Latest news with #Baek
Korea Herald
30-05-2025
- Korea Herald
‘Please take me with you': Diver recounts eerie discovery of teacher missing since 2010
Days after South Korean police confirmed that the body found in Andong Dam in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, belonged to a school vice principal who vanished in 2010, new details have emerged, including an account from the man who discovered the body. Baek Min-gyu, 55, a former leader of the Andong water rescue team, was conducting maintenance work on the dam on May 17 when he accidentally dropped a ladder into the water twice. Wearing scuba gear, he dove down roughly 30 meters to retrieve it, only to drop it again in the same spot. The second time he went in was when he found the body, which was later confirmed through DNA testing to be the vice principal, who was 53 at the time of his disappearance on August 17, 2010. Baek, who participated in the original search 15 years ago as a civilian, said he felt as if he were hearing a voice before the discovery. "I kept hearing, 'Please, take me with you,'" he said in an interview with a local news outlet. "I don't even know why I went back so deep into the water for that cheap ladder. I just felt I had to." The victim's body showed damage to the head, arms and legs, but other parts of the body, including the torso, remained mostly intact. The Gyeongbuk Provincial Police Agency said the water and mud appear to have combined to help preserve the body. The police plan to give Baek a certification of appreciation for helping solve one of the region's longest-running missing-person cases.
Korea Herald
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
'Magic Candies' brings Oscar buzz to local screens
Oscar-nominated animated short marks first Korean children's book adaptation by major Japanese studio This year's dearth of Korean works at major film festivals and awards shows — no feature films made it to the Oscars or Cannes — has left local film fans searching for bright spots. One of the few silver linings came from an unexpected source: "Magic Candies," a 21-minute animated short based on Korean author Baek Hee-na's children's book that landed an Oscar nomination for best animated short film in January. With the short film now heading to Korean theaters, the children's book author Baek and Japanese producer Takashi Washio gathered for a press conference at Lotte Cinema Konkuk University in Seoul on Friday. While buzz around the film here largely centered on whether it would score an Oscar, Baek noted that awards were not the main draw for her. "When we made this animation, the goal wasn't commercial," she said. "Every time I write a book, what's really important to me is the personal feeling of having created something I can be proud of anywhere." The project marks the first collaboration between a Korean children's book and a major Japanese animation studio. It brings together established talents: Baek won the prestigious Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award in 2020 for her body of work, while Toei Animation's Washio and director Daisuke Nishio are industry veterans behind hits like "Pretty Cure" and "Dragon Ball Z." The film forgoes the sleek polish of mainstream animation in favor of something quirkier and more expressive. Its rough, textured look stays true to Baek's distinctive approach — she is known for building miniature sets with clay figures, then photographing them under carefully arranged lights to create her storybook illustrations. For Baek, who herself studied animation in college, preserving the original's handmade sensibility was crucial. "I was worried about losing the analog feel if it went CG," she said, referring to computer graphics. The back-and-forth took nearly a year. "They said they'd create CG models of all the characters first and show me. If I liked it, then I'd give permission." That attention to detail extended beyond aesthetics. Washio, working with Korean material for the first time, took pains to capture the authentic local feel. "We did location scouting in Seoul several times," he explained. "I told the director I saw a lot of magpies when I came to Korea, and he looked it up and found out magpies are Korea's national bird. That's how we got to put one the opening scene." The film combines Baek's original "Magic Candies" with elements from another work ,"I Am a Dog," for a more complete narrative arc. "When I first read 'Magic Candies,' I thought it might be too short for a film," Washio said. "But after reading 'I Am a Dog,' I thought it was excellent and would work well from Dong-Dong's perspective." The cross-cultural collaboration paid off beyond expectations. The film has won eight awards across seven international festivals and earned official invitations to over 30 others before landing its Oscar nomination. The biggest revelation for Baek came from something she had never considered. "When I write picture books, I think a lot about the characters' expressions and movements, so seeing them move wasn't that surprising," she said. "But I'd never imagined the character's voice. So when I first heard Dong-Dong speak, I got really emotional — it was like I'd eaten a magic candy myself."
Business Times
25-04-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Hup San Social Club is a love letter to Singapore's early Chinese immigrants
[SINGAPORE] A century ago, Club Street was a hotbed of Chinese social clubs, where immigrants caroused. Today, a new speakeasy wants to recreate that convivial spirit. Located at the crossroads of Club Street and Ann Siang Hill, Hup San Social Club is a cosy and clandestine hideout tucked away in the basement of a shophouse. Occupying the ground floor is sister restaurant Club Street Laundry – cafe by day and modern Australian eatery-cum-wine bar by night. The names of both concepts pay tribute to the building's previous occupant in the early 1990s: a laundromat called Hup San Laundry. Co-owner and beverage director June Baek hopes for Hup San Social Club to be a 'friendly neighbourhood bar' that brings people together – just as Club Street's social clubs did in the old days. 'We want to make this a new gathering spot for second-generation immigrants such as ourselves,' says Baek, who hails from South Korea. Her three co-owners – an Australian, British and a Eurasian-Singaporean – similarly have roots elsewhere. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up To reach Hup San Social Club, one must first enter Club Street Laundry, and go through a nondescript grey door behind a dining counter top. Patrons head down a narrow flight of stairs and push past a beaded curtain to enter a dimly-lit, cellar-like space, decked out in wooden furnishings amid soft hues of red and green. Black baroque-style tiles line the ceiling and a large antique mirror hangs on one wall. The other walls are plastered with framed vintage prints. Hup San Social Club is tucked away in the basement of a shophouse, with sister restaurant Club Street Laundry occupying the ground floor. PHOTO: HUP SAN SOCIAL CLUB Lamps draped with silk and lace, as well as the recurring motif of a red begonia, add a feminine touch to the interior – which some customers have otherwise dubbed a 'man cave', quips Baek. The space is kept small and intimate to facilitate conversations between patrons and bartenders, she says. It sits 12 comfortably – at the bar, a small table and at wooden ledges along the wall – with a nook near the entrance recently gaining green velvet seats and a table for bigger groups of four to five. A confluence of Asian flavours At Hup San Social Club, each drink seeks to evoke an experience or feeling. These range from the literal and playful – 'a refreshing midday escape' or 'a much-needed smoke break' – to the abstract, such as 'the beauty of ageing' for a vinegary tequila-based concoction, or 'and your life will always be' for a whiskey-cognac brew with a hint of rose. The menu's 14 cocktails are a collection of Baek's 'all-time favourites' across nine years of bartending in South Korea, Vietnam, the US and Singapore. Asian spirits, such as baijiu and soju, feature as the base in a few drinks. While some cocktails reflect Baek's South Korean roots, the menu also features South-east Asian and Japanese flavours. One of the bar's bestsellers is Achar, a sweet-sour concoction with a kick of spice that was designed to 'tickle all the taste buds.' Named for the spicy pickled vegetables common in Peranakan cuisine, the gin-based cocktail features an achar cordial made from vinegar, cumin seeds, coriander seeds and fenugreek. 'Every Korean bartender has their own cocktail recipe with a kimchi flavour profile. To me, achar resembled a Singapore-type of kimchi,' she says. The menu includes a warm cocktail, Pumpkin Ma Heart, described as 'a warm embrace'. It is texturally similar to a traditional Irish coffee, says Baek – but without caffeine or whiskey. Pumpkin Ma Heart is the only warm cocktail on the menu. PHOTO: HUP SAN SOCIAL CLUB The star ingredient is a housemade pumpkin yam mix – which gives the drink a thick, porridge-like texture – that is pre-prepared and kept in a sous vide machine at 68 deg C. When the order arrives, the mix is added to a base of Sailor Jerry Spiced rum and topped with cold cinnamon-infused coconut cream for contrast. In addition to the core menu, Hup San serves 18 classic cocktails and a range of spirits, including baijiu and soju, with Baek planning to bring in Japanese shochu too. While patrons can order mains from Club Street Laundry to be sent down – and those upstairs can similarly order cocktails – the bar is also getting its own menu of small bites this quarter. Achar
Tatler Asia
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
19 K-drama doctors who stole the show (and saved lives)
Dr Yang Jae-won from 'Trauma Code: Doctors on Call' Above Dr Yang Jae-won can't deny his mentor's surgical brilliance. (Photo: screencap from 'Trauma Code: Heroes on Call,' Netflix) Dr Yang Jae-won (Choo Yeong-woo) was a general surgery resident until trauma expert Dr Baek Kang-hyuk saw his potential and took him under his wing. And although Baek's unorthodox methods often leave him frazzled, Yang can't deny his mentor's surgical brilliance. As Baek's reluctant protégé, he gradually comes into his own, growing into a skilled trauma doctor who would make even prickly Dr Baek proud. Dr Lee Ik-joon from 'Hospital Playlist' Above Resident matchmaker and mischief maker Lee Ik-joon (Photo: tvN) The assistant professor of general surgery at Yulje Medical Center, Ik-joon is known as the resident matchmaker and mischief maker. Always effortlessly top of his class, his playfulness hides his exceptional surgical skills. Beyond the operating room, his wit, warmth and ability to connect with patients make him a beloved and well-respected doctor at Yulje Medical Centre. Dr Ahn Jeong-won from 'Hospital Playlist' Above Yulje Medical Centre's 'Buddha' (Photo: tvN) Paediatric surgeon Ahn Jeong-won's (Yoo Yeon-seok) devotion to his Catholic faith almost made him give up his white coat for a priest's robe. But in the end, his heart chose the right path forward. Nicknamed 'Buddha', he is warm and patient, constantly winning the trust and adoration of not just his young patients but the rest of the medical staff as well. See also: 5 best Yoo Yeon Seok K-dramas to watch after 'When the Phone Rings' Dr Kim Jun-wan from 'Hospital Playlist' Above Don't get on his bad side. (Photo: tvN) Dr Kim Jun-wan (Jung Kyung-ho), thoracic surgeon at Yulje Medical Centre, has a reputation for being surly and brusque. Uncompromising and meticulous, his juniors see him as a terror professor. But beneath his gruff exterior lies a true softy. To his close friends, he can be silly and—unintentionally—funny. Dr Yang Seok-hyung from 'Hospital Playlist' Above Shy mama's boy Yang Seok-hyung (Photo: tvN) Yulje Medical Centre's OB-GYN professor Dr Yang Seok-hyung is a quiet homebody and mama's boy who would rather watch his favourite variety shows than socialise. Shy and gentle, it can be hard for his junior to get a read on him, but he always treats his patients with care and sensitivity. The one other thing that he enjoys aside from his job and his shows is band practice with his fellow Yulje doctors. Dr Chae Song-hwa from 'Hospital Playlist' Above The heart of the 99s (Photo: tvN) The saying 'all good things come in small packages' perfectly sums up Yulje's top neurosurgeon, Chae Song-hwa. Hardworking to a fault, she is beloved and respected by patients and peers. She's always open for professional—and often personal—consultations. She may be petite, but she also keeps the 99s in line by bossing them around. She also has a legendary appetite rivalled only by Jun-wan's. Dr Oh Yi-young from 'Resident Playbook' Above Thinking of quitting again? (Photo: tvN) Oh Yi-young (Go Youn-jung) has no interest in becoming a doctor, or working any job for that matter. But family circumstances and a mounting debt have forced her to return as a first-year resident at Jongno Yulje Medical Centre. Constantly on the verge of quitting a second time, she somehow resists the urge. And although she may not be aware yet, she is gradually becoming a competent and compassionate doctor, despite herself. Pyo Nam-kyung from 'Resident Playbook' Above Ready for a break (Photo: tvN) Going from always well put together to constantly dishevelled may not have been on Pyo Nam-kyung's (Shin Shi-A) bingo card when she joined the OB-GYN department at Jongno Yulje Medical Centre, but she quickly learns that a resident's life is far from glamorous. Sleepless nights and demanding patients have left her tired and stressed, but she soldiers on with a surprising amount of grit and determination. Um Jae-il from 'Resident Playbook' Above One-time K-pop idol (Photo: tvN) Dr Um Jae-il is always ready to point out his K-pop idol past to anyone who would listen. This first-year resident is bubbly, personable and charming, and a favourite among patients and nurses. He's as eager to please as he is to learn. But while his enthusiasm is endearing, his professors sometimes find his overzealousness a little overwhelming. Still, there's no denying his heart is in the right place. Don't miss: 7 hidden details in 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' that fans spotted—but you might have missed Kim Sa-Bi from 'Resident Playbook' Above Academically gifted Kim Sa-bi (Photo: tvN) Academically gifted, first-year OB-GYN resident Kim Sa-Bi (Han Ye-Ji) is the one you go to if you need literal textbook answers to your medical questions. But when it comes to building rapport with patients, she's still a work in progress. Her preoccupation with being first at everything hasn't won her many fans, but beneath the competitive streak is a young doctor eager to prove herself, both in skill and heart. Dr Jung Se-ok from 'Hyper Knife' Above Brilliant and unhinged (Photo: Disney+) Mentored by the great Choi Deok-hee, Dr Jung Se-ok (Park Eun-bin) skills as a neurosurgeon are unparalleled. Unfortunately, she's also disturbingly unhinged and murderous. Brilliant, obsessive and endlessly curious about the workings of the human brain, she walks the fine line between genius and madness. Don't miss: Park Eun-bin's top 7 roles that prove the K-drama queen's versatility and range Dr Choi Deok-hee from 'Hyper Knife' Above Unhinged mentor (Photo: IMDb) If anyone could rival Jung Se-ok's surgical brilliance, it's the man who trained her—Dr Choi Deok-hee (Sol Kyung-gu). Calm, cool and methodical, he is an expert at wielding a scalpel on—and off—the operating table. Because just like Se-ok, Deok-hee hides a dark side. Like mentor, like mentee. Dr Kim Sa-bu from the 'Dr Romantic,' 'Dr Romantic 2,' 'Dr Romantic 3' Above 'The Hand of God' (Photo: SBS) Kim Sa-bu (Han Suk-kyu) has been nicknamed 'The Hand of God' for good reason. He is the only doctor in South Korea to be certified in general surgery, cardiac surgery and neurosurgery. Beyond the OR, he is also a legendary mentor, teaching his juniors with tough love and deep compassion, and creating extraordinary doctors out of ordinary ones. Dr Kang Dong-ju from 'Dr Romantic' and 'Dr Romantic 3' Above Yoo Yeon-seok's first doctor role (Photo: SBS) Kang Dong-joo (Yoo Yeon-seok) carries a chip on his shoulder and a desperate need to prove himself—which makes him ambitious, cocky, and just a little rebellious. But more than his sharp mind and even sharper surgical skills, it's his emotional growth under Kim Sa-bu's mentorship that transforms him into a true doctor. Dr Yoon Seo-Jung from 'Dr Romantic' Above Passionate and driven Dr Yoon Seo-jung (Photo: screencap from 'Dr Romantic,' Netflix) A passionate trauma surgeon with a complicated past, Yoon Seo-jung (Seo Hyun-jin) is driven by guilt, grit and a desperate desire to prove herself. Inspired by her mentor Kim Sa-bu, she strives to earn her cardiothoracic surgery certification and grow into the doctor she always wanted to be. Dr Seo Woo-jin from 'Doctor Romantic 2' and 'Dr Romantic 3' Above Seo Woo-jin overcomes his troubled past (Photo: SBS) Under Kim Sa-bu's mentorship, Seo Woo-jin (Ahn Hyo-seop) is finally given the opportunity to hone his raw surgical skill despite his difficult past and unfortunate reputation. Cynical and standoffish at first, Woo-jin slowly begins to lower his guard thanks to his time at Doldam Hospital, under Kim Sa-bu's guidance. See also: Ahn Hyo-Seop on being perfectly imperfect, his sources of joy, and his most challenging roles Dr Cha Eun-jae from 'Doctor Romantic 2' and 'Dr Romantic 3' Above Getting past her OR anxiety (Photo: SBS) Bright and diligent, Cha Eun-jae (Lee Sung-kyung) has what it takes to become an excellent surgeon, if she can only overcome her anxiety at performing surgeries. Thankfully, Kim Sa-bu sees her potential and takes him under his wing, helping her become a compassionate and capable doctor. Dr Park Shi-on from 'Good Doctor' Above The first ever 'Good Doctor' (Photo: screencap from 'Good Doctor,' Netflix) Park Shi-on (Joo Won) is a paediatric surgeon with savant syndrome who is blessed with eidetic memory but struggles with social cues. Often misunderstood and underestimated, he overcomes harsh work discrimination by showcasing his brilliant skills and unwavering dedication. NOW READ Unforgettable chart-topping songs from K-drama OSTs—and why we still can't stop listening to them 9 of the most memorable K-drama weddings Meet the future of K-drama: 5 breakout actors you need to know
Chicago Tribune
12-03-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Down to Business: Physical skills just as important as respect and discipline when learning taekwondo, martial arts studio owners say
Business: Kingdom Martial Arts Address: 1112 S. Washington St., Naperville Phone/website: 331-213-7144; Owner/headmaster: Inhun Baek, 36, of Naperville. Manager: Jinah Park, 33, of Naperville Years in business: 10 What does your business do? 'We teach martial arts to all age groups. We start with the basics, kicking, punching, self-defense, sparring. Not only do we teach martial arts, but we teach discipline and respect in the curriculum,' Park said. That's a big part of martial arts? 'Yes. It's how we differentiate from other sports. Discipline and respect. We teach not only martial arts skills, but also to respect other people. Be thankful for what they are given. And we hope that leads them to become good leaders,' Park said. Which martial art is taught here? 'We only teach taekwondo, which originated in Korea. We're both from South Korea,' Park said. What's the background? 'We started in Lisle in 2015, moved in here in December 2023,' Park said. 'When he opened the place, I met him through a friend. We've been married six years.' Why Naperville? 'We needed a bigger location,' Baek said. How many students do you have? 'About 230,' Park said. And when someone comes in? 'The first class, regardless the age, it's an evaluation for us and a trial for newcomers. … As long as they are OK with everything, we give them a white belt after the first class. Now, it's your choice if you like us and want to continue with us. Nobody knows until they try,' Park said. 'Eighty to 90 (percent) return,' Baek said. What's different from other martial arts? 'Taekwondo is Korean martial arts. More kicking. Karate is Japanese martial arts. Karate has more punching,' Baek said. 'The style is different. Judo is more throwing and falling,' Park said. What's it like in South Korea? 'It's really tough to get to the top level (of taekwondo). … It's like football in America,' Baek said. 'When you're a child in Korea, nine of 10 have a history of learning taekwondo. Here they try baseball, soccer or track. In Korea, everybody goes through soccer or Taekwondo,' Park said. Where do you rank? 'I'm a third degree,' Park said. 'I'm a sixth degree,' Baek said. 'There are nine degrees.' 'Nine is really old, like a grandpa. And they're really sharp at that age,' Park said. What ages come here? 'Any age. Our oldest person now here is 60-somehing,' Park said. 'They start at 4. … For little ones, we don't teach self-defense. It's more discipline and respect.' Are there more male or female students? 'Half and half,' Baek said. What does a parent say? 'They're amazing. They have given Cecilia, my oldest daughter, confidence. My youngest daughter, Eloise, they taught self-control. … They're kind people. Good for the community,' Jeff Taylor, 42, of Lisle, said. What about pricing? 'It depends on what they are looking for. How often you come in. A punch card has 10 classes for $280. If you want to come in twice a week, that will be $149 if they are 7 and up, $139 if 4 to 6 years old,' Park said. How did the pandemic impact your business? 'There wasn't much we could do (when shut down) other than Zoom. It was really hard,' Park said. 'Without the Zoom classes, we might have shut down,' Baek said. What if you know taekwondo and someone points a gun at you? 'If there's a gun, run away, please,' Park said. 'If there's not a gun involved, we teach self-defense.' Are there competitions? 'We do have tournaments. We have one on March 22 in Aurora at Matea Valley High School.' When are you busy? 'Usually the new year is busy with (people making) resolutions. … We have summer camps, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.,' Park said. What misconceptions do people have? 'I get a lot, 'Can I be a ninja in a couple weeks?' No, we don't teach that. You're not going to crawling up the side of a building. That's not happening. … No, you're not going to kill anybody, you're not going to hurt anybody or be missing a bullet,' Park said. What challenges do you face? 'It's not the other martial arts schools. It's other activities. Soccer. Baseball,' Park said. Any future plans? 'Our ultimate goal is to have our own building,' Park said. What's your advice for someone starting a business? 'Study what you are going into. Just because I love coffee is not good enough to open a coffee shop,' Park said. 'I'm different. If people think too much, they get scared. I say do it,' Baek said.
