Latest news with #Woo
Korea Herald
3 days ago
- Politics
- Korea Herald
Lee Jae Myung pulls Education Minister nomination
President Lee Jae Myung on Sunday pulled Lee Jin-sook's nomination to become Education Minister in an unconventional fashion for South Korea's politics, Woo Sang-ho, Lee's senior secretary for political affairs, said in a briefing Sunday. Lee Jin-sook, who became the first minister nominee to have dropped out under the new administration, was one of the liberal president's picks for inaugural Cabinet members. But the 65-year-old has been embroiled in allegations related to academic plagiarism and excessive spending on her children's education overseas, which allegedly involved her violation of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. "After contemplation, President Lee decided to withdraw his nomination of Lee Jin-sook as the Education Minister," Woo told reporters. Woo said he had briefed the president about the controversies and public views regarding Cabinet nominees, including the embattled Education Minister nominee, after the president held a closed-door meeting Saturday with floor leaders of rival parties. the the meeting, main opposition whip Rep. Song Eon-seog demanded that the president cancel at least two of his minister nominations. Woo added that the president's decision came after serious contemplation on Sunday afternoon, without further elaborating on how he reached his conclusion. A president's withdrawal is seen as a rare move in South Korea's politics, as most of South Korea's ministerial nominees have voluntarily withdrawn from their positions before the presidential office made any announcement. A notable exception was Cho Dong-ho, who was nominated as the Science Minister in 2019 by former President Moon Jae-in, but his nomination was canceled. However, Lee's decision Sunday translates into his possible greenlight on another controversial Gender Minister nominee, Rep. Kang Sun-woo of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea. Woo confirmed Lee did not withdraw his nomination of Kang, without providing a reason. Kang is alleged to have abused her authority by asking her secretaries to do her personal chores and by making false statements at the hearing to conceal wrongdoing Meanwhile, Woo also confirmed a news report on Sunday that National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac was flying to Washington for talks with undisclosed government officials there. Woo added Wi's trip "is not the last one" before the proposed Aug. 1 deadline for the US tariff hike on South Korean imports and will take place "any time he finds it necessary."
Mint
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
The biggest name in K-Pop isn't BTS. It's Netflix.
After nearly a decade in a K-pop boy band, Kevin Woo returned home to the U.S. four years ago, looking to expand his musical career outside South Korea. His monthly Spotify listeners, until recently, stood at about 10,000. Now, it's around 20 million. The reason? Netflix's No. 1 movie globally, 'KPop Demon Hunters," an animated film with girl-group protagonists and boy-band baddies. Two of the film's tracks have sat atop the U.S. Spotify's most-streamed songs—feats never before achieved by BTS, Blackpink or any other K-pop group, real or imagined. That's delivered a harsh reality to a genre seeking reinvention: Fictional bands have gotten popular faster in the U.S. than humans ever did. The triumph comes as the broader music industry grapples with unconventional entrants, like bogus hits created by AI claiming to be authentic. Woo provides the singing voice for Mystery, one of the five members of the film's soul-stealing Saja Boys. On a recent day, he was relaxing with a friend at a hotel pool in the Los Angeles area when a Saja Boys song started playing. Kevin Woo provides the singing voice for Mystery, one of the five members of the fictional group. Some children began dancing, prompting Woo's friend to ask: 'Do you want to meet the actual Saja Boy?" They shrieked and asked for an autograph, which Woo obliged. He signed his own name next to Mystery Saja. 'It feels very surreal because I play a fictional character," said Woo, 33. 'They don't recognize me as Kevin Woo or a K-pop artist." 'KPop Demon Hunters," produced by Sony Pictures Animation, is an American production shot in English, with a creative team and cast stocked with South Koreans and Korean diaspora. The film, which debuted June 20, has inspired fan art, handmade plushie dolls and cosplays of the main characters. Real-life K-pop stars, including several members of BTS, have praised the film. The fictional K-pop idols are appealing to tribal fanbases that often lock in support for a single group and disavow others. In K-pop lingo, a 'bias" refers to one's favorite singer, while 'akgae" identifies someone who prefers one member of the group but dislikes everyone else. 'Multi-stan" is someone capable of loving more than one group—a stigmatized notion in the K-pop universe. That has made rooting for the Saja Boys and the film's girl-group trio, HUNTR/X, a relatively guilt-free endeavor, fans say. Becoming the Switzerland of K-pop wasn't luck. The film aimed to be an amalgamism of K-pop aesthetics and sounds, with hopes of honoring 'all the fans," said Ian Eisendrath, the movie's executive music producer. 'I challenge people to not love this music," Eisendrath said. Seven of the film's songs rank among Spotify's 15 most-streamed tunes on the U.S. daily charts. The two most popular hits, HUNTR/X's 'Golden" and the Saja Boys' 'Your Idol," are also roaring up the Billboard Hot 100, placing No. 6 and No. 16 respectively. The film's companion album has achieved the biggest streaming week for a movie soundtrack since 2021's 'Encanto." Vasileios Tsagkaropoulos with his daughters, says K-pop feels different now because of the movie. The catchy tunes have created many converts like Vasileios Tsagkaropoulos, a 45-year-old dad who had never listened to K-pop. On a co-worker's suggestion, he found himself on his sofa watching 'KPop Demon Hunters," his two young daughters on each arm. Near the end, Tsagkaropoulos began to tear up. His 6-year-old glanced over as he let out a quiet whimper. He's watched the movie twice more, the soundtrack blares in their car and he's a proud owner of a purple HUNTR/X T-shirt. He said K-pop previously seemed like 'a flashy product." 'It feels different now," Tsagkaropoulos said, 'because it's something I shared with my daughters." The film's chart success carries some caveats. Several individual K-pop singers—as opposed to groups—have vaulted atop the daily Spotify charts in the U.S., the world's most-lucrative music market. BTS and Blackpink, who typically sing in Korean, have hit No. 1 on Spotify globally. BTS, whose members concluded mandatory military service last month, have six chart-toppers on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite explosive growth over the years, the K-pop industry had become top-heavy and stagnated. Two years ago, the CEO of BTS's music label put it bluntly: 'K-pop is in crisis." The success of 'KPop Demon Hunters" shows it is possible for fans to connect with nonhuman idols, said Suk-Young Kim, a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, who has written a book about K-pop. It will likely spawn copycats. 'This is a long-running dream for K-pop companies," Prof. Kim said. 'Here we have idols who never sleep, never get sick, never age." But don't count the humans out, said Benny Char, a K-pop producer and songwriter, who has also worked with an AI singer. 'You can't manufacture the vulnerability, chemistry and unpredictability that real artists bring to the table," he said. Benny Char, a K-pop producer and songwriter, said there are some elements of real-life groups you can't manufacture. Woo, the Saja Boy singer, said he doesn't mind if his work as Mystery overshadows his prior time with the K-pop group, U-KISS, his Broadway performances or his acting roles. 'For me, in a sense, it's like a reinvention of my artistry," he said. Sky Blaw, who supports the K-pop boy band Vanner, gives high marks to the film's authenticity, from the intense bond between the fans and stars to the glossy stage outfits. But the 27-year-old, who works at an engraving shop in Salem, Ore., was puzzled about one thing: The Saja Boys crashing HUNTR/X's meet-and-greet with fans. 'That," Blaw said, 'would never happen." Write to Timothy W. Martin at
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
A degree without borders
In today's fast-paced job market, graduates must be agile and globally competent. Employers are looking for more than academic results; they want digital fluency, cross-cultural experience and real-world problem-solving skills. That is where an American-style education can provide students a vital edge. Through its partnership with Arizona State University (ASU), Sunway University's School of American Education offers Malaysian students a globally recognised qualification and the exposure needed to thrive in a connected, competitive world. At a time when international study, particularly in the United States, is becoming more complex due to shifting immigration policies, Sunway University, ranked the No.1 private university in Asean (AppliedHE 2025), offers a secure and flexible alternative: students can begin and even complete an American degree right here in Malaysia. For those who still wish to transfer to the US later, over 20 curated pathways ensure a smooth transition to ASU, which has been named the most innovative university in the US for ten consecutive years. Driving this forward is the School's newly appointed dean, Assoc Prof Dr Woo Pei Jun, who brings a strong background in American education and a deep understanding of what students and families value today: quality, security and future-readiness. With her leadership, the School is strengthening its focus on student well-being, academic excellence and flexible pathways for global success. 'We recognise that parents are looking for stability, quality and assurance in their children's education. 'Our goal is to provide a world-class education that's safe, affordable and full of opportunity — right here in Malaysia, with the option to pursue global experiences when the time is right,' she said. Woo highlights the school's mission to balance global opportunity with local security. Diverse programme offerings Sunway's School of American Education provides a selection of programmes designed to meet modern workforce demands. These programmes are selected due to their relevance to the global job market and respond to industry trends that underscore the importance of these skills across diverse sectors. > Bachelor of Digital Communication (Advertising) (Hons): As digital platforms become the primary medium for information exchange, the need for skilled digital communicators surges. This programme equips students with strategic thinking and creative skills to craft compelling and effective advertising campaigns that align with global trends in digital marketing and media. > Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Hons): With the increasing focus on mental health and human behaviour in various sectors, understanding psychological principles is more valuable than ever. This programme delves into the complexities of the human mind, emphasising critical thinking, research methodologies and the practical application of psychological theories. > Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) (Hons): The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and computer science into everyday life has created a pressing need for specialists in this field; expertise in these areas is invaluable. Students gain proficiency in programming, data analysis and machine learning, preparing them for high-demand careers in the tech industry. This also aligns with global trends that emphasise the importance of AI in sectors such as healthcare, finance and logistics. > Bachelor of Digital Media Design (Hons): The intersection of creativity and technology is vital in crafting user experiences and visual communication. This programme focuses on design thinking and technical skills, preparing students for roles in the design and media industries, which are seeing a surge in demand as a result of the digital transformation. At Sunway University, students experience an education that blends global perspectives with real-world relevance. Flexible pathways to an American Degree Sunway University provides flexibility for students to tailor their educational journey: Complete the ASU Degree at Sunway: This is a cost-effective and accessible way to earn an American degree without leaving Malaysia. Students benefit from a comprehensive curriculum designed to mirror the quality of education provided at ASU. Transfer to ASU: Those seeking an international experience can transfer to ASU campus after completing part of their degree at Sunway. This seamless transition is supported by over 20 curated pathways, providing students with the opportunity to explore an array of disciplines in a leading US university environment. This flexibility ensures that students can align their education with personal and professional aspirations, whether they choose to stay in Malaysia or experience studying in the United States. US student visa updates In recent years, the process of obtaining a US student visa has seen several changes, influenced by evolving policies and global circumstances. According to EducationUSA, the official US advisory body for international students, the United States has resumed scheduling appointments for F (academic), M (vocational) and J (exchange) non-immigrant visas, clearing backlogs for students awaiting interviews. Additionally, the US Department of State has introduced expanded screening procedures to enhance security. New rules include social media checks to maintain the integrity of the process. With intakes now open, there is no better time to consider enrolling in Sunway University's School of American Education. Given the competitive nature of the programme and the availability of visa interviews, prospective students are encouraged to apply early. Navigating global uncertainties In the shifting political and economic landscapes, Sunway's School of American Education programmes are designed to equip students with the adaptability and skills needed to thrive globally. The hybrid model of study provides a secure and versatile option for students amid these uncertainties. For more information on the application process or courses offered, visit the website.
The Star
5 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Six Perak new villages receive RM185,000 for revitalisation projects
Perak government has allocated some RM185,000 to revitalise six Chinese new villages in the state. Perak domestic trade, cooperatives, consumer affairs and Chinese new village committee chairman Woo Kah Leong said the works would be implemented under the Chinese New Village Empowerment Programme 2025. 'We opened applications from April 14 to May 16 and received 20 proposals, from which six were selected,' he said in a press conference. 'These projects are aimed at protecting the heritage of the village, boosting the local economy, promoting community participation, enhancing tourism and preserving cultural diversity,' he added. The six projects are the revitalisation of the charcoal industry in Kuala Sepetang by Persatuan Rimba Kuala Sepetang with an allocation of RM30,000, as well as Pangkor Island Festival by Pertubuhan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Timur with a RM50,000 grant. Other projects are the village mural initiative by Liman Kati new village development and security committee (JPKK) which received RM15,000, Old Street Revival Initiative by Matang JPKK which was allocated RM30,000, Bercham Run by Bercham JPKK which was given RM30,000 and a mid-autumn festival event by Menglembu JPKK which was awarded RM30,000. Woo said Chinese new villages in Perak faced challenges such as declining birth rates, ageing population and migration of residents to urban areas. 'These issues have disrupted the cultural, economic and social development of these villages. 'The empowerment programme was introduced to address these challenges and aims to shift policy implementation from a top-down to a bottom-up approach by encouraging active participation from village residents in local development,' he said. Woo said funding for the six projects came from his office and was aimed at livening up new villages while preserving its unique identity. He urged the younger generation to return and serve their communities through initiatives like these. 'This way, Chinese new villages can once again become vibrant centres of cultural, economic and social activity, while also attracting younger generations to contribute to village development rather than migrating to the cities,' he added.
Korea Herald
6 days ago
- Politics
- Korea Herald
Speaker's gavel buried in Assembly yard as reminder of Dec. 3 martial law
Speaker Woo Won-shik on Thursday buried a "time capsule" in the front yard of the National Assembly. In it, was the gavel he used when he announced the passage of a resolution overturning former President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law on Dec. 3, 2024. The time capsule containing memorabilia of the night of martial law, to mark the 77th anniversary of the Constitution Day, will be opened 100 years from this day. At the ceremony attended by Woo and other parliamentary leaders, including deputy speakers Reps. Joo Ho-young and Lee Hack-young, a stone monument was also set up in remembrance of the day the National Assembly blocked martial law from taking effect. Inscribed on the monument were the words, "The National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, the last bastion of democracy." Woo said the monument was intended to "signify the National Assembly's role in protecting the constitutional order, together with the people, as the last bastion of democracy in the country." The monument is about 5 meters wide and 1.2 meters tall, and was made from stones found in the Mugunghwa garden near the main entrance of the Assembly compound. Woo, formerly a five-time Democratic Party lawmaker, took office as Assembly speaker in June last year.
