Latest news with #Jaurim
Broadcast Pro
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Korean Film Festival returns to UAE for ninth edition
This year's event is centered around the theme of music, highlighting how sound and storytelling combine to create powerful cinematic experiences. The Korean Film Festival is back for its ninth edition, with screenings set to take place at Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library in Dubai. This year's festival places a spotlight on music, exploring how sound and storytelling come together to create emotionally powerful cinematic experiences. Alongside the curated selection of Korean films, audiences will also enjoy two special K-Movie OST (Original Soundtrack) live concerts, featuring reimagined music from some of South Korea's most iconic films. The festival's opening film is Bong Joon-ho's Parasite, the Oscar-winning Best Picture that follows a poor family as they cunningly embed themselves into the lives of a wealthy household. Other highlights include C'est Si Bon, a romantic drama set in the 1960s Seoul music scene; Secret: Untold Melody, a psychological thriller directed by Seo You-min; My Beautiful Girl, Mari, a coming-of-age animated fantasy; and Jaurim, The Wonderland, a documentary celebrating the legacy of South Korean rock band Jaurim, with a special Q&A session with the director in Abu Dhabi. Audiences will also see Dog Days, an ensemble film about human-dog relationships in Seoul, and A Tale of Two Sisters, a psychological horror steeped in Korean folklore. The festival will close with The Host, Bong Joon-ho's monster movie classic about a mutated creature that terrorizes Seoul. As part of the festival's emphasis on cultural exchange and regional collaboration, a special screening of six Arab Film Studio titles will take place on Saturday in Abu Dhabi. This segment, presented in partnership with the Creative Media Authority, includes Sound of Memories by Gargi Chakrabarti, The First Note by Laith AlRamahi, and I See a Woman by Laura Saab. Adding a unique musical dimension to the event, the Choi Yeowan Group will headline two OST concerts in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Known for blending traditional Korean vocal styles with contemporary sounds, the ensemble will perform new interpretations of film music from classics like Parasite, My Sassy Girl, 200 Pounds Beauty and The Host. Lee Yong-hee, director of the Korean Cultural Centre in the UAE, expressed pride in the festival's continued evolution, noting its expanded programming and deeper engagement with local audiences. 'This year, we are proud to expand that engagement even further, by introducing a special Arab film showcase and hosting live K-Movie OST concerts for the first time. These additions reflect our commitment to deeper cultural exchange and creating shared experiences through film and music,' he said.
Korea Herald
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Busan International Rock Festival unveils second lineup
36 teams unveiled so far, more to come Korea's longest-running international rock music event, the Busan International Rock Festival, has announced its second lineup for this year's event, featuring a strong mix of global legends and top Korean acts. The Thursday announcement revealed the addition of major artists, including Suede, one of the defining bands of the 1990s Brit-pop movement; Mika, a British singer-songwriter of Lebanese descent; Jaurim, a Korean alternative-rock powerhouse; and CNBlue, the band fronted by Busan-born vocalist Jung Yong-hwa. Acclaimed singer-songwriter Lee Seung-yoon, whose unique sound has earned him invitations from festivals nationwide, also joined the lineup. Xdinary Heroes will take the stage amid its successful world tour while Onewe, the band presenting intense yet emotional music, has also joined the list. Rising star Woodz, whose breakout hit 'Drowning' propelled him into the spotlight, is also set to take the stage. Fans can also look forward to performances from electronic rock duo Glen Check and ambient project Redoor, known for capturing the serenity of nature in sound. The lineup further expands with Japan's up-and-coming dream-pop band Muque, as well as a performance by the fully reunited Y2K. Festival favorites 10cm and Touched will also bring a balance of musicality and mainstream appeal to the stage. In addition to the main festival, a series of side events will take place. The Seoul show of 'Road to Bu-Rock,' a pre-festival concert, will be held Saturday and Sunday at Yes24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu. 'Rookies on the Bu-Rock,' known for discovering and supporting emerging artists each year, is now open for applications through July 2.
Korea Herald
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Doyoung soars with wider musical spectrum
With NCT and as solo vocalist, Doyoung promises broader future Many say that a person should think of what they love and do best and turn it into a career. In that sense, NCT's Doyoung was born to be a singer. Singing brings him the most joy and confidence, and now he returns not just as a member of an idol group that electrifies tens of thousands of fans, but as a solo vocalist carving out his own musical path with a second full-length album. 'I'm incredibly grateful to be releasing a second album. It captures the stories I wanted to tell, and I had the chance to work with people I've long hoped to collaborate with. Just like the main theme of the album — 'the power to dream,' it gave me the strength to keep dreaming,' Doyoung said during a group interview held Thursday in Seongdong-gu, Seoul. Following his first LP "Youth" in 2024, which explored a range of emotions and experiences of young people, Doyoung shared that he aimed to embrace an even broader theme with his new release. 'At first, I was inspired by the image of wings. After settling on the title 'Soar,' I envisioned creating an album that inspires people to dream through imagery of transcending and rising above,' he explained. The album's notable lineup of contributors — icons in the history of Korean bands — underscores just how meaningful "Soar" is to Doyoung. 'Kim Yuna of Jaurim, Kim Jong-wan of Nell and Yoon Do-hyun of YB — all of them have been central figures in Korea's band music scene. I had long hoped to work with them and have been knocking on doors, sending proposals and this time it finally came together. Each of them has such a distinct musical identity, recognized by the Korean public, and they taught me so much throughout the production of this album.' From Kim Yuna, he learned the importance of how a vocalist interprets a song. Kim Jong-wan of Nell gave him detailed guidance on vocal technique. And Yoon Do-hyun, who gifted him the deeply meaningful track 'Still' — written during Yoon's own battle with cancer — left Doyoung with a strong impression of human warmth. The album's lead track, 'Memory,' tells a story Doyoung had long wanted to express. 'If memories had a life of their own, I think becoming a cherished 'recollection' would be their most beautiful conclusion. That's the kind of story the song tells.' Doyoung emphasized how vital his fans and the public are to his musical journey. 'Even as a child, I didn't want to be a singer just because I liked singing alone. I loved singing in front of people. This doesn't mean that I only want to sing songs that are bound to be commercial hits, but I do sing with the hope of being loved by many listeners. I need people who love my music.' Now 29 years old, Doyoung is aware that a hiatus due to his compulsory military service is inevitable, though the timing has yet to be decided. He expressed hope that fans will think of him during that time through his album. 'I wanted this album to be like showing someone my diary — something personal that you only share with those dearest to you. I hope it becomes an album that lets people remember me.' As for the upcoming hiatus, the singer confidently said he has no worries. 'Even if I take a break for a while, I'm confident I'll be singing for a very, very long time. I want to tell my fans — please don't be sad.'
Korea Herald
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival unveils 2nd lineup including Little Simz
Ten local and international acts added to the lineup The 2025 Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival has announced its second list of artists, featuring a diverse mix of musicians from both Korea and abroad. Performing in Korea for the first time at this year's Pentaport is British hip-hop artist and actress Little Simz. She rose to global acclaim after winning the Brit Award for Best New Artist and the Mercury Prize in 2022. Her 2021 studio album "Sometimes I Might Be Introvert" received widespread praise for its grand orchestration and deep personal story. The lineup also includes Japanese singer-songwriter Kaneko Ayano, known for her range from acoustic folk to garage rock, and Japanese rock trio Brandy Senki. Korean musicians joining the list include rock legends Jaurim and Crying Nut, promising high-energy performances, and Kim Min-kyu, frontman of beloved indie rock band Delispice and known for his emotive melodies. Genre-bending co-ed band Kardi, formed on JTBC's "Super Band 2" and known for fusing traditional Korean instruments like the geomungo with modern sounds, will also perform. Post-punk rock group Far East Asian Tigers will be back this year after thrilling audiences at Pentaport 2024. Last month, Pentaport made its first lineup announcement, featuring Pulp, Asian Kung-Fu Generation, Beabadoobee and Hyukoh x Sunset Rollercoaster, bringing the total number of announced artists now to over 40. The 2025 Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival will take place Aug. 1-3 at Songdo Moonlight Festival Park, Incheon.
