How To Host A Hallyu Fan Meeting

The following thoughts come to mind after viewing this youtube footage of  a recent signing event arranged by Laneige Homme for Hyun Bin's fans. The session with the Secret Garden star lasted over two hours at Lotte Department store in Myeongdong on the 22nd of January.

1. Timing is Everything

Organisers of signing events don't need to be too successful in getting the word out that a Hallyu star is making an appearance at such a place on such a date. If the publicity details are released too early, you may get a far larger crowd that could easily become an over-excited mob that could be hard to control. Too late and you're wasting your A and P budget.

And the line went round and round - pics from Soompi

So while it seems as if winter is a lousy time for a signing event, it helps to sift out the less dedicated from the die-hard fans who are willing to queue in the freezing cold outside for hours.



How long did these Hyun-Bin diehards suffer near zero temperatures before they could shake their idol's hand?

2. Control The Information Leaks
Not necessary to spend a lot of won or resort to WikiLeaks publicising the event in conventional media - just pass on details of time and place to a well-chosen fan club or well-followed blogger and let nature take its course. If you've picked the right celebrity to be your brand ambassador, then half your job's done.




3. Ask for the Co-operation of the Traffic Police

You want to please your potential customers but at the same time, you don't want to incur the wrath of the drivers, passers-by or shoppers who have no interest in meeting your star and don't want to be inconvenienced by walkways or roads blocked by long lines of fans queuing to meet their idol or get his or her autograph.  Check out the youtube footage between  0:50 and 0:57 the bemused customer trying to get a makeover from a sales assistant at a makeup counter while surrounded by hordes of screaming teens.

4. Hire, Train and Equip Extra Bodyguards

Better to employ many bodyguards with endless patience to control the masses of screaming teenagers. Recruit tall staff members who can tower over the long lines of fans standing earnestly on tiptoe. They would need to have firm handclasps so their natural barricades would not be broken by a wall of teens who surge forward excitedly to touch their favourite Hallyu actor or singer. It's also a prudent move to train them to deal firmly but gently with female supporters who could sue your staff for manhanding or molesting them. Megaphones, queue markers and ear-plugs should form part of the regular arsenal to be handed out to your staff.

5.Monitor the Message Boards

After the event is over, it's worth checking out what the participants have to say about how well or how badly you organised the whole thing - are they satisfied customers who will fork out more won to buy the products endorsed by your chosen star or has your brand image taken a battering with more people disappointed by late and all-too-brief appearances or people who got their toes stepped on far too often or fans who decided the amount of money you got them to pay to purchase an autographed poster wasn't worth all the blood, sweat and tears?

See also
The Meeting with Lee Min-ho That Wasn't


sources:
http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2011/01/28/2011012800768.html

http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2011/01/21/2011012101080.html
http://www.laneige.com/brand/model_story2.jsp
http://en.amorepacific.com/about/about_brand_news_list.jsp#88
http://en.amorepacific.com/about/about_brand_news_list.jsp#88
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/entertainment/enter_chart_detail.htm?No=13974
http://www.soompi.com/news/hyun-bin-holds-an-autograph-session/page/1
http://www.allkpop.com/2009/10/lee_minhos_hectic_day_in_singapore

Sorry, Sorry to the Thai Tourist Police

Sorry, sorry to you, oh so sporting officers of the Tourist Police 4th Sub-Division from Chiang,Mai in Thailand, but I was disappointed by your dancing. After reading the AP news snippet that you have become the hottest thing in Thailand since the street feuds between the Red Shirts and government forces in Bangkok, I really expected you guys to let rip and show us some moves that would rival SuJu's.



Your performance, which was originally for a local talent show at Rayong on  5th of August 2010 and then reproduced for a home-made video, may have enjoyed an enviable 280,000 ( and still mounting) hits since it appeared on YouTube but I wouldn't agree that your  moves "set the dance floor on fire".

Don't get me wrong - I'm not a fan of SuJu nor am I comparing you with the professionals and I understand that you were doing a spoof of the Super Junior hit after being inspired by their popularity in Thailand when they performed there. I just wished you hammed it up more and really gave it more energy. But then, I have to bear in mind that you had only a few hours of practice before the actual recording.

Hang on... that would mean for the most part, you HAVE been doing your job. If your dancing and co-ordination weren't as sharp and spot on as those pretty boys from Korea, that means you didn't spend hours as they would have done in front of the mirror in the rehearsal room.

So while I don't think that you were hot or cute or even convinced that "everyone was really into it" as one of you claimed, I've got to give it to you that at least you were great sports and helped to create some positive international publicity for Thailand. My apologies for my earlier and unfair implication that you looked stiff and amateurish. How's that for sweet and sour grapes?

For two versions by the original group, click here.

sources:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGAseOSIp3c
http://asiancorrespondent.com/breakingnews/dancing-thai-police-star-in-new-you.htm
http://superjunior.smtown.com/

Where Is K Now?

What ever happened to K otherwise known as Kang Yoon-sung? He's a Korean singer crossed over to Japan when his debut albums failed to attract attention in Korea . The Japs like him though and he's made a few hits, more notably Only Human (1 Litre of Tears OST). Perhaps others like BoA and DBSK have enjoyed as much popularity in the domestic as well as the Japanese markets but for some reason which I don't understand, K hasn't really had the same kind of success, which is a bit of a pity. His appearance has been compared to Taiwan's Jay Chou but I'd argue K doesn't convey the same chin-stuck-out arrogant air of Mr Chou.



Here is K's version of Rain's Running Away from the Sun. For a skinny chap, he seems to have a pretty sturdy pair of lungs. Check out how he holds the note in the video.




sources:
http://search.hankooki.com/times/times_view.php?term=k+japan++&path=hankooki3/times/lpage/culture/200601/kt2006012218500311690.htm&media=kt
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K_(singer)

Remembering Park Chan Wook's JSA on the 60th Anniversary of the Korean War

Park Chan Wook's 2000 movie, Joint Security Area, was the first film I saw,  that drove home the tragedy of a divided country. The video clip here features the last scene of the movie and its significance will be lost on those who haven't seen the film. But the combination of the camera work, and the director's great choice of music for the soundtrack ( a Russian folk melody, named "The Rush Light" or "Those Who Are Forgotten" was used for this scene) create a memorable movie moment.

A few years later,  I was able to visit one of the spots near the DMZ on a group tour. The image of  a barbed wire fence with hand-written messages tied to it remains a poignant memory.  I'm assuming the messages expressed wishes to meet long-parted relatives or the desire for reunification. The possibility of a united Korea seems even more remote these days and I'm indulging in a little despondency and wistfulness by replaying my favourite moments from Park's film.

sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_War
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joint_Security_Area_(film)
http://www.koreanfilm.org/kfilm00.html#jsa

German Hip-hoppers Pay Tribute To Kim Kwang Seok

Stumbled upon "Die Orsons", a German hip-hop group on youtube. In this globalised age, it shouldn't surprise me that a group of European youths would dedicate an MV to a Korean, an ocean and a generation apart but I am still filled with wonder. Sorry to "Die Orsons", but the music doesn't do much for me but the earnestness of the lyrics and the 2010 MTV directed by Stephen Richter and shot in Vienna are something else. ( please watch the whole video ).

Some Koreans may grind their teeth over the reference to the dog in the lyrics but I think they'd be missing the bigger picture. ( BTW, sorry if so many of my postings of late seem to be about suicides in Korea but it wasn't intentional. It's just that so many stories seem to be cropping up this summer.)



Thanks to chimperator for uploading the video and posting the English translation of the lyrics:

In a country
where your vita is even more important than here
and you obey your boss almost like a dog
which they eat in restaurants there

There was a singer, pretty young
who did not like to sing on the radio or on TV
but in front of the audience
Like we do right now - hello

Let's get back to the story - he sang the saddest songs in the world
when he came back from his 1000th concert
everything was silent - 'cause he killed himself.

He "Curt Cobained" himself in 1996
Enter his name on youtube and cry

We spell him for you:

K - I -M - K - W - A - N - G - S - E - O - K

You've been the Bob Dylan of Korea
you've been Korea's Kurt Kobain
Your voice sounds like eternity
like Tears - please wait


After his 1000th concert
he locked up his room
He was only 32 years old
He sang about our happiness, sadness and our holiness
But nobody understood
because he sang Korean
and there was no youtube before 1996

He sang about the little people, like us
And we listen carefully right now
How is your name spelled, Kim?

K - I -M - K - W - A - N - G - S - E - O - K

For an earlier posting on the late, great Kim Kwang-seok, please click here.




Source
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRxDuRLC8d4:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSJ-IfrgNDA&feature=related

It Happened In Jeju

Am ajumma enough to remember watching on VCD, "Wind Song, Love Song", the movie featuring Jang Dong-gun and Ko So-young, the couple who have now been dubbed the Brangelina of Korea ( though the basis for THAT comparison eludes me).

Jang Dong-gun's chemistry with Ko So-young in that movie didn't stand out ( though Jeju as the location for most of the film did impress in parts)  and I preferred Ko's performance in "One Day" where she plays half of a couple dealing with the loss of a child.

Anyway, reel romance has translated into a real romance and the two leads are tying the knot this May. Will they be returning to Jeju for their honeymoon? Don't think so. For more pre-wedding pics, click here. Meanwhile, enjoy the MV from the film that brought them together.



sources:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LE36E3_EWB0&nofeather=True
http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/04/23/2010042301045.html
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/CU/content/cms_view_861743.jsp
http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/03/08/2010030801039.html
http://koreanfilm.org/kfilm99.html#lovewind

Why I'm Not Crying Over A DBSK Breakup

Many fans are probably lamenting the breakup of the hugely popular group, DBSK but if it means that Xiah Junsu has more time to develop a solo career to give more performances such as the one in this youtube, then I'm all for the change. Thanks to solene0193 for uploading this.


Xiah Junsu - Beautiful Thing
Uploaded by solene0913. - See the latest featured music videos.

Kim Yu-na Skates To Brown-Eyed Girls

Seoul is a pretty happening place this weekend. Aside from YoYo Ma's Silk Road Project, there's also another musical collaboration going on with  Festa on Ice 2010 featuring Kim Yu-na. Kim and other ice-skaters from different countries  will be performing in the Olympic Gymnasium in Seoul Olympic Park between 16th and 18th April. Forget though about getting tickets. They are all sold out, apparently.

Look forward to seeing a posting on YouTube of Kim Yu-na skating to the music of Brown-Eyed Girls. Aprt from her favourite girl group's hit, Abracadabra, Kim will also perform to their other songs, Jump and Magic.  I only just saw the MV of this song lately and after more googling, am struck by the dramatic contrast in the appearance of the BEG ladies. What a difference two years,  changes in hairstyle and make-up can do. See for yourself with the two MVs below.



Now, brace yourself for a VERY DIFFERENT BEG ( if you haven't already seen this elsewhere which would surprise me).




Sources:
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2919188
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ut7bCEcRcnU&nofeather=True
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvBikv7PHJI&nofeather=True
http://www.korea.net/detail.do?guid=45401&thiscode=eng010003&mode=popup&TB_iframe=true&height=420&width=700

Yo Yo Ma Brings Silk Route To Seoul

Lucky Seoulites - Yo Yo Ma is performing with the Silk Road Ensemble on Sunday, April 18 at 5 p.m. at the Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall. The concert is part of the celebrations to mark the 10th anniversary of his Silk Road Project. He's been collaborating with musicians from various musical backgrounds such as Uzbekistan, Iran, China and Korea in commissioned works to explore ways in which East and West can harmonize in terms of styles and instruments.

I had the good fortune once to listen to a solo concert by Ma but it would be wonderful to listen to him perform alongside other musicians. Been a fan of his for a long time - how many other musicians are as comfortable as he is, performing with the Muppets, Bobby McFerrin, an Argentinian tango band, Appalachian folk musicians and so on? He's always building musical bridges so I'm hoping someone can hop over to the Seoul Arts Centre Concert Hall this weekend to tell me exactly what I'm missing.

sources:
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/ma.html

http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2919130
http://www.sac.or.kr/eng/lab2004/yoyoma/

Which Korean Will Perform With David Foster For Michelle Obama?

Guess which 13-year-old Korean is going to perform alongside David Foster, Patti LaBelle, Brian McKnight, Charice and Ruben Studdard?

Hadn't heard of Jung Sungha before until I chanced upon an article in the Korean Times online. Those in the know are probably fans of acoustic guitar music because videos of him playing have been uploaded since 2006.

Sungha will be playing in a charity concert with First Lady Michelle Obama as a special guest. I just hope this talented child will continue to enjoy playing and growing artistically and not suffer burn-out like other child prodigies before him.







source:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IXa2pNGVj8&nofeather=True
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2010/04/178_64099.html

Kim Jun-yin - The End of "Lost", Harmony and Marriage

Actress Kim Yunjin has been in the headlines more recently for three important milestones in her private life and her career. First, the TV series, Lost, through which she became famous in the USA and other places around the world, is coming to an end. Next, her Korean movie, Harmony, released earlier this year, has been doing pretty well in the local box office. More recently, she got married in Hawaii on the 29th of March.

I lost touch with “Lost” for a few seasons but managed to follow the penultimate season and am looking forward to seeing how many questions will be answered in this last season of the hit TV series. In one interview with TV.com, Kim revealed that her character didn’t even exist in the pilot but after she went in to read for another character, J.J. Abrams was so intrigued with the notion of having a character who pretended not to speak English. That lead to the addition of Kim’s character and subsequently the character of Jin was created.

Kim also reveals: “You are going to see a different side to Sun, and how she relates to... how do I say it? She's... hmmm... she still has the same intentions, she's there to find Jin on the island. But then there's a different storyline. We had flash-forwards and flashbacks, now we have flash-something else, and in this storyline, I have a very different relationship with Jin.” Can’t wait to see Season 6.

At the same time, I’m looking forward to seeing her new Korean movie which features an ( almost) all-female cast ( not unlike the other movie, The Actresses). The last time I saw her in a movie, it was way back when she played a North Korean agent in Shiri. Kim Yunjin plays Jeong-hye who is in prison after killing her abusive husband and is forced to give up her baby boy for adoption. She is determined to establish her own prison choir as the prison warden has promised her time with her son if she succeeds. Problem is, she’s tone deaf, hence the ironic title of the movie. After seeing a trailer of this new movie on youtube, I’m determined to watch Harmony with mum. Think both of us would need a box of Kleenex each.

Then on the 29th of March, Kim married Park Jeong-hyuk, the head of her entertainment company in Hawaii. They’ve been working together for eight years and dating since 2002. Park was described by his bride as a “humorous and caring” person who has supported her through good and bad times. Looks like Ms Kim will still be spending a lot of time in the States and balancing her acting commitments with her new role as wife as well as shuttling back and forth between two continents as she has  homes in both Seoul and Los Angeles.

Sources:
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2918468
http://www.tv.com/yunjin-kim/person/289664/summary.html
http://www.tv.com/losts-yunjin-kim-expect-a-different-sun-in-season-6/story/21304.html?tag=news_list;21304
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2010/01/135_58855.html
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20100312/ent16/3120315/Lost-star-scores-another-hit-with-Harmony
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GG5Q2b_0Sk

The Late Choi Jin Shil's Brother Killed Himself?

What's going on? First the suicide of actress Choi Jin-shil and now her brother? The Korean Times reported that 39-year old Choi Jin-young may have hanged himself. Apparently he was taking medication for depression but he seemed to have recovered and had been looking forward to reviving his acting career. There was no suicide note, so the police are cautious about declaring it a suicide.

My sincere condolences to the family, in particular, the mother of these siblings who've suffered from serious depression. I can't imagine what she's going through now. I can only hope she finds the inner strength to deal with the latest tragedy.

Here's more information from The Korean Times:

"His death comes as a shock especially as his late sister, a popular actress, hung herself in a suicide Oct. 2, 2008. Last month, he had said that he will go back to acting. Choi started his acting career in 1993 in the popular drama "Our Heaven." His resemblance to his popular sister gave him a head start in his career, while his young image helped him gain recognition in various dramas, commercials and even films.

Choi's acting career floundered but in 1999, he returned to the stage as a singer using the name SKY. His first album "Final Fantasy" was a success with the popular number "Forever" topping music charts. He released his third and last album in 2004. In 2007, he returned to acting with a supporting role in the drama "It's Okay to Love," but failed to catch much attention.

Photos of him in tears clutching his sister's picture shook the nation, and fans wept with him as he led her funeral procession. Acting upon his late sister's wishes, he belatedly enrolled in Hanyang University to study acting last year. It was known that Choi had been suffering from depression and even tried to kill himself on his sister's birthday last year. He was sent to the hospital immediately and recovered after his previous attempt."

sources:
http://www.mb.com.ph/node/250288
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2010/03/117_63223.html

Insooni's Father

Pardon me while I sound sloppily sentimental but I happened to see Insooni in an old concert on TV singing "Father" and was reminded again of why she's made it twice to Carnegie Hall. It's not Father's Day yet but no matter, everytime I listen to this song, I must remind myself about all that I owe Dad ( and Mom).

Looking for "Romance" in Jinhae

It was love at first sight. No, I wasn't smitten by Kim Jae-won, the male lead in the 2002 MBC TV drama, "Romance" which also stars Kim Ha-neul. Instead, I fell in love with the array of cherry blossoms featured in the early part of the series. The moment I saw them, I just knew I HAD to visit the spot.

Took me a while to figure out the location but eventually I got round to planning a spring trip to Korea specially  to catch the blossoms on the cherry trees in the naval port of Jinhae in the spring of 2007.

There were two scenes I wanted to check out in particular: first, Anmin Road where the star-crossed lovers take a stroll along a beautiful promenade.

The second is  Yeojwacheon Stream (여좌천)  where the main characters, Gwanu and Chaewon meet on a bridge flanked by rows of cherry trees in full bloom on both sides. It's become known since the drama series appeared as the ‘Romance Bridge’.




Both scenes can be found in this music video, Unfortunately though, the person decided to go in for a sepia like effect so the original colours can't be appreciated here. Thanks to chioyochan for posting this MV.

sources:
http://asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=827152
http://koreanfilm.org/tvdramas/index.htm#romance
http://www.arirang.co.kr/Blog/Arirang_Town.asp?code=Bl5&id=&page=11
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iX6z6lmoaBu7CGbD9OHizw

In the Mood for Maehwa

Thinking of spring flowers reminds me of Iljimae - the TV drama series that features Lee Jun-ki in a Robin Hood type role and Park Hyo Shin's lovely ballad. I thought the main character used the branch of apricot blossom or Japanese apricot ( maehwa) as his signature simply because it reminded him of the apricot blossoms in his childhood home.

But I've just learnt that the mae-hwa is one of the few trees that can withstand the freezing temperatures in winter and so has become a symbol of fortitude and endurance. The elegant profile of the blossoms on the branches is also associated with the virtues of the nobility.

More on maehwa in the next posting but in the meantime, enjoy the theme song from this popular drama. Thanks to lolgalygal for putting it up on youtube.


source:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtFvdNZ1jwg

Not Much To Do In Buan Cine Theme Park

While the Buan Cine Theme Park is intended primarily as a movie studio for historic dramas and isn't meant as an amusement park like Universal Studios, it has also opened its doors to tourists, assuming there are many who'd want to check out the shooting locations for movies like "The King and The Clown" and "Hwangjinyi" ( not to be confused with the TV drama series starring Ha Ji-won).

I was one of the suckers who thought that the place was worth a look-see. The only good thing I dare say was that I burnt a few calories walking from Gyeokpo to find the Buan Cine Theme Park. It was a fine spring day and I thought I'd save bus or cab fare. I should've saved my time and visited the Monkey School instead ( no, not that either as I dislike seeing most animals perform silly tricks).

Reason I was disappointed? There wasn't anything going on. Just the reproductions of a Joseon dynasty palace, yangban's mansions, craftsmen's shops and farmers' quarters etc. standing there in the mid-day heat. I guess I was naively hoping against hope that I could see a movie or drama in the process of being shot. No such luck. A ghost-town would have more personality compared to the BCTP.   Ok to be fair to the place, perhaps I didn't go under the best of circumstances. Here are some suggestions on how to make the most of your visit there if you insist on going there.

1. Go in a group. This isn't the place for solo travellers. It only accentuates the empty solitude with only the video of "The King and the Clown" playing continuously for company. Better still, go with friends who've seen the movie umpteenth times and reenact your fav scenes from the movie.

2. Rent a costume ( take your pick of king, clown, eunuch or palace maidservant) and digicam yourself or each other in different sort of ridiculous poses all over the open-air studio.

3. Invite other tourists to watch your impromptu street performance and ask them to rate your acting or mime skills. ( Mask not obligatory but useful to mask your blushes if you're only capable of ham acting!)

4. You probably wouldn't be allowed on the high wire but you could draw an imaginary line in the sand and test your ability to tippy-toe across while pretending to be an old-time acrobat.

5. Try your hand at archery, horse-riding or simply strutting your stuff around the fake village while keeping your fingers crossed for any KBS talent-spotter who might just happen to be around. Who knows, this might just  get you your big break in Hallyuwood OR, better still, rent the DVD and stay indoors to salivate over the performances of Gam Woo Seong, Lee Jun Ki and Jeong Jin Yeong for the sixteenth time.

About other shooting locations:

MBC TV drama series, Queen Seondoek

sources:

http://www.korea.net/News/news/newsView.asp?serial_no=20071214022&part=108&SearchDay=

http://www.koreanwiz.org/at/tripC58.html
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=647808
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_King_and_the_Clown
http://www.asiatorrents.com/details.php?id=23d4dbc711feee785a1f15fb5f398d45d8bd5698
http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=260486
http://www.korea.net/kois/magazine/pictorialKoreaView.asp?Html_no=386
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/OO/OO_EN_13_1_2.jsp?cid=347386
http://www.knto.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264521&nearBy=accom&
http://www.wang-ui-namja.com/behind_philosophy.htm
http://english.tour2korea.com/ena/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=309586

BMK's When Flowers Bloom

Her voice's been described as having "viscosity and tension like a balloon just before blowing up". Not quite sure if that sounds complimentary and somehow "viscosity and tension" sounds like an oxymoron. No matter, Kim Hyun-jeong, a.k.a. Big Mama King ( not to be confused with the great vocal group, Big Mama) has been one of my favourite Kpop artistes but sadly she has not appeared on the music charts of late. My last two postings on spring reminded me of this song of hers which appeared back in 2005, "When Flowers Bloom".




BMK became known as one of the best jazz female vocalists in the country after she graduated from the Seoul Jazz Academy. There's an interesting anedote about how she once sneaked out of hospital with a plaster cast for the audition to enter the academy. These days, passion and talent may not be enough for musicians in Korea. From the way the girlie groups seem to be dominating the pop charts with their dance tunes and long legs, what chance does BMK have of enjoying a comeback?

for other postings on my fav Kpop musicians:

Lee Horan of Clazziquai fame but here she's with Ibadi
the smooth vocals of Bobby Kim
the late great Kim Kwang-suk
Lucid Fall
these guys sent the standard for boy bands in my book - g.o.d.
another lady with a great voice - Insooni
King of Ballads - Lee Seung-chul


sources:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DH3-Wa6LAZE
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/entertainment/enter_words_detail.htm?No=15#
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/entertainment/enter_artists_detail.htm?No=10315

Oseam, Baekdamsa Part 4

On my long list of places I'd like to check out in Korea, Oseam may seem a choice as obscure as the actual location of this tiny hermitage in the north-west quarter of Soraksan.

It was built in 644 during Queen Seondeok's reign during the Shilla Dynasty. From what I can gather from the contours of the map, it's at least at least two hours' walk from Baekdamsa ( which is remote in itself, if you don't take the soft option of the shuttle bus).

So why would I want to visit this spot?

First of all, with Gwaneumbong as its backdrop, it promises to be a pretty spot with great views of Soraksan. Next, I'm curious to see how this place inspired Manhae as he spent quite a number of years as a monk who also composed poems here

Next, "Oseam" which means "five year old temple" got its name from a local legend. It tells of a five-year-old boy who, stranded in a remote temple, prays to be reunited with his mother. Some miracles of nature apparently happen and so the temple since then has kept the memory of this boy alive through its name.

Now the story is assured of a little more longevity, thanks to the animated movie by the same name directed by Sung Baek-yeop.

Though it wasn't such the box office as hoped because it was released about the same time as Spirited Away, it won the grand prize for the short films category at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival.

I stumbled upon the DVD at a shop in Incheon International Airport while waiting for my flight home and it was only then that I had heard of the place. Thought it would be a nice Christmas gift for a child but ended up watching it instead. It's a pretty, charming and modest film though I'm not too comfortable with its ending.
Still, it's a home-grown Korean anime which strives to achieve its own distinct voice.

For an interview with the director, click here.

sources:
http://guriguriblog.wordpress.com/2009/02/09/oseam-commentary-translated-in-englis/
http://koreanfilm.org/kfilm03.html#oseam
http://www.themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=513
http://www.anime-planet.com/reviews/a591.html
http://www.answers.com/topic/oseam
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=790281
http://movie.subtitlr.com/subtitle/show/175336
http://asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/HA/content/cms_view_316264.jsp

One More For The Road.....from Drunken Tiger

I've been going ga-ga over tigers in this blog lately in the run-up to Seollal and to usher in the Year of the White Tiger. But here's my last posting on tigers ( I think but can't promise!)

Just heard on KBS World Radio that Drunken Tiger just recently won the Best Album and Hip Hop Award at the 19th Hi - One Seoul Music Awards on Wednesday this week. Drunken Tiger was the Korean-American hip-hop group that eventually became a one-man show

The first song that I liked was Liquor Shots way back in 2006. Am still clueless about what they're singing and I can't explain why I like it. Let's just say it's quite infectious.




DRUNKEN TIGER 7TH ALBUM MV
8:45 Heaven was written when DK Tiger's grandmother passed away.


Lyrics for 8:45 Heaven. Thanks to Scottahn for posting the video and the English translation on youtube.

I should've done better when you were here
I should've told you when you could hear
that morning which had no difference
I already felt by the ring which woke me up
it's too late to put back the time
One last cry. oh please god try
please don't let her die on me I know it's a lie
I told you to wait for me to make you happy
you told me that you'll wait till I rise to the top
please endure it bit more, don't leave this world
God please pretend as you've never saw it just for once
it must be a mistake, god is not also perfect
he's trying to take the most precious thing in the world


[CHORUS]
8:45 you're going up to heaven, the peaceful world where only virtue exists
8:45 you're going up to heaven, if you can hear me..know that I love you
8:45 you're going up to heaven, the peaceful world where only virtue exists
8:45 you're going up to heaven, if you can hear me..know that I love you


[VERSE 2]
Holding your speachless hand..I just yell out that you might hear if do so..
please wake up, open your eyes
One last cry Let me say good bye
please don't let her die on I know it's a lie
even the world hates me I'm your best
no matter what people say you never blamed me the question less love..
that's the thing like God which makes miracle, the perfect, perfect beauty after God
The most beautiful  thing in the world
the most precious thing in the universe my love

[VERSE 3]
where did you go without your last goodbyes
My heart is filled with pain
Tho I drive 'em out with a deep sigh
Only pain remains
I see nothing in this empty world
But I try to smile
You might be sad if you see me so sad
I promise you I'd never ever forget you
I'mma let go of your hand

sources:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zY2R-gr0opE&feature=related
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/entertainment/enter_artists_detail.htm?No=10194
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drunken_Tiger
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1jP4xS_mTY

Missing Bobby Kim

Deep sigh - so near yet so far. Commitments make it impossible for me to make it to the Esplanade Concert Hall in Singapore next week on the 1st and 2nd of February where Bobby Kim will be performing with composer/ lyricist/ arranger Oh Joonsung, Mario and Shinee.

Singaporean fans of K dramas are bound to have a great time as Mr Oh  will conduct his 9-piece band, Green Cacao alongside a 23-piece orchestra specially put together for the concert as he presents a number of his OST hits from popular K dramas such as My Girl and Boys Over Flowers. Other Kpop stars, Mario and Shinee will also delight their fans by appearing as well for the two- night concert.

It matters zilch to me that I won't be there in the Concert Hall to hear them but oh, Bobby Kim - that's another matter. (....Sound of another deep sigh from ajumma).

To console myself, I'm pinching this music from youtube.




source:
http://www.esplanade.com/whats_on/programme_info/korean_drama_favourites/index.jsp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhSyB_4avJY&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TRfg4BhwlY&feature=related