London Korean Links

Covering things Korean in London and beyond since 2006

Event news: Jasmine Choi at the Wigmore

Notice of an upcoming recital at the Wigmore, including a rare opportunity to hear a work by Korean composer Yun Isang, and an exclusive deal for lucky LKL readers. Jasmine Choi – flute Ashley Wass – piano Debussy – Syrinx Reinecke – Sonata for flute and piano Op. 167 ‘Undine’ Yun – Garak Bartók – … [Read More]

Cooking with Kie-jo, part 3

Kie-jo Sarsfield continues her series of cookery lessons in April. Here’s the menu: 4th April Haemul Pajeon. (해물파전: Seafood and Spring onion Pancake) Ojingeojeot (오징어젓: Pickled Squid) Haemulggim (Seafood Stew) 18th April Sangsun Gui (Grilled fish) Sangsun Jeon (Pan-fried Fish Fillet) Bibimbab (Rice mixed with Vegetables and Beef) Korean Miso Soup with Tofu Classes generally … [Read More]

Two seminars at SOAS

This week SOAS Centre of Korean Studies offers a double-helping of seminars: Thursday March 19th, 5pm, **ROOM 459** Prof. Nam-lin Hur (The University of British Columbia): “Military Duty in Late Sixteenth-Century Chosŏn Korea: A System for Everything but Defense?” Friday March 20th, 5pm, ROOM G52 Dr. Howard Reid (West Park Pictures Ltd): “The History of … [Read More]

Escaping North Korea book launch

At the book launch of Escaping North Korea last week, author Mike Kim explained that he wanted the book to be “inspirational”. Having seen the huge obstacles faced by North Korean escapees, he found hope in each of their stories: “If the North Koreans can overcome their mountains, I can overcome my hill”, is the … [Read More]

Waiting with Dae-hun Kwon

On visiting Rachmaninoffs gallery in Hackney, the main exhibits are initially familiar to those who know of Dae Hun Kwon’s (권대훈) work from his installations at I-MYU, the Bargehouse and elsewhere: white images of bare trees in a forest created by the shadows cast by tiny tabs illuminated by a slowly changing pattern of halogen … [Read More]

Korean history lecture at Senate House

Somewhat late notice of a lecture on a very particular aspect of early 20th century Korean history, at the Senate House on Thursday 12 March. Free. Institute of Historical Research, Comparative Histories of Asia Seminar: “The Print Industry in Early Modern Seoul and Pyongyang” Dr Michael D. Shin (Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, … [Read More]

Seven Days screens at the KCC

Everyone’s favourite castaway Kim Yun-jin (above) stars in Seven Days directed by Won Shin-yeon, next week’s screening at the KCC (12 March) Jiyeon (Kim Yun-jin) is a hard working, hot shot lawyer and single mother of a seven-year-old girl. During a school sports day, her daughter disappears. Jiyeon receives an anonymous phone call: the caller … [Read More]

March events 2009

Here are the events in March that I know of. Join the LKL Facebook group, for any updates. Theatre In-sook Chappell’s debut play “This isn’t Romance” continues until 7 March. If you live in the London area you really should go to see this. Music A rare opportunity to hear a live performance of a … [Read More]

Mudang and minhwa

When we think of pre-modern Korean aesthetics, we think of the restrained tones of Koryo celadon, of the austere white of Choson porcelain, the subdued tones of Chong Son’s landscape paintings. But, as Charlotte Horlyck reminded us in her introduction to the informative day of decorative arts and folk customs at SOAS, that is only … [Read More]

Bae Jungmi at Lapkoff Fine Art

A press release just received about an exhibition now on: Lapkoff Fine Art announces the opening of its new art exhibition, Jungmi Bae: Recent Works. The exhibition will take place from February 20th to March 1st at 17 Seymour Place in Marylebone and is open each day from noon until 6pm. The oil paintings on … [Read More]

Love and loathing: This isn’t Romance

It was a good time to launch a play called “This isn’t Romance”. Helium-filled red valentine’s day hearts floated from the balcony of the Soho Theatre, encouraging the passing trade. But people turning up on the Friday night (its second night) expecting to buy tickets were disappointed. It was a sell-out performance, and deserved to … [Read More]

The BKVA annual report 2008

With the kind permission of Colonel GM Gadd OBE, National Chairman of the British Korean Veterans Association, we reproduce here the annual report of the BKVA’s activities, as presented to the annual general meeting of the Anglo-Korean Society last week. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT TO THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE ANGLO-KOREAN SOCIETY HELD AT THE KOREAN … [Read More]