Korean Cooking Class: Flower Kimbap, with Jeonghee Choi from Yega Kimchi, October 30.

The East End Food Co-op will host "Korean Cooking Class: Flower Kimbap, with Jeonghee Choi from Yega Kimchi" on October 30.

Learn to make flower kimbap, a fun variation of a classic Korean dish. Similar to a sushi roll, you’ll learn how the two dishes differ, as well as other interesting facts about Korean cuisine. Participants will make their own to eat and/or take home and share (vegetarian/vegan).

It runs from 6 to 8:00 pm, and is $20 for East End Food Co-op members and $25 for non-members. The East End Food Co-op is located at 7516 Meade St. in Point Breeze (map).

Concert film JUNG KOOK: I AM STILL - THE PARTY EDITION in Pittsburgh, October 11 - 13.

The concert film JUNG KOOK: I AM STILL - THE PARTY EDITION will play in Pittsburgh from October 11 through 13.

“Party, party, yeah!” The hit movie JUNG KOOK: I AM STILL returns to cinemas with a bonus singalong party! Experience the movie, featuring electrifying concert performances, interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage, along with 20 minutes of singalong videos for the ultimate party event in cinemas. Join together with ARMY to celebrate Jung Kook’s hit songs in global cinemas, including "Seven (feat. Latto)," "3D (feat. Jack Harlow)" and "Standing Next to You" among others. This is the final chance to see JUNG KOOK: I AM STILL on the big screen, capturing his remarkable rise to fame and heartfelt moments with ARMY around the world.

It plays locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront and the Cinemark theater in Robinson, and tickets are available online.

Korean singer Babylon (베이빌론) in Pittsburgh, October 20.

Korean R&B singer Babylon (베이빌론) will perform in Pittsburgh on October 20.

Babylon is a distinguished R&B musician known for his unique and classic vocal style, which has left an indelible mark on the music scene. Rising to prominence with his collaboration with Zico on "Boys and Girls," which dominated the annual charts, Babylon has since established himself as a significant force in the hip-hop and R&B genres. Each of his albums features a stellar lineup of collaborations, earning him the moniker "musician's musician."

With a career marked by innovation and excellence, Babylon recently garnered acclaim for his contemporary album EGO 90’S, which brings the essence of 90s music into the modern era. This album further solidified his reputation for musicality and artistry.

He performs at the Greer Cabaret Theater in downtown's Cultural District (map) and tickets for the 7:30 pm show are available online. VIP Meet & Greet add-on passes are available as well.

Art Beyond Borders: The Global Networks of Satellite Art (1984–1988), September 26 at Pitt.

The University of Pittsburgh's Humanities Center will present "Art Beyond Borders: The Global Networks of Satellite Art (1984–1988)" on September 26.

Hosted by the Humanities Center and graduate fellow, Vuk Vuković. Respondents include Mark Collins from the Geology and Environmental Science department and Joshua Ellenbogen from the History of Art and Architecture department. This event will be hybrid, so you can attend it either in person in 602 CL or via Zoom as you prefer.

In 1988, as Cold War tensions diminished and the digital revolution began, Korean-born artist Nam June Paik orchestrated a global collaboration with eleven broadcasting stations, including those in the Soviet Union and China, to create his final satellite work, Wrap Around the World (1988). Inspired by architect Buckminster Fuller's 1969 global electric grid concept, Paik aimed to transcend nationalism, merging architecture, design, and video to foster global interconnectedness. This colloquium will argue that Paik's satellite trilogy—Good Morning, Mr. Orwell (1984), Bye Bye Kipling (1986), and Wrap Around the World—employed simultaneous art broadcasts to connect nations across borders, fulfilling Fuller's unrealized vision.

Precirculated material for this colloquium will be available here about two weeks prior and up to the event.

The event will be held from 12:30 to 2:00 pm in 602 Cathedral of Learning or online via Zoom.

eaJ concert postponed: Korean-American singer originally scheduled to perform in Pittsburgh, November 7.

The Argentinia-born Korean-American singer-songwriter eaJ was originally scheduled to perform in Pittsburgh on November 7, but the show has recently been postponed. A make-up date has not yet been announced.

Work continues on Korean BBQ (코리안 바베큐), planned for Semple St. in Oakland.

One of the biggest food developments in Pittsburgh this year was the arrival, or at least the announcement, of several all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ and hot pot restaurants. There have been seven announced for the area: Hong BBQ and Hot Pot in the North Hills, Korean BBQ in Oakland, KPot in Squirrel Hill, Shabu Shabu Hot Pot and Grill in McCandless and Robinson, Top Pot Hotpot & Korean BBQ for the Southside, and most recently Running Dish at the Waterfront. Though work has continued on most, only one has actually opened this year (Hong BBQ).

Work continues at 414 Semple St. (map) on Korean BBQ, which now aims to open later this year. Recently signage advertising the restaurant's hours and website went up---the website is no longer online---but ownership says an opening is not set for the immediate future. Signage for the new restaurant went up in September 2023, in the spot formerly occupied by Korea Garden, which moved to the Novo Asian Food Hall in the Strip District. This small strip of Semple St. is an interesting enclave of dining options in a neighborhood increasingly dominated by chains and university-owned property.

Grand Opening for Pittsburgh's first Paris Baguette scheduled for September 21.

Pittsburgh's first Paris Baguette opened its doors to the public on September 6, but will be holding a formal Grand Opening on September 21. From a press released issued by The Block Northway today:

We are thrilled to announce the Grand Opening of Paris Baguette at The Block Northway on Saturday, September 21st ! Join us for a delightful celebration filled with freshly baked pastries, artisanal bread, and gourmet coffee. Experience the delectable flavors of Paris right here at your doorstep.

Date: Saturday, September 21, 2024

Time 7:00 AM

Location: The Block Northway – 8011 B McKnight Road

Hours: 7 A.M. to 9 P.M. Daily

Paris Baguette invites customers to experience a fusion of Parisian elegance and delectable

pastries, sandwiches, and beverages. With a commitment to quality ingredients and authentic

recipes, Paris Baguette promises a culinary journey unlike any other. Paris Baguette brings a

touch of French elegance and artisanal mastery to the heart of The Block Northway.

“Paris Baguette is not just a Bakery,” said Isif Shah owner of Paris Baguette. “It’s a cultural

experience that rings the flavors of France to your doorstep. With our dedication to quality

ingredients and authentic recipes, we strive to transport our customers to the streets of Paris with

every delicious bite.”

Paris Baguette is actually a Korean bakery, an international chain with hundreds of locations around the US. It is the second international Korean bakery to open in Pittsburgh, after Tous Les Jours in March. This spot is open in The Block Northway in the North Hills (map), though the franchisee says he aims to open five in the area; the second is coming soon to Shadyside.

"We Learn" Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Korean classes resume at Carnegie Library in Oakland, Saturdays from September 14 through November 16.

via the Republic of Korea's Flickr page.

The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh branch in Oakland will resume its free "We Learn" Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Korean classes Saturdays from September 14. 

2023 Korean film A Normal Family (보통의 가족) added to SCREENSHOT: ASIA film festival, September 28.

The 2023 Korean film A Normal Family (보통의 가족) will play in Pittsburgh on September 28, a recent addition to the SCREENSHOT: ASIA film festival.

Based on the novel The Dinner, the film explores the limits of personal morality in a time of familial crisis. Two brothers, Jae-wan and Jae-gyu, are worlds apart when it comes to their moral views. While Jae-gyu prioritizes his patients’ well-being, Jae-wan is a slick lawyer racking up successes wherever he can. Meanwhile, Jae-wan’s shy son and Jae-wan’s rebellious daughter get into their own legal troubles, which throws a wrench into each brothers’ worldview. Over several increasingly tense dinners, the brothers find themselves questioning their bond, their children, and their own senses of right and wrong in the world. This tense thriller pushes the limits of the men’s characters, and, as the nights progress, the brothers and their wives each reach surprising, different resolutions that set off an eventual catastrophe.

It will play at 2:00 pm in the Frick Fine Arts Auditorium on the University of Pittsburgh campus (map) and tickets are available online.

Kpop group Loossemble (루셈블) in Pittsburgh, October 14.

The Korean girl group Loossemble will perform in Pittsburgh on October 14, part of a nine-city US tour this fall. Tickets for the show at Roxian Theatre are still available. The five-member group debuted in September 2023 but missed Pittsburgh on their inaugural eight-city tour last year.

Concert film TAEYONG: TY TRACK IN CINEMAS in Pittsburgh, October 16 and 19.

The upcoming concert film TAEYONG: TY TRACK IN CINEMAS, with Taeyong from the Korean group NCT, will play in Pittsburgh on October 16 and 19.

Experience the unparalleled talent of NCT’s TAEYONG in his first solo concert 'TY TRACK' on the big screen! Dive into the mesmerizing world of TAEYONG, experiencing his diverse music and captivating performances. 'TY TRACK' presents a stunning array of music and vibrant stages that showcase TAEYONG's unique artistic vision, all presented on a cinematic scale. Witness the journey behind the scenes as TAEYONG prepares for his groundbreaking concert. Step onto the stage with him, and hear the heartfelt stories he has longed to share. 'TAEYONG: TY TRACK IN CINEMAS' is a deep dive into the music, the artist, and the incredible journey that has shaped his path.

It is scheduled to play locally, so far, at the AMC Loews Waterfront, though additional theaters are likely to be announced later. Tickets are available online.

Upcoming film Jung Kook: I Am Still in Pittsburgh, from September 18.

The upcoming film Jung Kook: I Am Still will play in Pittsburgh from September 18.

Jung Kook of BTS, the '21st Century Pop Artist,' ascended to global stardom with his debut solo single 'Seven (feat. Latto)' in July 2023. Achieving unprecedented success, Jung Kook became the first Asian solo artist to top the Billboard HOT 100, Global 200, and Global 200 Excl. US charts. His singles 'Seven,' '3D (feat. Jack Harlow),' and 'Standing Next to You' all reached the top 10 of the Billboard HOT 100, making him the only K-pop solo artist to achieve this feat. His album ‘GOLDEN’ also made history by staying on the Billboard 200 for 24 consecutive weeks. Through exclusive, unseen interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, alongside electrifying concert performances, this brand new film showcases Jung Kook’s eight-month journey, capturing his unwavering dedication and growth. Join Jung Kook as he shares his remarkable rise to fame and heartfelt moments with ARMY around the world in 'JUNG KOOK: I AM STILL'.

It runs select dates through September 29. Jung Kook: I Am Still is scheduled to play locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront and the Cinemark theaters in McCandless, Monroeville, and Robinson, and tickets are available online.

University of Pittsburgh hiring Instructor of Korean.

The University of Pittsburgh's Department of East Asian Languages & Literatures is hiring an Instructor of Korean.

The Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures at the University of Pittsburgh invites applications for the position of full-time instructor for its Korean language program, pending budgetary approval. The appointment will begin in the fall of 2025. The candidate must hold an MA degree in teaching Korean as a second language, foreign language teaching, applied linguistics, or a related field by the time of appointment and possess broad competence in teaching Korean language courses. The new hire will be expected to teach six Korean courses at all levels, including both lectures and recitations, per year. The successful candidate must possess native or near-native competence in all skill areas of Korean and English and should have at least two years of experience teaching Korean language courses at a North American institution of higher education, preferably in person. Other duties may include mentoring students, holding office hours, developing teaching materials as needed, performing normal service duties in the Department, and working with other Asia specialists in the Department and on campus.

The Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in Japanese, Chinese, and Korean, as well as an Interdisciplinary Master of Arts degree in East Asian Studies. We provide quality Korean language instruction to our students through a high number of contact hours (5 hours per week at the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-year levels) and low maximum enrollments for our courses (maximum 12 students in recitation classes). Our programs are also supported by the University of Pittsburgh’s National East Asian Resource Center and Asian Studies Center.

Applicants should submit a letter of application, CV, teaching demonstration video of a Korean language class, evidence of teaching ability (e.g., student teaching evaluations), sample syllabus for one course, statements of teaching philosophy, and diversity and inclusion, and the names and contact information for three persons able to provide confidential professional letters of recommendation (we do not need the letters themselves at this time, but we do need the names of the recommenders). Questions may be directed to Kelly Britcher, Faculty Actions and Recruitment Coordinator (ksb85@pitt.edu). Deadline for the receipt of applications: November 8, 2024. 

More information is available on the full job ad.

Running Dish, an all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ and revolving sushi place, coming soon to Pittsburgh / Homestead.

Local news has reported that Running Dish, an all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ and revolving sushi place, is one of two new restaurants slated to come soon to the Waterfront, located in Homestead just across a bridge from Pittsburgh. WPXI says it "has signed a lease and is in the permitting phase" while Patch says it will be located across from Starbucks. Running Dish will be one of six all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ places that either opened in 2024 or are set to open in the near future, and will be one of three revolving sushi places in the area, besides Kura Sushi and the soon-to-open Atarashi in Robinson.

Korea-United States Journalists Exchange, September 20 at Pitt.

The Asian Studies Center at the University of Pittsburgh will host a Korea-United States Journalists Exchange on Friday, September 20.

The Korea-United States Journalists Exchange, launched by the East-West Center in 2005, is co-sponsored by the East-West Center, Korea Press Foundation, and Pacific Century Institute to increase public understanding of the two countries and their relationship.

The bilingual program offers opportunities for six to eight Korean journalists to visit the United States and for six to eight United States journalists to visit Korea. Following these study tours, all Korean and American participants meet at the East-West Center in Honolulu to share their experiences and new perspectives and to exchange opinions on how media coverage of each country can be improved.

A total of 209 journalists, including North Korean defector media, have participated in this program, and Americans have traveled inside North Korea on two different programs.

It runs from 2:15 to 3:30 pm in 4217 Posvar Hall (map) and registration is required.

"Creating with Context: East Asian Printing and Bookbinding," September 17 at Pitt.

The University of Pittsburgh's University Library System will present "Creating with Context: East Asian Printing and Bookbinding" on September 17.

Discover the fascinating world of East Asian print culture in this hands-on workshop! Participants will explore traditional printing techniques used in China and Japan, from ancient woodblock printing to various book binding formats, some of them dating back to the 14th century! We will start by traveling back in time to examine rare prints and books from Archives & Special Collections at the University of Pittsburgh Library System, curated by Runxiao Zhu, Head of the East Asian Library, and Hiroyuki Good, Japanese Studies Librarian. The workshop will conclude with a hands-on activity where you'll create your own block print or mini book in the Text & conText Lab.

Curious to learn more about this topic? Check out the East Asian Print Culture exhibit on display in the Archives & Special Collections Gallery on Hillman Library’s 3rd Floor on display Fall-Spring 2024!

It runs from 5:30 to 7:30 pm in room 320 on the third floor and is free and open to both the Pitt community and the public. Registration is required and can be completed online. Hillman Library is located at in Oakland (map).

Paris Baguette finally opens in Pittsburgh's The Block Northway.

After a last-minute cancellation of its initial September 4 grand opening plans, Pittsburgh's first Paris Baguette has finally opened in The Block Northway this morning. Paris Baguette is a chain of international Korean bakeries, with five planned for the Pittsburgh area. Hours at this location are 7:00 am to 9:00 pm; it's located on the ground floor next to Blaze Pizza.

RIIZE Fan-Con Tour 'RIIZING DAY' Finale in Cinemas in Pittsburgh, September 13.

The concert film RIIZE Fan-Con Tour 'RIIZING DAY' Finale in Cinemas will play in Pittsburgh on September 13.

The grand finale of K-pop boy band RIIZE's first world fan-concert tour, 2024 RIIZE FAN-CON 'RIIZING DAY' FINALE in SEOUL, will be broadcast live in cinemas! After touring through Seoul, Tokyo, Mexico City, L.A., Hong Kong, Taipei, Manila, Singapore, Bangkok, and Jakarta in 2024, the first day of the FINALE in SEOUL will be presented live in cinemas across selected territories worldwide. Experience the magic of the 2024 RIIZE FAN-CON TOUR ‘RIIZING DAY’ FINALE IN CINEMA, featuring spectacular performances, including celebrated hits from their first mini album, RIIZING. On September 13th, BRIIZE can celebrate this unforgettable night together in cinemas. Don't miss out on the global celebration of RIIZE's 'RIIZING DAY' tour finale in Seoul on the big screen!

It is scheduled to play locally, so far, at the AMC Loews Waterfront and tickets are available online.

Opening of Paris Baguette at The Block Northway, originally scheduled for September 4, now delayed.

via @parisbaguetteus 

 

About a day after local press reported on the opening of Pittsburgh's first Paris Baguette, a press release by The Block Northway's Director of Experience states the opening has been delayed, with no new opening date yet established. The cafe's social media has been reporting a September 21 grand opening date, but this has not yet been confirmed by the mall.

Paris Baguette set to open its first Pittsburgh-area location tomorrow, September 4.

Paris Baguette is set to open its first Pittsburgh-area location tomorrow, September 4, in The Block Northway on McKnight Road, according to local media. Paris Baguette is a chain of bakeries ubiquitous throughout South Korea that has over 150 locations across the United States. The menu boasts a wide variety of cakes, baked goods, sandwiches, juices, and coffees, in addition its eponymous French bread. It is the second international Korean bakery chain to open in the Pittsburgh area, after Tous Les Jours in March.

The franchisee said earlier he aims to open five Pittsburgh-area locations, but only the North Hills and Shadyside locations are in progress. It had earlier set September 21st as the grand opening.