London Korean Links

Covering things Korean in London and beyond since 2006

Some of my favourite gugak fusion videos

A lazy post with a link to a performance of a number entitled “Seoul in panic” by the gugak fusion band Sorea. Modern music performed on traditional instruments, with dancing both traditional and modern. It could be taken straight from a Korea, Sparkling promotional video. It works rather well: The b-boys are from Extreme Crew. … [Read More]

Autumn seminar series at SOAS

The Autumn seminar series at SOAS has been announced. The talks are scheduled for 5pm and regularly take place in room G52 of the main SOAS building. They are open to the public – no booking is required. Friday, October 17 Prof. Rüdiger Frank, University of Vienna “Transformation of State Socialism in East Asia: The … [Read More]

Bong Joon-ho month at the KCC

This month gives you an opportunity to see two of the best films to have come out of Korea – or anywhere – this century. Both star Song Kang-ho, both are by director Bong Joon-ho, who debuted in 2000 with the amazing Barking Dogs Never Bite. On 9 October, there’s the film which provided koreanfilm.org.uk … [Read More]

The London Korean Film Festival 2008

The programme for the 2008 London Korean Film Festival has been announced. A great line-up with something for everyone. From the latest releases, there’s the biggest film of 2008 (The Good, the Bad and the Weird), plus one or two I’d forgotten about, but which with a bit of thought are obvious choices: last year’s … [Read More]

The Pensive Bodhisattva comes to Brussels

By Matthew Jackson The centrepiece of the Bozar exhibition of Korean Buddhist Art, beginning in Brussels on the 10th of October, will be the Pensive Bodhisattva statue, Korea’s National Treasure No. 83. It is difficult to describe in words why the statue is regarded so highly as a work of Buddhist art, because its qualities … [Read More]

“Made in Korea” festival in Brussels

The “Made in Korea” festival in Brussels is a big-budget four month perspective of Korea’s arts. Centred around the Centre for Fine Arts, this is a unique opportunity to see some of Korea’s ancient treasures and also some more contemporary visual and performing arts. Definitely worth a trip to Brussels. First, a summary of some … [Read More]

Things that just make me so sad

By Saharial It is becoming increasingly obvious to me, even as a distant overseas observer of the Korean entertainment industry, that something is going seriously wrong. This morning seemed to sum up far too many of the ills for, when I woke up, the news had broken that there had been yet another suicide, making … [Read More]

Korea at 60: Forwards and Upwards

From the KCC website: The government of the Republic of Korea was established on August 15, 1948 after three years of U.S. military administration following liberation from Japanese colonial rule. Date: 6 October 2008 13 October 2008 Venue: Korean Cultural Centre UK The exhibition is organised by Korean Culture and Information Service, and presented by … [Read More]

A Family in Disguise at Union Teesdale

Notice of an exhibition starting on Saturday at Union Teesdale Street: Yu Jin-young: A Family in Disguise 4th October – 1st November 2008 UNION | 94 Teesdale Street | London E2 6PU Opening hours: contact the gallery for details UNION Teesdale Street is pleased to announce the solo exhibition A FAMILY IN DISGUISE by Yu … [Read More]

October Events 2008

Here are the events I know about for October Exhibitions Forwards and Upwards, the story of the Republic of Korea after 60 years, runs 6 – 13 October at the KCC I’m told that there’s an exhibition about slavery in the Festival Hall ballroom area, including photos of Korean comfort women Sun Kim (ceramicist) participates … [Read More]

Seeing and Hiding at New Days Gallery

Notice of an exhibition at New Days Gallery, commencing this weekend, featuring work by Hai Yun Jung. Hai Yun Jung: Seeing and Hiding Newdays Gallery London | 2 Alric Ave | New Malden | KT3 4JN Enquiry: 0208 286 1335 / 07894 237044 4th (Sat) Oct – 23rd (Thur) Oct 2008 Opening time: 10am – … [Read More]