Herald Interview In series
A series of in-depth interviews.
#Interview
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Herald Interview In series
A series of in-depth interviews.
Would you like to subscribe?
Ambassador Al-Hamar on 50 years of Qatar-Korea relations and Qatar’s cultural diplomacy
The recent performance by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra in Seoul was more than an evening of music — it was a vivid expression of the deepening cultural dialogue between Qatar and Korea. Held in celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, the concert struck a symbolic high note in a year filled with cross-cultural engagement. Khalid Ebrahim Al-Hamar, ambassador of the State of Qatar to Korea, described the event as a bridge between two cultures — one t
April 15, 2025 - 06:30:00
South Korea-Vietnam ties enter new strategic terrain, but need more detailed road map: Seoul envoy
Once centered on factory floors churning out textiles and electronics, the South Korea–Vietnam partnership is now being recast as a deeply interwoven strategic partnership spanning nearly every domain, South Korea’s top envoy to Vietnam told The Korea Herald. That evolution — evident in the expansion of economic cooperation into infrastructure, next-generation technologies and critical supply chains — now demands a clearer and sharper roadmap for the next phase of strategic alignment between Seo
April 14, 2025 - 14:54:21
Interview: Cultivation of connection
How Buddhist nun, Swiss photographer and Korean German writer bridged cultures through passion for temple cuisine In a quiet residential corner of Jongno, Seoul, the Swiss Embassy building rises like an architectural bridge between cultures — a modern wooden structure placed in conversation with traditional Korean hanok design. It is a deliberate confluence of East and West, traditional and modern, one that mirrors the gathering inside of individuals from disparate worlds who sat down for a chat
April 9, 2025 - 16:56:21
Tongyeong music festival sets eyes beyond Korea
TONGYEONG, South Gyeongsang Province -- When the Tongyeong International Music Festival (TIMF) was first imagined, it was little more than a hopeful vision on the southern coast of Korea -- a dream of celebrating contemporary music in a city once home to late composer Isang Yun. Now, over two decades later, the festival has become a cultural landmark. This year’s edition, held under the theme “Journey Inwards,” wrapped up its 10-day run on Sunday, led by its artistic director, Chin Unsuk, and pi
April 8, 2025 - 17:42:50
K-beauty fuels Shiseido’s global strategy: APAC chief
Nicole Tan says global brands now follow Korea’s lead — from BB creams to next-gen wellness beauty Nicole Tan, president and CEO of Shiseido Asia Pacific, highlighted the rapid ascent of K-beauty and Korea’s growing influence in the global beauty market. "Today, it’s no longer just ‘Korea for Korea,’ it’s ‘Korea for the world’ in the beauty industry,” Tan said in an interview with The Korea Herald during her visit to Seoul on Thursday for the launch of Cle de Peau Beaute beauty spa at The Shilla
April 6, 2025 - 14:03:35
Porsche eyes Korean recovery with new models, EV push
German carmaker plans to double Korea's service capacity in next five years Porsche Korea CEO Mathias Busse has pledged to revitalize sales in Korea — one of the German automaker’s top 10 markets — by offering a diverse lineup of vehicles, from powerful sports cars and family sport utility vehicles to all-electric models. “Our strategy to boost sales in the Korean market this year is to introduce a wide range of products, fulfilling Korean customers’ expectations of us, including the ultimate le
April 5, 2025 - 16:00:00
'Global vision, local focus’: How Trip.com brings mission to life in Korea
In an age where global access is taken for granted, travel has never been easier -- flights booked, hotels reserved and itineraries mapped out with just a few taps. Yet the easier travel becomes, the more we value what can’t be made universal: local nuance. This is where Trip.com Group steps in as a global travel service provider, well-versed in both scale and localization, striking a balance between global efficiency and market-specific customization. In an interview with The Korea Herald, Boon
April 5, 2025 - 16:00:00
Interview: NIS tally of North Koreans killed or injured in Ukraine war rises over 4,000
Seoul spy agency says North Koreans inflicting self-mutilation to avoid conscription The total number of North Korean troops killed or injured fighting for Russia in its war in Ukraine has risen above 4,000, according to the National Intelligence Service's latest update, ruling party Rep. Lee Seong-kweun said. Lee, the People Power Party's deputy chair of the National Assembly's intelligence committee, told The Korea Herald that the NIS' figure as of mid-March indicates more than 4,000 North Kor
March 31, 2025 - 14:54:19
Interview: Astrid Lindgren nominee Ko Jung-wook pioneers disability representation in children’s literature
Last fall was a surreal time for children's book author Ko Jung-wook. Amid the whirlwind of his writing and lecture schedule, his nomination for the prestigious Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award in October gave him a rare opportunity to reflect on his long and prolific career -- a journey spanning over three decades and resulting in over 350 published books. "I can certainly say I've written a lot, truly a lot," Ko said in an interview with The Korea Herald in March. "Looking back, I realize I've p
March 29, 2025 - 16:00:00
Interview: 'Yoon won't last a year in office, even if impeachment is dismissed'
China's dominance in AI "alarming," could lead to South Korean data's exposure to Beijing, says entrepreneur-turned-politician President Yoon Suk Yeol will not be able to last longer than another year in office even if the Constitutional Court overturns his impeachment, according to three-time presidential contender Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo of the ruling People Power Party. Ahn told The Korea Herald that even if the Constitutional Court dismisses Yoon's impeachment and the president returns to office,
March 28, 2025 - 18:57:56
Trump unlikely to revisit FTA, but tariffs may hit Korea harder: strategist
Ex-US diplomat outlines strategic dos and don’ts for Seoul in navigating Trump 2.0 US President Donald Trump’s tariffs on industry-specific tariffs will be more consequential for South Korea than his looming "reciprocal" levies, with core industries like automobiles, semiconductors and steel squarely in the crosshairs, former US veteran diplomat Kurt Tong told The Korea Herald in Seoul. Tong, managing partner at The Asia Group, a Washington-based strategic advisory firm, urged Seoul to adopt a c
March 27, 2025 - 15:47:56
The secret ingredient in Ryu Soo-young’s culinary success
A childhood passion led Ryu to redefine his career — balancing life on screen and in the kitchen Actor Ryu Soo-young wasn’t always known for his cooking skills. He debuted in 1998, and for years he was best known for his strong, charismatic performances on the big screen and in Korean dramas. But between memorizing scripts and delivering lines, he has long harbored a love for the kitchen. And what he thought would remain as a personal passion has now fully launched into a second career, turning
March 27, 2025 - 14:27:52
Traveling with pets made easy
Banlife is making pet-friendly travel a reality, offering unforgettable trips for pet owners and their furry friends Exploring new places with their pets is often at the top of pet owners' bucket lists. But fun as it sounds, it can be quite challenging. It was a difficulty Banlife CEO Lee Hye-mi experienced herself. “I love to travel, and when I first adopted my two Welsh corgis 14 years ago, I wanted to go places with them," she told The Korea Herald. "We’ve been everywhere in the country toget
March 27, 2025 - 13:53:23
New US Metaplant built on community, innovation: Hyundai Motor chief
ELLABELL, Georgia -- Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun on Wednesday underscored the role of Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America -- the Korean auto giant’s latest manufacturing plant in Bryan County, Georgia -- as a place to build the future of mobility. “At Hyundai, we don’t just invest in technologies and automobiles,” said Chung in his welcoming remarks during the opening ceremony of HMGMA in Ellabell. “We invest, first and foremost, in relationships. In the people we work wit
March 27, 2025 - 13:50:20
Complex twists in simple lines: Vincent Huguet, Pierre Yovanovitch reimagine 'The Marriage of Figaro'
French creators bring to stage their inspirations including Bong Joon-ho's 'Parasite,' hanbok and 1920s French architeture The Korea National Opera opened its 2025 season last week with Mozart's comedic masterpiece, "The Marriage of Figaro," directed by Vincent Huguet with set and costume design by Pierre Yovanovitch. Hailing from France, the two brought a distinctly French sensibility to Seoul. Though the location didn't specifically shape their vision, he welcomed the opportunity to step outsi
March 24, 2025 - 15:10:47
