In which we hike to Beopgyesa to cut the ribbon at the 타종식: the ceremonial first ringing of the highest temple bell in South Korea. Donguibogam Village, Sancheong-gun, Tuesday 10 June. We wake up at 5:30, dilute our espresso with boiling water from the kettle and carefully eat the cake. I have a dull feeling … [Read More]
Month: June 2014 (page 3)
2014 Travel Diary day 4: The reappointment
In which I say farewell to the retiring County mayor, meet the incoming one, and get given my first public engagement. Sancheong-yo, Sancheong-gun, Monday 9 June, 7:00am. The sleeping pill ensured that I got a good night’s sleep. And the guest bathroom, with plenty of towels, is a luxury. The day is already warm at … [Read More]
Korean performances at the City of London Festival
This year’s City of London Festival has a Korean focus. And although most of the performances in the festival are of Western classical music, there is a Korean Hamlet from Yohangza Theatre Company (who do a wonderful Midsummer Night’s Dream), fusion music from Ensemble Sinawi and contemporary and street dance too. Sunwook Kim (piano) Wednesday … [Read More]
2014 Travel Diary day 3: 사십구재
The 49th-day ceremony (사십구재) for Sena Lee, who died in Seoul on 22 April 2014, held at Anjeoksa, Sancheon-gun, at which family and friends said farewell to her. According to dharma master Tim Lerch, Traditionally, the period of 49 days after someone dies is seen as a time for that person to check their consciousness and digest their … [Read More]
Seoul in the City: forum and reception
An open invitation from the KCC. RSVP required. Seoul in the City Party: Forum and Reception Tuesday 24 June 2014, 18:30-21:00 Korean Cultural Centre UK | Grand Buildings | 1 – 3 Strand | London WC2N 5BW (Entrance on Northumberland Ave) We are delighted to invite you to an opening party to celebrate SEOUL IN … [Read More]
2014 Travel Diary day 2: Orchids for the altar
In which we make our way to Sancheong County via a literary lunch. Haeundae Beach, Busan, Saturday 7 June, 8am. The buskers must have been singing until later than 3am. Even though my room was somewhere higher than the 10th floor, the sound insulation was so poor that they might just as well have been … [Read More]
The Sounds of Korea: Old and New, East and West – at SOAS
After last year’s successful and varied concert, the SOAS Korean Drumming Society and friends return for another evening of Korean music. This year we get a rare opportunity to hear some Yun Isang. The Sounds of Korea: Old and New, East and West The SOAS Korean Drumming Society Date: 9 June 2013, 7.00 pm Venue: … [Read More]
2014 Travel Diary day 1: Harassed in Haeundae
In which I arrive, somewhat frazzled, at Busan’s crowded beach area. Canary Wharf, London, Thursday 5 June, 3:30pm. Every time I leave the office for a trip, no matter how much I’ve tried to tidy up all my loose ends in advance, the departure from work is stressful. I had left a good hour to finish … [Read More]
An evening with Bae Suah at SOAS
Another highly recommended event linked to the London Book Fair 2014 cultural programme coordinated by the British Council: Border States and Mother Tongues: an evening with Bae Suah Wednesday 11 June 2014, 17.15-20.00 Room B104 (Brunei Gallery Building, 1st floor), SOAS, University of London, London WC1H 0XG. Bae Suah, currently in residence at Writers’ Centre … [Read More]
The Wicked (마녀, 2014) review: dark humour, shifting perceptions and creeping dread
With the Korean horror genre having been somewhat in the doldrums recently – the majority of output (sadly) being rather predictable – ‘The Wicked’ comes as a breath of fresh air; refreshingly original at the same time as succeeding in being one of the most deeply creepy and wickedly humorous Korean horrors for some time… [Read More]
Seo Young-ju interview: Moebius and the power of silent performance
Actor Seo Young-ju reflects on growing from child roles into cinema-led work, favouring film over television for deeper character exploration. He discusses Juvenile Offender as a turning point, working with Kim Ki-duk on the dialogue-free Moebius, his attraction to challenging narratives, and ambitions for international acting opportunities. [Read More]
Chung Chung-hoon interview: cinematography, character and collaboration
Cinematographer Chung Chung-hoon outlines his character-driven approach to visuals, long-standing collaboration with Park Chan-wook, and balance between on-set craft and post-production. He discusses colour, contrast, technology, storyboards, working across Korea and Hollywood, and shaping imagery through drama, movement, and location. [Read More]
June events 2014
There’s almost too much to look forward to in June, of which the highlight is probably Wednesday 11th: Bae Suah in conversation at SOAS in the early evening, followed by Kim Hyelim with Byron Wallen and others at Wilton’s Music Hall later on. A similar performance last year was one of the LKL highlights of … [Read More]
Choi & Lager’s Paris summer exhibition: 82-33-44
News of Choi and Lager‘s 2014 Paris summer show: 82-33-44 Group exhibition of Korean artists in Paris 13 June – 2 July 2014 Opening reception Friday, 13 June 2014, 7pm onwards 7 Rue Gustave Nadaud | 75016 Paris | Code: F2476 Interphone: LE FUR CHOI | 2nd floor The title of the exhibition looks like … [Read More]
Korean Screen Culture Conference 2014: draft programme
With thanks to Dr Chi-Yun Shin, here is the provisional programme for the Korean Screen Culture Conference at Sheffield Hallam University on 13-14 June 2014. This follows the two successful conferences at SOAS in 2012 and 2013. Go up there early and catch Sheffield Doc/Fest 2014 (June 7-12). The Conference is at SHU’s City Campus … [Read More]
Catherine Lee and Minjung Baek at Blackheath Halls
Cellist Catherine Lee will be accompanied by pianist Minjung Baek in a lunchtime duo recital at Blackheath Hall (Trinity Laban Conservatory of Music), 9 June 2014 at 1.10pm Programme: Brahms Cello Sonata No.2 in F Major, Op.99 Rachmaninov Cello Sonata in G minor. www.minjungbaek.com | www.catherinemusic.com [Read More]