London Korean Links

Covering things Korean in London and beyond since 2006

JeeYoung Lee: Maiden Voyage, at Now Gallery

For NOW Gallery’s 2022 Art Commission Korean artist JeeYoung Lee has created an environment inspired by memories, dreams, emotions, and her personal experience. The artist reinterprets her psychological landscape and thoughts into this environment. This is a space where JeeYoung reminisces about the past and imagines the future through themes of travel and nature. It … [Read More]

Choi Soowhan: A Positive Absence, at Pontone Gallery

Pontone Gallery is proud to present an exhibition of new work by critically-acclaimed Korean artist, Choi Soowhan. He makes lightboxes depicting mysterious, atmospheric landscapes and flower arrangements. These refined structures are meticulously crafted from layers of black laminate. A multitude of finely drilled holes define the image, which is backlit by LED lighting. The pictures … [Read More]

Documentary screening: Jang Yunmi’s Under Construction

Jang Yunmi’s award-winning first feature reflects on the routine of construction worker Sudeok. From a captivating, careful look, as he manufactures reinforcement bars, the film gradually uncovers the physical, emotional and mental impact of his forty-year career in construction. Jang’s compositions, as she delicately interlaces their discussions with her footage, explore the boundaries between the … [Read More]

Book review: Concerning My Daughter

Kim Hye-jin’s Concerning My Daughter is set in a world of agency workers, where no-one has enough money, still less any job security; a world in which a university lecturer gets fired for being gay; a world in which a nursing home asks their staff to cut down on basic hygiene tasks and neglect their … [Read More]

June events 2022

Things are getting busy again. The KCC’s in-house film screenings now seem to have got into their stride with five great movies this month; there are Platinum Jubilee and Dano Festival celebrations in New Malden on two consecutive weekends (including participation from the North Korean community); the Festival of Korean Dance returns to The Place, … [Read More]

Hanji: Paper Compositions, at the KCC

The Korean Cultural Centre, UK presents Hanji: Paper Compositions, an exhibition that explores the possibilities of traditional Korean paper, or hanji. The exhibition approaches hanji as a versatile material, and features the work of over 20 internationally recognised and emerging artists whose mastering of various hanji techniques allows them to push the boundaries of making … [Read More]

Jason Verney’s Reparation screens at Kingston International Film Fest

Two semi-studious students living in ‘Korea-Town’ are interrupted & intrigued by the actions of a girl in a nearby building, witnessed via CCTV, whilst each trying to come to terms with important subjects in their university projects (one Korean related: the Sewol ferry tragedy, and one British: the Grenfell tower incident), as well as their … [Read More]

SOAS seminar: Making “Aristocracy” of Koryŏ Dynasty

Since the early twentieth century there has been an ongoing discussion regarding the ruling class in Koryŏ dynasty (918-1392). This debate is very much related to the arguments about the development of Korean history. In this talk I will discuss how the debate defining Koryŏ’s ruling class as the aristocracy has developed since the 1960s. … [Read More]

Yor-K 2022: Korea Day in York

Organised in collaboration with the York St John University Yor-K 2022 is a sustainability themed day-festival that celebrates contemporary and traditional Korean culture. The festival is packed with family friendly activities and opportunities to experience the food, music and art of Korea. All events take place on Saturday 28 May at York St John University’s … [Read More]