London Korean Links

Covering things Korean in London and beyond since 2006

Korean Art PhD: ‘Picturing Migration: Presenting Art Works By Artists From South Korea Working In Britain, 2006-2008’

LKL contributor Dr Beccy Kennedy gives a flavour of what she has been working on for the past couple of years. ‘…memory organizes representations of the past into a structured sequence that produces a consciousness of an identity through time.’ (1) The visual and spoken cultural and social perspectives of South Korean artists living and … [Read More]

Breen under pressure from Samsung

Which is more likely to make me stop buying Samsung products: an irreverent article by a British writer, or Samsung's heavy-handed response? http://bit.ly/cWnWfy # Update 13 May 2010: Samsung backs off from the civil suit, but Mike Breen still faces criminal charges [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]

Korean fashion students get recognition in London

Korean fashion students at London colleges have been getting recognition: Jackie Lee of Central St Martins was one of the winners of the Harrods Design Award, while Rok Hwang won the L’Oréal Professional award for his “literally star-studded collection of maxi tube dresses in brown and blue.” At London College of Fashion, Lee Young-li’s MA … [Read More]

HSBC boss cooks doenjang jjigae

HSBC Korea boss Matthew Deakin makes a mean doenjang jjigae, says the JoongAng Daily http://bit.ly/boNfCn # “I play golf most weekends, and before tee off, I usually prefer having a Korean breakfast – rice with soup. It is very filling,” he said. “And among the various types of soup here, doenjang jjigae is my favorite. … [Read More]

Pojagi wrapping cloths take off in America

Pojagi wrapping cloths get a new lease of life in America with the Bobo Wrapping Scarf, created by Korean-American Patricia Lee. # Described as “eco-luxe reusable wraps,” the bobos are now available in luxurious Asian-inspired brocades, trendy animal prints, quirky stripes and floral patterns. Source: Korea Times [Read More]

Kyung-wha Chung’s 40 years in the record industry

It doesn’t seem possible: Kyung-wha Chung has had 40 years in the recording industry. One of her best was the Walton Violin Concerto. After jointly winning a major competition with Pinkas Zukerman, her early concert success was in London, so it’s appropriate that she’s marking the anniversary with a concert with London’s Philharmonia Orchestra. Source: … [Read More]

Suicides soar among NY Koreans

Suicides soar among New York Koreans – more depressing stories for 2009: Money troubles have been the leading force behind the sharp rise, say Korean civic leaders and officials, who are alarmed by the trend. Failure to get into top colleges, perform well at school or climb the economic ladder can cause deep shame and … [Read More]