Latest news with #Joo
Korea Herald
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
The sound of now: young Korean creators redefine tradition and form
At Sejong Center's Sync Next25, haeum player-compsoer Joo Jeong-hyeon meets classical music composer Choi Jae-hyuck Composer-conductor Choi Jae-hyuck and haegeum player-composer Joo Jeong-hyeon have been on the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts' radar since the launch of its summer contemporary music series, The Sync Next, in 2022. This year, for the first time, the center brought them together to explore what kind of synergy might emerge. The performance, part of the Sync Next 25 program running from July to September at the Sejong Center's S Theater, pairs Choi's ensemble, Ensemble Blank, with Joo, an experimental haegeum player whose work spans performance, composition and video. It also marks their first-ever collaboration. 'Joo is an expert improviser — she's especially known for combining the haegeum with other elements in bold, experimental ways,' Choi said during a recent interview. 'We, on the other hand, are trained to play strictly notated scores. So we thought, why not try blending the two? Some parts are composed, others are improvised. It's a challenge for both of us, which is exactly why we think the audience will experience something truly new.' Choi, who first gained international attention as the youngest-ever winner of the Geneva International Music Competition's composition category in 2017, leads Ensemble Blank, a contemporary group known for its adventurous programming. 'Both Ensemble Blank and I are people who constantly think about what it means to be contemporary, and how we can achieve that. So I think the main focus of this collaboration will be creating sound together — building something collectively, rather than just presenting individual pieces,' Joo said. Joo is a 2024 recipient of the Korea National Academy of Arts' Young Artist Award. The program on Friday and Saturday opens with Alexander Schubert's 2014 piece "Serious Smile," a hyper-digital, rhythmically driven piece. This is followed by a striking contrast: Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina's "Ave Maria a 8 voci," written in 1572, arranged for wind and string instruments, offering a moment of Renaissance polyphony and meditative calm. Joo takes the stage solo with a haegeum improvisation, highlighting her signature blend of embodied technique and spontaneous expression. The program continues with Choi's own 'Straight to Heaven,' a large-scale ensemble work that moves with cinematic intensity. The evening will also see Ensemble Blank and Joo perform the Asian premiere of Jessie Cox's "Quantify,' an experimental piece from 2017 that explores the interplay of sound, identity and time. The program concludes with the world premiere of Joo's 'Primitive Happiness,' a new audiovisual work written for Ensemble Blank that fuses live instruments and video. The stage design for this performance reflects the playful creativity of the two artists. The setup features a small triangular stage and a larger triangular stage positioned opposite each other, like an hourglass, with the audience seated in between. As Choi and Joo, both born in 1994, and Ensemble Blank explore a borderless space where familiarity gives way to unexpected listening, Choi emphasized the importance of simply knowing that certain artistic experiences exist. 'Even if it's unfamiliar at first, having that encounter becomes part of one's inner world — something you can return to, draw from and eventually express,' he said. Joo echoed that sentiment, offering a reflection on Korean audiences. 'Lately, as I've been doing more work in Korea again, I've really come to feel that Korean audiences are far more open to a wide range of things and are actively seeking out new experiences. Especially among younger generations, I think we're now in a time when people embrace stimulating, dopamine-releasing experiences without resistance,' she said. 'In that sense, maybe what we're doing won't feel all that unfamiliar after all.' Two performances will take place at Sejong Center's S Theater: At 7:30 p.m. on Friday and at 5 p.m. on Saturday. gypark@
Time Out
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Two L.A. pizzerias were just named among the best in the world
In a move that probably won't surprise local pizza lovers, three different standout Southern California pizzerias —and the chefs behind them—just made the top 100 list of the world's best pizzas at the third annual Best Pizza Awards in Milan. William Joo of Pizzeria Sei, also known as Time Out' s top pick for pizza in Los Angeles, came in at number 44 in the world, beating out dozens of pizzaiolos in New York City and cities across Italy. Justin De Leon of Apollonia's Pizza (another one of our favorite pizza joints) ranked number 58, while Chris Decker of Truly Pizza in Orange County's Dana Point clinched the highest spot among SoCal recipient at number 42. Organized by the Best Chef Awards, the Best Pizza Awards first began three years ago and puts an emphasis on individual chefs, rather than restaurants or the places they inhabit. The European awarding body was founded in 2015 by a Polish neuroscientist and an Italian gastronomist and emphasizes a transparent, 'chef-led' voting and selection process. Both Joo (Pizzeria Sei) and De Leon (Apollonia's) have previously earned recognition from the Best Pizza Awards; 2025 is the first Decker has made the awards' global top 100 list. The Best Pizza Awards praised Joo for making Tokyo-style Neapolitan pies that are 'technically refined and full of character.' In particular, the European awarding body recognized Joo's 'salt-punch' technique, which involves sprinkling salt into the oven for a distinct shift in overall pizza texture. 'Today, William Joo continues to explore and elevate pizza through simplicity, balance, and a deep respect for ingredients and tradition," reads the chef's official entry. Joo also made the Best Pizza Awards top 100 list in 2024 and 2023. For Apollonia's De Leon, who also made the list in 2024, the Best Pizza Awards highlighted his unconventional path from art school and photography to pizza-making—in particular, Apollonia's "game-changing square[s]," which feature burnt cheese edges and airy interiors. As for Truly Pizza's Decker, his entry highlights his apprenticeship under acclaimed Las Vegas pizzaiolo John Arena. This year is the first time that Decker has earned recognition from the Best Pizza Awards.
NDTV
25-06-2025
- General
- NDTV
How South Korea's Dog Meat Ban Leaves Farmers And 500,000 Dogs In Limbo
Reverend Joo Yeong-bong raises dogs, for a business that's now become illegal. "Since last summer we've been trying to sell our dogs, but the traders just keep hesitating," says Joo, 60, to BBC. "Not a single one has shown up." South Korea's 2024 dog meat ban gives farmers until February 2027 to shut down. But halfway through the grace period, farmers like Joo are trapped, unable to sell, struggling to survive. "People are suffering," he says. "We're drowning in debt, can't pay it off, and some can't even... find new work. It's a hopeless situation." Chan-woo, 33, faces the same reality. He has 18 months to get rid of 600 dogs, or face two years in prison. "Realistically, even just on my farm, I can't process the number of dogs I have in that time," he says. "At this point I've invested all of my assets [into the farm], and yet they are not even taking the dogs." By "they," he means not only traders but also the government and animal rights activists who pushed for the ban. "They [the authorities] passed the law without any real plan, and now they're saying they can't even take the dogs." Lee Sangkyung from Humane World for Animals Korea (Hwak) agrees there's a problem. "Although the dog meat ban has passed, both the government and civic groups are still grappling with how to rescue the remaining dogs," he says. "One area that still feels lacking is the discussion around the dogs that have been left behind." The government claims local authorities will take surrendered dogs into shelters. But rehoming is proving difficult. Farms raised large breeds like Tosa-Inu for meat, dogs often labeled "dangerous" under South Korean law. Most city dwellers want smaller pets. "There's a social stigma associated with dogs that come from meat farms," says Lee, citing fears over disease and trauma. The result: overcrowded shelters and a grim alternative. "If remaining dogs become 'lost and abandoned animals' then it's heartbreaking but they will be euthanised," said Cho Hee-kyung, head of the Korean Animal Welfare Association, in 2024. The government insists euthanasia "certainly" isn't part of the plan. They've offered up to 600,000 won ($450) per dog for early closures and are expanding shelters. But Hwak argues the rescue plans are vague and underfunded. Some dogs are flown abroad for adoption, but it barely scratches the surface. Former farmer Yang Jong-tae, 74, who shut down in 2023, says, "When I saw how they handled the animals, like they were handling people, so gently and lovingly, it really moved me. We don't treat them like that. For us, raising dogs was just a way to make a living." But Yang still questions the ban. "If dog meat is banned because dogs are animals, then why is it okay to eat other animals like cows, pigs or chicken?" For younger farmers like Chan-woo, the future feels bleak. "All we're hoping for now is that the grace period can be extended so that the process can happen more gradually." Joo agrees. "Right now, people are still holding on, hoping something might change... But by 2027, I truly believe something terrible will happen."
Time of India
25-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
South Korea's dog meat ban: The fate of half a million dogs
South Korea's sweeping new law banning the dog meat industry , passed unanimously in January 2024, is being hailed as a landmark for animal welfare and a profound cultural shift. By 2027, breeding , slaughtering, selling, and serving dogs for meat will be illegal nationwide, a move that signals the end of a centuries-old tradition and answers years of pressure from both domestic advocates and the international community. Yet, this historic step forward carries a quieter, more troubling consequence: the fate of the hundreds of thousands of dogs currently held on farms across the country. As the industry shutters, these animals, once destined for the table, now face an uncertain future. Many risk being abandoned or euthanized, their lives left in limbo as farmers struggle to adapt and rescue groups scramble to respond. The law's promise of a kinder era for animals is shadowed by the urgent question: what happens to the dogs who have nowhere to go? by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Chi phí cấy ghép răng là bao nhiêu vào năm 2025 (kiểm tra giá) Cấy ghép răng | Quảng cáo tìm kiếm Tìm hiểu thêm Undo The numbers behind the ban According to the Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, as of February 2022, there were 521,121 dogs being raised in 1,156 dog meat farms , and about 388,000 dogs consumed annually in 1,666 restaurants. Yet, societal attitudes have shifted: a 2023 Gallup poll found only 8% of South Koreans had eaten dog meat in the past year, down from 27% in 2015, and fewer than 20% supported its consumption. In a separate survey, 85.5% said they do not currently eat dog meat, and 55.8% believe society should stop the practice. Uncertain futures for farmers and dogs The ban's passage has left many in the industry facing deep uncertainty. Chan-woo, who entered the trade a decade ago, describes the atmosphere as 'incredibly uncertain,' with livelihoods upended and hopes pinned on the government extending the grace period to allow for gradual adjustment. Advocates worry about the fate of the estimated half a million dogs still on farms, many at risk of euthanasia if not rehomed. Live Events The government has pledged support for affected farmers, but details remain unclear. Some, like Mr. Joo, fear that as 2027 approaches, desperation may lead to tragic outcomes for both people and animals. While the legislation is celebrated by animal rights activists, JungAh Chae of Humane Society International Korea called it 'history in the making', it has also sparked resistance among dog farmers, some of whom have threatened drastic protests. The debate touches on deep cultural and ethical questions, with many younger Koreans viewing dogs as family, while others argue against state interference in dietary choices.
Korea Herald
24-06-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Parties clash at PM nominee's confirmation hearing
Screams, accusations from lawmakers fill first day of hearing The two-day confirmation hearing of Prime Minister nominee Kim Min-seok kicked off Tuesday, with several rival party lawmakers locking horns over scandals surrounding his assets and family. According to People Power Party Rep. Joo Jin-woo, who reviewed Kim's asset declarations, Kim's assets stood at some 500 million won ($370,000) in 2020, yet the nominee spent 1.3 billion won around that time. 'There is an 800 million gap,' Joo, who is a member of the National Assembly's special committee on personnel hearing, pointed out. Expenses during the period included repayment of court-ordered fines, spending for his son's overseas education and more. On the 800 million won gap, Kim explained that around 600 million was received from book launches and congratulatory and condolence events. Politicians are often accused of inflating the prices of their books when selling them to certain groups during book launch events, as the law does not define such acts as a breach of the Political Funds Act. The remaining 200 million was paid by his ex-wife for their son's education. Whether they have shared custody of the son is unknown, though Kim has said his ex-wife had 'taken care' of him. Questions also rose over allegations surrounding Kim's financial transactions with his aide and businessperson Kang Shin-sung. Kang is accused of providing Kim with illegal political funds. People Power Party Rep. Kim Hee-jung said that the documents related to Kang and the financial transactions were not submitted to the personnel hearing committee. Joo also said there was a lack of documents backing the source of money for Kim's son's overseas education, to which Kim replied, 'There is no such document proving wiring of foreign currency to my eldest son.' Democratic Party of Korea lawmakers who were members of the personnel hearing committee continued to defend Kim. They repeatedly claimed the questions were 'infringement of human rights.' Democratic Party Rep. Park Sun-won even screamed 'be quiet' to People Power Party Rep. Kwak Kyu-taek. The main opposition lawmaker replied with, 'Are you crazy?' Kwak later demanded an apology from Park. On rumors that Kim plans to announce his bid for Seoul Mayor in the by-election scheduled for next year, Kim indirectly denied it, saying, 'I have told the president that the position (I have been nominated for) would be the last (stop) in my political career.' Kim's hearing marked the first time that a parliamentary confirmation hearing for a prime minister nominee was held without any witnesses since the related law was established in 2000. People Power Party Rep. Bae June-young criticized both Kim and the ruling party for "not submitting any documents that could properly explain" the allegations surrounding the nominee. "(Our party) has requested only five people, excluding the nominee's family and ex-wife, who were thought to be involved in shady financial transactions (with Kim) to be witnesses, but the Democratic Party has refused to comply with it," Bae added. Democratic Party Rep. Kim Hyun shot back, saying that the lack of witnesses was due to the parties' failure to reach a consensus on the matter. The summoning of the witnesses to the hearing is also not mandatory, Kim Hyun explained. Last week, a municipal councilor in Seoul under the People Power Party filed a complaint against Kim with prosecutors, accusing the prime minister nominee of not being transparent and inappropriately filing his assets with the government. The Seoul Central Prosecutors' Office assigned the case to its criminal affairs division 1, but the investigation has yet to be launched as of press time. President Lee Jae Myung has repeatedly defended Kim so far, saying that the prime minister nominee should have a chance to explain the allegations surrounding him. The four-term liberal lawmaker, who was nominated for prime minister by President Lee Jae Myung on June 4, was convicted by the country's top court in 2005 of violating the Political Funds Act by receiving 200 million won ($146,500) in illegal funds from conglomerate SK Group in 2002 The Supreme Court in 2005 sentenced Kim to eight months in prison, two years of probation and the forfeiture of 200 million won after ruling him in violation of the Political Funds Act. Additionally, the Supreme Court in 2010 found him guilty in a separate political slush fund case, in which he received illegal funds worth a combined 720 million won from three of his aides in 2007. He was fined 6 million won and forfeited 720 million won for violating the Political Funds Act again. Besides the political slush fund scandals, Kim is accused of abusing his power as a lawmaker to aid his son's extracurricular projects and help him gain admission to a US university. Critics are also questioning the master's degree Kim claims to have received from Tsinghua University in China in 2010, which was the same year he ran for mayor of Busan and failed.
