London Korean Links

Covering things Korean in London and beyond since 2006

Saharial’s Entertainment Weekly: Aegyo perfection from Two X, B.A.P’s bank-busting MV, and more

Two X (투엑스, J. Tune Camp, part of JYP Entertainment), a five-member girl group who made their debut last August, have released their second single “Ring Ma Bell” (http://youtu.be/wKp0EdDEl3k). Produced by Rado, the track is an electronic dance song, and the MV differs from their first release “Double Up” (http://youtu.be/zM3KEOzGw6M) and should contain a warning … [Read More]

A fine bibimbap in Bethnal Green

If you’re in the Bethnal Green area, check out Hurwundeki (허운데기), an interesting combination of hairdresser, boutique and cafe right next door to Cambridge Heath Station (298-299 Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9HA). Korean owned, the cafe is a pleasant, casual eaterie which does good coffee and a fine bibimbap among other things. Convenient for when … [Read More]

Concert notes: Bach and the Battle of the Red Cliffs — the KCC’s 5th birthday concert at the Cadogan Hall

It is difficult to know what to make of a programme which was so obviously in two parts, and potentially likely to appeal to two completely different audiences. There will have been many who, in advance of the KCCUK’s fifth birthday concert, would have thought: “maybe I’ll just turn up for the second half”, or … [Read More]

SOAS Seminar: The body, territory and national identity in “stories about Kubo”

Notice of the SOAS seminar on 22 February 2013: The body, territory and national identity in “stories about Kubo” by Pak T’ae-wǒn, Ch’oe In-hun and Chu In-sǒk Justyna Najbar (Warsaw University) Date: 22 February 2013, 5:15pm Venue: Russell Square Room G50 Abstract The Korean literary tradition of “stories about Kubo” (Kubo-hyǒng sosǒl) started in 1934, … [Read More]

Lee Young-ae returns in NYT ad

Yes, it’s nice to see Lee Young-ae back. But why do the people who put full page Dokdo ads in the American press feel the need also to promote Korean food in similar fashion? Aren’t Michelle Obama and Gwyneth Paltrow doing that for free? Still, I can’t think of a better spokesmodel for hansik than … [Read More]

FLOTUS makes her own simple kimchi

You can hardly get a higher profile endorser of kimchi than Michelle Obama, who has tweeted a recipe made from napa cabbage in the White House garden. Last week, we picked Napa cabbage in the garden. Now, we're using it to make kimchi in the kitchen. Make it at home: pic.twitter.com/Y0L7dASZ — First Lady- Archived … [Read More]

Why does Lee Byung-hun need two heads?

Last year, Kara. This year Lee Byung-hun is releasing a doll of himself. But why does he need two heads? The doll comes with an extra attachable head among other add-ons, and according to the agency, will hit stores in Korea next year. The Joongang Daily doesn’t really explain why. [Read More]

The Korean Peninsula Tensions and the Role of Other Powers

New of an upcoming seminar at the Daiwa Foundation: The Korean Peninsula Tensions and the Role of Other Powers 26 February 2013 6:00 – 7:45pm, followed by a drinks reception to 8:45pm 13/14 Cornwall Terrace, London, NW1 4QP Organised by The Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation Book Here After the “successful” launch on 12 December 2012 of … [Read More]

Korea v Croatia – the live tweets

The as-it-happened commentary on South Korea’s defeat at the hands of Croatia, live on Twitter (Craven Cottage wi-fi permitting)… 2:09pm #koreaVcroatia kicks off… Come on Korea! 2:11pm A rainy but lively Craven Cottage: 2:14pm Son Heung min with a wide long shot which makes the crowd go wild! 2:14pm A narrow misses header from Ivica … [Read More]