Purists may throw their hands up in horror, but one indicator that a cuisine is beginning to get accepted internationally is that its flavours and ingredients become incorporated into the cuisines of other countries and new fusion dishes are created. The new dishes may bear absolutely no relation to the original national cuisine (can you … [Read More]
LKL articles by Philip Gowman (page 145)
Jang Jin and performers’ fees
Just for once, at the Q&A with Jang Jin tonight, I DIDN'T ask any question about the screen quota. It was an effort though. #. Instead, I asked him about actors fees, which for a significant portion of a film’s budget. But in the news today, it seems film actors aren't the only performers with … [Read More]
Korea’s treasures on show at the G20
Nice idea for the National Museum of Korea to showcase these treasures to the G20 visitors at a reception. http://bit.ly/cgWHF3 # “In celebration of the G-20 Summit, the National Museum of Korea recently designated 20 masterpieces (dubbed the “M20”) among its vast collection of cultural and historical artifacts. Fourteen of them will be displayed in … [Read More]
The Secret Garden in Autumn
Kim Sung-jin's photolog of the Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden in full autumn colours. Beautiful. (via @rjkoehler) http://bit.ly/8Zenxe # A sample is posted above, but there are many more. [Read More]
The LKFF 2010 is off to a sizzling start
The London Korean Film Festival is now more than 10 years old, and this is the 5th year of its existence under the organisation of the Cultural Centre. It seems to get bigger every year. From its early home in the Prince Charles Cinema, it moved to the more prestigious venue of the Barbican for … [Read More]
The instant six-pack
I heard that in Korea you can get 6-pack implants like you get breast enhancement. Can anyone confirm? Won Bin's was impressive in Ajosshi – but I’m sure his was natural. [Read More]
The Natural Cheese Contest
I know one or two Koreans who like cheese but thought it was generally unpopular. But here's a Korean-made cheese contest. http://bit.ly/d0Vbjl #. The Natural Cheese Contest, organized by the Rural Development Administration. (Photo: Yonhap) [Read More]
Proving that technology can entertain…
Here’s a great video of toy robots dancing to “Nobody” by the Wonder Girls. Someone went to a lot of trouble to program this. It’s perfection. http://bit.ly/d3FmZw # [Read More]
Ki Sung-Yueng the target of racist abuse
Fury after footy fans ‘woof’ at Celtic’s South Korean star Ki Sung-Yueng: (The Sun via The Marmot’s Hole). St Johnstone fans also chanted “Who ate all the dogs?” and made monkey noises. Not funny. [Read More]
Book Review: Yin Yang Tattoo
Ron McMillan: Yin Yang Tattoo Sandstone Press, 2010 “If you’ll excuse us, we have stereotypes to explore,” says our hero, Alec Brodie, to a visiting investment banker as he heads off to a private room arm-in-arm with a Korean girl. Yes, there’s irony in the quip, but the stereotypes don’t stop with the expense-account prostitute. … [Read More]
Stylish trailer for Yin Yang Tattoo
Here’s a stylish artwork on this promotional Video for Ron McMillan’s Yin Yang Tattoo. Via ROK Drop. http://bit.ly/cghkDx # LKL’s review of the book can be found here. [Read More]
Korean Homesick Blues: the finest indie sounds from Korea
Bored with K-pop? Want to find something a bit more adventurous? Of course, you’ll already be an avid reader of Anna Lindgren’s excellent Indieful RoK. And now, if you want to listen to some of the most interesting alternative, indie and underground music around, you’ll be tuning in to Korean Homesick Blues, a regular podcast … [Read More]
The Tiger in Asian Art
2010 is the year of the tiger and the current population of wild tigers is about 3200. By the next year of the tiger in twelve years’ time will there be any tigers left? It is not too late to save this species. This year has been marked by the world’s most ambitious effort in … [Read More]
November events 2010
It’s a busy month this month… Film Of course, it’s the London Korean Film Festival, which also makes its way to Cambridge, Belfast and Cardiff. Kim Ji-woon, Jang Jin, Im Sang-soo and other directors will be present in a budget-busting event across the Odeon West End, Apollo and ICA. Kim Ji-woon’s debut feature A Quiet … [Read More]
Eric Lafforgue’s Pyongyang photos
Pyongyang photos by Eric Lafforgue, including the image chosen for the cover of Barbara Demick's "Nothing to Envy". Example above. Well worth a browse. http://bit.ly/b7GBjL # [Read More]
Bad Samaritans Banned from Bases
Korea's constitutional court confirms that Ha-joon Chang's "Bad Samaritans" is too dangerous to be read by the military http://bit.ly/aLpxtz # The 2nd Article of the 16th Clause of the military discipline rule stipulates that soldiers may not produce, copy, keep, transport or acquire subversive documents, books or any other means of expression, and to report … [Read More]