2023 Celine Song Oscar-nominated film Past Lives in Pittsburgh, September 12 - 18.

The 2023 Celine Song Oscar-nominated film Past Lives will play at the Row House Cinema in Lawrenceville from September 12 to 18, part of the theater's The Immigrant Experience film series.

Subtle and moving, Greta Lee stars in Celine Song’s deeply human story of two childhood friends who are reunited in New York for one fateful week as they confront notions of destiny, love, and the choices that make a life.

Tickets are available online. The single-screen theater is located at 4115 Butler St. (map).

C.Ryu and Kayla Tange Presents: Futurity of the Womb: Myth of the Cyborg Kisaeng, August 30 at Kelly Strayhorn Theater.

The Kelly Strayhorn Theater will host "C.Ryu and Kayla Tange Presents: Futurity of the Womb: Myth of the Cyborg Kisaeng" on August 30.

Futurity of the Womb: The Myth of the Cyborg Kisaeng is an experimental, 60-minute multimedia performance that reimagines Korean history through the lens of feminist mythology. Blending ritual, burlesque, speculative fiction, and mythology, the piece unfolds in four sections, interweaving live performance, video projection, and audience interaction. 

Traditionally, kisaengs were enslaved Korean courtesans, forced to entertain those in power while mastering the arts. Futurity of the Womb is a time-traveling performance that redefines the kisaeng’s legacy beyond the constraints of history. The cyborg becomes a vessel for interrogating our codependence with technology and identity, reflecting on power manufactured by human limitations. 

• Mudang Jenn Kim, a Korean-American shaman, invokes the first cosmic mother of Korea, MAGO,  who was shamed for her larger-than-life power.
• Kayla Tange merges the kisaeng and abandoned Princess Bari to explore grief and adoption as a portal, dwelling in the space between the living and the dead.
• C. Ryu reimagines the gumiho, a nine-tailed fox demon that consumed men’s livers and hearts to survive, as a cyborg—alchemizing complicit desire.

Futurity of the Womb offers not a single narrative, but a timeline rewritten—a mythos where stories once censored emerge alive, electric, and here. This is not a return to history—it’s a reprogramming.

**Funding for the “Futurity of the Womb: Myth of the Cyborg Kisaeng” was provided by the Exposure Artists Program of The Pittsburgh Foundation. An additional thank you for the support provided by the Pedantic Arts Residency. 

Photo Credit: Brendan Lott & C. Ryu

Content Warning: This event is for ages 18+ due to nudity, sex work, gore, and demonology storytelling.

Content Warning: This event includes strobing lights and loud sounds.

The performance runs from 7:30 to 8:30 pm and tickets are available online. The Kelly Strayhorn Theater's Alloy Studios are located at 5530 Penn Ave. in East Liberty (map).

 

Registration now open for Yanlai Dance Academy's 2025-2026 season of classes, including Kpop, Chinese dance, and ballet.

Registration now open for Yanlai Dance Academy's 2025-2026 season of classes, which will begin September 4.

Registration is open for Yanlai Dance Academy. Email or call us to register today for a new year of classes, performances, and community!

From Chinese dance to ballet and Kpop, we've got your dance skills covered from West to East. See more details on our website. Yanlaidanceacademy.com

Registration information is available on the school's website. Yanlai Dance Academy is a dance school in the North Hills that has long specialized in traditional and contemporary Chinese dances for all ages, as well hosting as Kpop sessions and adult dance troupes. It is located at 2260 Babcock Blvd. (map).

KPOP CLUB NIGHT with DJ Chen returns to Pittsburgh, October 3.

KPOP CLUB NIGHT with DJ Chen will return to Pittsburgh on October 3.

Come and get it! Get ready for Round 2 in PGH at AVALON SOCIAL!! Join mixmaster DJ CHEN and the world-famous Kpop Club Night crew on October 3rd to sing and dance our hearts out!

This is a 21+ event. 
Doors open 10pm, curfew 2:00 am.
Physical government issued ID required. 
No Refunds. Tickets are transferrable.

Early bird tickets are now available through August 15, with other sales beginning August 16. Avalon Social is a club located at 1601 E. Carson St. in the South Side (map) in what was most recently Foxtail.

KPop Demon Hunters A Sing-Along Event in Pittsburgh, August 23.

The feature-length film KPop Demon Hunters A Sing-Along Event will play in the Pittsburgh area on August 23.

When they aren't selling out stadiums, Kpop superstars Rumi, Mira and Zoey use their secret identities as badass demon hunters to protect their fans from an ever-present supernatural threat. Together, they must face their biggest enemy yet -- an irresistible rival boy band of demons in disguise.

The 95-minute film plays locally at the Cinemark theater in Monroeville, and tickets are available online.

Togyu Asian Barbecue and Bar in Cranberry to hold Grand Opening today, August 4.

Togyu Asian Barbecue and Bar in Cranberry, which ran its soft opening from July 23 through August 3, will hold its Grand Opening today, August 4, from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm. It is located in the Cranberry Mall spot formerly occupied by Lumberjaxes Axe Throwing (map).

Welcome to Togyu Asian Barbecue & Bar—Pittsburgh’s premier destination for refined Korean and Japanese-style barbecue. Conceived by two brothers with a profound appreciation for the artistry of authentic Asian cuisine, Togyu was born from a desire to introduce an elevated culinary experience unlike any other in the city.

Drawing inspiration from the vibrant dining culture of cities like Seoul and Tokyo, we’ve curated an environment where elegance meets tradition.

Guests are invited to indulge in the highest quality Angus Prime beef, expertly paired with the freshest locally sourced vegetables, all prepared to perfection at the table. Every detail is designed to enhance the senses—from the richness of the ingredients to the ambiance that surrounds each meal.

Initially announced in March, it is one of several all-you-can-eat Korean-style BBQ places announced for the Pittsburgh area in the last couple years, but the first for Cranberry.

Concert #RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR in AMSTERDAM: LIVE VIEWING in Pittsburgh-area theaters, August 9.

The upcoming concert #RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR in AMSTERDAM: LIVE VIEWING will play in Pittsburgh-area theaters on August 9.

Starting in Goyang, and continuing through Japan, North America, and Europe, Jin embarks on a journey to connect with his beloved ARMY through his very first solo fan concert tour. Experience Jin’s one-of-a-kind music and performances from his August 9 show in AMSTERDAM - featuring tracks from his second solo album, “Echo”, along with his debut solo album, “Happy” - broadcast live on the big screen!

It plays locally at the Cinemark theaters in McCandless, Monroeville, and Robinson at 1:45 pm and 5:30 pm, and tickets are available online.

Togyu Asian Barbecue and Bar in Cranberry announces August 4 Grand Opening.

Togyu Asian Barbecue and Bar in Cranberry, which will hold its soft opening today from 3:00 to 8:00 pm, has announced an August 4 Grand Opening. It is located in the Cranberry Mall spot formerly occupied by Lumberjaxes Axe Throwing (map).

Welcome to Togyu Asian Barbecue & Bar—Pittsburgh’s premier destination for refined Korean and Japanese-style barbecue. Conceived by two brothers with a profound appreciation for the artistry of authentic Asian cuisine, Togyu was born from a desire to introduce an elevated culinary experience unlike any other in the city.

Drawing inspiration from the vibrant dining culture of cities like Seoul and Tokyo, we’ve curated an environment where elegance meets tradition.

Guests are invited to indulge in the highest quality Angus Prime beef, expertly paired with the freshest locally sourced vegetables, all prepared to perfection at the table. Every detail is designed to enhance the senses—from the richness of the ingredients to the ambiance that surrounds each meal.

Initially announced in March, it is one of several all-you-can-eat Korean-style BBQ places announced for the Pittsburgh area in the last couple years, but the first for Cranberry.

BTS ARMY: Forever We Are Young in Pittsburgh-area theaters, from July 30.

The 2025 documentary BTS ARMY: Forever We Are Young, following fans of Korean group BTS, will play in the Pittsburgh area from July 30.

From Seoul to Los Angeles, Texas to Mexico City, BTS ARMY is everywhere. FOREVER WE ARE YOUNG dives into the passionate fandom that catapulted 21st century pop icons BTS into a global household name. We meet fans at a BTS-focused ReactorCon in Lewisville, Texas, a dance instructor in Seoul who only teaches BTS choreography, and fans who’ve been organizing since 2013 to help BTS dominate the charts. Defying stereotypes of pop fans as screaming teen girls, ARMY is an intergenerational, culturally savvy, and socially active movement that is as diverse as the world itself. The film captures the powerful spirit of activism and collectivity that make ARMY a symbol of hope and unity in our ever-fractured world.

It is scheduled to play locally at the Cinemark theaers in McCandless and Monaca and tickets are available online.

Concert #RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR in AMSTERDAM: LIVE VIEWING in Pittsburgh-area theaters, August 9.

The upcoming concert #RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR in AMSTERDAM: LIVE VIEWING will play in Pittsburgh-area theaters on August 9.

Starting in Goyang, and continuing through Japan, North America, and Europe, Jin embarks on a journey to connect with his beloved ARMY through his very first solo fan concert tour. Experience Jin’s one-of-a-kind music and performances from his August 9 show in AMSTERDAM - featuring tracks from his second solo album, “Echo”, along with his debut solo album, “Happy” - broadcast live on the big screen!

It plays locally at the Cinemark theaters in Monroeville and McCandless at 1:45 pm and 5:30 pm, and tickets are available online.

Togyu Asian Barbecue and Bar in Cranberry to soft open July 23.

Togyu Asian Barbecue and Bar, coming soon to the Cranberry Mall spot formerly occupied by Lumberjaxes Axe Throwing (map), has announced its soft opening for Wednesday, July 23. It is one of the many all-you-can-eat Korean-style BBQ places announced for the Pittsburgh region over the past couple years, and the first for the Cranberry area. The soft opening is set for 3 to 8 pm.

BTS ARMY: Forever We Are Young in Pittsburgh-area theaters, from July 30.

The 2025 documentary BTS ARMY: Forever We Are Young, following fans of Korean group BTS, will play in the Pittsburgh area from July 30.

From Seoul to Los Angeles, Texas to Mexico City, BTS ARMY is everywhere. FOREVER WE ARE YOUNG dives into the passionate fandom that catapulted 21st century pop icons BTS into a global household name. We meet fans at a BTS-focused ReactorCon in Lewisville, Texas, a dance instructor in Seoul who only teaches BTS choreography, and fans who’ve been organizing since 2013 to help BTS dominate the charts. Defying stereotypes of pop fans as screaming teen girls, ARMY is an intergenerational, culturally savvy, and socially active movement that is as diverse as the world itself. The film captures the powerful spirit of activism and collectivity that make ARMY a symbol of hope and unity in our ever-fractured world.

It is scheduled to play locally, so far, at the Cinemark theaers in McCandless and Monaca and tickets are available online.

Powerful Youth (POW) concert in Pittsburgh, and concerts all throughout North America, cancelled due to visa process and unforeseen complications.

Due to visa and travel complications stemming from Donald Trump's government, promotors have cancelled Powerful Youth's US tour this summer, which included a stop in Pittsburgh on August 20. A post on social media today: 

To all fans and supporters,

We are heartbroken to announce that the upcoming POW tour set to take place this summer 2025 will no longer be moving forward.

Due to unforeseen complications & delays in the visa process, the POW tour must be canceled. We are very disappointed and will work hard to reschedule once the issue has been resolved. 

Countless hours of planning and excitement have gone into making this tour a reality. We know fans across North America were really looking forward to seeing POW perform live for the first time.

We're honored to have helped bring this tour to life, and it's devastating to see it be put on hold. 

Please know the decision to cancel this tour was not taken lightly. Every possible route has been explored with hopes of saving the tour, but ultimately the timing and circumstances made it impossible.

All tickets purchased will be fully refunded.

We remain committed to working with the POW team to bring them to North America in the future once all travel matters are resolved.

We appreciate your understanding, your support, and we look forward to sharing better news in the future.

Togyu Asian Barbecue and Bar in Cranberry eyes late-June soft-opening, early-July grand opening.

Togyu Asian Barbecue and Bar, coming soon to the Cranberry Mall spot formerly occupied by Lumberjaxes Axe Throwing (map), is aiming for a late-June soft opening, with a grand opening tentatively scheduled for the first week of July. 

Numerous all-you-can-eat Korean-style BBQ places were announced for the Pittsburgh area in 2023 and 2024, and after a series of delays, several have started to open this month, including Top Pot Hotpot in Southside Works and Shabu Shabu Hotpot & Grill in Robinson.

Top Pot Hotpot & Korean BBQ eyes Monday, June 9, opening.

Top Pot Hotpot & Korean BBQ is aiming to open on Monday, June 9, in the Southside Works. Top Pot is a chain with nine locations currently open---three in Pennsylvania, two in Ohio, and one each in Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, and Utah---and four under development, including this Pittsburgh spot first announced in December 2023.

Top Pot & K BBQ is an AYCE restaurant franchise that offers a unique and satisfying dining experience with a combination of hot pot and Korean BBQ. The menu features a wide range of ingredients, spices, and sauces to cater to different tastes, with options for meat, seafood, vegetables, and more. Customers can enjoy cooking their food at the table with a simmering pot of soup stock or grilling meat on the table with personalized dipping sauces. The restaurant also offers a well-rounded meal with a lot of delicious small side dishes, which provide a diverse array of flavors and textures. These side dishes, along with the option of both hot pot and Korean BBQ, make for a unique and satisfying dining experience.

In addition to the delicious food, Top Pot BBQ is committed to providing quality service at affordable prices. This means that customers can expect to receive not just a great meal, but also attentive service and a welcoming atmosphere. And with the restaurant's focus on using fresh ingredients, customers can be assured that they are eating high-quality food that is both delicious and nourishing.

For those looking for a unique and satisfying dining experience, Top Pot BBQ is the perfect choice. With its combination of hot pot and Korean BBQ, and commitment to quality, service, and affordability, it's sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit and we have something for everyone regardless of your preferences.

The Monday opening will follow private tasting events this weekend. It is located at 2829 East Carson St. (map), and will be one of three new-ish Asian chains, along with Kura Sushi and Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao, helping to make Southside Works a dining destination for lovers of Asian food.

"We Learn" Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Korean classes resume at Carnegie Library in Oakland, Saturdays from June 14.

Photo via the Korea Tourism Organization.

The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh branch in Oakland will resume its free "We Learn" Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Korean classes Saturdays from June 14 through August 16, after finishing its most recent session on May 17.

j-hope Tour ‘HOPE ON THE STAGE’ in JAPAN: LIVE VIEWING in Pittsburgh, May 31 and June 1.

The concert film j-hope Tour ‘HOPE ON THE STAGE’ in JAPAN: LIVE VIEWING will play in Pittsburgh on May 31 and June 1.

Following its February kickoff in Seoul and spanning across North America and Asia, j-hope’s first solo world tour has captivated audiences with 31 concerts in 15 regions. Now, the grand finale of ‘HOPE ON THE STAGE’ will be broadcast live in cinemas worldwide! Witness the powerful moment of j-hope sharing his hopes, wishes, and dreams with audiences through his debut solo tour. Don’t miss this long-awaited opportunity to see ‘j-hope on stage’! Experience his electrifying performances, including title tracks from his solo albums - MORE,’ ‘Arson,’ and ‘NEURON (with Gaeko, yoonmirae)’ - as well as recent releases unveiled during the tour like ‘Sweet Dreams (feat. Miguel)’ and ‘MONA LISA’! Broadcast live exclusively in cinemas worldwide - experience j-hope’s inspiring solo performances on the big screen.

It plays locally at the Cinemark theater in Robinson and tickets are available online.

Korean boy band POW in Pittsburgh area, August 20.

The Korean boy band POW (파우) is scheduled to perform in the Pittsburgh area on August 20. Tickets for the show at The Oaks Theater in Oakmont will go on sale May 30.

Pittsburgh! K-pop boy group POW are coming on their debut tour 2025 POW TOUR: POWERFUL YOUTH IN NORTH AMERICA! See them live this summer at The Oaks Theater! 

POW (파우) is a 5 member boy group consisting of Jungbin, Yorch, Hyunbin, Dongyeon, and Hong.

Tickets for 2025 POW TOUR: POWERFUL YOUTH IN NORTH AMERICA will go on sale Friday May 30 at 10:00AM CST.

General Admission: $50 - This is a first come first serve ticket to see POW on their debut tour.



"We Learn" Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Korean classes resume at Carnegie Library in Oakland, Saturdays from June 14.

Photo via the Korea Tourism Organization.

The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh branch in Oakland will resume its free "We Learn" Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Korean classes Saturdays from June 14 through August 16, after finishing its most recent session on May 17.

Kpot now coming to Pittsburgh . . . never.

The "coming soon" sign has come down from the former Eat n' Park in Squirrel Hill, where the highly-anticipated Kpot was supposed to open a while ago. It has been replaced by a For Lease sign. I actually had a post set to publish on May 28 to mark the second anniversary of "coming soon" signage with absolutely no updates or movement, so I've needed to modify that now.

While driving to work on May 28, 2023 I passed by workers putting up a "Kpot Coming Soon" sign on the old Eat n' Park in Squirrel Hill. (You may have seen the photo when other local news sites lifted it without attribution.) Over the last two years, however, almost no activity has taken place in the large Murray Avenue restaurant space, which led most people to doubt whether Kpot would ever open at all.

The "Pittsburg" location was long listed as "coming soon" on the website as well, but all my inquiries to Kpot always received the same response:

At this time we do not have a definitive date as to when this location will be open. All new location openings will be announced on our FB and IG, stay tuned!

In 2023 and 2024, a number of all-you-can-eat Hot Pot and Korean BBQ places were announced with great fanfare: besides Kpot there was Hong Hot Pot & BBQ on McKnight Road, Korean BBQ in Oakland, Top Pot Hotpot & Korean BBQ on the South Side, Running Dish at the Waterfront, and Shabu Shabu Hot Pot and Grill in McCandless and Robinson, plus a couple others announced this year. Hong Hot Pot & BBQ is the only one to open so far, while the others remain in various stages of (in)completion, months and sometimes years after initial target opening dates. To editorialize for a moment, I have to wonder if the growing costs of construction and ingredients---which will only continue to climb under Trump---paired with adminsitrative delays have made owners second guess the feasibility of these restaurant concepts. While Korean BBQ is of course popular throughout the US, one of the appeals to these places in Korea is how cheap and ubiquitous they are; families may bristle at spending $150-$200 for a night out, particularly as we enter an economic recession or depression.