Latest news with #EwhaWomansUniversity
NZ Herald
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Cultural attaché: Hye Rim Lee
Hye Rim Lee with her work Crystal City Spun in the background. Photo / Paul Nathan Reminder, this is a Premium article and requires a subscription to read. Listening to articles is free for open-access content—explore other articles or learn more about text-to-speech. Hye Rim Lee with her work Crystal City Spun in the background. Photo / Paul Nathan Hye Rim Lee's new exhibition, Swan Lake, is described as 'an immersive, dream-like digital reinterpretation of the classic 19th-century Tchaikovsky ballet'. The idea for the new work was sparked by a visit to Auckland's Western Springs, where the multimedia artist photographed swans during the 2020 Covid lockdown. What is your earliest memory? Dancing with my dad. I would stand on his feet and he'd hold my hands as we swayed together. I must have been so little but that feeling of love and safety has stayed with me. I also remember the day he brought home a tiny spotted puppy when I was 7. He had her tucked inside his suit jacket like a little secret surprise. She was so small and delicate – we named her Merry. We already had a white spitz named Happy, so it really felt like the happiest time. Our home was full of love and life, shared with two dogs, two cats, a turtle named Tom, rabbits, baby chicks and a pair of birds. Those days felt simple and magical and I'll always hold them close. What did you want to be when you were a kid? I wanted to be a soprano. I started singing at age 3, and it was the only dream I ever had. My mum was an opera singer and trained me from a very young age. I even got into a top music school – Ewha Womans University in Seoul – as a voice major. Sadly, I lost my singing voice after a tonsil operation, but the love for music has never left me. When were you happiest? When I was singing, and also during the process of making art, especially when the work started to take shape just as I had imagined. There's joy in seeing creativity come to life. If you weren't an artist, what would you do instead? I'd be an actor or a chef. What trait in yourself do you least like? I tend to be a perfectionist, which can be both a strength and a challenge. Lately, I've been working on letting go of that mindset and learning to embrace imperfection with more grace. What trait in others do you least like? Being self-centred, arrogant, or flaky. I also find it hard to connect with people who are condescending, patronising, or lack empathy. These traits create distance and make genuine connection difficult. What characteristics do you most value in your friends? Kindness, empathy – and remembering my birthday. It's the little things that count. What's the best gift you've ever given, and received? My parents – they truly feel like a blessing from God. As for a memorable gift, my ex once gave me a Comme des Garçons dress for my birthday. It sparked my curiosity and led me to explore the designer's work, opening up a whole new world of fashion for me. Swan Lake 2025, 4K 3D animation with surround sound, Hye Rim Lee, Christchurch Art Gallery. Photo / John Collie What is your most treasured possession? My mum's wedding ring – a delicate pearl ring that carries her love story with my dad. It holds deep emotional meaning for me. Another is my dad's old family photos. They capture a powerful legacy: my grandmother was one of the first women to graduate from Ewha Womans College, my grandfather was a Korean independence activist and my father was a pioneer of Korean theatre. These photos don't just show family, they reflect the strength, resilience, and cultural impact of their lives during Korea's turbulent history, from World War II through to the Korean War. The title of your autobiography would be … Hye Rim. My name means 'graceful forest', and that meaning reflects the purpose I strive towards in life: to grow into a forest of grace. The story is still unfolding, so the full autobiography will have to wait. Which artwork could you look at endlessly? Chagall's frescoes painted on the ceiling of the Opéra Garnier in Paris, everything of Michelangelo, Yinka Shonibare MBE's Addio del Passato, and Alex Prager's Despair. What particular artistic talent would you like to have? 3D animation. Sounds like an irony, but dealing with animators can be difficult, as I need to convey what's in my head and have it portrayed in just the right way. Natalie Portman in a scene from the film Black Swan. Photo / Supplied What are your favourite films? The Passion of the Christ, Mel Gibson; In the Mood for Love, Wong Kar-wai; The Skin I Live In, Pedro Almodóvar; and Black Swan, Darren Aronofsky. This film holds a special place in my heart, as it reminds me of the dynamic between my mum and I around our shared dream of being sopranos. My mum was a well-known soprano, but her singing career was sadly cut short as a result of surgery. What has been your most enjoyable live theatre experience? My dad's final and most meaningful production was Anton Chekhov's The Seagull, performed at the Korean National Theatre in Seoul in 1983. My dad, director Lee Jin-soon, is considered one of the founding figures of Korean theatre. During his career, he directed more than 200 productions, including plays, musical dramas, Korean traditional opera (changgeuk), Western opera, and dance theatre. The Seagull – one of Chekhov's four major plays and one of my dad's most cherished productions – delicately captures the complexity of human desire, frustration and limitation. The play uses the psychological tensions between characters to explore the deeper questions of life and art, a recurring theme in Chekhov's work. What's been your most enjoyable live music experience? A solo recital by Dame Joan Sutherland when I was 17 and studying voice. When I, as a young soprano, heard her breathtaking singing live, it was unforgettable – pure magic. After the performance, I had the incredible opportunity to meet her backstage and shake her hand. That moment left a lasting impression and continues to inspire me to this day. What were your top songs in Spotify wrapped for 2024? Phil Wickham, Angels; and Maria Callas, Casta Diva, from Bellini's opera Norma. Abba's Dancing Queen is guaranteed to get Hye Rim Lee on the dance floor. Photo / Getty Images What song always gets you dancing? Abba's Dancing Queen, Michael Jackson's Billie Jean and Swan Lake! Which streaming series/TV show would you recommend? K drama – Mr. Sunshine. This drama series deeply reminded me of my dad's family during WWII. The protagonist's house brought back memories of my grandmother's home, and the storyline echoed my grandfather's journey – from being born into one of the wealthiest noble families, living in a 99-kan house to becoming an independence activist. Watching it felt like witnessing my grandfather's family life unfold on screen. And it's not just the cinematography; the martial arts choreography and acting are on another level. The whole production is truly powerful. Which talent or skill do you wish you had? I wish I had stronger skills in managing a company, especially when it comes to interpersonal relationship management at the director level. Leading people effectively while navigating complex dynamics is a talent I truly admire and aspire to develop. Also accounting. I used to be a maths queen at school, but somehow that brain seems not to work any more. A good day starts with …. Waking up to sunlight after a deep sleep. Then I take a few quiet moments for meditation with Lectio. After that, I treat myself to a cosy bowl of oatmeal – usually with blueberries, banana and walnuts. It's a simple, peaceful way to ease into the day. Swan Lake, by Hye Rim Lee, is showing at the Christchurch Art Gallery until November 23.
IOL News
11-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- IOL News
The truth behind South Korea's birth decline: cash incentives aren't enough
Geochang County pays newlyweds up to 600 000 won a year, while Seoul and Gyeonggi Province are rolling out starter funds for young couples. Image: Christopher Politano/pexels It's no longer rural areas that are facing population decline. In big cities and countries, the sound of playgrounds grows quieter each year, and small towns are slowly fading away. This isn't a dystopian novel; it's the reality unfolding in South Korea today. The nation is facing a population crisis, with birth rates dropping to historic lows and entire regions at risk of depopulation. But beneath the headlines and statistics lies a story about women's choices, shifting values, and why quick fixes may not be enough to turn things around. South Korea's famed '4B Movement' is one example of how deeply culture shapes personal decisions. Originating as a bold feminist movement, 4B stands for 'no dating, no sex, no marriage, no childbirth', a declaration by thousands of young Korean women who are choosing autonomy over tradition. The movement emerged as a response to what many describe as persistent gender inequality, rigid beauty standards, and the social pressure to marry and have children. But it's not just about protest. The '4B' philosophy alongside the 'Escape the Corset' movement, which rejects restrictive beauty norms, reflects a wider shift in how young people view relationships, work, and family. As Dr Seungmi Yang, a sociologist at Ewha Womans University, notes, 'Women are demanding respect and equality before they consider marriage or motherhood. They're prioritising happiness and personal growth, and that's changing the social fabric. Video Player is loading. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Surveys by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs show many young Koreans now define happiness through personal achievement and relationships outside of marriage or parenting. Image: KELLY LEONARD/pexels Cash for commitment: Will it work? According to "The Korea Times", faced with these deep-rooted changes, South Korea's government has tried to stop the population slide with a wave of cash incentives, some of them almost unimaginable in scale. Local authorities across the country now offer everything from paid first dates to six-figure marriage bonuses. In Busan's Saha District, couples can receive up to 20 million won (about $14,700) after participating in a government matchmaking event. Geochang County pays newlyweds up to 600,000 won a year, while Seoul and Gyeonggi Province are rolling out starter funds for young couples. Sunchang County offers 10 million won over four years for newlyweds who agree to settle in the area. But this is where it gets interesting, despite all these subsidies, marriage and birth rates keep falling. Jinju City, for instance, handed out marriage grants to more than 4,000 couples since 2021, but the marriage rate didn't budge. Even in regions where large payouts have been standard for years, there's little evidence of lasting impact. Why are young people saying 'No'? It's tempting to think money alone can solve social challenges. However, as experts point out, the roots of Korea's demographic crisis run much deeper. Work-life imbalance: South Korea consistently ranks among the world's top countries for long working hours and job stress. Many young adults feel forced to choose between career and family. Housing costs: The price of a home, especially in cities like Seoul, has soared, making it hard for young couples to envision a stable future. Parenting pressure: Raising a child is seen as expensive and demanding, with limited support for working mothers. Changing values: Surveys by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs show many young Koreans now define happiness through personal achievement and relationships outside of marriage or parenting. Dr Hong Suk-chul, an economics professor at Seoul National University, cautions: 'Throwing cash at the problem won't work unless we address structural issues, affordable housing, flexible work, and true gender equality. "Otherwise, we risk repeating the mistakes of failed baby bonuses and childcare subsidies.' South Korea consistently ranks among the world's top countries for long working hours and job stress. Many young adults feel forced to choose between career and family. Image: Mikhail Nilov /pexels For many Korean women, these policies miss the mark by failing to consider their lived realities. The decision to marry or have children isn't just economic; it's about respect, safety, balance, and mental health. The 4B movement, while controversial, has forced an honest conversation about what women want from life and love. As a woman and a mother, I see a valuable lesson here: real well-being comes from choice and dignity, not handouts. If we want societies to thrive, we must build environments where everyone, women and men, can pursue family, career, and self-care without fear or sacrifice. What can be done? Experts agree on a few essentials: Flexible work policies so parents can balance careers and family. Affordable, accessible childcare for all income levels. Support for single parents and working mothers Cultural change that values women's choice, whether they choose motherhood, career, or both. South Korea's population challenge isn't just a warning for policymakers, it's a wake-up call for all of us to rethink what truly makes a healthy, happy society.
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Nikkei Asia
27-06-2025
- Business
- Nikkei Asia
Sampling the best of Seoul's booming cafe culture
Located in Seoul's Mangwon-dong neighborhood, HHSS is a quiet, minimalist cafe with a homey vibe, enhanced by the languid presence of the resident cat. (All photos by David D. Lee) DAVID D. LEE SEOUL -- In South Korea, where homes are rarely used for social gatherings, cafes offer more than just caffeine -- they serve as go-to spots for meeting friends, blind dates, group studies and other social activities. When the first Starbucks branch opened near Seoul's Ewha Womans University in 1999, it marked the beginning of a local revolution in cafe culture. The American franchise now runs 1,900 of the country's 100,000 cafes -- which is roughly double the number of convenience stores.
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Peer-Reviewed Study in Nature Scientific Reports Demonstrates Non-Invasive Fat Reduction Using Alma's Energy-Based Technology
CAESAREA, Israel, June 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A newly published, peer-reviewed study in Nature Scientific Reports, part of the prestigious Nature Portfolio, presents compelling clinical evidence on the effectiveness of non-invasive energy-based technology for abdominal fat reduction. The study demonstrated statistically significant decreases in abdominal fat layer thickness in Korean women with abdominal obesity, following a series of ultrasound and radiofrequency treatments using Alma's Accent Prime platform. Conducted at Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital by Dr. Yeo Ju Sohn and Dr. Hyejin Chun of the Department of Family Medicine at Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, the research confirmed measurable fat layer reduction through ultrasound imaging and waist circumference assessments. Patients reported high satisfaction and consistently strong tolerance throughout the treatment protocol, with no adverse events observed. This publication comes at a time when abdominal obesity is increasingly recognized as a key contributor to cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome, both in South Korea and globally. According to the World Health Organization, more than 1 billion people worldwide are living with obesity—a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and premature mortality. As obesity rates continue to rise, so does the urgency for safe, effective, and accessible treatment options beyond surgical intervention. "This study highlights the evolving role of non-invasive modalities in body shaping and reinforces their potential significance in the broader context of health and wellness," said Lior Dayan, CEO of Alma. "This new publication strengthens the scientific foundation supporting Alma's technologies and showcases our commitment to advancing innovation that prioritizes patient safety, enhances the treatment experience, and keeps pace with the evolving needs of modern patients." About Alma Alma is a global leader in medical aesthetic solutions, with over 25 years of innovation. We empower practitioners to deliver safe, effective, and life-transforming treatments to their patients, utilizing state-of-the-art, clinically proven solutions such as energy-based device lasers, diagnostics, injectables, and advanced skincare. Alma's multiple award-winning products have set a new benchmark in the medical aesthetic industry, both in terms of clinical excellence and groundbreaking innovations. Media Inquiries:prglobal@ View original content: SOURCE Alma Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Korea Herald
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Korea Herald
Lee Jae Myung's ‘pragmatic' diplomacy comes into focus
Conservatives accuse Lee of neglecting national interests, while experts note possible consideration of China ties and missed arms export opportunities President Lee Jae Myung's decision not to attend the NATO summit in the Netherlands has brought his 'pragmatic' foreign policy approach into renewed focus, while triggering attacks from conservatives. Lee had considered participating in the NATO summit but decided not to, his office said Sunday, in the face of "various domestic issues and uncertainties due to developments in the Middle East." Following the announcement by Lee's office, NATO revealed that a meeting between the NATO Secretary General, US President Donald Trump and the leaders of NATO partners in the Indo-Pacific region is set to take place at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday in The Hague. Lee's office has declined to comment on whether Lee was aware of the event before his decision not to fly to the Netherlands. Skipping the NATO trip deprives Lee of a chance to sit down for talks with Trump, as well as with leaders of European countries that South Korea sees as partners in the defense industry and regional security, prompting criticism from the conservative main opposition People Power Party. "We are facing a serious diplomatic test due to the US precision strike on Iran's nuclear sites, the heightened tensions in the Middle East, and President Lee's decision not to attend the NATO summit," said Rep. Kim Seok-ki, a lawmaker with the People Power Party on Monday. "We express deep concern that the ruling bloc's response is 'pragmatic diplomacy' in name only. ... They are not fulfilling their responsibility for our national interests." Rep. Kim Eun-hye of the People Power Party also told reporters that the decision taken soon after the power transition to the liberals "will likely raise concerns among NATO member states" that South Korea might be a weak link in the Western bloc, and that Seoul might be factoring in the perceptions of "totalitarian states." One expert suggested that Lee may have considered South Korea's ties with China in his decision, while also noting his interest in confidence-building with North Korea — though signs of reengagement remain limited, aside from his move to halt propaganda loudspeakers along the inter-Korean border. "President Lee decided not to attend given that the focus of Trump's attention is on Iran and allied defense spending, rather than on a tariff deal with Seoul, and perhaps also out of concern that a strongly worded joint statement could offend China," said Leif-Eric Easley, professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul. "Seoul will be on alert for how conflict in the Middle East reverberates in Asia," Easley added. While most observers will understand that Lee has pressing domestic priorities, including staffing his new administration, Easley said, "not attending the NATO summit isn't only a missed opportunity to help defend the international order by supporting Ukraine and coordinating responses to conflict in the Middle East." Another expert called Lee's decision not to attend the NATO summit a "mistake" because his presence there could have convinced Seoul's Western partners that he values Europe and understands the connection between security in the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions. "This is diplomatic low-hanging fruit that Lee is not grabbing," said Mason Richey, professor of international politics at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. "It's also a chance to further cement South Korea's role as an arms exporter to Europe, and perhaps make some connection with European leaders of states who could become future South Korean weapons customers," he added.
