London Korean Links

Covering things Korean in London and beyond since 2006

Concert notes: Choi Jin at SOAS

Concerts at SOAS always seem to have a good turn-out. Monday (19 November) was no exception when Choi Jin and colleagues presented a programme of modern compositions and arrangements of music for traditional Korean instruments. Keith Howard provided some informative introductions to the music to be performed, which provided useful context as well as some … [Read More]

Hanbok by Lee Rhee-Za

Hanbok by Lee Rhee-Za: an exhibition in the seminar rooms of the Royal College of Art, Kensington Gore SW7 2EU. Review by Peter Corbishley In fact this is three, or perhaps, at least at the opening event, three and a half, exhibitions rolled into one. The first was a display of copies of garments typically … [Read More]

A Biennale footnote

As an appendix to my other two posts on Korean involvement in the 2007 Venice Biennale it is worth noting two other London Korean links. Firstly, in an interesting Anglo-Korean-US partnership, London gallery Haunch of Venison and Seoul’s Kukje Gallery (plus New York’s James Cohan Gallery) united to bring video artist Bill Viola’s work Ocean … [Read More]

Conference news: Social and Cultural Change in late pre-modern Korea

A one-day conference at the British Academy organised in collaboration with the British Association for Korean Studies Convenors: Professor Peter Kornicki, FBA – Professor of East Asian Studies, University of Cambridge Professor James H. Grayson – Professor of Modern Korean Studies, University of Sheffield Friday 7 December 2007 9.30am – 5.00pm The British Academy, 10 … [Read More]

Anglo-Korean Bridge At The House Of Commons

By Jennifer Barclay ‘You getting wet, love?’ asked the policeman outside the Houses of Parliament, where it was drizzling on the evening of 25 October. I was early and getting a little damp, but sure my ticket bearer would show up soon. Instead, the policeman ushered me inside, giving me an opportunity to gaze on … [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]

Amnesty International spotlights Comfort Women issue

Just received Comfort Women: Still waiting for justice after 62 Years 13 November 2007 at 7pm Amnesty International UK | Human Rights Action Centre | 17-25 New Inn Yard | London EC2A 3EA Entry Free but booking essential at www.amnesty.org.uk/events Please note doors will close at 7pm and no latecomers will be admitted Gil Won … [Read More]

The Minimalist Fringe: Lee Ufan’s Biennale collateral show

Lee Ufan: Resonance Palazzo Palumbo Fossati Collateral Event in the 52nd Venice Biennale, 10 June – 21 November 2007 The Venice Biennale “Collateral Events” programme (Fringe, to you and me) is crammed with free exhibitions funded by generous sponsors. For example, while Tracy Emin flew the flag for Britain in the official British pavilion, there … [Read More]

Pseudo-scientist inventing reality: a visit to Lee Hyung-koo’s work at the Venice Biennale 2007

Lee Hyungkoo: The Homo Species Korean Pavillion, 52nd Venice Biennale, 10 June – 21 November 2007 In a Biennale dominated by the theme of war, AIDS, destruction and desolation, it was comforting to find some of the country pavillions conforming to national stereotypes. The French pavillion dissected a love letter written by a rather callous … [Read More]

Event news: Kayagum and dance at SOAS

As part of the SOAS autumn concert series there’s a kayagum recital, with traditional and contemporary dance, on 19 November at 7pm. Choi Jin (최진) : Evocative Korean Kayagum and Dance Choi Jin is one of the most brilliant kayagum players in the Korean music world. As a well-known performer, she has given many concerts … [Read More]

Hanbok day at the V&A – reader reviews and photos

Because of vacation and some railway engineering work LKL’s usual correspondents were unable to cover yesterday’s V&A Korean culture day. This post is therefore an open invitation to anyone who did manage to go along to please leave your comments or observations below. The Korean Cultural Centre UK, who supported the event, took some photos, … [Read More]