ah Roa, the Clairvoyant Magical Girl. With a gentle touch, Ah t

Korean ballet dancers working abroad in prestigious international companies are set to grace their home stage, bringing a curated selection of rarely seen pieces in the country at the Korea World Dance Stars Festival this weekend. This year's festival highlights six Korean dancers, including Kang Min-ju, a first artist with the English National Ballet, making her first performance in Korea in 12 years. Joining her are An So-young from the Martha Graham Dance Company, returning after a decad

The weather has been nothing short of erratic in Seoul, swinging from torrential rain to searing heat. Amid such atmospheric unpredictability, there’s no better moment to retreat indoors with a stack of books. Here are some summer reading recommendations from The Korea Herald. Lee Joo-hee Managing editor, The Korea Herald "American Diplomacy" by George F. Kennan "American Diplomacy" by the late diplomat and historian George F. Kennan is a compilation of his lectures a

The weather has been nothing short of erratic in Seoul, swinging from torrential rain to searing heat. Amid such atmospheric unpredictability, there’s no better moment to retreat indoors with a stack of books. To help you do just that, The Korea Herald asked around for some summer reading recommendations. The responses of the following figures, arranged alphabetically, have been edited for length and clarity. Cha In-pyo Author/actor "Questions and Answers on Trees" by Hwang Kyu