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The Seoul National Theatre’s production of The Music Man

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NEWS AND STUFF

[BREAKING NEWS] Lone Star NOT GUILTY (Marmot)

Hyundai Chairman “pays” for his Crimes

NYT: Beef Agreement Near, No Beef Over 30 Mos.

Attendance at Protests Plummets

Ask a Korean:
The graph is estimated attendance to protest by date, and notes associated with the date. Blue bar is the attendance estimated by the police, and gray bar is the attendance estimated by the protest organizers.

Anti-US Groups Linked to Beef Protests (ROK Drop)

With links to pro-North Korean groups

Chosun Ilbo:

The People’s Association for Measures Against Mad Cow Disease on Wednesday issued an ultimatum against the Lee Myung-bak administration, demanding the scrapping of the Korea-U.S. beef accord and the start of all-out renegotiations of the accord with the U.S. by June 20. “If the government decides to ignore the mandate from the people, who hold the sovereign power in this country, we will not hesitate to launch a campaign to drive President Lee Myung-bak out of office,” it said in a statement. The association has been acting as if it has been leading the candlelight vigils. (…)

A search through the association’s Internet homepage reveals that it was launched on May 6 following a proposal by the People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy and another civic group called the Korea Progressive Coalition. The coalition was created in September of last year after pro-North Korean groups such as Hanchongryun, the Solidarity for the Practice of the South-North Joint Declaration and other civic groups got together. The co-chairperson of the coalition, Oh Jong-ryeol, takes center stage during news conferences or rallies protesting against U.S. beef imports, acting as if he is the head of the People’s Association for Measures Against Mad Cow Disease. A search through newspaper archives reveals that Oh had served as co-chair of a citizens’ movement to close down a U.S. military bombing range in Maehyang-ri in 2001. He co-chaired another citizens’ task force protesting the accidental killings of two Korean schoolgirls by a U.S. armored car in 2002, yet another citizens’ task force seeking to nullify an impeachment motion against former President Roh Moo-hyun in 2004, an anti-APEC movement and a group opposed to the expansion of a U.S. military base in Pyeongtaek in 2005, and another movement opposed to the Korea-U.S. free trade agreement in 2006. He is a professional “co-chairperson.” And it is obvious what types of groups he has co-chaired.

Bowring: A potent, troubling nationalism – International Herald Tribune

But Asian countries are going to need more cooperation, not less, in the years ahead, as improved regional arrangements will be needed to compensate for the gradual erosion of the American-led system put in place after World War II. The last thing anyone needs is revanchist thoughts about “lost territories,” real or imagined, or cries of “traitor” directed at presidents who make constructive deals with trading partners.

The beef demonstrations have been a reminder of official attitudes in the North, where history is seen as a series of battles against foreigners, with the United States and Japan as the chief villains, and where support from China and (previously) Russia was admitted grudgingly amid suspicion that the two countries were acting in their own self-interest.

The similarity of gut nationalism in North and South Korea makes their neighbors wary of unification, even if it could come about in the most peaceful and gradual way.

Of course, the Koreans have their legitimate grievances against foreigners – the Japanese, Chinese, Americans and Russians who have used them as pawns in wider wars. But these rivalries have mostly abated. Meanwhile, South Korea has become a successful, technologically advanced middling power in its own right. It has the capacity to play an important balancing role in East Asia’s future. But it also has the capacity to focus on its old grievances, to nourish revanchist thoughts and to sow discord with neighbors in pursuit of the aspirations of its nationalists. And thus, the beef protests were a very poor reflection on the country of Samsung Electronics and the UN secretary general, Ban Ki Moon.

They Even Ambushed DMC With Mad Cow!

Setting Up Hapless American Entertainers and the Rising Tide of Intellectual Thuggery (Metro)

DMC Press Conference Audio

2002 Tank Incident and Aftermath (Brian Deutsch’s red meat editorial in the KT)

It seems my foreigness trumps my manhood too!

Homever Store in Hot Water for Labeling US Beef as Australian

“PD Notebook” Facing Legal Action

THINGS THAT MAKE YOU GO WHAA?

Cultural Guide Book For Foreigners warns of killer fans. (B in J)

“57% of Teenagers Don’t Know When Korean War Broke Out” (B in J)

Moreover, 51 percent did not know that the war started with North Korea’s invasion of the South. About 14 percent picked Japan as the nation responsible for the war; 13.4 percent, the United States, and 11 percent Russia. About 2 percent even said it was the South invading the North.

While the United States is regarded as the main ally of the country, 28 percent said it was the key “threat” for national security, 4 percentage points higher than North Korea.

New Education Secretary appointee Cheong Jean-gon in trouble, guess why? (B in J)

Grand Sale turning out to be big planning mess (JoongAng Daily)

“A Seoul sales event aimed at attracting summer vacationers to Korea on their way to the 2008 Beijing Olympics is suffering from a dramatic lack of organization.” You don’t say…?

Korea IT Times look at Internet and Democracy

The Namdaemun doomsday prophecy is a notable myth in this article

They heard that when Namdaemun, the former south gate of Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty, was built, a prophecy was written on the wooden beams of the gate. This prophecy stated that nothing bad would happen to Korea as long as Namdaemun was protected. The Internet said Namdaemun had been slightly damaged shortly before Japan annexed Korea in 1905, and that was a terrible time for Koreans. Now, the gate had burned down entirely, and they were all going to die from Mad Cow.

Seoul Metro Trying to Reduce Congestion

“No More Pushmen, Now It’s Cutmen”

2008 Muju Festival (B in J)

The firefly festival with the missing fireflies.

Animal “Holy Smoke” (Seoul Searcher)

Munhwa Ilbo translated an excalamation from a NASA scientist literally.

Protection Sues Drama (POPSEOUL)

The Korea Animal Protection Society wants media attention by filing a lawsuit against the producers, screenwriters, director of the drama “Iljimae” over a dog fight scene in episode 4.

Ugly dog abuse video from Mokpo. (B in J)

Brief Power Outage at Everland Strands Riders (Korea Beat)

Scary news from one of Korea’s most popular amusement parks.

At approximately 6:40 pm on the 19th a power outage briefly left the rides at Everland, in Yongin, completely halted and riders were upset.

As soon the outage occurred emergency electricity was turned to but riders were stranded for eight minutes.

The merry-go-round and over 40 other rides were temporarily halted, and at the time of the accident some 500 to 600 of the over 2,500 park-goers were on one of the rides.

A representative of Everland said, “we are investigating what caused this incident and luckily no guest was injured.”

Update: It turns that Everland lied to the press about this incident. In fact a 56-year old electrician named Lee died after receiving an electric shock. Everland called emergency services immediately but did not inform media about the death until Yonhap News broke the story. They now are trying to lay legal responsibility for the incident on an unnamed electric equipment manufacturer. This is currently the top-viewed story on Naver.

Daegu father goes ape-shit after son gets picked on at school (GJ)

At a high school in downtown Daegu, some students were pestering another and calling him a derogatory name (something to do with the name of a Chinese basketball player?). The student informed his dad, who went nuts, grabbed a pick axe and marched off to the school. In a fit of rage, the father wielded and swung around the pick axe, breaking windows and doors, as students and teachers ran for cover. The teachers were later able to calm him down. Concerned parents must have caught wind of this from their students calling from cellphones while hiding under desks, and they went ahead and called police. The school feverishly moved to cover up the issue and informed police that they had the situation under control and that they are seeking to deal with the issue internally.

Korean Wii Sucks because of what Koreans did to the DS?

IMMIGRATION ALERT

ESL Daily: Korea: T.A.L.K. Program Reached Goal (ESL Daily)

Earlier this month ESL Daily published an article about the restrictions being lifted on the E2 visa (Original E2 visa requires teachers to go through a vigorous hiring procedure that requires several checks on a 4 year -only- university degree) in order to recruit more foreign language instructors.  The “Teach Learn in Korea program” intended to hire students with 2 years or more university education, however recently this was dropped to one year (article).  More than 800 teachers were recruited for the program and 400 will be selected the Korean Times reports:

“The ministry has stopped accepting applications and announced Tuesday that a total of 836 people applied for the program. Approximately 400 will be selected for English teaching positions at elementary schools in rural areas. Among the applicants, some 73 percent are ethnic Koreans.

The largest group of applicants was from the U.S. with 588, followed by Canada with 145, Australia with 40 and the U.K with 17. Regarding age, 679 were younger than 25, while 103 were aged between 26 and 30 and the rest older than 30.” – Korean Times

Despite the doubts that were raised among the foreign teacher community in Korea, the program successfully found more than enough for the job.  The new recruits will be sent to rural schools throughout the country where it is difficult to find native English speaking teachers.  Unlike the original idea that the teachers would only go to public schools, they will also be sent to work at local “hogwons” or private English academies with a government approved curriculum (very few “hogwons” are expected to be part of the program).  Controversies are expected to rise among teachers and schools.

It’s whitey season again in Daejeon. (B in J)

A Korea Times reporter accompanied some Daejeon police as they went around trying to bust foreigners teaching illegally.

Hur Chang-goo, a veteran immigration police officer, hopped in a car with his partner, a female interpreter. Their mission: To catch a foreign national illegally teaching English at a kindergarten.

Tipped off that a Canadian teacher was hired to teach at the private institute, they needed to check it out. On their way, they discussed ways to block any possible attempt by the teacher to flee. The Korea Times accompanied them.

Immigration crackdown ends (or “When the cat’s away, the mice will play”) (Galbi Jim)

Police have arrested 8,035 violators of the Immigration Law during a 70-day crackdown started April 1. They have detained 148 and booked 7,887 without physical detention, the National Police Agency said Monday.

Chinese nationals made up the largest portion of the foreigners arrested, totaling 2,744. The most common offence was illegal marriage to obtain Korean citizenship, which made up 45 percent of the total cases.

Other major illegal activities include document forgery for visa application, which accounted for 14.5 percent. Unqualified native English and Chinese-speakers made up 8.3 percent. Most of them entered Korea on tourism or student visas, which do not allow them to work here.

“Due to the English education fever here, a lot of foreigners, especially from English-speaking countries, are often found working illegally here without the proper visa,” a police official said.

Diluting the urine (Dave’s)

This morning I had to give a urine sample for a drug test related to my new contract. I hadn’t been expecting to give the sample today, so had been to the bathroom shortly before leaving for the hospital. As a result I had trouble producing the required amount, not helped by the fact that I’d been drinking last night and was thus a little dehydrated. Anyway, I managed about half of the required 50ml and, not wanting to hang around, topped it up with tap water.

Can anyone more science literate than me speculate as to whether this extra water will be detected in the tests and cause me problems later?

PS There was no chance of me failing the tests, unfortunately, given I’ve been in this weedless country for a year.

EXPAT COMMUNITY

Foreign English Teacher Found Dead in Apartment (Korea Beat)

At approximately 9 am on the 20th, 31-year old American English instructor T was found dead in the teacher’s one-room apartment in Eoyang-dong, Iksan City in Jeollabuk-do. Police are investigating.

The neighbor who alerted police said, “there had been a strange smell coming out for several days and finally I called the police.”

Police announced, “at the time of the discovery of the body the front door was locked, and the body was lying on the floor with no external injuries,” and are attempting to ascertain the circumstances of death by interviewing the employees of the hagwon where T was working.

Matt Lamers on Dave’s

Is Rokon Off? (Korea Pop Wars)

A History of ROKON and K-SCENE

GEPIK offers culture tips. (B in J)

Gyeonggi English Program in Korea (GEPIK) has 33 culture tips up on their site to help teachers adjust to Korea. A few of my favorites:

4. You may be disgusted by some food such as dog meat or dog soup if you keep a dog as a pet but they do not eat every kind of dog.

11. You may be insisted to drink alcohol beyond your capacity.

13. You may be bothered by children and youngsters who want to speak to foreigners, now and then with bad words which are not intended badly.

14. Koreans are against America politically, not socially.

22. Girls and ladies walk sometimes hand in hand or arm in arm. But they are not lesbians. It means kind of affection.

30. Some Koreans are less punctual than Americans but usually they are more tolerant than westerners.

33. Koreans sometimes say yes when they are confused in speaking English.

Foreigners “Like Taking Korean Names” (Korea Beat)

An increasing number of foreigners have been taking Korean-style names with hanja. There have always been such foreigners, but recently a new phase has been entered. Missionaries typically took Korean names to more quickly fit into Korean society, in consideration of the fact that few Koreans were familiar with English. But now it is not only missionaries but foreigners from all walks of life, re-naming themselves for fun or because they feel good about it.

Korean names produce praise for foreigners who have them, making their own way in Korean society, while those who haven’t been given one by a friend are somewhat “foolish”. But foreigners who do have a Korean name are regarded as successes of internationalization and localization. For westerners having a Korean name is a measure of internationalization just like how well they can use chopsticks.

Foreign Prisoners in Korea to Get Help (KB)

Judges across the country are putting together foreign-language guides to be made available to foreigners arrested or imprisoned.

TIME WASTERS OF THE WEEK

It’s Hyorish?

Waeguk-sized condoms come to Korea

Korea’s First Crop Circle (Korea Beat)

The Most Awesome Picture I Will See This Week (Korea Beat)

So Close, Yet So Far (Korea Beat)

Galbijim.com » Blog Archive » ‘Sex and the City’ influenced cuisine comes to Korea

Fans don’t need to fly all the way to New York City to visit Payard Bistro and Patisserie and taste its renowned desserts. Payard recently opened its first branch here at the sixth floor of the Shinsegae Main Store in downtown Seoul.

Weapon of Mass Destruction (Through Whitey’s Eyes)

How to Survive Jangma ‘08! (An American in Geoje)

1. Stock up on umbrellas

You will probably need about 10-12 umbrellas to get you through this rainy time. Why so many? There are three reasons.

First, you will probably want to use at least two umbrellas simultaneously to maximize the shelter and protect yourself from the rain (see 3 and 4 below).

Second, you will probably leave at least one or two behind in a cab or at Dunkin Donuts. Jangma! is sneaky. The rain may stop and maybe even a little sun will shine through so you forget that you had an umbrella. Then just when you’ve left that umbrella behind, the clouds join and you get drenched to the bone.

Third, the wind blows hard. Those of us who have seen the cautionary movie Mary Poppins know what happens to greedy people who cling too tightly to umbrellas. To prevent being carried away by the wind, let go of your umbrella at the first sign of a strong gust. Its better to lost an umbrella and be wet than to lost your life!

2. Make sure to pass out only in well-drained areas.

Jangma! often causes flash floods of streets. The storm drain system, at least in Gohyeon, is very below par. Just last night, as I walked home in the Jangma!, I had to walk over a drunk ajoshi passed out on the sidewalk. At first look, it didn’t seem to make sense. It was pouring rain, and there was this guy, peacefully sleeping off the soju with a little nap in the middle of the sidewalk. Then I realized this guy was a genius.

Water was draining off the sidewalk and into the street and gutter, and thereby minimizing his chances of drowning in a puddle. If you choose to drink yourself to passing out, I suggest you are at least as prudent as that ajoshi. Its better to endure the occasional kick while passed out on the sidewalk than drown in the gutter!

3. Set up a four day pants drying cycle.

You are going to get wet. If wear your pants a few times before washing then take my advice. You will need to implement a four day rotation policy. For example, you wear your Monday pants and despite using two umbrellas, you get wet anyway. The humidity is so high that those pants will take at least four days to dry. So you will need to hang them, and get a different pair on Tuesday.

On Friday, Monday’s pants will be dry enough for you to wear again. Simply repeat the cycle until Jangma 08! has passed us by. Its better to have wet clothes all over your house than get the fungal infections that come with skin that is constantly wet (that could kill you).

4. Protect yourself from acid rain!

The same pollutants from China that cause the Yellow Sands in spring also cause damaging acid rain in during Jangma!—or at least that’s what the Koreans tell me. So, if you do get wet, be careful. Go home immediately and dose yourself with baking soda—this will counteract the acid. Then, wash very well. The acid rain has been linked to male baldness in Korea. Above is a man’s picture before Jangma ‘06! and then after. Disturbing. Its better to be covered in baking soda than to lose your hair and die from the acid rain of Jangma!

5. Never cross the street.

We all know that Koreans are dangerous drivers. However, something happens when it rains: well actually nothing happens, and that’s a problem. See running red lights is one thing, but running red lights in a downpour is another. Lower visibility, oils seeping up from the road, and standing water create dangerous conditions for anyone trying to cross the street. So I recommend that no pedestrians cross the street until Jangma ‘08! has passed. That may sound alarmist, but this is coming from a survivor.

6. Never sleep with the fan on.

I cannot stress this enough. Jangma! makes the air very humid and it is almost impossible to get cool. Many people turn to the use of electric fans to cool the air, or air conditioners to cool the air and suck out the humidity—to their doom! Do not make the mistake that my friends’ wife’s cousin’s friend’s sister made when she fell asleep during the Jangma! in a closed room with the fan on. She never realized her mistake, because she never woke up! Its better to be drenched in sweat, than be cool, dry, and dead!

Dancin’ Matt

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MUSIC CREDITS
Main Theme and Teaching Tips — Ben McPherson – “2wksnyc”
News — satya – “Silk Route Album Mix”
Things That Make You Go Whaa? — cjacks – “Candyland”
ExPat Community — Deyo – “Retro90210fun”
Jen’s Teachin’ Tips — Ben McPherson – “2wksnyc”
Time Wasters of the Week — EV Boys – “Kickin’ It in Geumchon”
midliFeCrisis
Robin Stine
Bit Rationale
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In the first in a four-part series on teaching reading classes, Jennifer expounds her philosophy on teaching reading to second language learners.  She explains how to “dip” the students’ toes in their books through pre-reading.

We now return to the Seoul National Theater Production of The Music Man.

MAYOR SHINN

Now before we get on with our program I’d like to remind everyone that the Seoul Grand Sale will take place between July and August.

[PSS!]

What? Oh! I mean that the Seoul Grand Sale with NOT take place between July and August. Turns out no one told the stores about it.

Four score and seven years…

HAROLD HILL

I hear that American beef is coming into Korea!

WOMAN

Yeah, that’s what I heard.

MAYOR SHINN

Now, just wait one minute.

MAN

Well, is it coming in or isn’t it?

[Murmers]

MAYOR SHINN

Calm down! Calm down, and let us keep on with our program.

HAROLD HILL

Friends! Either you’re closing your eyes to a situation you do not wish to acknowledge, or you are unaware of the caliber of disaster indicated by the presence of American beef in your community!

Well, you got trouble, my friend

I say trouble right in Han River City

Why sure, I’m a beef eater

Certainly mighty proud to say it

I’m always might proud to say it

I consider the hours I take

With a big juicy steak are golden

Helps you cultivate protein

And Vitamin D with a rib eye

Ever try and give a good slice to yourself from a pot roast in the pot?

Well, just as I say,

It takes judgment, brains and maturity to eat a Han-oo steak

I say that any boob can take and shove American beef in a ddeokbaeggi

And I call that wrong

The first big step on the road to the fall of the great Hyundai

I say, first, medicinal soup from a teaspoon

Then Creutzfeld-Jacob

And the next thing you know you’re beggin’ for money on a skateboard and rubber pants

And listenin’ to some big out-a-town wayguk hearin’ tellin about free trade gamblin’.

Not a wholesome protected market

But trade where you gotta give somethin’ back!

Like to see some stuck-up American makin’ profits from his investment?

Make your blood boil?

Well, I should say.

Now, friends, lemme tell you what I mean.

Ya got one, two, three American cows with BSE

Cows that mark the difference

Between Han-oo and disease

With a capital “D”

And that’s right near “F” and that stands for fool!

And all week long your Korean youth’ll be twitterin’ away

I say your young kids’ll be twitterin’

Text chattin’ away about mad cow rumors and protests.

Gotta go to the vigil

Never mind getting’ in SNU or goin’ to hagwons or studyin’ til dawn!

Never mind goin’ to cram schools ‘til the teachers are caught with study rooms empty on a Saturday night and that’s trouble,

Oh, yes we got lots and lot of trouble.

I’m talkin’ about the kids in the uniforms

Cell phoned young ones, goin’ to the PC bang after school

Trouble, folks!

Right in Han River City.

Trouble with a capital “T”

And that looks like “F” and that stands for FOOL!

Now, I know all you folks are the right kinda parents.

I’m gonna be perfectly frank.

Would ya like to know what kinda conversation goes on

Their Show Phones at City Hall?

“You can get mad cow from kissing!”

“Get it from tap water!”

“You can even get it from maxi pads!”

And “Someone in Korea has already died from it before it’s even entered the country!”

One fine night, they head to Gwanghwamun

Goin’ to the protests with the farmers

Candlelight vigils! Riot police!

And Candlegirl, a shameless logo that’ll grab your son and your daughter with the stench of fabricated cuteness!

Hysteria!

Friends, the mad cow brain is the devil’s playground!

Trouble!

Right in Han River City.

With a capital “T” that looks like “F” and that stands for FOOL!

We’ve surely got trouble!

Right in Han River City!

Gotta figure out a way to keep the Miguk beef out of our schools!

Mothers of Han River City!

Heed the warning before it’s too late!

Watch the April episode of “PD Notebook.”

That downer cow video, they say, is of a real mad cow!

Koreans are more susceptible to catching vCJD!

A woman in Virginia recently died from vCJD!

Sure, her mother and the Centers for Disease Control say otherwise, but would you believe them?

An Atlanta housewife said that American beef was dangerous, so believe her!

Are certain words creeping into our conversation?

Words like, “Bovine spongiform encephalopathy?”

Or “30 month old cows?”

Well, if so, my friends…

We got trouble!

Right in Han River City!

With a capital “T” and that looks like “F” and that stands for FOOL!

We surely got trouble!

Right in Han River City!

Remember Atlanta housewives do know more than experts too!

Oh, we’ve got trouble

We got terrible, terrible trouble

That beef with the fifty spangled stars is the devil’s tool!

Oh yes, we got trouble, trouble trouble!

With a “T”

And that looks like “F”

And that stands for FOOL!

[Sorry for the delay.  The next SeoulPodcast episode is almost finished.]

Stephanie White returns with an update on her son, Michael White, who died mysteriously in a sauna in Daegu.  She clarifies points she made in her first appearance and details the results of the government’s autopsy.  The autopsy itself has raised enough questions to get the U.S. Embassy involved.

What looks like either a systematic cover up or a long series of incompetence and arrogance is disturbing to any foreigner and any parent of a foreigner living in Korea.  A rise in unexplained deaths to foreigners and attacks on foreigners combined with indifference from the authorities should be the top issue to any foreigner living here, whether you’re an English teacher, businessman, professional or laborer.

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PANELIST
Karl Mamer

MAIN TOPIC
Seoul Survivors Reunion Show

FROM KARL

boobs

New job

taxes

cable tv

forget how to say things

fast food i don't eat anymore

Dano in Toronto or $5 for bibimbap

back home start up money

gym membreship

Rents in Toronto

pipes go bendy way

Is korea like camping?

and yet i don't miss korea

no dumpster diving

yonsama

swimming (from your past interview, i have experience with the korean

public pool situation)

"the work that must not be name"

circle jerk, indeed

And more photos...

NEWS AND STUFF

FROM JOE

Did the physical and fingerprint for my E-2. Funny question on the medical form.

Too many podcasting Jennifers in Seoul

Massage chairs are perverse and a little cheeky

Expat Still Living (Gypsy Scholar)

I’ve attracted the ire of Korean netizen bullies. (B in J)

Mandatory hazmat suits and neutering to be required of foreign teachers?

Piece from Adam Walsh in the Korea Times

I managed to discover that it is only E-2 and E-6 visas that require the test. When I asked why this was the case, he informed me that it was to protect the children. He then said that I could leave the country if I wanted or phone my embassy.

After Mr. Choi hung up on me, I thought some more about the fairness of the rule. The E-6 visa is for entertainers, not teachers. I don’t understand the similarities that would group both the E-2 and E-6 visas together. (Galbijim edit: Because the Russian whores who work at room salons and sleep with Korean men, are sponsored on E-6 visas.)

Ask Joshing Gnome for Friday, June 13, 2008

Gord Sellar of the excellent gordsellar.com asks:

A question, Joe: what do you think it is in Korean culture that makes people say things that are manifestly being demonstrated not to be true? (Like saying your brother-in-law can’t eat fish, while he is eating fish?) This puzzles me to no end.

Ajummas Gone Wild (Lao-Ocean-Girl)

Karl’s How to Make Korean Pizza

FROM JENNIFER

You heard it on SeoulPodcast first! The beef protest was combined with a memorial for the two girls’ deaths in the tank incident. And, five new agenda iems are being added to the protests. Of course Brian has the scoop in detail. I thought they died in December, but it was June. Whatever, no one cared about them until the World Cup ended. Read through to the part about a Korean soldier running over a politician while on duty and not getting punished. Also, read to the OECD stats that 82 children die daily in Korea– 70% in traffic accidents.

I can’t believe this didn’t make the news (or at least that it was such small coverage that I didn’t notice it). I found that while looking for the online article about the girl that was kidnapped. I also found this about a spate of child rapes in Dongducheon (which despite being a US Army base, all were commited by Koreans).

LISTENER MAIL

Dear King Sejong (And other contributers of the SeoulPodcast),

Just an email to say thanks for producing this show, I am a regular listener and joy the laid back style of the show.

I have been ’studying’ Korean for 2 years – very casually – and have really enjoyed discovering Korean culture and the food in particular suits my South African born tongue. Oh, and King Sejong, thanks for the Hangul, it rocks just like your ipod.

I now live in New Zealand and have found heaps of Korean shops and restaurants where I can stumble through ordering a plate of food.  Living outside Korea I find most Koreans will instantly switch to English when you approach them in Korean.  This might help their English but doesn’t give me much time to practice .

My question is if the wise people form the show have any tips on learning the language outside of the country before moving to Korea, and also how successful were they and how living in Korea improved their speaking?  My wife isn’t keen on the idea of moving to Korea you see.

Anyways,  Don’t be too hard on our Koreans brothers, the ones over here at least are very friendly and helpful

Thanks,
Elton ***

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Topic: The Chosun Bimbo
Panelists: Stafford Lumsden (The Chosun Bimbo)

MUSIC CREDITS
Main Theme and Teaching Tips — Ben McPherson – “2wksnyc”
News — satya – “Silk Route Album Mix”
Immigration Alert – midliFeCrisis – “Space Gunn”
Things That Make You Go Whaa? — cjacks – “Candyland”
Bit Rationale
cjacks
Devin Anderson
DJ Topshelf
Joe Sibol
Uma Floresta
George Wood
High Alert Status
Kathy Reynolds
Pan
REGGAE FAR EAST
Tyson Emanuel
deadpan
Deyo
Jacques Grant
weaklazyliar
Sharif
Shannon Richardson
Everyday Jones
Adam Schmidt
Michael Martin
Gray Martin

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Brian (Kiss My Kimchi)

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You Can Kiss My Kimchi

NEWS AND STUFF
From Jeju to Paju… (Gusts of Popular Feeling)

Comprehensive coverage. Oiled up barricades. Self-immolation.

“Ask a Korean” on last night’s protest

- In order to stop the candle-wielding protesters from marching all the way to the Blue House (= presidential residence), the police set up a makeshift Great Wall of Containers on the road. Not only are they hilarious to look at, but also they are another sign that Lee Myong-Bak administration just does not get the idea that every action it does is a communication toward the people. Just imagine what kind of message a big freakin’ wall on the way to the Blue House sends to the people.

- Many non-Koreans are quick to dismiss this phenomenon as an irrational mass hysteria. However, the Korean previously wrote that while the protesters may be (regrettably) ill-informed about Mad Cow Disease, the act of protest itself is orderly and rational. Live reports from the scene confirms the Korean. (Article in Korean.)

Especially focus on the news at 9:25 p.m. and 9:55 p.m. At 9:25 p.m., some of the protesters began to build a foam stairs alongside the containers, chanting “Climb over the containers and march to Blue House.” However, they were stopped by a larger crowd, who chanted “nonviolence.”

At 9:55 p.m., one man was seen trying to burn a blocking police bus by lighting a fire at its fuel tank, but was quickly stopped by the police. Remarkable thing was when the gas leaked out of the bus, protesters yelled “put out the candles” to prevent any fire.

The Beef Is Almost Done… (Metropolitician)

Mike says the protests are hitting their peak, and it’ll all be over in 4-6 weeks

BBC and Lee Sae-jin Bring Truth to US Beef Issue (ROK Drop)

Group Alleges MacDonalds Uses Beef from 30 Month or Older Cows Later Retracts Allegation

Candle Teen (Korea Beat)

Scott Burgeson’s Experiences at the Demonstrations (Two Koreas)

(May 31)

Jamie, I was there last night, it was pretty crazy. Easily 100,000 people, it was like the World Cup at City Hall. The highlight was getting hit by fire extinguishers (after a bunch of people got up on a police bus) and the high-tech remote-controlled water cannons (two going at the same time) in front of Kyongbok Palace as everyone was trying to bumrush the Blue House. The protesters almost pushed over a police bus near Insadong but the cops managed to drive another bus behind it in time to stablize it. Unfortunately, the protesters were unable to get through the police bus barricade and make it to the Blue House so it became a standoff after a while. I also noticed the protesters dragged a policeman off the front line at one point and started whaling on him in a mad circle, but then calmer heads prevailed and they quickly let him go. Anyway, everyone I talk to says that Lee will not cave in on the beef issue, and the protests will continue until he caves in, so it’s hard to see this thing ending any time soon. Carzy!

Candlelight Vigils, Food Sovereignty for Healthier Future (John Eperjesi in KT)

Combat police and sickness (Gusts of Popular Feeling)

The Theory of Diminished Returns and overworked riot police

Would I be a domineering, arrogant westerner if I was to say that letting people rest, get well at home, and return to work feeling better is better than making people work even though they are unable to perform the tasks that define their job? Well, I’m not going to say that. I’ll let ACNielson do the talking. They tell us that South Korean people are the world’s most vulnerable (52%) to cold.

People in South Korea seemed to be the sickest, suffering from most ailments and topping the global rankings for suffering from colds, indigestion, heartburn and toothaches.

IT Regulation Prevents Korean Access to iPhone

THINGS THAT MAKE YOU GO WHAA?

NY Times on Gireogi Appa (Joshing Gnome)

“I think this is both one of the worst …and …best things that can happen to Korea, as the country clearly needs a huge influx of half-Western educated, poorly acculturated, screwed-up kids with bad attitudes and daddy issues who can speak English.”

Nipple squeezing, ball tapping OK for ROK troops (Marmot)

Japan’s ‘monster’ parents

We’ve seen this phenomenon in Korea. The organized coffee shop hagwon moms.

New ESL jargon for Korea (Galbijim)

· EIWTEW (English for “uhmm..ahh…I want to English well”)

· EHFSBOWF (English for saying Hi to Foreigners on the Street, but only when I’m with other Korean Friends, so I can show-off/pretend to be ‘wild and crazy’ to my peers, even though I wouldn’t dare saying boo, if I was by myself and saw a passing foreigner.)

· EBCM (English for avoiding a Beating from my uber-Competitive Mother)

· EFDMIST (English for working in Fashion Design, so I can Make Incoherent Sentences on T-Shirts)

· ESHTNPSE (English for Scoring High on TOEFL, even though I have No Plans to ever Speak English again)

· EPEIHS (English for Passing the English Interview requirement of when applying at Hyundai or Samsung, even though I’m only applying for one of the gazillion jobs that don’t involve in English in any form)

· ESOAE (English for the ability to Show Off in front of a girl, in order to Appear Esteemed, because she’d drop me like a sack of sweet potatoes, if she knew my time is usually spent sleeping at mom and dad’s house and playing computer games all day.)

· EDWA (English for being able to debate Wikipedia Admins when I hijack articles on Dokdo or Prostitution in Korea and get into revert wars to ensure that Korea is maintained in some form of tooth fairy-esque light to foreigners.)

· EGMTHOH (English for Getting Me the Hell out of Here)

Korean-American youth give a ‘meh’ to Korea’s ESL program (GalbiJim)

Water on the Stairs (Video of my school’s fourth floor being flooded and running down the stairs)

EX-PAT COMMUNITY

Talk about getting visas

Amanda Has Left Korea

As has Busan Mike

Foreign Medical Patients Wanted (Korea Beat)

Michael White’s autopsy report released to press before family.

Michael White Drowned: Autopsy

Funeral June 28th

VIEWER MAIL

Dear Zen & Company,

Just wanted you to know that your podcasts are much appreciated. From time to time you mention that you remember those of us who are living on other counties and who still have an interest in Korea. I’m grateful for that. It’s nice to keep in touch with the country through your diatribes/dialogues/diagnoses. You and Jennifer have a good rapport on the air. My only small suggestion would be to give Jennifer more air time. She’s clearly an intelligent woman who has a wealth of information to pass on to listeners.

Please make sure to keep at it with your thoroughly enjoyable podcasts in the future.

With gratitude,

Richard

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NEXT WEEK
Topic: Seoul Survivors Reunion Show
Panelist: Karl Mamer

MUSIC CREDITS
Main Theme and Teaching Tips — Ben McPherson – “2wksnyc”
News — satya – “Silk Route Album Mix”
Things That Make You Go Whaa? — cjacks – “Candyland”
ExPat Community — Deyo – “Retro90210fun”
Bit Rationale
cjacks
Devin Anderson
DJ R Qubed
DJ Topshelf
George Wood
High Alert Status
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Guinea C
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Platinum Life Productions
Sharif
Mark Jungers
Jennifer Logue
curious hands
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From Episode 11: Starting a Family in Korea with Cathy and David Harris of SeoulLife.net (recorded June 4, 2008)

From Episode 11: Starting a Family in Korea with Cathy and David Harris of SeoulLife.net (recorded June 4, 2008)

From Episode 11: Starting a Family in Korea with Cathy and David Harris of SeoulLife.net (recorded June 4, 2008)

From Episode 11: Starting a Family in Korea with Cathy and David Harris of SeoulLife.net (recorded June 4, 2008)