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Geology expert appointed chief of Korea Heritage Service
Huh Min, geology professor at Chonnam National University, was appointed to lead the Korea Heritage Service, the government entity responsible for preserving and promoting Korean cultural heritage. The announcement was made Sunday as President Lee Jae Myung appointed five vice ministers and seven vice ministerial-level officials, including Huh. Dubbed “Dr. Dinosaur,” Huh's work has focused on dinosaur and pterosaur fossils as well as microfossils such as ostracods. He has been involved in variou
July 13, 2025 -
S. Korea's prehistoric petroglyphs inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage list
A set of prehistoric rock carvings in southeastern South Korea has been added to UNESCO's World Heritage list, a South Korean cultural agency announced Saturday. The decision was made during the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in Paris, where the "Petroglyphs along the Bangucheon Stream" were formally recognized for their outstanding cultural value. Carved into vertical cliff faces along the Bangucheon Stream, a tributary of the Taehwa River in Ulsan, some 360 kilometers
July 12, 2025 -
Why are Labubu monsters taking over the world?
In an industry that thrives on constant reinvention, a mischievous, elvish toy called Labubu is quickly becoming fashion’s most unexpected new star. With its jagged teeth, wild hair and wide-eyed grin, Labubu has leapt from collectible curiosity to cultural symbol. Originally designed by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, Labubu was introduced through the Pop Mart x How2work series, initially appealing to a niche group of toy collectors. But Labubu's popularity has surged well beyond that audience, e
July 12, 2025 -
Kim Soo-ja awarded France’s Officier of Arts and Letters for global artistic contributions
Kim Soo-ja, the internationally acclaimed Korean artist often referred to as the “Bottari artist,” has been awarded the Officier medal of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Order of Arts and Letters) by the French government in recognition of her contributions to global art and cultural exchange. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said Friday that Kim received the honor during a ceremony held Wednesday at the residence of the French ambassador to Korea in Seoul. The Order of Arts and Le
July 11, 2025 -
Casetify launches second Takashi Murakami collection
Tech accessory brand Casetify has unveiled its second collection in collaboration with Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami. Part of Casetify's premium iCONS line, the latest release features Murakami’s iconic flower motifs and vibrant aesthetic, expanding on the partnership’s earlier success. This new collection highlights Kaikai and Kiki, Murakami’s beloved character duo, across a variety of tech accessories and collectibles items. Products include limited-edition phone cases, 3D Kaik
July 11, 2025 -
Musinsa, Nike launch ‘Leaders of Seoul’ pop-up highlighting women’s sneakers
Online fashion retailer Musinsa has partnered with Nike for its "Leaders of Seoul" campaign and pop-up event, aimed at introducing a new generation of women’s sports style. The collaboration includes the exclusive early release of two new sneakers, the Air Max Muse and Air Superfly, ahead of their broader launch. The pop-up runs through July 23 at Musinsa's "Seongsu @Daelim Warehouse" store in Seongsu, Seoul, a rising shopping hub for young consumers. The venue will feature the new sneakers alon
July 11, 2025 -
Korea Heritage Service to recruit attendees for 80th Liberation Day exhibition opening
The Korea Heritage Service is recruiting 150 attendees to participate in the official opening ceremony of an exhibition commemorating the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule. The event will provide participants with a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the history and cultural legacy of Korea’s independence movement. “The Radiant Heritage of Independence” exhibition will take place at Seokjojeon — Korea’s first Western-style stone building, constructed in 1910 —
July 11, 2025 -
Louis Vuitton launches men’s fall-winter 25 pop-up at The Hyundai Seoul
Louis Vuitton has opened a pop-up store for its men’s fall-winter 2025 collection at The Hyundai Seoul, running through July 27. Located on the ground floor of the Yeouido department store, the space highlights the latest design from Louis Vuitton’s men’s creative director Pharrell Williams. First unveiled at the Cour Carree of the Louvre in Paris in January, the collection was developed in collaboration with Japanese designer Nigo, a longtime creative partner and friend of Williams. Blending lu
July 11, 2025 -
With Chanel funding, Korean artists to create video series for Frieze Seoul
Chanel and Frieze announced on Thursday the artists for the fourth edition of “Now & Next,” a video series dedicated to spotlighting established and emerging Korean artists, ahead of Frieze Seoul in September. The six selected artists of different generations and backgrounds — Kim Yun-chul, Kim So-jung, Kim Bo-hie, Chung Yu-mi, Lee Jin-ju and Lim No-sik — will be paired into groups of two for the “now” and “next” of each episode, sharing their artistic practices, inspirations and culture in Kore
July 10, 2025 -
Step into romance of Korean dramas
Love is not just one part of life — it's the pulse that runs through everything. It's no wonder then that love is the central theme to so many Korean TV dramas and movies; it resonates with a broad audience and opens the door to exploring universal human emotions and experiences. In watching it on the screen, we see that love is not just a feeling, but a choice, a verb and an action. After all, we come to understand that the heart wants what it wants. Looking to delve into the world and emotions
July 10, 2025 -
LUMA Arles redefines city with renewed energy
ARLES, France — Along the drive to Arles, extensive sunflower fields extend into the horizon under golden dazzling sunlight. One may realize right away why Vincent Van Gogh was drawn to paint sunflowers during his time in this southern region of France. Upon arriving at LUMA Arles, its iconic tower, designed by architect Frank Gehry, comes into sight. Made of steel, concrete and glass, the building shimmers, reflecting light and the blue sky. It is instantly reminiscent of Van Gogh’s “The Starry
July 9, 2025 -
Pope Leo appoints Fr. Matteo Kwang-Hee Choi new auxiliary bishop of Seoul archdiocese
Pope Leo XIV appointed Fr. Matteo Kwang Hee Choi as the new auxiliary bishop of the Seoul archdiocese on Tuesday at noon, according to the Archdiocese of Seoul. The appointment comes about a year and a half after Fr. Paul Kyung Sang Lee was named the auxiliary bishop of Seoul by Pope Francis in February 2024, marking another addition to the Archdiocese's episcopal leadership. Born in 1977 in Seoul, Choi graduated from the School of Theology at the Catholic University of Korea in June 2004 and wa
July 8, 2025 -
Actor Lee Si-young reveals pregnancy via embryo with ex-husband without his consent
Actor Lee Si-young, 43, revealed that she is currently pregnant with an embryo created with her ex-husband through in vitro fertilization, despite his lack of consent. “I wanted to share this news myself to prevent misunderstandings or speculation later on,” she wrote on Instagram on Tuesday. Lee explained that she and her ex-husband had been preparing for a second child through IVF during their marriage. However, time passed without proceeding with embryo implantation and the couple began discu
July 8, 2025 -
Goryeo, Joseon relics return home
A Buddhist scripture from the Goryeo Kingdom (918-1392) and a rare Buddhist painting created during the early Joseon era (1392-1910) have made their way back home from Japan, the Korea Heritage Service and the Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation said Tuesday. "The repatriation of these cultural artifacts is particularly meaningful as we are showing it to the public for the first time just a month before the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule," Cho Eung-ch
July 8, 2025 -
Korean webtoon showcase kicks off five-nation tour with Egypt debut
A touring exhibition spotlighting Korean webtoons has set up shop in Egypt's capital, as the first of five planned stops through October. The "K-Comics World" exhibition opened July 1 at the Korean Cultural Center in Cairo’s Dokki district, the Korea Creative Content Agency said Monday. The Cairo leg centers on "Hellbound," the 2019-20 webtoon by Choi Gyu-seok and filmmaker Yeon Sang-ho. The title shot to global fame with a Netflix adaptation, directed by Yeon, in 2021, vaulting to the streamer’
July 8, 2025