Culture

From North Korea to K-pop: A Debut Journey of Hope
From North Korea to K-pop: A Debut Journey of Hope

Growing up in North Korea, Hyuk's childhood was about survival. He never listened to banned K-pop music, but after defecting to the South, he's about to debut as an idol. Hyuk is one of two young North Koreans in a new K-pop band called 1Verse — the first time that performers originally from the nuclear-armed North have been trained for stardom ...

Frick Collection Returns After $330 Million Renovation
Frick Collection Returns After $330 Million Renovation

New York's storied Frick Collection will reopen its doors on April 17 after five years closed to the public for a major renovation, which curators hope will future-proof the collection of former coal and steel magnate Henry Clay Frick. "The Frick is back!" proclaimed Axel Rüger, director of the museum – a 20th-century mansion filled with ...

Ghosting: A Strategy of Avoidance
SpotlightGhosting: A Strategy of Avoidance

The anglicisms used to illustrate certain phenomena observed in virtual exchanges have surprising meanings. Far from indicating a mundane behavior, they carry meanings that reveal deeper characteristics about their users. This week, we will try to understand what “ghosting” is, which shares common traits with “breadcrumbing.” The ...

'L’Ennemi, un livre pour la paix,' Comes to Life on Stage
'L’Ennemi, un livre pour la paix,' Comes to Life on Stage

Sometimes, a small book can spark a profound change. During the Christmas holidays, what seemed like a simple children’s book, L’Ennemi, un livre pour la paix turned out to be a deep source of inspiration. With its delicate illustrations and powerful, minimalist text, this book moved readers with its humanity and impact. What began as a ...

UK Artist Grayson Perry Indulges Playful Side in New Show
UK Artist Grayson Perry Indulges Playful Side in New Show

It was a radical idea: give UK artist Grayson Perry, known for his cross-dressing and flamboyant, colorful art, carte blanche to create new works inspired by one of the world's finest collections of decorative arts. The result, which is going on show at London's Wallace Collection museum, is surprising, as well as full of mischief and fun. "I ...

Can the Brain Truly Reset After 72 Hours Without Screens?
SpotlightCan the Brain Truly Reset After 72 Hours Without Screens?

In today's world, it seems impossible to imagine our daily lives without this digital companion. It wakes us in the morning, directs our paths, captures our memories, and keeps us constantly connected. The smartphone has become an indispensable part of our lives—but this technological symbiosis comes at a cost. Researchers in Germany have ...

Why Are All Eyes on Nicole Kidman’s 'Babygirl?'
Why Are All Eyes on Nicole Kidman’s 'Babygirl?'

Now released in cinemas, Babygirl marks one of Nicole Kidman's most daring performances in years. As the lead character Romy, she dives into the complexities of female power, age and vulnerability, offering a striking portrayal that challenges mainstream narratives. A Provocative Plot Foremost, the film explores the themes of power, desire and ...

Avignon Celebrates Its Theater Festival With a New Permanent Exhibit
Avignon Celebrates Its Theater Festival With a New Permanent Exhibit

A permanent exhibit dedicated to the history of the Avignon Festival, one of the world’s leading theater events, will open on July 5 at the Maison Jean Vilar, a space already devoted to the work of the festival’s founder. “I’ve been hoping for this project for thirty years,” said Antoine de Baecque, the exhibit’s curator, during a ...

Shakira Concerts Bring Major Economic Boom to Mexico City
Shakira Concerts Bring Major Economic Boom to Mexico City

Shakira fans flocking to see the Colombian star in concert are generating tens of millions of dollars for Mexico, according to the local chamber of commerce, underscoring the economic significance of major musical events. Home to around nine million people, Mexico City is a magnet for Latin and other international musicians who attract fans from ...

Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez Named Creative Directors of Loewe
Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez Named Creative Directors of Loewe

Americans Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, founders of the fashion brand Proenza Schouler, will succeed Northern Irish Jonathan Anderson as creative directors of the Spanish house Loewe, the latter, owned by LVMH, announced on March 24. This appointment is the latest chapter in the ongoing reshuffle of fashion creative ...