I had the pleasure recently of watching the 25th Polar Bear Swimming Contest on Busan's beautiful Haeundae Beach. I rolled out of bed early on a Sunday to catch the festivities. The opening ceremonies and welcoming activities began at 9:00 that morning, but the real action started at 11:00 with the official swim event.

The swimmers were called to the front-and-center of…...see more

Above picture: Left: Traditional architecture can be found in the unlikeliest corners of Pimatgol. Right: A restaurant is adorned with a giant yangban mask, which originally served as a parody of the aristocracy.

The bustle of downtown Seoul can be overwhelming at times, leaving one feeling trampled. That's why there are alleys of refuge such as Pimatgol. Meaning "Horse-Avoiding Alley",…...see more

Formerly an assistant director to Hong Sang-soo, Lee Kwang-kuk has struck off on his own to make his feature debut with "Romance Joe". After a world premiere at the Busan International Film Festival, "Romance Joe" made its international premiere in the Tiger Awards Competition at the recently wrapped International Film Festival Rotterdam. Lee spoke with Jean NOHahead of and at the festival…...see more

The main male-female duo for the upcoming new drama "A Gentleman's Dignity" has been confirmed. Top actress Kim Ha-neul will be joining Jang Dong-gun on his small screen comeback.

This is the first time for the two to be working together. The name value of each of these two stars alone has kicked up the anticipation for this project. The staff behind…...see more

Girls' Generation will release an official album in France on February 13. Their agency SM delivered the news on February 7 that Girls' Generation will release their album "The Boys" through Polydor, the French branch of Universal music. The album will be a special album of their album "The Boys" that was released in the USA last month.

Girls' Generation's album release…...see more

In recent years, there has been a rise in worldwide interest in learning Korean, along with the ever-growing popularity of Korean pop culture around the world. The widespread enthusiasm for K-pop and dramas has led fans overseas craving to learn the Korean language, a prerequisite to understanding Korean culture.

In light of the increasing demand for Korean language education, the Korean government…...see more

Synopsis

1) Overview & Concept

Mail-dog KAMBU's funny adventure stories in 'Mystery Island' Core Concept  :  Imagination & Fun

The animation for stimulating Children's Infinite Imagination through environmental backgrounds, characters and situation settings (story telling) which are based on Creative & Educational Elements.

The animation where children can Learn Something New Continuously with Fun and Interest through Creative & Funny Experience of…...see more

Synopsis

The characters are species at risk of extinction and take a journey together to find new friends in other continents. The show is designed to teach children about environmental protection and preservation. The series has been developed since 2007 and targeted at the global market from the beginning...

From a TV drama getting 40% ratings with its heartbreaking love story between a king and a shaman to the movie of a master archer from the Joseon Dynasty that became the box office success of 2011 Korea, the world's hub of hit TV dramas, is creating a new global boom with its historical dramas. [Interview : Jo Yong-gil, Seoul resident] "You can feel the unique culture of Korea in historical dramas". [Interview…...see more

Korean movies that tackle social issues head on have recently become the center of attention in the country.They not only portray reality, but also provoke discussions.

Arirang News correspondent Park  Ji-won joins us in the studio, and analyzes two films that are now screening here in Korea, which are now raising questions about Korea's political and legal conditions.Hello, Ji-won.

[Reporter : jiwon]…...see more

Singer Lee Sang-eun, who rose to stardom after her song "Damdadi" became a hit at the Gangbyeon Song Festival in 1988, is now working on her 15th album. By Park  Jong-geun

If you've just started to get into Korean music, there's a good chance that you haven't heard the song "Damdadi". But when you hear its catchy melody, it might sound familiar.…...see more

Pop star and actor Ryoo Si-won set a new record in Japan just before Christmas by becoming the first Korean Wave star to hold his 100th concert in the island country. Known as "prince" among his Japanese fans, the 40-year-old lit up Saitama Super Arena on Dec. 21.

His achievement comes eight years after he released his first album in Japan, and…...see more

Actor Lee Seon-gyoon said he's uncomfortable when he shoots bed scenes.

This was said at the press premier for the movie "Helpless", held at the Seoul Apgujeong CGV on February 7th with actors Lee Seon-gyoon, Kim Min-hee, Jo Seong-ha and director Byeon Yeong-joo...

"Gabi" and "An Introduction to Architecture" to compete in March.

The two 31 year-old actresses will face off through their acting. ...

Kim Seon-ah showed how big a fan she is of the drama "The Sun and the Moon".

She posted on her Me Today homepage, "Although the sun and the moon can't be in the sky at the same time, they can be reflected in a pond. Did you ask to be forgotten? Do you wish to be? I am sorry that although…...see more

The quartet K-pop act CN Blue has broken a record that has been unsurpassed for some 41 years. The band released its second single "Where You Are" on Feb. 1 and usurped the No. 1 spot on the Oricon weekly chart by selling more than 60,000 copies in its first week.

This is the first time that an overseas rock band has…...see more

The Korean film "Unbowed" has now become the center of attention in Korea,  drawing more than 2.5 million viewers since it opened in mid-January. The film succeeded in reaching out to millions of viewers, as the film focuses on unfair and biased legal procedures. Although this movie is based on a true story, it has created a stir nationwide on whether or…...see more

Korean pop culture generated record profits from overseas last year. According to statistics released by the Bank of Korea Monday, the industry earned US$794 million from exports of cultural and entertainment services last year, up 25 percent from $637 million in 2010.

This was the highest amount since statistics in the sector were compiled for the first time in 1980. A BOK…...see more

A woman has alleged that a TV actor extorted a large amount of money from her under false promises of marriage. A graduate of a U.S. university, the pretty woman runs hagwon or a private learning institute in southern Seoul, according to a news report Monday.

She said the actor, starring popular TV dramas, approached her with promises of marriage, and demanded…...see more

For fans of syrupy love-themed Korean dramas, your dream musical is here once again. Set in an intimate 359-seat hall, packed with humor and armed with a charismatic cast, "Caffeine" is set for another successful run on its hands, its third in two years.

Odd beverage-themed analogies, overly quick narrative jumps and forgettable opening numbers notwithstanding, the work makes it to the…...see more