London Korean Links

Covering things Korean in London and beyond since 2006

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Selected publications

  • Booklist: Human Rights and Social Justice (12 titles)
    • [Preston] DPRK exhibition: The echo never stops

      While the world enjoys the cultural explosion of K-pop, K-dramas, and the vibrant expression of Korean creativity, North Korea remains a stark contrast—a country left behind with the cloaked society. In North Korea, words can lead to imprisonment, and access to information is a dangerous privilege. Given this, the International Institute of Korean Studies at … [Read More]

      Remembering ‘Comfort Women’: Politics of memory and international perspectives

      Co-hosted by SOAS and the Northeast Asian History Foundation, this conference brings together prominent scholars on the “comfort women” issue and broader topics of wartime sexual violence, along with expert discussants from a variety of relevant fields. In an era where historical revisionism and political tensions increasingly shape narratives of the past, this event provides … [Read More]

      SOAS seminar: Recording memories of human rights violations in North Korea

      The human rights situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea or DPRK) is exceptionally challenging to address externally, as the population remains isolated from the international community and lacks an independent civil society to advocate for people’s rights. Despite these difficulties, the situation has been captured and documented primarily through the ‘voices’ … [Read More]

      North Korea: Human rights, security and beyond

      Please join the Cambridge Centre for Geopolitics for a panel discussion involving representatives of the Republic of Korea’s Institute for National Unification (KINU), and leading UK Korea specialists. The discussion will consider the human rights’ situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the wider issue of how international law might be used … [Read More]

      Anti-Feminist backlash: Gender and generational conflict in South Korea

      Scholarship on Korean elections and voting behavior has emphasised the shift from traditional cleavages such as ideology and region to newer ones, including generation, class, and gender. One of the most common keywords used during South Korea’s 2022 presidential election was Idaenam (male in twenties), hinting at the social group more likely to prove determinant … [Read More]

      From Shadows to Light: An Afternoon of Talks on North Korean Human Rights

      Join the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council UK Chapter for an afternoon of personal stories and professional insight on the hidden situation in North Korea. Followed by Q&A and reception 14:00 – 14:10 Event Opening 14:10 – 14:30 Opening Talk: Chulsoo Kim Chulsoo Kim, a North Korean escapee who arrived in the UK as a teenager … [Read More]

      Voices of Freedom: Performances, Escapee Talks, Documentary & Director Q&A

      You’re Invited to “Voices of Freedom”: An Evening of Reflection, Tribute, and Unity Join us for a profound journey through the stories of North Korean defectors and the forgotten POWs of the Korean War, hosted by the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council. This unique event weaves together inspiring lectures, a compelling documentary screening, and heartfelt performances … [Read More]

      Healing Hearts: The stories and voices of North Korean refugees

      Three North Korean refugees will share their experiences in North and South Korea through different voices. Co-founder of Freedom Speakers International will share his experiences meeting with more than 500 North Koreans refugees and why North Korean refugees speak out. After the forum, attendees will also be invited to watch “You Don’t Know,” a documentary … [Read More]

      North Korean human rights abuses and security concerns: A parallel challenge

      The Centre for Geopolitics and Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Cambridge are co-hosting a special talk by Ambassador Shin-wha Lee (ROK Ambassador for International Cooperation on North Korean Human Rights). Talk Summary: The nuclear program and human rights abuses in North Korea are interconnected, yet often treated separately. However, … [Read More]

      Review: Cho Nam-joo – Saha

      After the domestic success of Kim Ji-young (2016; English translation by Jamie Chang published in 2020), and of its encouraging sales overseas, it was natural that Cho Nam-joo’s next novel would attract interest. Accordingly, Saha had a slightly shorter journey from Korean into English: after an original publication date in 2019 its English translation came … [Read More]

      Free Chol Soo Lee: theatrical release

      In 1970s San Francisco, 20-year-old Korean immigrant Chol Soo Lee is racially profiled and convicted of a Chinatown gang murder. After spending years fighting to survive, investigative journalist K.W. Lee takes a special interest in his case, igniting an unprecedented social justice movement. Nearly five decades later, Free Chol Soo Lee excavates this largely unknown yet essential … [Read More]