Latest news with #Mingles
Tatler Asia
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
Beyond K-pop: Meet the artists representing South Korean culture on the global stage
2. Bong Joon-ho, film director The director of Parasite —the first non-English-language film to win Best Picture at the Oscars—continues to dismantle cinematic boundaries. Bong Joon-ho's genre-bending narratives blend social critique with popular appeal, reframing how global audiences view Korean storytelling. In 2025, he released Mickey 17 , a sci-fi film starring Robert Pattinson and Mark Ruffalo, further expanding his international influence. Korean storytelling traditions. 3. Han Kang, novelist Since winning the Man Booker International Prize for The Vegetarian , Han Kang has cemented her status as one of Korean literature's most poignant voices. Her lyrical yet unflinching prose explores trauma, identity, and the female psyche. In 2024, she received the Nobel Prize in Literature—a landmark moment for Korean letters on the world stage. 4. Park Chan-wook, film director The visionary behind Oldboy and Decision to Leave continues his streak of critical acclaim with his Baeksang screenplay win for Uprising . Park's signature visual opulence—meticulously composed frames that marry beauty with violence—represents South Korean cinema at its most intellectually ambitious and visually sumptuous. Don't miss: Baeksang Arts Awards 2025: Winners, history and why it's Korea's most prestigious night 5. Sohee Park, fashion designer As the creative force behind Miss Sohee, Sohee Park has brought traditional Korean aesthetics into conversation with avant-garde couture. Her sculptural, detail-rich creations have appeared on red carpets and magazine covers around the world, establishing her as one of fashion's most exciting and culturally resonant new voices. Don't miss: Paris Haute Couture Week: How Asian couturiers have made their mark 6. Unsuk Chin, composer Unsuk Chin's experimental compositions have reshaped the contemporary classical music landscape. Her works—at once mathematically complex and emotionally charged—are performed by major orchestras across Europe, Asia, and North America, placing South Korean musical innovation firmly on the global avant-garde map. 7. Hwang Dong-hyuk, film and TV director Beyond creating the cultural phenomenon Squid Game, Hwang's unflinching examination of capitalism's psychological toll has permanently altered global perceptions of Korean storytelling. His visually arresting and thematically uncompromising works demonstrate South Korean culture's capacity for incisive social commentary. 8. Mingoo Kang (chef) At the three-Michelin-starred Mingles, Kang crafts culinary narratives that reinterpret traditional Korean gastronomy through a contemporary lens. His approach—intellectually rigorous yet sensually satisfying—has established South Korean cuisine as a sophisticated global contender beyond popular street food iterations. 9. Ahn Eun-me, choreographer Through her boldly unconventional choreography, Ahn has revolutionised contemporary dance with vibrant explorations of tradition and modernity. Her performances—visually spectacular and conceptually daring—represent South Korean culture at its most physically dynamic. 10. Do Ho Suh, visual artist Best known for his translucent fabric installations that replicate homes and personal spaces, Do Ho Suh turns displacement and memory into immersive art. His work speaks to both the Korean diaspora and universal questions of identity and belonging—capturing the ephemeral nature of place in an increasingly nomadic world. These artists form the vanguard of South Korean culture's global ascent. Beyond K-pop lies a universe of creativity that is not only globally accessible—but culturally essential. Their influence is reshaping how the world sees Korea: not just as a trendsetter, but as a defining force in contemporary art, fashion, food, literature and performance. Credits This article was created with the assistance of AI tools
South China Morning Post
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
6 top Korean chefs' favourite comfort foods and where to eat them in Seoul
Seoul is a city where Michelin-star restaurants and age-old culinary traditions exist side by side. Advertisement Comfort food here is more than just nourishment – it embodies the warmth of home and memories of childhood, and pays tribute to Korea's rich heritage. For South Korea's leading chefs, humble staples shape their approach to contemporary cuisine. From noodles to nourishing broths, these dishes lay the foundation for the country's culinary identity. Six chefs from Seoul and beyond lift the lid on the comfort foods closest to their hearts and the best places to enjoy them. You may be surprised to read that there is not a barbecue or bibimbap in sight. Mingoo Kang of Mingles, a three-Michelin-star restaurant in Seoul, says kalguksu noodles and jeon pan-fried fritters are his favourite comfort foods. Photo: Mingles 1. Kang Mingoo, Mingles (Seoul) 'Kalguksu [knife-cut noodles in a starchy soup] and jeon [pan-fried fritters] are my favourite comfort foods,' says Mingoo Kang, chef-owner of three-Michelin-star Mingles
Korea Herald
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Bangkok's Gaggan reclaims throne as best restaurant in Asia after 10 years
Mingles, country's only Michelin 3-star restaurant this year, lands 5th spot on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants Awards Gaggan, the renowned Bangkok restaurant, has been crowned the best restaurant in Asia at Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2025. The rankings of Asia's 50 Best Restaurants are determined through a vote conducted by Asia's 50 Best Restaurants Academy — a group of over 350 influential figures in the food industry, including chefs, restaurant operators, food journalists, critics and regional culinary experts. The Academy selects restaurants from 16 cities across Asia. Gaggan, led by star chef Gaggan Anand, was named the best restaurant in Asia for the second time after a period of mixed results following its 2015 win. 'Our food evolved over the years. We reinvented and reduced our seating to only 14 seats. I gave up all the things that I felt were wrong in food and started doing things that made me happy,' said Anand after winning the award in Seoul. 'We show you 25 courses in 2 hours. I take you away from all the problems of your life, at least during that time. Food is the most humane thing. To be honest, I didn't work so hard in 2015. But the last 10 years, it was very challenging because this title was very heavy. From tomorrow, everyone will judge me again. But this time, I'm ready,' he added. Seoul saw four restaurants make the list, with Mingles taking the No. 5 spot. Chef Kang Min-goo's innovative fusion of Korean and Hong Kong influences earned Mingles the title of the best restaurant in South Korea. Other notable Seoul entries included Onjium, which rose 11 spots to No. 10, and Eatanic Garden, which debuted at No. 25 and won the Highest New Entry Award. This year, Bangkok and Tokyo claimed the top spots with nine restaurants each on the list. Sezanne, a restaurant in Tokyo, ranked No. 4. Known for its neo-French cuisine that marries classic French techniques with exceptional Japanese ingredients, Sezanne received widespread praise at the 2024 awards when it was ranked No. 1. Hong Kong, with seven restaurants featured, had The Chairman, a modern Cantonese restaurant, take the No. 2 spot. The Wellington, known for its artistic ambiance and creative dishes highlighting rare southern Chinese ingredients, ranked No. 3. Wing's chef Vicky Cheng also won the prestigious Inedit Damm Chefs' Choice Award, an award whose winner is selected by fellow chefs. The event, held for the second consecutive year in Seoul, was organized by William Reed Business Media, a UK-based publishing company, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
Korea Herald
12-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Seoul to host '2025 Seoul Table' featuring top chefs
The Seoul Metropolitan Government will host "2025 Seoul Table" on March 23-24 at Solvit, an artificial island in Han River, offering 300 lucky citizens the chance to taste dishes prepared by some of Korea's most renowned chefs. The event, held to celebrate Seoul's second consecutive year hosting the "Asia's 50 Best Restaurants" event, will feature celebrated chefs such as Michelin 3-star recipient Kang Min-goo and star chef Choi Hyun-seok. Participants will be selected through a first-come, first-served registration process via the Catch Table app, starting at 2 p.m. on March 18. The popup will feature three sessions, scheduled at 12:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on March 23, and 5:00 p.m. on March 24. Tickets are priced at 40,000 won ($27.54) per person, with a limit of two tickets per individual. Multiple applications are prohibited. The event will include a variety of programs, including a welcome dinner, forum and awards ceremony. To prevent ticket resale, attendees will be required to present identification at the entrance to verify their registration. On March 23, a team of top chefs from Netflix series "Culinary Class Wars,' led by Choi Hyun-seok, will present signature dishes and cocktails made with traditional alcohol. The group includes chefs Jang Ho-joon, Yoon Nam-no, Song Hasulam, Kim Tae-sung and Son Seok-ho. On March 24, Michelin three-star chef Kang Min-goo of 'Mingles,' which is also ranked on the 2024 World's 50 Best Restaurants list, will lead the event alongside chefs Park Moo-hyun, Park Ga-ram, Lee Chan-yang, Lee Yong-woo, Lim Hong-keun, Shin Ga-young, Choi Kyu-sung and Lim Byung-jin. The chefs will serve fine dining small plates and traditional alcohol cocktails at a reasonable price. Last year's event was organized under the direction of chef Ahn Sung-jae, featuring chefs from Mosu. 'Seoul is a city rich in diverse culinary experiences, from popular street foods to high-end fine dining, and is home to talented chefs. As a global gastronomic destination, we are excited to celebrate 'Asia's 50 Best Restaurants' for the second consecutive year with this special event, and we look forward to welcoming the public to enjoy it,' said a representative from Seoul Metropolitan Government.
Korea Herald
11-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Michelin 3-star chef Kang Min-goo leaves Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul
Kang Min-goo, the owner-chef of Mingles, the only Michelin three-star restaurant in South Korea, is parting ways with Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul after a five-year partnership. According to industry sources, Kang will end his contract with the hotel in April, marking the end of his time at the "Festa by Mingoo" restaurant in the hotel, which he has helmed since its launch. Kang's departure will make way for Lee Choong-hu, the youngest chef to earn a Michelin Guide rating in 2017, to take over as head chef of the restaurant under a new name, "Festa by Choong-hu." Before his departure, Kang is hosting a final project titled "Urban Green Lunch & Dinner," featuring a Western-style tasting menu. Lunch is priced at 98,000 won ($67.26) per person, while dinner costs 190,000 won per person. The event, available from noon to 3 p.m. for lunch and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for dinner, will run through April 6. Kang is expected to focus on his Michelin three-star restaurant. "This is just the beginning. The three-star title carries heavy expectations. I feel a responsibility to maintain and improve upon the level of service and experience our guests expect,' Kang said in an interview with the Michelin Guide Feb. 27. Kang also expressed his desire to showcase the depth and appeal of Korean cuisine globally through Mingles, which is known for its reinterpretation of traditional Korean flavors. Lee is also a celebrated owner-chef of the Michelin one-star restaurant Zero Complex in Seoul. Industry insiders suggest that following in Kang's footsteps will be a significant challenge. "Kang's rise was unexpected, especially after the temporary closure of Chef Ahn Sung-jae's Michelin three-star restaurant Mosu. Lee Choong-hu is an accomplished chef, but the pressure will be on him to meet high expectations," an industry expert said. yoohong@
