https://www.scmp.com/rss/500406/feed Originally from the UK, Natasha Venner-Pack is a seasoned traveler and foodie, who previously wrote and produced for the award-winning R.AGE, at The Star newspaper in Malaysia. She previously worked for epicure - Life's Refinements and Her World Singapore. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com With more Instagram followers (128,000) than the Archbishop of Canterbury (28,200), Reverend Chris Lee’s online and offline fame came as a surprise. The priest at St Saviour’s Church in west London, and a father of two, never expected his appearance in a friend’s YouTube video to spiral into numerous trips to South Korea. Or to inspire two series focusing on him, which see Lee experience things like life in the Korean army with his twin brother, a British commando, dancing with a B-boy team, and... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3046232/meet-youtube-sensation-rev-chris-lee-british-priest-who?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3046232/meet-youtube-sensation-rev-chris-lee-british-priest-who?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Jan 2020 18:00:21 +0000 Korea is no stranger to “noona romances” – where the pairing of an older female and younger male sends the hearts of certain women aflutter. Here are the five best noona dramas, starring heartthrobs including Park Seo-joon and Hyun Bin. The best new Korean TV shows to watch in 2020 Romance is a Bonus Book (2019) A-list actress Lee Na-young’s long-awaited return to television saw sparks fly with noona-killer Lee Jong-suk. Lee stars as Kang Dan-yi, a divorced mother who used to be a successful... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3044798/korean-dramas-best-noona-romances-when-younger-man?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3044798/korean-dramas-best-noona-romances-when-younger-man?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 Jan 2020 01:00:10 +0000 Following the tragic deaths of Sulli (real name, Choi Jin-ri) and Goo Hara, just six weeks apart, rookie actor and Surprise U member Cha In-ha is the latest Korean celebrity to pass away suddenly. The 27-year-old, whose real name is Lee Jae-ho, was discovered dead on Tuesday by his manager. While the details of his passing are unknown, his agency Fantagio (home to K-pop groups like Astro and Weki Meki and actor Seo Kang-joon) released a statement asking the public to refrain from speculation... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3040524/cha-ha-latest-korean-celebrity-die-suddenly-3-things-know?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3040524/cha-ha-latest-korean-celebrity-die-suddenly-3-things-know?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Dec 2019 05:11:43 +0000 Known as one of the late Sulli’s (real name Choi Jin-ri) closest friends, K-pop singer and actress Goo Hara shocked fans when she was found dead on Sunday (November 24), aged 28. Her last post to Instagram was captioned, simply, “Good night”. View this post on Instagram 잘자 A post shared by 구하라 (@koohara__) on Nov 22, 2019 at 10:04am PST Best known for her time as part of popular K-pop girl group Kara, in recent years she was relentlessly cyberbullied... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3039347/goo-hara-remembered-5-things-know-about-k-pop-queen-who?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3039347/goo-hara-remembered-5-things-know-about-k-pop-queen-who?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 26 Nov 2019 03:40:20 +0000 BTS may be the hottest K-pop group today, but before it and its army took over the music world, these were the seven legendary, first generation K-pop groups that dominated the music scene – in a time before digital sales – and paved the way for future K-pop idols to come. H.O.T. What’s hot in Korea – from Song-Song couple to Filipino band SB19 SM Entertainment’s first-ever idol group, a quintet including Kangta, Moon Hee-jun, Tony Ahn, Jang Woo-hyuk and Lee Jae-won, saw their 1996 debut... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3037911/bts-or-superm-shinhwa-ses-hot-and-4-more-first-generation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3037911/bts-or-superm-shinhwa-ses-hot-and-4-more-first-generation?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 16 Nov 2019 06:00:09 +0000 Ever since Jun Ji-hyun (also known as Gianna Jun) appeared on-screen in 1999’s White Valentine, her natural beauty and carefully-chosen roles have won over Korea and the world. Since her debut, she has hardly changed at all, maintaining her fresh-faced image throughout her career. View this post on Instagram The Girl (My Sassy Girl 2001) & Shim Cheong (Legend of The Blue Sea 2016). 영원한 아름다움, 전지현 너무 예쁘다 . . . . . #전지현 #全智賢 #全智贤 #왕지현 #チョンジヒョン #junjihyun... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3036571/6-jun-ji-hyun-looks-made-korean-film-star-fashion-icon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3036571/6-jun-ji-hyun-looks-made-korean-film-star-fashion-icon?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 06 Nov 2019 09:30:14 +0000 Korean dramas might be most famous for romance, but when sprinkled with cross-dressing gags and gender-bending antics, K-drama becomes a recipe for rollicking romcom success. While it’s usually the women dressing up as men, this season we’ve also got one flower boy disguising himself as a woman, all for your viewing pleasure. Here’s our list of some of the best gender-bender Korean drama series that will leave you in stitches. Coffee Prince (2007)  The OG of gender-bender Korean dramas, Coffee... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3036411/sungkyunkwan-scandal-and-4-other-korean-drama-series-which?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3036411/sungkyunkwan-scandal-and-4-other-korean-drama-series-which?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 06 Nov 2019 02:00:13 +0000 Want to run along a secluded Greek beach à la Song Joong-ki, or gaze in melancholy over Quebec’s old town like Gong Yoo? Korean dramas are filmed all over the world, and we’ve listed six amazing K-drama locations to live out your secret screen fantasies. Canada Used in: Guardian: The Lonely and Great God View this post on Instagram ^The historic Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac. When I’m working in Quebec City’s I always enjoy coming to the Chateau and walking... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3035727/where-can-goblin-fans-go-beyond-south-korea-6-locations?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3035727/where-can-goblin-fans-go-beyond-south-korea-6-locations?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 31 Oct 2019 09:00:06 +0000 Penang’s hawker food needs no introduction, but Malaysia’s very own Pearl of the Orient is also home to a thriving cafe scene. Since 2019 dawned, there have been plenty of new openings, and we’ve rounded up five new Insta-worthy cafes in Penang that give your tummy – and your feed – a taste of the sweet life. Jio Cafe View this post on Instagram Take a rest ‍♀️ A post shared by Evon TanG (@evon_tang_) on Jun 26, 2019 at 10:36pm PDT Playing on the Hokkien... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3032153/5-most-instagramable-cafes-open-penang-malaysia-so-far-2019?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3032153/5-most-instagramable-cafes-open-penang-malaysia-so-far-2019?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Oct 2019 08:00:15 +0000 My phone rings and without thinking, I pick up. The flawless faces of BTS pop up via video call, my shocked, post-shower self visible in the smaller screen in the corner. The members of the world’s biggest boy band continue to chat to me, while I scramble to put on some clothes, despite knowing this is all just a game. BTS is already on the way to worldwide domination of our entire mediasphere, so it was no surprise when Big Hit Entertainment announced the launch of mobile game, BTS World,... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3031274/we-review-bts-world-mobile-game-k-pop-armys-will-love-it?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3031274/we-review-bts-world-mobile-game-k-pop-armys-will-love-it?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 02 Oct 2019 10:00:16 +0000 Seoul’s Yonsei University is regarded as one of Korea’s most prestigious places to study – one of three higher education establishments which, together with Korea University and Seoul National University, make up the capital’s career-making “SKY” trio. With notable alumni including politicians, award-winning authors, celebrities and academics – and a picturesque campus featured in many movies and Korean dramas – it’s no wonder Maddox Jolie-Pitt has chosen to study biochemistry there. Here are... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3026018/6-reasons-angelina-jolies-son-maddox-jolie-pitt-has?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3026018/6-reasons-angelina-jolies-son-maddox-jolie-pitt-has?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Sep 2019 07:05:01 +0000 While the boys of BTS have become global superstars, with thousands of fan covers of their songs, we’ve listed our favourite covers by them. BTS has covered K-pop legends and Brit-pop royalty with finesse, whether as a group, a duo or solo. 1. Shinhwa – Perfect Man Back when BTS was starting to gain domestic and global recognition for The Most Beautiful Moment in Life albums, the band covered first generation idol group Shinhwa’s 2002 bop, The Perfect Man during the 2015 MBC Music Festival.... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3023917/7-perfect-covers-bts-showcase-why-k-pop-boy-band?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3023917/7-perfect-covers-bts-showcase-why-k-pop-boy-band?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 23 Aug 2019 05:00:10 +0000 Unless you’ve been living under a rock or avoiding social media, there’s no way Cinque Terre hasn’t popped up on your feed. Crystalline waters, cobblestone streets, castles, fresh seafood, and those famous colourful houses, can be found in the Cinque Terre area. A favourite holiday spot for Italians, it’s become a fixture for the international crowd in recent years. To save you time, we’ve narrowed down the five best things to see and do in this dreamy seaside. Crystalline waters, cobblestone... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3023124/dreamy-cinque-terre-5-things-do-one-italys-most?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3023124/dreamy-cinque-terre-5-things-do-one-italys-most?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 19 Aug 2019 05:00:08 +0000 Everyone has heard the mythical story of the founding of Rome. A lesser-known tale is the founding of Siena, established by the two sons of Remus, who fled Rome after their uncle Romulus murdered their father. Despite its tragic origins, Siena has become one of Italy’s most beautiful and alluring cities, boasting medieval architecture, art, fine cuisine and classic Tuscan panoramas. It’s romantic View this post on Instagram Siena July 14th 2019 #siena... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3023096/6-reasons-visit-siena-one-italys-most-romantic-spots?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3023096/6-reasons-visit-siena-one-italys-most-romantic-spots?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 Aug 2019 02:00:15 +0000 Chart-topping, record-breaking K-pop boy band BTS have the eyes of the world – and immense pressure – on them. Despite the Korean music industry’s reputation for obsessively micromanaging its stars to avoid potential controversies, the seven-member band has sometimes pushed the envelope. 1. Supporting former comfort women Tensions between Japan and South Korea are high, with the most recent controversy caused by Japan’s move to limit certain exports to South Korea. During World War II, women in... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3022621/3-times-k-pop-band-bts-didnt-care-about-playing-it-safe?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3022621/3-times-k-pop-band-bts-didnt-care-about-playing-it-safe?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 Aug 2019 02:00:06 +0000 One of Malaysia’s most popular actresses and TV hosts, the award-winning Lisa Surihani, has charmed audiences on the big and silver screen. Here are five things you should know about this talented woman. 1. She’s a law graduate View this post on Instagram Art by @jovianmandagie @ramzamode and @syukqadir #makcuba utk #JMannualfashionshow2019 #jmhautecouture A post shared by Lisa Surihani Mohamed (@lisasurihani) on Apr 9, 2019 at 8:49am PDT More than just... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/3018599/5-things-we-found-out-about-malaysias-sweetheart?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/3018599/5-things-we-found-out-about-malaysias-sweetheart?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 15 Jul 2019 05:00:09 +0000 Given its name, it’d be fair to assume that Peking duck originated in Beijing, which used to be known as Peking. But food isn’t always from the places in their names. French fries aren’t French, for example, and they’ve never heard of Singapore noodles in Singapore. Peking duck, also known as Beijing roast duck, has been a mainstay in Chinese cuisine ever since its recorded creation during the Yuan dynasty of 1279-1368. It was listed among the imperial recipes in court therapist and physician Hu... https://www.scmp.com/food/what-makes-good-peking-duck-and-dish-really-beijing/article/3016122?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/food/what-makes-good-peking-duck-and-dish-really-beijing/article/3016122?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 26 Jun 2019 11:19:55 +0000 Malaysia’s hawker food is world-renowned, but the cafe scene is one to watch, with a slew of picture-perfect cafes dishing out delicious, Instagram-worthy desserts. Namelaka View this post on Instagram Will this be the apple of your eye?! . Come and discover our Apple dessert with chocolate, apple ganache montee, apple gel, fresh apple cube, and dill. . #NamelakaPatisserie #NamelakaMY A post shared by Namelaka Patisserie (@namelaka.my) on Dec 21, 2018 at... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3015856/5-cafes-kuala-lumpur-will-satisfy-your-sweet-tooth-and-get?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3015856/5-cafes-kuala-lumpur-will-satisfy-your-sweet-tooth-and-get?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 25 Jun 2019 04:00:23 +0000 Peking duck (or Beijing roast duck) has been a mainstay in Chinese cuisine ever since its recorded creation during the Yuan dynasty (1279-1368), where it was listed among the imperial recipes in court therapist and physician Hu Sihui’s Dietary Principles (饮膳正要). Eat like a local in Bangkok However, this is believed to be an earlier incarnation of today’s Peking duck, with executive chef Kent Jin of Grand Hyatt Beijing’s famous Made in China restaurant team adding that today’s version is likely... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/3012120/peking-duck-really-beijing-we-go-search-its-origins?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/3012120/peking-duck-really-beijing-we-go-search-its-origins?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 May 2019 08:30:11 +0000 Singapore’s newly opened Jewel Changi Airport – a mixed-use development at the city state’s Changi Airport – has set a new standard for all airports by taking the retail experience to a whole new level, with over 280 shops and restaurants in the 10-storey mall. How Singapore’s Changi Airport will solve 5 problems you never knew you had There’s no doubt Changi is going to walk away with another “best airport in the world” title, as the mall seamlessly blends nature and technology, resulting in a... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3006701/8-great-attractions-newly-opened-jewel-changi-airport?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3006701/8-great-attractions-newly-opened-jewel-changi-airport?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Apr 2019 09:00:12 +0000 Travellers are always surprised when Singaporeans look confused when asked about Singapore noodles. Much like General Tso’s chicken, lemon chicken and Mongolian lamb (or beef), Singapore noodles are a beloved favourite, in Hong Kong and in Western countries such as the United Kingdom and Australia – a favourite that doesn’t come from its purported country of origin. View this post on Instagram Singapore noodles , a Hong Kong favorite, are often so heavily... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3004285/where-are-singapore-noodles-if-they-are-not-singapore?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3004285/where-are-singapore-noodles-if-they-are-not-singapore?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 03 Apr 2019 05:00:10 +0000