In the all-too-distant days of my youth, I had a budget SLR camera with a couple of lenses and a collection of filters, and I like to think that I took a few good snaps with it. Life moves on, and priorities change, and after a while I found that instead of taking the SLR … [Read More]
LKL articles by Philip Gowman (page 160)
Koreans are not the only nationality to have been adopted en masse
A touching profile of a Vietnamese UK adoptee (adopted during the Vietnam War) returning to her native country: BBC. http://bit.ly/bZrFzl #. 99 Vietnamese babies were brought to the UK in 1975 in a plane chartered by the Daily Mail. [Read More]
Lee Soo-kyung models Andre Kim in Beijing
Some rather nice Andre Kim designs on the Beijing catwalk. More approachable than some of his other work. Modelled by Actress Lee Soo-kyung. http://bit.ly/dy8U2w and http://bit.ly/b5rjgF # [Read More]
April events 2010
Here are the events for the month I know about at the time of writing. For event updates always check the LKL Events Calendar or for adhoc updates follow LKL on Twitter (@lklinks). Any big events I’ve missed will also be emailed to members of the London Korean Links Facebook Group which is open to … [Read More]
Changdeokgung room for hire
Perk up your boring business meetings: hold them in a royal palace. The Seonghyangjae, a room in the Changdeokgung, is available for hire. (Joongang) http://bit.ly/934Fhx # [Read More]
Rumours on the Cheonan
Did DPRK underwater suicide bomber sink South Korean naval vessel? The Chosun Ilbo reports on claims made by North Korean defectors (not always a reliable source). http://bit.ly/dslhxz # The suicide attack squads are known as the “invincibles” in the Air Force, “bombs” in the Army and “human torpedoes” in the Navy [Read More]
Folding Plug wins Design of the Year 2010
Brit Insurance Designs of the Year 2010: the amazing Korean folding plug designed by Choi Min-kyu is in the news again: http://bit.ly/ZoPy1u # Links: View all posts relating to Choi Min-kyu’s Folding Plug at the Design of the Year blog [Read More]
London SME’s to join trade visit to Korea
In his recent report from the launch of the EU FTA-related UKTI document: “South Korea Open for Business,” Peter Corbishley mentioned an outward mission to the Korean legal sector in April, in association with the legal and professional services section of the Law Society. The Law Society supported visit has now been extended to include … [Read More]
Heritage, Human Rights, & Hanoks
MUST READ: David Kilburn's scathing critique of Seoul's conservation record, in a talk given at the National Human Rights Committee Study Centre: Heritage, Human Rights, & Hanoks http://bit.ly/9Eff2D #. Here’s a sample: Since 1976, the Seoul Government has claimed it has policies to preserve the hanoks of Bukchon. Yet the simple fact is that the … [Read More]
New term of language classes at the KCC
Details of the new season of language classes at the KCC. SEJONG INSTITUTE (세종학당) APPLICATION PERIODS: 29th ~ 31st March 2010 ** New application procedure ** Due to the ever increasing popularity of our language classes we have redrafted our application procedure for the Beginners 1 class to make it as fair as possible for … [Read More]
Yun Isang memorial hall opens in Tongyeong
Memorial park opens to honour one of Korea's most famous composers, Yun Isang, in his home town, at a cost of 8 billion won – JoongAng Daily http://bit.ly/9B2doC # “It feels like father’s spirit has returned here,” said his daughter Yun Yun-jeong at the opening ceremony, while shedding tears, according to the JoongAng Daily. [Read More]
Pucca products bring in the cash
Something to get animated about – Pucca, the funky Korean cartoon character, continues to bring in the cash: JoongAng Daily http://bit.ly/dtvYHr #. Products bearing her likeness racked up more than 500 billion won ($441 million) in retail sales from 120 countries worldwide and 15 billion won in royalty fees in 2009 alone. The products range … [Read More]
The many sides of Younee
Younee is back in the UK for a punishing schedule of live gigs, radio interviews and broadcasts. LKL is her first interview, two days after landing at Heathrow. We meet, together with her manager, Anthony Steinberg, at the now familiar rooftop bar at the St George’s Hotel, next to All Soul’s Langham Place. Last time … [Read More]
British celeb hosts Mr World finals in Korea
Strictly Come Dancing star Alesha Dixon is to present the Mr World finals in Korea. "I think it is important that whoever wins the show can show that they are a caring person and are willing to use their success to help others less fortunate than themselves." http://bit.ly/9my5uj # [Read More]
Thomas the Tank Engine musical tours Korea
Thomas the Tank Engine returns to Korea for a stage musical. Thomas & Friends Live! On Stage: A Circus Comes to Town debuted in Korea in 2007, and this year will tour seven Korean cities: Seoul, Suwon, Gwangju, Jeonju, Seongnam, Daegu and Goyang. Source: Korea Times # [Read More]
Brief book review: Dictée – Theresa Hak Kyung Cha
Theresa Hak Kyung Cha: Dictée University of California Press, 2001. Originally published 1982. Not all books are easy to read, and it would be a dull world in which all books were. The assessment of whether to continue struggling through a difficult book is tricky: maybe it will all come together in the end – … [Read More]