As is customary at this time of year, I’ve been looking at the readership statistics. And, in general, the results are remarkably similar to last year. Yes, it’s the same old celebrities which generate the traffic. For those who know what they’re looking for it’s Super Junior which is the sure winner, while for those … [Read More]
Category: 2008 year-end posts
Credit crunch latest: LKL reports record deficit
LKL this week joined the ever-growing list of prestigious organisations reporting record losses. In an announcement made on Friday, LKL’s CEO confirmed the disappointing results. “We had record advertising revenues, but unfortunately investment in infrastructure more than outweighed this success. We could save on technology, but only at the expense of performance and innovation. We … [Read More]
LKL 2008 Quiz of the year – the answers
The answers to the teasers posed just before the New Year. 1 Stressful times What does the current credit crunch and the most recent DPRK nuclear test have in common? a) the media blame them on an incompetent government who should have seen it coming and somehow prevented it b) they would both cause a … [Read More]
The London Korean Links Awards 2008
Here are the winners and losers of the third annual LKL Awards. Again, a personal and unscientific selection. Cultural event of the year (UK) There was a lot of competition for this particular award this year, but the winner is the Dano Festival in Trafalgar Square. The performance of Noridan was almost enough on its … [Read More]
LKL Quiz of the Year 2008
LKL’s second quiz of the year 1 Stressful times What does the current credit crunch and the most recent DPRK nuclear test have in common? a) the media blame them on an incompetent government who should have seen it coming and somehow prevented it b) they would both cause a baby boom in South Korea, … [Read More]
Saharial gets it spot-on
Congratulations to LKL’s K-pop pundit Saharial for correctly gauging the mood of a nation. Back in early December nominated Shinhwa’s JunJin as Artiste of the Year. “JunJin’s popularity soared with the launch of his solo album in May,” said Saharial. “Continued exposure on variety shows as participant and presenter along with promoting the song ‘Wa’ … [Read More]
The London Korean year 2008 – events of the year
It’s been a busy year, a year of change. A new cultural centre, a re-launched Artists’ Association, new ambassadors in both London and Seoul. Jane Portal left the British Museum for the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, while Michael Shin became the first full-time Korean Studies lecturer at Cambridge. Down in New Malden, things … [Read More]
2008 Thanks. And, meet the LKL contributors
Another fun year of blogging, and so it’s time to thank all those who have made things possible. In no particular order: The regular and one-off contributors who provide coverage, insight and expertise that are beyond me, and make LKL much more than what it would otherwise be. The regular contributors now have their own … [Read More]
What the KCC is for
About 18 months ago, there was a meeting of local supporters of Korean culture, held at the Korean Embassy as part of an initiative by the embassy for getting feedback on its marketing efforts. One of the topics of conversation was whether there was be a business plan or a mission statement for the soon-to-be-opened … [Read More]
Happy holidays
LKL will be taking a break for a couple of days. In the meantime, here are some seasonal pics. First, from last weekend’s FT front page: postmen in Seoul on a charity mission: Next, K-pop band Jewelry: And because I haven’t posted many pictures of Lee Hyori this year, here she is in a festive … [Read More]
LKL Critics’ Choice 2008: Philip
The last of a series in which regular and guest LKL contributors nominate their CD releases of the year. As Mark Russell notes in his 2008 roundup, we had some good reissues this year. This is great news, as it shows that the Korean music industry is showing some maturity. Why after all should fans … [Read More]
LKL Critics’ Choice 2008: Mark Russell
Mark Russell from Korea Pop Wars and Korea Gig Guide presents his pick of 2008’s CDs I think it is safe to say that 2008 was one of the best years for new music in Korea in quite some time. Maybe not for K-pop, which continues to take a beating (certainly financially, and I would … [Read More]
Books for your Christmas shopping list
For those pondering what to buy your loved ones for Christmas, here’s a few suggestions from the many books published this year: Meeting Mister Kim. If you haven’t already bought lots of copies of this entertaining book by Jennifer Barclay, shame on you. Awarded 5 stars by LKL, and, to show we’re not biased in … [Read More]
LKL Critics’ Choice 2008: Anna Lindgren
Anna Lindgren from Indieful ROK provides her list of the top albums of 2008 For last year’s critics’ choice Bluedawn’s goodbye album was one of my picks. Though it still saddens me that Bluedawn is no more, the two members are doing well enough on their own to make the departure less painful. Let’s start … [Read More]
A nomination for Artiste of the Year 2008
By Saharial I am sure, in fact I am positive, that my nomination this year will be met with accusations of bias and favouritism, but I am willing to weather that because I stand by my convictions. It also helps that KBS has also stated he has had a ‘personal renaissance’. My nomination this year … [Read More]
LKL Critics’ Choice 2008: Saharial
Saharial presents her choices of 2008’s finest albums What a difference a year makes… When I look back on my choice of 5 from last year, I can smile happily and know that wishes do come true when I listen to the third album ‘Live and Let Live’ from Shin Hyesung. Released at the end … [Read More]