London Korean Links

Covering things Korean in London and beyond since 2006

Rags in the Wind – some photos

Here are some photos from Rags in the Wind – a group show in the Graz Botanical gardens, on now. It’s featured here because it includes the work of London-based, Korean-born artist Francesca Cho. Her “Floating Soul 1” is below: View a slideshow of the complete set here. The set includes a couple of shots … [Read More]

Book review: Kim Young-jin on Lee Chang-dong

(Seoul Selection, 2007) I can imagine that there was a certain amount of discussion about the timing of this book. After a break of some years — enforced by his stint as Roh Moo-hyun’s first Minister for Culture and Tourism — the well-regarded director Lee Chang-dong was active again. His new film, with two of … [Read More]

SOAS seminar: Unequal treaties

A quick notice of a seminar upcoming this week: Centre of Korean Studies Seminar 18th of September 2007. Venue: SOAS Room B111 Time: 5pm – 7pm Han Seunghoon (Korea University) The Beginning of the Unequal Treaty System in Late-Nineteenth century Choson As usual, the event is free and no pre-booking is required [Read More]

Casker #3: Between

(Lupin Records, December 2006) Review by Jenny Wu Casker consists of vocalist, Lee Yoong Jin, and producer / composer / arranger / DJ Lee Juno. While their previous albums are just as fantastic, I think their third is a lot better-rounded. There’s a heavier concentration on vocals in this album than their previous albums which … [Read More]

DPRK travellers’ tales

Two travel accounts have recently been highlighted in the BAKS list. First, a long account by guitarist Jason Carter of his 10-day trip to Pyongyang earlier this year to perform in a spring music festival. Like many DPRK travel accounts, we find the author having moments of frustration with the minders as well as appreciating … [Read More]

Korean dancers at The Place, Euston

First, thanks to Colin Bartlett for letting me know about Korean dancers from the Robin Howard Dance Theatre performing at The Place, near Euston. We’ve already missed one of the performances, which was yesterday evening: Jin-Yeob Cha, who has worked with a variety of Korean and international choreographers, including Ismael Ivo, Itzik Galili, Iztok Kovac, … [Read More]

Dokkaebi ate my post

I’m not sure what happened to today’s post. I definitely wrote it last night, and scheduled it for publication this lunchtime, but somehow it’s vanished into the ether. It’s nowhere to be found in the database; google desktop hasn’t cached it; and altogether it’s as if yesterday’s labours were in vain. I’ll just have to … [Read More]

Classic K-film in Berlin

Madame Freedom (above), plus Shin Sang-ok’s “The Guest & My Mother” and “The Flower in Hell” among others, will be showing at the Asian Women’s Film Festival. The Asian Women’s Film Festival is taking place in Berlin from 19-23 September 2007 within the framework of the Asien-Pazifik Wochen which are held every two years in … [Read More]

British veterans remember the Korean War on Radio 4

Yesterday’s edition of The Reunion had Sue MacGregor talking with five veterans reminiscing about the Korean War. A familiar theme – the British troops being poorly equipped and having to scrounge off the Americans; a clip of an interview with Michael Caine talking about night patrol – trying to outwit the Chinese in paddy fields … [Read More]