Park Chan-wook’s latest offering is, as expected of the legendary director, a dark and morally complex exploration of its subject matter – overtly the state of the contemporary job market, and covertly cycles of generational trauma and violence. It is dark and violent, like many Chan-wook films, but also at times deeply funny. [Read More]
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February events
This month there’s music available to suit most tastes, with classical, jazz and K-pop/hip-hop, plus family activities to mark the Lunar New Year (the Seollal public holiday in Korea this year is 16-18 Feb, coinciding with the start of Lent). Live music and Performance Jazz musicians Yunmi Kang and Sangyeon Park join with the Bristol-based … [Read More]
“Unfolding the heart”: LKL meets KCCUK Director Seunghye Sun
Reflecting on her KCCUK tenure, Dr Seunghye Sun outlines a strategy of partnership, emotional diplomacy and ‘digital humanism’, positioning Hallyu as an introduction to a deepening understanding of Korean culture. She discusses extending UK–Korea exchange beyond pop culture into literature, heritage, visual arts and technology, and argues that Korean soft power is widening, not peaking. [Read More]
President Lee’s New Year address
President Lee outlines 2026 as a year of Korea’s “great leap forward,” emphasizing people-centered governance, regionally balanced economic growth, safety, cultural leadership, and peace. Building on last year’s recovery, he pledges innovation, support for SMEs and startups, and global engagement, urging national unity and citizen participation to transform Korea’s growth paradigm and ensure shared prosperity. [Read More]
Chairman Kim’s New Year address
Kim Jong Un celebrates North Korea’s 2025 achievements, praising workers, soldiers, and citizens for advancing socialism and national strength. He emphasizes patriotism, collective effort, and self-reliance, framing 2026 as a year of greater struggle and victory. He calls for unity, confidence, and dedication to the Party’s vision, pledging continued loyalty to the people-first principle. [Read More]
Season’s Greetings to all our readers
Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year to all of LKL’s readers, friends and contributors old and new. Have a peaceful and restorative time with those who are important to you over the holiday season. As usual, thanks are due to Jieun Kim aka The Drawing Hand for this illustration. This is now her … [Read More]
Kimchi day in New Malden sees unveiling of new station signage
New Malden celebrated international Kimchi Day (22 November) on Saturday in traditional style – with kimchi making classes in the Methodist Church Hall and with kimchi pancakes in the Malden Centre. In the church hall, participants were given a chance to sample the kimchi made by kimchi master Lee Ha Yeon at the classes held … [Read More]
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Recent Event updates
Laura Bowler: The White Book UK Premiere
British composer Laura Bowler’s new work for voice and orchestra is based on Booker and Nobel Prize-winning author Han Kang’s The White Book – a poetic meditation on colour, grief and the human spirit. The UK premiere of this work will take place at the Barbican on 4 March, with a follow-up performance on 5 … [Read More]
XLOV European tour comes to London, Wolverhampton and Manchester
XLOV is a South Korean group that debuted in 2025 under 257 Entertainment, gaining attention with their groundbreaking genderless concept. The four members – Wumuti, Rui, Hyun, and Haru – combine charisma, powerful dance, and a strong message of freedom and authenticity. Their music flows between modern pop, explosive dance, and touches of R&B, creating … [Read More]
Andrei Lankov on North Korea: the need for imperfect compromise
A talk on North Korean politics by Andrei Lankov, organised by the Russian Democratic Society and hosted at SOAS on 20 February. In recent years, one of Moscow’s most widely discussed allies has been the internationally isolated Pyongyang. Comparisons between the two political regimes are often made, summed up in the ironic Russian phrase “north … [Read More]
Artist Talk – New Gen: The Emerging Voices
An exciting opportunity to dive deeper into the artists’ world In conjunction with their current exhibition, New Gen: Emerging Voices, the KCCUK has prepared an Artist Talk, offering audiences a valuable opportunity to engage more deeply with the exhibition. Heeyoung Noh, Woojin Joo, Soohyun Choi and Yumin Lee will share their insights into their creative practices, … [Read More]
Rovv, Twlv and Meloh play the Oslo Hackney
SeoulTherapy is bringing three R&B artists to the stage as part of a European tour. We rolled the dice, shuffled cards and drew a winning hand: a trio you won’t forget. The game is about to get real serious with Rovv, Twlv and Meloh hitting the road together to bring you memorable shows around Europe … [Read More]
The Comfort Woman – at Omnibus Theatre
Like thousands of Korean women, young Minja must survive the unimaginable… In South Korea, young Minja lives a sheltered life in her remote village, unaware of the ongoing world war. Until one encounter changes everything: kidnapped by the Japanese Army, Minja must hold on to her fierce will to survive in the face of the … [Read More]
The above events list includes recent updates to events which might have been uploaded some time ago (eg an update confirming venue or ticket link). A chronological listing of all event notices published, most recent first, can be found here. A list of all upcoming events can be found here.
Recent Book updates
A Plagued Sea [forthcoming]
Visionary Korean author Kim Bo-young unleashes a Lovecraftian nightmare of infection, transformation, and abomination. “[Kim Bo-young’s] fiction is a breathtaking piece of a cinematic art.” –Bong Joon-ho, Academy Award-winning director of Parasite While waiting for a train to Haewon, an isolated Korean seaside village, bodyguard Mu-young gets a disaster alert on her phone. TVs throughout the … [Read More]
Shift [forthcoming]
Detective Yi Chang needs another miracle. Ten years ago his sister was healed of her deadly cancer by a mysterious cult leader, but now his young niece has inherited the same disease. The only lead Yi Chang has is the body of a murder victim found in an abandoned building in the Korean seaside. The … [Read More]
Jeong: The Spirit of Korean Craft and Design [forthcoming]
The first book to explore the full scope and beauty of Korean design – from traditional craft to celebrated contemporary creations Characterized by a unique blend of tradition and innovation, and by a focus on sustainability and efficiency, Korean design is recognized for its creativity, quality, and beauty. Jeong: The Spirit of Korean Craft and … [Read More]
Critical Approaches to Transmedia Storytelling in K-Pop
In Critical Approaches to Transmedia Storytelling in K-Pop, contributors present a variety of compelling case studies to argue that K-pop has evolved beyond a musical genre into a global cultural phenomenon with a growing influence on contemporary media practices, highlighting its transmedia ecosystem in which complex narratives unfold and engage audiences across formats and platforms. … [Read More]
Seoul Food: From Kimbap to Kimchi, Delicious Recipes from the Heart of Korea
Embark on a culinary adventure through the rich and flavoursome world of Korean cuisine as author Haebin Sudo recreates 60 carefully selected dishes for her first cookery book. Seoul Food is full of delicious dishes that showcase authentic Korean meals, both for everyday and for special dinner parties. From traditional family feasts and special occasion banquets … [Read More]
Reactionary Politics in South Korea: Historical Legacies, Far-Right Intellectuals, and Political Mobilization
In December 2024, South Korean president Yoon Seok-yeol stunned the world by declaring martial law. More puzzling was that Yoon’s insurrection unexpectedly gained substantial support from the ruling right-wing party and many citizens. Why do ordinary citizens support authoritarian leaders and martial law in a democratic country? What draws them to extreme actions and ideas? … [Read More]
The above booklist includes recent updates to books which might have been uploaded some time ago (eg an update to reflect a release of cover art, or a new review). A chronological listing of all books uploaded, most recent first, can be found here.