LKL ponders on how a surprisingly charming film on the difficult subject of suicide could have useful lessons for financial sector remuneration strategy and sales practices. [Read More]
Front Page
Five from the archive
Ill-Fated Relationship: get your manhwa in English, on the iPhone
When I was in Korea last May I met up with Kim Jin-sung, the man behind online CD merchant Mr Kwang. He told me about his project to bring manhwa, Korean graphic novels, to an English speaking audience. I was expecting something web-based. But with the advent of the iPhone, an app is as good … [Read More]
Book review: Yi In-hwa’s Everlasting Empire
Some time ago I watched Park Chong-wan’s 1995 historical mystery movie Eternal Empire on DVD, having purchased it on the strength of its inclusion in Darcy Paquet’s list of top films from the 1990s. I must have been tired when I watched it: I simply have no recollection of what I thought of it, though … [Read More]
London Book Fair 2013 – an overview of the Korean publishing market and a brief meeting with Choe Yun and Jung Young-moon
London Book Fair 2014 will see Korea as the Market Focus Country. And in 2013 Korea was there to prepare the way. The Korea Publishers Association and the Literature Translation Institute of Korea jointly occupied a stall at the Earl’s Court exhibition, displaying among other things a wide range of translated Korean literature, including a … [Read More]
Who’s who in the Korean blogosphere
LKL is now providing articles for The East, the monthly English-language East Asian business & culture newspaper published in London. LKL’s remit for The East is, for the moment, pretty much undefined, which means I can write whatever I like. And Editor Lee can reject it if he doesn’t like it. It’s an interesting discipline … [Read More]
Recent Posts
January events 2026
Welcome to 2026! And congratulations to Martin Uden for his OBE in the New Year Honours 2026 Overseas and International List for services to British Veterans of the Korean War, and to UK/Korea relations. As is usually the case, I’m anticipating that January will be quiet – though if you’re a K-pop fan there are … [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]
Spontaneous improvisation, exhilarating energy: Won Il prepares Dionysus Robot for London
LKL meets Won Il, who arrives in London this week to direct what we are expecting to be one of the highlights of the Korean cultural year. The work, Dionysus Robot, is inspired by Nietzsche’s philosophy of Dionysus and pays homage to the legendary media artist Nam June Paik. It brings together traditional Korean and … [Read More]
For more posts, visit our Featured Content page.
Recent Event updates
Understanding K-Soft Power: From Influence to Empathy
At the start of the BKS’s 70th anniversary, members are invited to a very special evening with Dr Seunghye Sun, Director of the Korean Cultural Centre UK, at which she will deliver a valedictory lecture. Marking the conclusion of her distinguished tenure in London, Dr Sun will share her personal reflections and professional insights on … [Read More]
No Other Choice gets UK Theatrical Release, with previews from 17 January
Park Chan-wook’s 2025 movie is set to get a UK theatrical release in Cineworld cinemas from 23 January. For Cineworld “Unlimited” members, screenings are available from 19 January. If you prefer the BFI IMAX experience, there are also screenings over the weekend 23-25 January. And, already sold out, is a special preview with Director Park … [Read More]
2026 Seol Festival — Celebrating Korean Lunar New Year
Experience the warmth of Korean Lunar New Year in London — performances, workshops, market, and shared wishes for a hopeful new start. Seollal, the Lunar New Year, marks the first day of the lunar calendar and is the most important traditional holiday in Korea. It is a time to let go of the past year, … [Read More]
Imo’s house: A Theatrical-Nightclub Experience
Join Created Vortex for an immersive Korean Lunar New Year celebration. Imo, everyone’s favourite Korean auntie, is finally welcoming her brother home for Lunar New Year. She’s throwing a big celebration in his honour and, as a member of the family, you’re warmly invited… just don’t expect to sit back. There’s work to be done. … [Read More]
Christine Sun Kim in 1880 THAT, at the Wellcome Collection
‘1880 THAT’ is an exhibition which explores sign language and the right to communicate. It brings together new and recent work by the artists Christine Sun Kim and Thomas Mader. The exhibition explores the idea of language as a home – an essential place of belonging – and what it means to live with the … [Read More]
Haenyeo Voices: Merging Tradition and Science to Monitor Reef Changes
The Haenyeo Voices project explores the effects of environmental change on Jeju Island’s reefs by combining Haenyeo divers’ Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) with scientific monitoring, using 3D modelling, to assess transformations and foster interdisciplinary collaboration. Professor Niki Alsford and Dr Sojin Lim will draw upon more than four years of ethnographic work with Haenyeo communities … [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
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]
International Aid and Sustainable Development in North Korea: A Country Left Behind with Cloaked Society
This book examines international aid in North Korea, in particular the ongoing policy of withholding aid, through the lens of the impact on the general population to present an argument for sustainable development. Focusing on the human rights of North Koreans and presenting a case for the use of aid as a provision for social … [Read More]
The Story of Traditional Korean Literature
In this book, renowned Korean studies scholar Peter H. Lee casts light on important works previously undervalued or suppressed in Korean literary history. He illuminates oral-derived texts as Koryo love songs, p’ansori, and shamanist narrative songs which were composed in the mind, retained in the memory, sung to audiences, and heard but not read, as well … [Read More]
Salvaging Buddhism to Save Confucianism in Choson Korea (1392–1910)
Buddhism shaped the development of Korea after its introduction in the fourth century. It influenced culture, politics, and intellectual life, and it was seen as a complement to Confucianism and a support for the state. The result was a close alliance between secular rulers and the Buddhist institution. But with the founding of the Choson … [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.