The oldest of the BTS members, Jin, was the first to complete his military duties, having enlisted on 13th December 2022. On his return, he released Happy (15 November 2024), his debut solo EP, which consisted of six tracks. His second album, Echo, is made up of seven tracks – the lead single and only…
Tag: reviews
Tarkan Makes History at the O2 Arena: A Night of Emotion, Legacy and Unstoppable Turkish Pop Power
On May 11, megastar Tarkan made history as the first Turkish artist to headline the world-famous O2 Arena in London. The performance – part of his sprawling 2025 European tour – was a true spectacle. It was a celebration of culture, music, and emotion, held on Mother’s Day, a personal moment for the singer who…
Get Ready for Hwasa’s European Tour in 2025 – Rescheduled
Hwasa, a singer-songwriter and television personality, began her music career as a member of the girl group MAMAMOO in 2014. Known for her powerful voice, confidence, and sweet personality, Hwasa has achieved remarkable success both as part of the group and as a solo artist. In 2019, she made her solo debut with Twit, a…
In Conversation with Yang Hee-kyung of “The Land of Morning Calm”
Yang Hee-kyung is a celebrated South Korean actress who began her career in theatre before expanding into television and film. She earned early acclaim with a Best Actress win at the 19th Seoul Theater Festival in 1995. Known for her natural charisma, Yang consistently delivers powerful performances, and her role in The Land of Morning…
In Conversation with Yoon Joo-sang of “The Land of Morning Calm”
With a career that spans almost four decades and includes roles in theatre, television, and film, Yoon Joo-sang is undeniably one of South Korea’s most experienced and respected actors. Born in 1949, he has delivered powerful performances across a variety of genres and platforms, earning awards such as the Best Supporting Actor award at the…
In Conversation with Khazsak Kramer of “The Land of Morning Calm”
Khazsak Kramer’s debut in The Land of Morning Calm is a remarkably moving entry into the world of cinema. Taking on the role of Young Ran, a Vietnamese woman living in a rural Korean fishing village, Kramer brought to life a character who is strong yet emotional. From the moment she read the script, she…
TRENDZ: Unpacking the Journey of Their New Single Album “Chameleon” – Exclusive Interview
Catching up with TRENDZ, a K-pop group, always feels a bit like meeting up with old friends. This is our fourth time catching up with them, and honestly, it never gets old. Every time we chat, we’re reminded of just how much they’ve grown. Watching their journey take shape has been such a joy, and…
Exploring P1Harmony’s Bold Sound in “DUH!” Mini-Album
There’s always something so exciting when new music drops – the uncertainty and anticipation of what the album might hold, especially in K-pop. The genre itself is on another level when it comes to creativity and vibrancy, never feeling dull or lacklustre. One group consistently goes the extra mile to embody all of that while…
KANGDANIEL Delivers a Powerful and Polished Performance in London
If you’ve never heard of KANGDANIEL (also known as Kang Daniel) the South Korean singer who first captured hearts as a member of the wildly successful boy group Wanna One, then now is the perfect moment to discover him. Having debuted six years ago, Daniel’s journey in the music industry has been anything but linear….
Riding the Wave: Big Ocean Reflect on “Underwater” and Their European Journey – Exclusive Interview
Big Ocean, the world’s first K-pop group made up of hard-of-hearing members, is truly one of a kind. Formed through auditions by Parastar Entertainment, the trio uses a mix of smart technology, visual cues, and relentless practice to perfect their performances. Their debut single, GLOW, a cover of H.O.T’s classic, incorporates Korean sign language to…
27th Udine Far East Film Festival: “The Square” Makes Its World Premiere
For over two decades, the Udine Far East Film Festival has been presenting a wide range of films from East and Southeast Asia. Often these features are making their European premieres or international festival premieres at Udine – but ever so often, the elegant Teatro Nuovo is graced with a world premiere, and audiences in…
27th Far East Film Festival: In Conversation with Jo Seon-ho and Kim Jae-joong, Director and Producer Respectively of “Hear Me: Our Summer”
The industry has needed a proper feel-good flick for a long time. Not just the bittersweet, but the genuine, wholeheartedness of a story designed to relight some hope in humanity. The Taiwanese hit romance Hear Me did this over a decade ago, and recently got its much-anticipated Korean redo. After its Italian premiere at the…
27th Far East Film Festival: In Conversation with Park Ri-woong, Director of “The Land of Morning Calm”
The Land of Morning Calm, directed by Park Ri-woong, is a powerful portrait of a fading Korean fishing village and the emotional dislocation of its residents. Supported by moving performances from Yoon Joo-sang, Yang Hee-kyung, and Khazsak Kramer, the film explores generational divides, economic decline, and the complex, often unspoken tensions surrounding immigration and arranged…
27th Far East Film Festival: In Conversation with E.oni, Director of “Love in the Big City”
In the contemporary Korean cinema, director Lee Eon-hee, known professionally as E. oni, is recognised for her quietly revolutionary voice in telling human stories. E.oni was part of the first graduating class of the Korea National University of Arts, where she majored in film. Her early career was rooted in foundational, behind-the-scenes work: she served…
