Bong Joon-ho’s Memories of Murder is a masterful blend of black humor, procedural intensity, and poignant social commentary. Based on Korea’s first serial killer case, the film follows a bumbling local detective and a focused Seoul investigator. With subtle direction, haunting cinematography, and exceptional acting, it transcends the genre to deliver a deeply sincere, atmospheric experience. [Read More]
Year: 2009 (page 18)
The Shining Fortress part 1: its construction
by Matthew Jackson The official report by the advisors to UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee concluded that the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress “represents the pinnacle of 18th century military architecture, incorporating the best of that from Europe and from the Far East. As such it has a unique historical importance”. What makes Hwaseong special? Following the editor’s … [Read More]
The LKL Korea Trip 2009 pt 5: Bulguksa and Seokkuram
Sunday 19 July 2009 More World Heritage points today. The Samgyeopsal from last night is still sitting heavily on my stomach and I don’t feel like breakfast. The 9 am KTX from Seoul Station, and the connecting train from East Daegu, went without a hitch, and bang on time. Just before I arrive in Gyeongju … [Read More]
Two versions of the significance of 27 July
First, a press release from the White House, issued on 24 July: National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, 2009 – – – – – – – BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION Fifty-six years after the signing of the Military Armistice Agreement at Panmunjom, Americans remain grateful for the courage … [Read More]
The LKL Korea Trip 2009 pt 4: Recuperation and the Kilburn Art Space
Saturday 18 July. I think the activity of the previous two days, combined with the time difference, has finally caught up with me. After a slow start to the day I consult the helpful tourist information people in Insadong how best to get to Gyeongju from Seoul. It’s the KTX to East Daegu station, with … [Read More]
Kim Ayoung: Ephemera at I-MYU
Notice of I-MYU’s current show, featuring one of LKL’s favourite photographer-artists: Ayoung Kim: Ephemera 24 July – 15 August 2009 Returning to the Scene of the Crime Review by Lucy Soutter (2008) Weegee was the first photographic ambulance chaser, the first to get his hands on a police radio and follow its calls through the … [Read More]
Crossfields – Korean Artists and Designers at the KCC
A notice of the next exhibition at the KCC, commencing 30 July: The Korean Cultural Centre UK is proud to launch that the forthcoming exhibition ‘Crossfields’, an exhibition of 23 artists based in London. The exhibition will take place between 30 July and 12 September 2009. Crossfields brings together a broad range of artists from … [Read More]
The LKL Korea Trip 2009 pt 3: 20th century art and history
Friday 17 July Today I elect to revisit the National Museum of Contemporary Art in Gwacheon (국립 현대 미술관). Very easy to get to: Seoul Grand Park subway stop on Line 4. Get out at exit 4 and get the free shuttle bus which leaves every 20 minutes. There’s a great Manhwa exhibition on at … [Read More]
The LKL Korea Trip 2009 pt 2: Suwon and Prince Sado’s tomb
Thursday 16 July Today the plan is to get a few UNESCO world heritage points: the Hwaseong Fortress at Suwon, followed maybe by the nearby folk village. From my base in Insadong, a one-hour tube journey direct from Jonggak station on Line 1 takes me to Suwon, armed with my guide books. A moment of … [Read More]
The LKL Korea Trip 2009 pt 1: Arrival
Wednesday 15 July 2009 Unaccustomed to long-distance standard class travel, I arrive in Seoul a little tired. All the previous times I’ve been to Korea, I’ve been in the area on company business, and this is the first time I’ve had to pay my own way: hence the downgrade in comfort. The evening bibimbap is … [Read More]
My Sassy Girl (엽기적인 그녀, 2001) review: the rom-com that started it all
Slapstick and melodrama combine in this romance between an aggressive, wounded heroine and her devoted partner. With engaging characters, witty dialogue and some truly laugh out loud moments My Sassy Girl makes watching a sociopath beat up her boyfriend more fun than you could ever imagine. [Read More]
Gen Paik Sun Yup Interview: Remembering the Forgotten War
Seoul, Friday 17 July 2009 “Freedom is not Free”, we are reminded by the inscription on the monument commemorating the Korean War. In the bustle of our daily lives, we can forget the sacrifices made by previous generations to secure our freedoms. I have come to the War Memorial of Korea in Seoul to meet … [Read More]
Kick the Moon screens at the KCC
This Thursday’s screening is Kick the Moon by Attack the Gas Station director Kim Sang-jin. Here are the details from the KCC website: Kick the Moon (신라의달밤) Director : Kim Sang-jin (2001, 114 mns) Venue : Multi-purpose Hall, KCC Time : 23rd July 2009, 7:00pm Synopsis Two old classmates reunite in a fight to the … [Read More]
Getting acquainted with some of Korea’s traditional crafts
This week presents the opportunity to catch two exhibitions at the Korean Cultural Centre: the Living Heritage exhibition is just about to close (on 21 July), while the ceramics from Gangjin will be here until 23 July. In an era of mass productions what has been assembled in the Cultural Centre is a collection of … [Read More]
Natural City: are stunning visuals enough?
Saharial reviews Natural City, a film which has had a mixed reaction from critics. Set in the distant future after a great war has ravaged the city, R (Yu Ji-Tae) attempts to find a cure for his dying lover, Ria (Seo Rin), a dancer cyborg who is close to expiration. R however is also a … [Read More]
Entry Forms, round 2
The Korean Cultural Centre is doing a repeat performance of last year’s “Entry Forms” show, in which Korean artists based in the UK are invited to submit work for an independently curated exhibition. Entries are due by the end of August. Call For Artists And Designers The Korean Cultural Centre UK and British Council are … [Read More]