Latest news with #JangDong-gun
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
From Television star to Yoga Teacher: Yoon Dong-hwan's journey of healing and transformation
Born in Seoul in 1968, Yoon Dong-hwan was the kind of student every parent dreams of, a brilliant academic who graduated from Seoul National University's Department of Religious Studies, then went on to earn multiple master's degrees from prestigious institutions. He started as a musical actor in 1985, then landed his big break in 1992 when selected as an MBC talent alongside future stars like Jang Dong-gun. His Seoul National University background made him an instant celebrity. He used his intellectual appeal to captivate audiences with both historical and contemporary roles. From Korea's top historical drama actor to yoga master The Rise and Sudden Fall of a Television Emperor Yoon Dong-hwan's career was nothing short of spectacular. He became the king of historical dramas, playing memorable characters in "Jumong" and "Chuno". His versatility extended beyond acting; he was a fashion model for major brands and even worked as a literary translator. In 2010, he took a bold step into politics, running for Seoul City Council as an independent candidate. While unsuccessful, this move showed his commitment to social causes. However, his outspoken nature became his downfall. After speaking against a major government river development project, his career took a hit. Casting directors suddenly stopped calling, and he found himself essentially blacklisted from the industry. The final blow came when he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer , robbing him of his voice. Ancient Yoga Wisdom Saves a Modern Soul Here's where Yoon Dong-hwan's story becomes deeply inspiring for anyone familiar with yoga's healing power. Faced with a career lull and health challenges, he didn't turn to Western medicine alone or expensive treatments. Instead, he embarked on a two-year spiritual journey to Thailand, where he immersed himself in the ancient practices of yoga and meditation. This wasn't just casual yoga classes - he lived in Thai temples, following the rigorous discipline that yoga practitioners have maintained for thousands of years. For Indians, this resonates powerfully because we understand yoga isn't just physical exercise; it's a complete system of healing that addresses mind, body, and spirit. The transformation was remarkable. Through consistent practice of asanas (physical postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), and dhyana (meditation), Yoon Dong-hwan not only regained his physical health but discovered an inner peace that his successful acting career had never provided. His voice, damaged by cancer treatment, gradually improved through yogic breathing practices. From Student to Teacher - Sharing the Gift After returning to Korea, Yoon Dong-hwan didn't immediately return to acting. Instead, he chose to live in mountain temples, continuing his practice and deepening his understanding. He describes his lifestyle as "semi-monastic" - a concept familiar to anyone who understands the ashram tradition in Indian spirituality. Today, he conducts "Morning at Yeonhwa Temple" sessions in Seoul, teaching yoga and meditation to stressed urban dwellers. His classes follow the traditional structure: 40 minutes of physical yoga followed by meditation - exactly how it's been taught in Indian ashrams for centuries. During the COVID pandemic, he adapted to online teaching through Zoom, spreading healing to people confined to their homes. His unique approach includes giving emotions names (like calling anger "Rudolf") to create psychological distance - a technique that combines ancient mindfulness with modern psychology. What makes his story particularly touching is how he teaches that "anger is not me; it's just thoughts and emotions that arise in me." This philosophy echoes the fundamental teaching of yoga - that we are not our thoughts or emotions, but the consciousness that observes them. His journey from Thailand temples back to Korean mountains represents the universal nature of yogic wisdom. Yoon Dong-hwan's transformation from a successful actor to a yoga teacher represents something beautiful about our interconnected world. His story shows how ancient Indian wisdom can heal modern wounds, regardless of geography or culture.
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Friendship through film: Screening marks India's role in Korean war
Korean Cultural Centre India organises a special screening of Korean film 'Taegukgi: The Brotherhood of War' The Korean Cultural Centre India held a special Korea–India Friendship Screening to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Korean War. The event honoured the role of India's 60 Para Field Ambulance, which served as part of the United Nations Forces during the war, and highlighted the long-standing friendship between Korea and India. In 1950, India sent 341 medical personnel from the 60 Para Field Ambulance to Korea. They provided critical care on the front lines for over two years. Their service remains a strong example of humanitarian support and international cooperation. The event featured a screening of the Korean film Taegukgi: The Brotherhood of War , which focuses on themes of division and brotherhood during the war. The film stars Won Bin and Jang Dong-gun, both popular among Indian viewers. The screening served as a reminder of the values shared by both countries. Visitors also had the chance to explore Korean culture through a calligraphy workshop and an immersive Virtual Reality experience. The VR tour allowed participants to view Korean landscapes and added a hands-on element to the programme. Hwang Il Yong, Director of the Korean Cultural Centre India, said the screening was a way to reflect on the sacrifices made and to celebrate the strong ties between the two countries. Prajal Sharma, a student who attended the event, shared that the story of India's involvement in the Korean War made the experience meaningful and strengthened his appreciation for the cultural exchange.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Tang Wei and Jang Dong-gun to receive Excellence in Asian Cinema Award
7 Mar - Tang Wei has been announced as one of this year's recipients of the prestigious Asian Film Awards' Excellence in Asian Cinema Award, alongside South Korean actor Jang Dong-gun. The Chinese actress is known for her remarkable performances in award-winning films including "Decision to Leave," "Lust, Caution" and "The Golden Era." She expressed, "I am truly grateful to the Asian Film Awards for recognising my work. Hong Kong has always been special to me, and I'm thrilled to return for this honour. I want to take this opportunity to thank every director and collaborator I've worked with, and most importantly, the audiences whose support made this possible." Jang, who will also receive the honour, has been in the industry for 30 years, and is known for movies like "Taegukgi" and "No Tears for the Dead." "It is a tremendous honour to receive this award, and I sincerely thank the Asian Film Awards for this recognition. Having my three-decade acting career acknowledged is deeply meaningful and inspires me to keep going. I look forward to sharing this joy with everyone in Hong Kong," Jang said following the announcement. Both Tang Wei and Jang Dong-gun will receive their honours during the awards ceremony in Hong Kong on 16 March. (Photo Source: MK, K-en)
