There's no doubt that Datuk Michelle Yeoh is the main character in the new John Woo movie, Reign of Assassins. At least, that's the way the posters in Malaysian cinemas are telling the story for Malaysian audiences.
But if one attended a screening of the same movie in a cinema in South Korea, one might be forgiven for assuming that Jeong Woo-sung is the protagonist instead. Michelle Yeoh simply looks like one of two female sidekicks in this Korean poster. ( The one on the left is Barbie Hsu from Taiwan).
Anyway, those in movie marketing figure they gotta do whatever it takes to sell tickets, right? Let's just hope the screen chemistry between the two leads ( sorry, that doesn't include you, Miss Hsu) is convincing despite the age gap. Am looking forward to seeing Ms Yeoh kick ass again even though it may be Mr Jeong's. Since her great performance opposite Chow Yun-Fatt in Ang Lee's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, haven't really seen her in any meaty role.
Devotees of Personal Taste who were hoping to make a pilgrimage to the non-existant Sanggojae may opt instead to stay at Rakkojae which is also in the Bukchon Hanok Village. Those who fell more in love with the house than with Lee Min-ho may find consolation in the fact that a lot of effort has been put into achieving a harmonious balance between tradition and modern comforts in the former home of aristocrats (yangban) which has been turned into a guesthouse since 2003.
The name “Rakkojae” means “the place where one can enjoy the traditions of times past and rest one's soul” and judging from the photos of this 130 year-old house, it certainly looks like an inviting oasis of peace amid the concrete sprawl of Seoul. Its founder, Ahn Young-hwan, a former computer programmer, shared his philosophy on the website of his guesthouse: “Korea cannot be seen. It must be felt…. Korea’s recent past shows a struggle against poverty and devastation, and the dawn of growth-oriented development. But, in the process, a great deal of cultural properties were destroyed within the four gates. The time has come to restore our heritage, to enjoy life. I hope cultural spaces will be developed by other like-minded individuals in the future, because Rakkojae is only the beginning.”
Ahn enlisted the help of hanok architext, Jeong-Yeong-jin to convert the nobleman’s house into a luxurious guesthouse which could play host to not more than twelve guests at a time. It employs the traditional ondol system but at same time, you have modern plumbing in private bsthrooms, even a Japanese-style bath to soak fully in, and Net access.
Here then is my fantasy program of my stay in Rakkojae ( an ajumma can indulge in some day-dreaming, can’t she?)
I’d pack a light bag and take the subway line No 3 to Anguk Station. Walking instead of taking the cab helps to build up the anticipation. After coming out from Exit No 2, I’d walk for about 300 m until I reach Gahae-dong Office. Then as I turn into the sideline opposite the office, I’d mentally prepare myself to enter a more genteel and slow-paced world. Sounds as if I’m preparing for templestay except I don’t have to get up at 4 am and worry if I can handle 108 prostrations!
As I head up the alley towards Rakkojae, I’d pause to admire the frontage of its neighbours though the high walls may convey an air of inaccessibility. When I reach the pinewood entrance of Rakkojae, I’d take a picture of the wooden tablet bearing its name in Chinese characters to check out the pronunciation in Mandarin later.
The beauty of the Daecheong, the open-floor courtyard warrants a mini-photo taking session before I head towards my sleeping quarters and remove my shoes on the didimdol ( stepping stone). Looking into the immaculate and empty floor, I wonder if I’m expected to lay out the bed mattress myself as there is no Western-style bed here.
But then other questions follow rapidly – What should I do first? Shall I take advantage of Rakkojae’s proximity to two important palaces and do some sightseeing at Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung? Indulge in the complimentary wood-fire sauna made from natural mud? Or sign up for a tea ceremony session, a cooking lesson on how to make kimchi or try my hand at calligraphy? Or do I simply explore the grounds and buildings after unpacking?
Whatever my choice is, I find myself sitting down in the evening to a feast. For starters, abalone porridge is served and this is followed by sashimi ( to cater to the many Japanese guests curious about the Korean version of their ryokan), Korean-style roast beef, japchae, bulgogi amongst other dishes. While we finish our meal with a light dessert and sip cups of soju or rice wine, we’re treated to a musical performance by a pansori singer.
That night, I exchange travel notes with other guests as we admire the stars and moon from our vantage point in the open courtyard. My sleep is deep and relaxing on the comforting warmth of bed linen nicely toasted by the ondol-heated floor and I dream of Lee Min-ho or better still, the owner of Rakkojae offering me free board and lodging for the rest of my life. ….
Seriously though, Rakkojae is not simply a place to play out your Personal Taste fantasies but a microcosm of the elegance and refinement of old Korea where you might find yourself falling in love with an aesthetic and a way of life instead of just a Hallyu star.
Sorry to both the Koreans and Indonesians but I couldn't resist playing around with the names in the title for this posting. Just like the cross between the lion and tiger to get... was it the liger?... , two fashion designers were given the challenge of coming up with hybrid designs which would incorporate elements of the hanbok and batik.
Shin Sook-young, a designer associated with Sookhyun Hanbok said in an interview, ''I was asked to design six different pieces of the Korean traditional costume Hanbok with fabric used for making Indonesia's Batik.''
One wonders if that was really all she had to say or if she was being diplomatic and refrained from making any subjective comments.
I'd also like to know what the Indonesian designer, Oscar Lawalata, felt about seeing his beloved batiks used as part of the skirt or chima in the hanbok. This young man, who has taken part in many fashion shows around the region, is keen to promote Indonesian textiles but was he happy seeing them used for hanboks? How did the Koreans feel about their national dress made of batik appearing on the runway?
Hanbok with batik skirts worn by models on the right side
Some lucky Indonesians in Jakarta enjoyed the privilege of deciding such questions for themselves when they saw first-hand the results of that collaboration in a Hanbok-Batik fashion show. The opening event for the South Korea-Indonesia Week celebrations was hosted by the Council of Nation Branding at the Ritz-Carlton ballroom on Monday 11th October.
One of Oscar Lawalata's creations has some Chinese influence as well
In addition to tranditional Hanbok and Lawalata's own designs, hanbok made from batik, and costumes from Korean TV dramas like Daejanggeum were also featured on the runway. Have tried to look for reviews of the show but have not found anything as yet. Personally, I'm not comfortable with the results - the earthiness of batik doesn't quite suit the hanbok which has to convey a sense of lightness and ethereal delicacy given its already puffed-up outlines. But then again, I shouldn't comment on the basis of two pictures. If anyone out there did take pics of the show please post them somewhere on the Net and send me the links so that I can get a closer look and make a more informed decision.
Check out Oscar Lawalata's website. I'd do the same for Ms Shin except that I couldn't find on her on the Net, believe it or not!
For another posting on another Korean designer, click here.
Started out posting photos of what I thought were the quintessential images of winter in Korea. It soon developed into a mini-series of sorts on this blog with two other postings on spring and summer. To complete this set, here are some pictures of my favourite autumnal colours in Korea in no particular order.
1. The cosmos is one of the earliest heralds of autumn altlhough it actually starts to bloom in late summer. This wild flower comes in various colours and it also provides inspiration for poets like Ko-Un. Thanks to Bro. Anthony for this translation.
Autumn from Young People's Songs for the Four Seasons
Descending from a train, at every rural station
banks of cosmos were blossoming amidst the coughing
and from the heavens your eyelids were drooping.
As night grew deeper, the stars gave birth.
On an empty table heaped with your death
I happened to receive a brief letter.
A letter is always a death, and a life.
Insects in autumn meadows die splendidly only if leaves are
blown from the trees, not simply falling,
and likewise falls the leaf of your fingerprint voice
Click here for where you can admire cosmos a.k.a. 코스모스 or koseumoseu in Korea.
2. The cluster amaryllis or kkotmureut blooms around Chuseok in September. A powder extracted from the dried bulbs of thee crimsom flowers has been used to preserve Buddhist paintings so you can expect to see these on temple grounds such as Seonamsa.
3. The ghostly beauty of the graceful silver grass will be celebrated throughout October in the Mindungsan Mountain Silvergrass Festival in Jeongseon, Gangwon-do.
4. The size of this photo doesn't do justice to the striking view of persimmons hanging like tiny orange lanterns on bare boughs. The appearance of birds must have been an added bonus for the photographer, Robert.
5. Once read that little compares to the ethereal beauty of a field of buckwheat flowers in the evening light. Apparently its scent is also another autumnal pleasure to savour. The 12th Hyoseok Cultural Festival was held recently in Bongpyeong, the birthplace of author, Lee Hyoseok who gained fame for his short story, "When the Buckwheat Flowers Bloom". I've read one version of it and don't really understand why it resonates so strongly with Koreans. Perhaps one has to be Korean to appreciate fully the story but fortunately one doesn't need to be of any particular nationality to enjoy these flowers.
6. A pity that I could never place white chrysanthemums to decorate the home as my culture has the same practice as the Koreans in using them for funeral wreaths. According to one source, Koreans began to use them for mourning rites at the end of Joseon Kingdom in the late 19th century. While I love the austere purity of the white blooms, the flowers traditionally stood for ``nobility'' and ``solemnity'' and the white variety is in keeping with the Korean tradition of wearing mourning clothes made of white hemp. Still, Koreans are free to celebrate with chrysanthemums in other colours in festivals such as the Masan Chrysanthemum Festival.
7. Don't bother asking me which is my favourite autumn tree as I would always be torn between the gingko tree ( eunhaeng namu ) and the maple tree. I've heard of people cursing the stink emanating from gingko nuts when they are accidentally stepped on but I just love the lovely gold and fan-shape of the gingko leaves. For some fancilful stories about this tree which proved hardy enough to survive the Hiroshima blasts, click here.
8. There's good reason why KNTO promotes Maple Korea but I've said it before and I'll say it again here. I worry how about global warming is playing havoc with the carotenoids and anthocyanins ( part of the chemistry and metabolic system of the trees that explain the change of colour). Just hope my feat that autumn is getting shorter and shorter in Korea is unfounded.
9. The mellow browns of metasequoias such as those flanking a road in Damyang or a lane in Nami-seon have a regal air about them. Click here for an earlier posting on these impressive trees which look even more awesome in autumn.
10. Was wondering how to conclude this list - should I focus on the jujube or red date plant or ginseng? But I stumbled upon a website with these pretty yellow-white flowers of the green tea bushes which apparently bloom between September and November. Had never seen these before but I like drinking green tea more than ginseng so the debate ended there.
Working on yesterday's post has put me in the mood for more music from Whale ( with and without W i.e. the trio of band members who actually call themselves Where The Story Ends). Whale's real name is Park Eun-kyung but it can be confusing because there's another person, a sexy racing queen with the same name. Our Park Eun-kyung, who is as cute as a button, perhaps to avoid confusion, has taken on the stagename "Whale". The reason for that choice eludes me. Funny as well that she has Dolphin as her nickname.
Well, what's in a name? The important thing is this girl CAN SING! She can play the guitar as well as compose lovely ballads such as this one here. BTW, it's not a paen to the largest of sea mammals; instead it seems to be autobiographical. In the second video clip, it really sounds like she's sharing her life story in a performance just for you at home. Love the simplicity, the sense of intimacy and the laid-back quality. Enjoy. ( But if you want something more uptempo, click here for RPG Shine.)
WHALE SONG
어린 날, 포근한 엄마의 멜로디 Eo-rin nal, po-geun-han eo-ma-eui mel-lo-di
언제나 품속에 담아두고 싶어.Eon-je-na pum-sok-e dam-a-du-go ship-eo.
까맣게 깊은 밤, 하얗게 피어있는 Gga-mah-ge gip-eun bam, ha-yah-ge pi-eo-itt-neun
별에게 얘기했지 수없이 많은 바램. Byeol-e-ge ye-gi-haett-ji su-eobs-i manh-eun ba-raem
in the young days, mum’s soft melody
always wanted to lay at her chest
deep black night, blooming white,
the stars, told them, my countless wishes
언제나 꿈꾸는 길에 서있는 내가 좋아.Eon-je-na ggum-ggu-neun gil-e seo-itt-neun nae-ga joh-a.
바보 같아 보여도 웃는 모습 참 좋아.Ba-bo gat-a bo-yeo-do ut-neun mo-seub cham joh-a
상처받고 여린 마음이지만 용서하고 사랑만 하고 싶어.Sang-cheo-bad-go yeo-rin ma-eum-i-ji-man yong-seo-ha-go sa-rang-man ha-go ship-eo
I like to always dream, staying on the street
even when I look like an idiot, I like the laughing me
my heart is weak and gets hurt, but I just want to forgive and love
Radiohead의 음악을 느끼며 Radiohead eui eum-ag-eul neu-ggi-myeo
이슬이 스며든 런던을 꿈꾸지.I-seul-i seu-myeo-deun leon-deon-eul ggum-ggu-ji.
기타를 튕기는 내 손이 너무 좋아.Gi-ta-reul twing-gi-neun nae son-i neo-mu joh-a.
굳은 살 투성이지, 나는 Rock and Roll Star. Gud-eun sal tu-seong-i-ji, na neun Rock and Roll Star
feeling the music of Radiohead
dreaming of London with sinking dewdrops
I like my hand a lot that rebounds from the guitar
it’s full of hardened skin, I am a Rock& Roll Star
언제나 꿈꾸는 길에 서있는 내가 좋아.Eon-je-na ggum-ggu-neun gil-e seo-itt-neun nae-ga joh-a.
바보 같아 보여도 웃는 모습 참 좋아.Ba-bo gat-a bo-yeo-do ut-neun mo-seub cham joh-a
상처받고 여린 마음이지만 용서하고 사랑만 하고 싶어.Sang-cheo-bad-go yeo-rin ma-eum-i-ji-man yong-seo-ha-go sa-rang-man ha-go ship-eo
I like to always dream, staying on the street
even when I look like an idiot, I like the laughing me
my heart is weak and gets hurt, but I just want to forgive and love
어쩌면 다시 흘러간 시간 속에서 힘이 드는지도 Eo-jjeo-myeon da-shi heul-reo-gan shi-gan sok-e-seo him-i deul-neun-ji-do
이제는 내게 감미로운 멜로디 그 속에 힘을 싣고I-je-neun nae-ge gam-mi-ro-un mel-lo-di geu sok-e him-eul sid-go
maybe in the time that flew away again, I am putting my strength
now, for me a sweet melody, getting strength in it
언제나 꿈꾸는 길에 서있는 내가 좋아.Eon-je-na ggum-ggu-neun gil-e seo-itt-neun nae-ga joh-a.
바보 같아 보여도 웃는 모습 참 좋아.Ba-bo gat-a bo-yeo-do ut-neun mo-seub cham joh-a
상처받고 여린 마음이지만 용서하고 사랑만 하고 싶어.Sang-cheo-bad-go yeo-rin ma-eum-i-ji-man yong-seo-ha-go sa-rang-man ha-go ship-eo
I like to always dream, staying on the street
even when I look like an idiot, I like the laughing me
my heart is weak and gets hurt, but I just want to forgive and love
translated by wassereis.livejournal.com + lyrical movement Hangeul lyrics: cyworld
Those in South Korea have a few days left to catch the Jinju Namgang Yudeung (Lantern) Festival. It started on Friday, the first of October and will end on Tuesday, October 12th. Head for NamgangRiver in Chilam-dong, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-doProvince to enjoy sights such as these.
Unlike the Loy Krathong Festival when tiny decorated rafts are released onto the river as a kind of prayer to the Goddess of Water, the Jinju Lantern Festival has its roots in turbulent times when the Japanese invaded Korea in 1592. The invasion known as Imjinwaeran tested the resilience and creativity of the besieged Koreans in the fortress who managed to outwit the Japs by communicating with support through lighted floats sent along the river.
Last year many festivals were cancelled on account of the H1N1 flu but thankfully this isn't the case this year.
So if you're not headed down to Busan this weekend for the international film festival ( more on this in next posting), head down south to Jinju to practise your night photography skills, or try your hand at making your own lanterns or just soak in the ambience.
Autumn leaves have started to appear in Seoraksan! Head for Gangwon-do to catch the fall foliage.
Mountain climbers find autumn has arrived at Mount Seorak in Gangwon yesterday. Cool temperatures seem to have spurred fall colors to appear on mountains in the middle of the Korean Peninsula. [YONHAP]
For earlier postings on Seoraksan, click on the headings below:
Here's another Hallyuwood wedding and celebrity baby to look forward to.
RSW with his co-star, Jang Nara in the drama series, Wedding above. RSW on his real marriage and fiancee ( a dance major, nine years his junior) : " I’m approaching the end of my 30’s, and it’s a new opportunity to show change. I will try harder than I have done in the past and show you all an improved image…the 26th is my wedding with my girlfriend, who is a normal citizen.. I've always said my ideal type is a feminine woman. My fiancée is very close to my ideal type as she has a calm personality and fair skin. I often wondered if a moment like this would ever come to me, but it has come, and I am truly happy."
In addition to the many roles he has played in reel life, Ryu Si-won is about to take on the dual real-life roles as husband and father-to-be on the 26th October. After reading the news about his impending marriage, I was surprised to find out what a busy bee he has been over the years since I first saw him upstaged by Lee Byung-hyun in “Beautiful Days” which also starred Choi Ji-woo.
Here’s a quick run-down of what he’s been up to:
Actor in TV drama series – most recently he appeared in “Style” with Lee Yong-woo and Kim Hye-soo
RSW on his return to the small screen through Style : ``I have been busy working in Japan. I think it's been five years since my last drama, and I'm as worried and nervous as ever. I feel like I'm starting all over again,''
MC for a music chart show
Singer of romantic ballads –“Change” was his first album in 1995
Producer of his own promotional photos and helped to produce Ko Soo’s first photo diary “ 24 Hours With Ko Soo”
Holder of an international car racing license, Ryu is coach and racer for a professional car racing team which he founded.
RSW and his protege: "This year being the sixteenth anniversary of my debut, I wanted to repay the love I received from fans by training younger artists who have talent and passion. I will do everything to support talented young artists so they can earn recognition overseas, not to mention Korea.”
Record producer with female singer, Rottyful Sky, (Kim Hanul) under his wing
Tourism ambassador and active promoter for KNTO; he also has a hand in developing special tour packages – Formula I World Grand Prix in Yeongam and another tour to celebrate his birthday with his fans
Soon to be host of an upcoming MBC entertainment show in November
He’s also known as the 14th generation descendant of Yu Seong-ryeong, who was a prime minister in the Joseon Dynasty. His family home, Damyunjae in Hahoe Village in Andong has also attracted many curious visitors on account of his popularity as a Hallyu star who has been in the business for almost twenty years.
His smile has been described as comforting “like the scent of coffee” while his droopy eyes, boy-next-door charm and rolled-up jacket sleeves as his casual signature style have won him many fans particularly in Japan so it’s no surprise he’s been dubbed the “Hallyu Crown Prince”.
At the same time, however, he may not be able to shake off entirely his other nickname, “Ryucifer” given to him following an accident when he unintentionally ran down a pedestrian while driving his Le Mans at night and managed to avoid any police charges with an out-of-court settlement with the family of the victim.
RSW on Impending Fatherhood: "I will become the father of a baby in spring… There is no one else in the world who is happier to hear the [baby] news than a father. Everyone, please be good to your family and protect them. You can do that right?”
For KBS commentary on the new trend ( baby first, marriage next) in Hallyuwood, click here.
It would be amusing except that we've had too many cases of deaths from dengue fever to make light of this news item spotted on the on-line version of the Chosun Ilbo.
Apparently the Thai Government has had to warn its young girls not to imitate Korean girl group idols in terms of their dress sense. The health officials are drawing a correlation between the rising hemlines and recent statistics of deaths from dengue fever ( one hundred lives claimed in Thailand and 90,000 cases reported in Thailand so far but it's not known what percentage of that involve girls who favour hot pants).
If indeed there is any truth to that assumption, then wanna-be SNSD fans in other tropical or equatorial countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore had also better exercise caution. Better to avoid wearing the hot pants so favoured by the hugely popular girl groups that seem to be exposing more skin than their predecessors. More skin means more feeding grounds for the Aedes mosquitoes which can cause the lethal dengue hemorrhagic fever.
