Kim Junsu's boldest role yet

Singer-turned-musical actor Kim Junsu has built a reputation for leaving a lasting impression with nearly every character he takes on. From the enigmatic genius detective L in "Death Note" to the brooding Count Dracula in "Dracula" and the flamboyant Genie in "Aladdin," his performances have consistently blended vocal power with a highly physical, larger-than-life stage presence. That's why taking on the chaotic title role in "Beetlejuice," a high-energy dark comedy packed with rapid-fire dialog

Feb. 26, 2026

OneRepublic turns Seoul into sing-along spectacle during ‘From Asia, With Love’

American pop-rock band OneRepublic returned to Seoul on Monday — a year after their last concert in South Korea — delivering a tightly structured, hit-filled performance at Jamsil Arena in Songpa, southern Seoul, as part of its “From Asia, With Love” tour. Welcomed by roaring applause from roughly 5,400 attendees, OneRepublic’s front man Ryan Tedder made it clear that this was more than another tour stop for the band; it was a place where Tedder and bandmates looked forward to performing. He gre

Feb. 24, 2026

Ryan Tedder calls working BTS’ new album one of the most incredible projects of his career

Ryan Tedder — front man of American pop-rock band OneRepublic and a Grammy-winning producer — revealed during the band's Seoul show on Monday that he participated in BTS' upcoming album "Arirang," set for release on March 20. “Most recently, I did a lot of work on the upcoming BTS album,” Tedder said. “It absolutely blew me away how talented they were, and I think it’s honestly one of the craziest things I’ve worked on in my whole career. I know you’re going to love it.” Tedder has written hits

Feb. 24, 2026

Visiting Seoul for BTS? Don't miss these original Korean 'faction' musicals

Unlike television dramas, where subtitles allow viewers to immerse themselves fully in the narrative, stage productions face inherent language barriers. To overcome this challenge, Korean musical producers are increasingly experimenting with new ways to engage a growing international audience. Two well-crafted musicals rooted in Korean history are introducing smart glasses that provide multilingual subtitles, while another production with a proven overseas track record relies on side-stage scree

Feb. 24, 2026

On the battlefield of sound, Jambinai stands alone

In the epics, battles unfold in waves of iron and fire: metal clashing, dust rising, a roar that shakes the ground. Imagine that ancient clash rendered entirely in sound. A Korean crossover band carving its own singular path invites audiences into that sonic terrain, into the heady rush of combat and its fierce exhilaration. What if a battle could be painted not with images but with distortion and breath, rhythm and silence, an epic not merely narrated but physically felt? On that battlefield of

Feb. 24, 2026

Korea named Asia hub for Ysaye International Music Competition

The finals of the Ysaye International Music Competition, established in 2018 and named after Belgian violin virtuoso and composer Eugene Ysaye (1858-1931), will take place in South Korea. Competition organizers confirmed that the finals will be held consecutively in South Korea in 2026 and 2027. Beginning in 2028, the final round will be co-hosted on a biennial basis between Belgium and South Korea. The decision reflects a broader geographic recalibration as the competition responds to shifting

Feb. 24, 2026

Korean musical 'The Last Man' to debut in London at Southwark Playhouse

Korean musical “The Last Man” will make its UK premiere at Southwark Playhouse’s Elephant venue in London from May 8 to June 6, according to its Korean production company Neo. The London debut follows the musical’s introduction to overseas audiences through showcases in New York and Taipei in recent years, as well as a licensed Chinese-language production in Shanghai in 2025. Originally premiered in Korea in 2021, "The Last Man," written by Kim Ji-shik and composed by Kwon Seung-yeon, is a one-p

Feb. 22, 2026

Chekhov face-off: Shim Eun-kyung, Go Ah-sung lead rival ‘Uncle Vanya’ productions

Two Korean productions of Anton Chekhov’s “Uncle Vanya” will begin in Seoul in May, setting up a stage showdown between two star-studded casts. The National Theater Company of Korea will present “Uncle Vanya” from May 22-31 at the National Theater of Korea, starring Jo Sung-ha and Shim Eun-kyoung. The LG Arts Center will mount “Uncle Vanya” from May 7-31 at its LG Signature Hall, with Lee Seo-jin and Go Ah-sung in the leading roles. For Shim, Lee and Go, this marks their debut on the Korean stag

Feb. 20, 2026

Under her father’s wing, teen ballerina finds new beginning in Lausanne

Seventeen-year-old ballerina Yeom Da-yeon, who won second prize at one of the most prestigious ballet competitions in Lausanne, Switzerland, said her love for dance never loosened its hold on her -- even in moments when she wanted to quit. “I think I endured the difficult moments because I truly love ballet,” she said during a press conference on Thursday in Seoul, following her second-place finish at the 2026 Prix de Lausanne earlier this month. “Even on days I wanted to rest or give up, I foun

Feb. 19, 2026

Morning to matinee: concerts shine by day

Across Korea, major and regional performing arts venues are expanding morning and afternoon concert series this year to attract daytime audiences and make classical music more accessible, with tickets priced between 10,000 won and 30,000 won. Matinee programs, which combine performances with commentary, make concerts more accessible by lowering barriers for first-time listeners. Popular programs, which typically begin at 11 a.m., include Lotte Concert Hall’s “Matinee" and the Seoul Arts Center's

Feb. 19, 2026

Pansori star Kim Jun-su takes on Lady Macbeth in martial arts drama 'Macbeth with Sword'

Star pansori performer Kim Jun-su, until recently with the National Changgeuk Company of Korea, is striking out on his own. His first project as an independent actor is “Macbeth with Sword,” a production by the Korean theater company Playfactory Mabangzen, led by the celebrated theater director Ko Sun-woong. The show will run at the National Theater of Korea in Seoul from Feb. 27 through March 15. It also marks Kim’s first foray into theater. Speaking at a recent press event at Mapo Arts Center

Feb. 13, 2026

KBS Symphony to present 'Soul of Russia’ under 90-year-old maestro Eliahu Inbal

The KBS Symphony Orchestra will present “Soul of Russia” on Feb. 28 at 5 p.m. at the Seoul Arts Center, pairing Rachmaninoff’s early 20th-century meditation on mortality with Shostakovich’s mid-century confrontation with historical trauma. On the podium will be Eliahu Inbal, the 90-year-old Israeli conductor whose career spans more than six decades and includes long tenures with major European orchestras such as the Frankfurt Radio Symphony. The program opens with Rachmaninoff’s “The Isle of the

Feb. 13, 2026

Korea's eldest stars return to the stage, passion still burning

After decades in the same craft, a good artist inevitably leaves a mark -- inspiring colleagues, shaping younger generations and quietly altering the culture of their field. For a well-known actor, that influence can be especially visible. Still, it is something else entirely when a director writes a play with one specific actor in mind, builds a production around him and brings together a cast who say they joined because of him. This is where Shin Gu stands today. At 89, he is now the oldest ac

Feb. 11, 2026

After breakout year, Yunbyul Ballet's 'Gat' goes on national tour

The Yunbyul Ballet Company is setting out on its second national tour with its acclaimed contemporary ballet “Gat,” traveling to six cities across Korea from February through April, including a two-night run in Seoul. The 70-minute production, inspired by traditional Korean headwear, will open at the Hwaseong Arts Center in Gyeonggi Province on Feb. 27 before moving to the Yeonjeong Korean Traditional Music Center in Daejeon on March 14, Busan’s Geumjeong Culture Center on March 21 and Seoul’s M

Feb. 9, 2026

Yeom Da-yeon and five other Korean ballet dancers honored at 54th Prix de Lausanne

South Korean ballerina Yeom Da-yeon, 17, has claimed second prize at the prestigious Prix de Lausanne 2026, leading a remarkable showing for young Korean dancers at the young dancer competition. At the finals held Saturday at the Beaulieu Theatre in Lausanne, Switzerland, Yeom was awarded the "Bourse Jeune Etoile" (Young Star Scholarship) and also took home the audience favorite award. William Gyves from the United States won the first prize. Rather than attending a specialized arts high school

Feb. 8, 2026