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Hamo Beach, Jeju Island
Written by Jessica Lim
Jeju Island, or Jeju-do, located just below the Korean Peninsula, is a popular place to tour when in South Korea. From climbing up a shield volcano named Hallasan to exploring the numerous kinds of delicious seafood, Jeju-do has much to offer, including the best places to watch the sunset.
CULTURAL CODE WORDS THAT DEFINE THE KOREAN MIND
In my book, Korea’s Business & Cultural Code Words I noted that all languages are reflections of the emotional, spiritual, and intellectual character of the people who created them. I also noted that the older, more structured, and more exclusive a society and its language are, the more terms it has that are loaded with cultural nuances that control the attitudes and behavior of the people. Here are introductions to 10 Korean terms that are especially important.
NCSoft K-Pop Fanapp, Universe, is Reaching its Promised Potential with New Improvements
Written by Loren Meza
Over a year since its release, the all-in-one k-pop media source has 36 active idol planets and will be introducing actor planets soon!
January 28, 2021 a new galaxy is born. That is, a universe full of your favorite K-Pop idol groups, each with their own 'planet' full of content made exclusively for their fans on the Universe app.
Its expectations were high with its initial release, “the app has more than 21 million downloads, with nearly 90% of those downloads coming from outside of South Korea” as recorded by NCSoft.
Many users however have since reported bugs, slow load speeds, and were overall disappointed.
The Classic Korean Summer Dishes
Written by Loren Meza
The hot season in Korea lasts four months and it’s not only hot but the humidity can be “muggy, oppressive, or miserable.” Savor the K-foods that will keep you cool.
Many people would think to avoid Seoul altogether in July when, on average, 25 days are muggy or worse. However, Koreans have developed a culture that, like them, thrives even in the heat.
The following Korean dishes are eaten in the summer and are a fun and tasty way to replenish your health and even enjoy the summer heat.
The Origins of Kisaeng
Written by Boyé Lafayette De Mente
Skilled, Beautiful, and Much More Entertaining than Business Matters.
In ancient times Chinese, Koreans and Japanese businessmen and government officials used the sensual appeal and entertainment skills of young women as integral elements in creating and maintaining their professional relationships.
Early in Korea’s “Three Kingdoms Period” [roughly 57 B.C. to 669 A.D.] troupes of attractive young women trained extensively in singing, dancing, poetry, music and more as entertainers and became permanent parts of the kings’ courts and the various ministries of the three governments.
These young women came to be known as kisaeng (kee-sang), or “skilled persons,” and their numbers and influence increased significantly over time.
Black6ix
Written by Seoul Journal
Boy Group with Limitless Potential Debuts
BLACK6IX debuted with the song “Please” in April 2017 with their first teasers dropping in March, 2017. Seoul Journal interview the six members of the boy group, formed under Black Hole Entertainment: TaeYoung, The King, Yey, YongSeok, Jong-woon, and Ziki.
Fashion is not just about clothes
Creative director of pushBUTTON, Seung Gun Park, introduced the brand in 2003 as a young up-and-coming designer. Since its launch, pushBUTTON, who heavily draws influences from 80s fashion, has established itself as one of South Korea’s premier brands. Park prides his work as a gender-neutral fashion line and continues to push the boundaries by creating no boundaries to his collection. Seoul Journal had a chance to talk with Seung Gun Park to dive deeper into his creative process.
Going the Extra Myles
Written by Seoul Journal
Singer Myles Kennedy on Alter Bridge, Slash and Led Zeppelin
Myles Kennedy is a stellar vocalist with one of the most unique voices in rock today. Born Myles Richard Bass, he is the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for Alter Bridge. While on hiatus with Alter Bridge, he sang for one of the greatest guitarists in rock today — Slash, as part of his backing band Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators, and to top it off, he has even jammed with members of one of rock’s most hallowed bands — Led Zeppelin. Seoul Journal talked with Myles Kennedy about his early introduction to music, bands that he has worked with and the rock music industry as a whole.
SJ’s Top Picks – Essential K-pop
Written by Seoul Journal
This month, we’re launching Seoul Journal’s top K-pop picks – A list of tracks every K-pop fan should have on their playlist! Every month, we’ll be rolling out a list of songs to die for, songs that can’t be forgotten. We’re mixing it up, giving you new chart-toppers, classic hits and some surprise additions. So if you haven’t heard these, click on the link below each name. If you have, hit replay!
Mad Clown's Mad Raps
Written by Anthony Al-Jamie
Jo Dong-rim, better known as Mad Clown, is most recognizable for his sharp and high-tone rapping. He worked with South Korean singer Soyou on the song "Stupid in Love" and was featured on "Anxious" by Melody Day. His song "Fire" went to number one on the Gaon Music Chart, and he was a judge on the popular rap reality show "Show Me the Money's" fifth season and "High School Rapper." Seoul Journal discussed his career and future plans with Jo Dong-rim.
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A Musician Sharing Her Music Globally Through Performance and Film
KT Tunstall is a Scottish musician best known for her 2004 song “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree.” Her passion for music began at a young age. Since her first performance of her original song.Tunstall has gone on to become a successful singer. She is currently living in L.A., composing original film scores for movies. Her most recent release is the 2016 album KIN. Seoul Journal’s Executive Editor Anthony Al-Jamie talked with her during a break in her very busy schedule to discuss her career and her origins.
KANG.D of D.GNAK
Written by Anthony Al-Jamie
Fashion Designer turns Imprecision into Perfection
D.GNAK, a Korean-born fashion designer trained in New York, believes truly outstanding designs don't need to make sense and has created intriguing pieces that fail tofollow mainstream design concepts. His logo, which is the reverse mirror image of his name, captures the uniqueness of his brand that goes against popular templates. Launched in 2008, the D.GNAK men’s clothing line has achieved global success. KANG. D. shared his international influences and inspirations with Seoul Journal
Lumineers Light Up the Charts
Written by Anthony Al-Jamie
American Folk Rock Band Tours the World with Long-Awaited Second Album
It was back in 2012 that the Lumineers, an American folk rock band from Denver, made a dashing debut with their self-titled album The Lumineers. Among the many refreshing and inventive tracks in the album, “Ho Hey” became a massive hit and went on to drive the album up to the second spot of the Billboard 200. In 2013, the New York Times described the Lumineers as a “young band." Now four years later, the band has become a major player in the American music scene and has recently released its long-awaited second album titled Cleopatra. The band consists of three members, Wesley Schultz (vocals, guitar) and Jeremiah Fraites (drums, piano) who are the founding members and co-songwriters, with NeylaPekarek, the cellist and backing vocalist. The band is currently on its world tour, taking on the globe with their original music and showcasing their growth ever since they released their debut album. Seoul Journal conducted an interview with Jeremiah Fraites, who talked about their new album Cleopatra and his experiences of being a member of the Lumineers.
Sumi Jo Singing with Seoul
Written by Anthony Al-Jamie
An Interview With Grammy Award Winner Sumi Jo
Sumi Jo was born Jo Su-gyeong. She is a lyric colotura soprano opera singer, which means when she sings she will often switch between very high notes. Sumi Jo began taking music lessons as a young child; she was put on a strict regimen and would practice for hours every day. She later went on to study at Sun Hwa Arts School, Seoul National University and the Accademia di Santa Cecilia in Rome. She made her European debut in 1986 in Rigelletto, and continued to preform operas throughout the European continent. She has also appeared on the small screen; in 2011 she provided the singing voice for Veda Pierce for Mildred Pierce on the HBO mini-series, Mildred Pierce. Sumi Jo has also appeared in the movies, she was nominated for a 2016 Academy Award for her performance of David Lang’s “Simple Song Number 3” in the film Youth. She currently lives in Rome and has two dogs.
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