Hungry Brits frequenting central London restaurants for their periodic fix of bulgogi and kimchi will probably have noticed, on their way out, a pile or two of the local Korean-language newspapers. The two main newspapers, as far as I am aware, are the Korean Weekly and the Hanin Herald, though sometimes the UK Life, Eurojournal … [Read More]
Category: Living abroad (page 14)
Welcome, Korean Artists
For a number of years, Korean artists in the UK have gathered together more or less formally in an Association to speak for their collective needs and promote their collective talents. They have, for example, lobbied over the years for the establishment of the Korean Cultural Centre. The most recent event to have showcased some … [Read More]
Toy Stories at the Korea Society
Having looked in on the New York Korean Cultural Center last time I paid a visit to visit my co-workers at Head Office, I though that this time I’d use my lunch break to visit the competition: the Korea Society. I’ve always been a little bit puzzled as to why there should be two competing … [Read More]
Where to buy books about Korea in Manhattan
In my expensive quest for more acquisitions for my collection of Korea-related books I am always on the look-out for stores with decent stock. I have in the past been constantly disappointed by the bookshops in Manhattan. The main Korean bookshop in 32nd Street, Koryo Books, caters to Korean speakers rather than English speakers. The … [Read More]
Korean Links in Manchester
Beccy Kennedy, PhD candidate in contemporary Asian art at MIRIAD, and LKL’s visual arts correspondent, writes to remind us that London is not the only place in the UK to get your fix of Korean culture. If you don’t already live here and have ever felt like paying a visit to Britain’s birthplace of the … [Read More]
Long-awaited London Korean Cultural Centre nearly ready
When I walked past the new Korean Cultural Centre the day before yesterday the windows were still covered up, and, through the gaps in the covers, you could see the builders inside racing to finish before the grand opening day. The Centre officially opens at the end of the month, at a ceremony to be … [Read More]
Koreans and Handball
A message recently received from a visitor to this site. Do Koreans in London play Handball or want to play? Thames Handball in Kingston upon Thames need players of all standards- men and women or children. see website http://www.thameshandball.com Also NEW The South Korean movie, “The Best Moment of Our Lives,” will be released in … [Read More]
Korean football in crisis?
Aashish Gadhvi has some issues to get off his chest about the state of Korean football. Its time to face facts, people. The golden generation is finished. The players are all overpaid, high-ego celebrities with more money than talent. The fans don’t get behind the team and no manager in their right mind would take … [Read More]
History of scapegoating English teachers
English language teachers are never out of the press for long. Most recently there’s the Canadian paedophile who was teaching in Korea, and then a fairly familiar story about teachers being busted for smoking cannabis. The thing that struck me most about the cannabis story is the price. I knew that English teaching in Korea … [Read More]
2007 New Malden Arts Festival
I’ve just been sent brief details of the New Malden Arts festival which takes place over the next couple of weeks. Korean interest is in the form of mime artist Ko Jae-kyung (right). Also, Francesca Cho will have some works on display. 12 NOV – 17 NOV 2007 Art Exhibitions Venues: Tudor Williams, Café 32, … [Read More]
Suzannah Clarke’s musical diplomacy
A while ago I posted about Jason Carter’s trip to Pyongyang to participate in the annual Friendship Festival. While in Pyongyang, Carter met up with Middlesborough opera diva Suzannah Clarke, who has been performing at the Friendship Festival every year since 2003. Clarke’s North Korean connection is through football. She’s had a long association with … [Read More]
Jackie Choi London at 100% Design and Somerset House
Jackie Choi London, the Korean designers whose “Eye” chair was featured on Graham Norton’s show, are showing new designs at 100% Design 2007 (Earls Court, 20-24 September). The sideboard above was inspired by Lucio Fontana and his “Slash” series of works, (example right). The Choi sisters will also be launching a pewter candelabra (left) in … [Read More]
Jung at Heart – a review of the Korean exhibition Eo Ulim
Beccy Kennedy reviews an exhibition of Korean artists in Finchley, North London, September 2007, and interviews two of the artists. Work by Jung-mi Bae, Chul-won Kwak and Sang-yoon Yoon. [Read More]
DPRK travellers’ tales
Two travel accounts have recently been highlighted in the BAKS list. First, a long account by guitarist Jason Carter of his 10-day trip to Pyongyang earlier this year to perform in a spring music festival. Like many DPRK travel accounts, we find the author having moments of frustration with the minders as well as appreciating … [Read More]
British designer boosted by degree faker
Alexander McQueen’s tops have been flying off the shelves of a trendy Apgujeong department store (at $200 a time) ever since Shin Jeong-ah was papped in JFK wearing this: McQ can be bought at HANDSOME-SPACE MUE, 93-6 Chungdam-dong, Kangnam, if you’re quick. Source: Chosun Ilbo Links: Alexander McQueen website [Read More]
The $54 million pair of pants
He’s been christened “Pants man”, he’s had vilification heaped on him, and may even lose his job, but still he battles on. He’s Washington judge Roy Pearson who’s been suing Custom Cleaners, owned by Korean immigrants Ki, Jin and Soo Chung, for rather a large sum of money for allegedly losing his trousers. He clearly … [Read More]