London Korean Links

Covering things Korean in London and beyond since 2006

July events 2025

June turned out to be extremely busy, but in July we seem to be winding down for the summer. Undoubtedly the highlight for LKL is Leenalchi’s UK tour, coming to the Coronet at the beginning of the month and moving on to Manchester and Glasgow. K-pop fans can look forward to Stray Kids performing at … [Read More]

1884 letter rediscovered in Cambridge giving insight into Kapsin coup

Earlier this month the Cambridge University Library blog uploaded an article telling the story of a letter recently rediscovered among the papers of Sir Harry Parkes by Jiyeon Wood, who is in charge of the Korean and Japanese collection at the library. According to Professor Kim Jong-Hak from Seoul National University: “[Prominent politician and leader … [Read More]

K-music – the archive

Here are all the concerts that have been part of the K-Music story over the years, together with links to reviews where we have been able to cover the events, or where we have identified reviews on third party websites. Although not branded under the K-music moniker, the series of five Korean concerts presented on … [Read More]

In introduction to the KCCUK’s 여운 | Lingering Fragments summer screening season

As in other recent summers, the KCC is collaborating with Birkbeck in curating a season of experimental and documentary films. The press release introducing the season is reproduced below. The season comprises the following programmes: 18 June: Han Okhi and Kaidu Club: A Cinema of Outsiders 25 June: Korean War Commemorative Screening: Forbidden Fatherland 2 … [Read More]

June events 2025

There’s something for everyone this month, from intimate responses to Yun Dong-ju’s poetry to the barnstorming K-pop roadshow that is SM Town; the KCCUK is particularly busy with talks and workshops (including talks by Charlotte Horlyck and Jieun Kiaer linked to their recent book publications); plus there look to be some good movie screenings at … [Read More]

EDITH × Yoon Dong-ju: Poetry Reimagined through Electronic Sound

Edith is a musician who reinterprets the poetry of Yoon Dong-ju through electronic and rock music. Her work bridges classical literature and contemporary sound, transforming Yoon Dong-ju’s writing into an immersive auditory experience. Her notable single, “Gongsang” (Imagination), inspired by the poet’s poem of the same name, reimagines the Tower of Babel as a symbol … [Read More]

Failed Summer Vacation: Heuijung Hur in conversation with Barry Pierce

To mark the UK release of Failed Summer Vacation, the Korean Cultural Centre UK invites you to an evening of literary conversation with acclaimed author Heuijung Hur, in dialogue with editor and literary critic Barry Pierce. Failed Summer Vacation is Hur’s award-winning debut collection of short stories, first published in Korea and now introduced to … [Read More]

May events 2025

Highlights of this month are Jaha Koo with his talking rice cookers, Seongjin Cho’s Ravelathon, and the annual Festival of Korean Dance – in London and on tour. It’s also London Craft Week, so expect some top-quality Korean crafts to be on show. Finally, Suh Do-ho’s solo show at Tate Modern opens this month. Exhibitions … [Read More]

4482 Artist Talk + Performance Art with Donna Kim

Welcome to 4482 (SASAPARI) Art Talk series! The theme of ‘K-Art Now’ this year is ‘Performance Art & Installation Art’. Please join us for an enchanting artist talk and live performance with Donna Kim, a movement artist who delves into the essence of her being through the language of dance. Her artistry is a passionate journey of exploration and … [Read More]

Seong-Jin Cho artist portrait, plus Yeol Eum Son and Clara-Jumi Kang in Barbican 25/26 classical season

For those keen to lock down their diary commitments well in advance, the Barbican has just announced its September 2025 – July 2026 classical music season. For Seong-jin Cho fans, you have four opportunities to see him – including two performances of Chopin’s 2nd piano concerto – in what is billed as an Artist Portrait. … [Read More]

April events 2025

Bong Joon-ho is on the cover of this month’s Sight and Sound, marking the special season of his films at BFI and the theatrical release of his Mickey 17, and Park Jiha has a three concert tour to celebrate her new album. You probably didn’t manage to get tickets to Yunchan Lim’s Wigmore Hall recital, … [Read More]

Andrew Ahn’s The Wedding Banquet – the perfect opening to BFI Flare 2025

BFI Flare launched yesterday with a humdinger of an opening movie: Andrew Ahn’s reimagining of Ang Lee’s 1993 The Wedding Banquet. Ahn’s partner in creating this update, James Schamus, also co-wrote Ang Lee’s version. While the original film features a single gay couple and a marriage of convenience, the reboot has two gay couples, which … [Read More]

Exhibition visit: Bestselling and beloved – Korean Literary Treasures

While primarily envisaged as a home for temporary displays of visuals arts, the KCC exhibition space over the years has hosted a number of exhibitions featuring historical or literary themes. 2024 started, for example, with an exhibition looking at the early relations between the UK and Korea, celebrating 140 years of diplomatic relations, and later … [Read More]