[The Chosun Ilbo, December 21 2007] Why Korea Reverses the Fortunes of Hollywood Movies
Around 6,000 people have watched “Wild Hogs” in Korea, some 60,000 checked out “Chuck and Larry”, but a staggering 1.35 million have seen “August Rush.” This may puzzle some in the U.S., where “August Rush” ranked a modest 77th in terms of box office takings and made US$28.48 million as of December 20. “Wild Hogs” by contrast raked in $168.27 million to become no. 10 at the U.S. box office but closed within a week of opening in Korea. What is it that reverses the films’ fortunes here?
...
So what makes a movie a hit or a failure in Korea? Experts point to familiar storylines and music. “Dramas that succeed in Korea are usually those with Cinderella-type stories in which characters prevail against heavy odds,” said Prof. Sim Eun-jin of Chungju University’s film studies department. “The general public tends to be drawn to romantic love stories with clear changes in emotion.” Some think that Korean viewers are trying to find something in foreign films that they can’t in Korean ones. “Japanese literature and foreign independent films like ‘Once’ are attracting people in their early to mid-20s, especially women in Korea,” said Hong Seong-nam, a movie critic. “Not many domestic films feature the fun and inspiration of everyday lives, and this seems to prompt Korean viewers to turn to overseas.”
American comedies, on the other hand, are almost always a disaster here.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 21 2007] Lee to Ring in Era of 'Development'
President-elect Lee Myung-bak said Thursday the nation should pursue development as the next goal after the industrialization of the 1960s and 70s and democratization of the 80s and 90s. In his first post-election press conference, Lee pledged to introduce a new development system and usher in a “great age” of economic development, improved quality of life, with the benefits of economic growth going to ordinary people. He promised to run a “practical and creative” government.
President-elect Lee Myung-bak said Thursday the nation should pursue development as the next goal after the industrialization of the 1960s and 70s and democratization of the 80s and 90s. In his first post-election press conference, Lee pledged to introduce a new development system and usher in a “great age” of economic development, improved quality of life, with the benefits of economic growth going to ordinary people. He promised to run a “practical and creative” government.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 21 2007] Genesis Is Posh, But Facing Tough Market
At a press showcase for Hyundai Motor’s Genesis luxury sedan at the company's research and development center in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province early this month, reporters held their breath with expectation when the much-anticipated car was unveiled alongside other world-class premium sedans, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class 350 and the BMW 530i.
...
The Genesis comes equipped with many state-of-the-art features. Smart cruise control uses a radar device to measure the distance of the car ahead to keep the Genesis at a proper distance. Adaptive headlamps equipped with an electric motor for each lamp position the focus of the light according to driving speed and turn direction. A Harmenbecker Lexicon sound system, found in the esteemed Rolls-Royce, provides the new car with top acoustic quality.
At a press showcase for Hyundai Motor’s Genesis luxury sedan at the company's research and development center in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province early this month, reporters held their breath with expectation when the much-anticipated car was unveiled alongside other world-class premium sedans, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class 350 and the BMW 530i.
...
The Genesis comes equipped with many state-of-the-art features. Smart cruise control uses a radar device to measure the distance of the car ahead to keep the Genesis at a proper distance. Adaptive headlamps equipped with an electric motor for each lamp position the focus of the light according to driving speed and turn direction. A Harmenbecker Lexicon sound system, found in the esteemed Rolls-Royce, provides the new car with top acoustic quality.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 21 2007] Jo Su-mi on the Hardships of a Diva's Life
What is the most difficult part of a world-class soprano’s life? In a press conference at the Kumho Art Hall on Thursday, Jo Su-mi revealed it is traveling. “When I go on tour, I have to keep myself to a hotel because I’m afraid to get sick. Especially in winter, I am so worried about catching a cold or sore throat that I never go out and often leave three humidifiers on in a hotel room,” she confessed. “I also find it difficult to get my energy back after I gave my all to an audience in a performance. I chose to be a singer, yet still I had to make many sacrifices.” This is why she always longs to go back home to Rome.
What is the most difficult part of a world-class soprano’s life? In a press conference at the Kumho Art Hall on Thursday, Jo Su-mi revealed it is traveling. “When I go on tour, I have to keep myself to a hotel because I’m afraid to get sick. Especially in winter, I am so worried about catching a cold or sore throat that I never go out and often leave three humidifiers on in a hotel room,” she confessed. “I also find it difficult to get my energy back after I gave my all to an audience in a performance. I chose to be a singer, yet still I had to make many sacrifices.” This is why she always longs to go back home to Rome.
Monday, January 07, 2008
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 20 2007] New Trends in the Music Industry in 2007
SG Wannabe’s fourth album, which boasts the largest sales this year, sold only about 190,000 times. That is the clearest indication yet that music has moved from store-bought recording to cyberspace. When the form changes, content changes too. This year, Koreans have witnessed rapid changes in Korean pop music, because the preferences of a public who consume music in units of songs rather than albums demand a new approach. Here, the Chosum Ilbo assembles seven key words of Korean pop music based on a survey of 10 music producers and critics.
◆ Girl singers
◆ New idols
◆ Independent music
◆ Catchy tunes
◆ Concerts at small theaters
◆ Memories of the 1990s
◆ The power of video
At the center of Wonder Girls’ “Tell Me” syndrome lies power of netizens who uploaded videos that show them dancing to “Tell Me.” Music fans are no longer passive audiences: they reproduce and spread their thoughts on pop music and thus contribute to the success or failure of a song.
SG Wannabe’s fourth album, which boasts the largest sales this year, sold only about 190,000 times. That is the clearest indication yet that music has moved from store-bought recording to cyberspace. When the form changes, content changes too. This year, Koreans have witnessed rapid changes in Korean pop music, because the preferences of a public who consume music in units of songs rather than albums demand a new approach. Here, the Chosum Ilbo assembles seven key words of Korean pop music based on a survey of 10 music producers and critics.
◆ Girl singers
◆ New idols
◆ Independent music
◆ Catchy tunes
◆ Concerts at small theaters
◆ Memories of the 1990s
◆ The power of video
At the center of Wonder Girls’ “Tell Me” syndrome lies power of netizens who uploaded videos that show them dancing to “Tell Me.” Music fans are no longer passive audiences: they reproduce and spread their thoughts on pop music and thus contribute to the success or failure of a song.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 19 2007] Medal of Merit Awarded to Media Secretary
President Roh Moo-hyun has decided to award a medal of merit to presidential media secretary Yang Jeong-chul, praising the "creativity and diligence" he showed in his official duties. The decision, which also included the awarding of medals and accolades to 206 other public servants, was passed at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday presided over by President Roh.
Yang is a celebrity among public servants -- much more famous than most government ministers. That's not because of his rank, but his power. Vice ministers who have more experience and rank above Yang, are often chided by him. Yang's power comes from President Roh. Many Koreans remember Yang for his accomplishments resulting from his "creativity and diligence" and the confidence the president has placed in him.
...
A few days ago Yang made a personal visit to the Ministry of National Defense and criticized the vice defense minister for being too slow in closing down the ministry's pressroom. The Cheong Wa Dae Briefing, a pseudo-news Internet website serving as an unbridled mouthpiece of the government, has become Yang's personal notebook where he posts his erroneous ideas at whim. The presidential office has lauded Yang's stubborn insistence on pursuing such unjust policies, viewing those acts as "diligence."
...
In awarding Yang the medal, perhaps what the president really wanted was to tell the public that he and Yang plan to do whatever they want, no matter what anyone says.
President Roh Moo-hyun has decided to award a medal of merit to presidential media secretary Yang Jeong-chul, praising the "creativity and diligence" he showed in his official duties. The decision, which also included the awarding of medals and accolades to 206 other public servants, was passed at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday presided over by President Roh.
Yang is a celebrity among public servants -- much more famous than most government ministers. That's not because of his rank, but his power. Vice ministers who have more experience and rank above Yang, are often chided by him. Yang's power comes from President Roh. Many Koreans remember Yang for his accomplishments resulting from his "creativity and diligence" and the confidence the president has placed in him.
...
A few days ago Yang made a personal visit to the Ministry of National Defense and criticized the vice defense minister for being too slow in closing down the ministry's pressroom. The Cheong Wa Dae Briefing, a pseudo-news Internet website serving as an unbridled mouthpiece of the government, has become Yang's personal notebook where he posts his erroneous ideas at whim. The presidential office has lauded Yang's stubborn insistence on pursuing such unjust policies, viewing those acts as "diligence."
...
In awarding Yang the medal, perhaps what the president really wanted was to tell the public that he and Yang plan to do whatever they want, no matter what anyone says.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 18 2007] The Death Throes of the Roh Administration
The Defense Ministry on Sunday cut off electricity and heat to the ministry press room reporters had been using to file articles. Then it stationed military police to keep reporters from entering the building. The reporters who remain inside the pressroom are writing their articles on cold floors, by candlelight. Last Wednesday, reporters resisting eviction at the pressroom of the National Police Agency were told a lie to lure them outdoors, whereupon police officials padlocked the doors. The police set up security checkpoints and remote-controlled doors to the entrance of NPA headquarters and posted guards there to regulate the entry of reporters.
Until the day he leaves office, President Roh Moo-hyun is pouring his last remaining strength into closing down press rooms at government ministries where reporters used to write and file articles. Many Koreans wonder how Korea would have changed if the president had used that tenacity to revive the country instead.
...
In his war against the news media, Roh used the presidential secretary and the Government Information Agency as his right and left hands and placed the National Tax Service, traditionally the hitman of presidential administrations, and the Fair Trade Commission at his side and issued an order to all government workers. He nudged public servants to wage war against the news media, saying their performance and promotions will depend on how many battles they wage against reporters.
As a result, until October this year, government ministries filed a total of 715 complaints over news articles, requiring mediation by the Press Arbitration Commission. That’s more than six times the 118 complaints filed during the administration of Kim Dae-jung.
...
The page of history is about to turn. No matter how insane the night may have been, the clarity of the morning will inevitably come. We are relieved to find that the racket of the press rooms being nailed shut is actually the receding roar of an insane interlude. A long, long night is finally about to end.
The Defense Ministry on Sunday cut off electricity and heat to the ministry press room reporters had been using to file articles. Then it stationed military police to keep reporters from entering the building. The reporters who remain inside the pressroom are writing their articles on cold floors, by candlelight. Last Wednesday, reporters resisting eviction at the pressroom of the National Police Agency were told a lie to lure them outdoors, whereupon police officials padlocked the doors. The police set up security checkpoints and remote-controlled doors to the entrance of NPA headquarters and posted guards there to regulate the entry of reporters.
Until the day he leaves office, President Roh Moo-hyun is pouring his last remaining strength into closing down press rooms at government ministries where reporters used to write and file articles. Many Koreans wonder how Korea would have changed if the president had used that tenacity to revive the country instead.
...
In his war against the news media, Roh used the presidential secretary and the Government Information Agency as his right and left hands and placed the National Tax Service, traditionally the hitman of presidential administrations, and the Fair Trade Commission at his side and issued an order to all government workers. He nudged public servants to wage war against the news media, saying their performance and promotions will depend on how many battles they wage against reporters.
As a result, until October this year, government ministries filed a total of 715 complaints over news articles, requiring mediation by the Press Arbitration Commission. That’s more than six times the 118 complaints filed during the administration of Kim Dae-jung.
...
The page of history is about to turn. No matter how insane the night may have been, the clarity of the morning will inevitably come. We are relieved to find that the racket of the press rooms being nailed shut is actually the receding roar of an insane interlude. A long, long night is finally about to end.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 18 2007] Koreans Researching Human Body as Data Cable
You're holding your MP3 player in one hand and your computer in the other, and music files stored on the PC are being passed to the music player -- through your body. It sounds like a scene from a science fiction movie, but the technology is real.
Japanese telecommunications giant NTT has succeeded in transmitting MP3 files without a cable through the human body and several Korean companies are busy researching and developing similar technologies with an eye to profiting from them.
According to the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Monday, in 2004 there was just one patent application for technology to transmit files such as photos, video clips and MP3s between portable gadgets like mobile phones, digital cameras and MP3 players. That figure grew to nine in 2005 and 25 in 2006. In 2007, 14 such patents had been applied for as of September. Of those, Koreans have applied for 69 percent and foreigners have applied for the rest.
The Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute is one of the Korean organizations that is researching and developing technologies that utilize the human body as a vehicle for data transmission.
"We're researching technologies that can transmit data through human body as fast as existing broadband Internet connections, with speeds of 10 megabits per second," said ETRI's Dr. Kang Sung-won.
You're holding your MP3 player in one hand and your computer in the other, and music files stored on the PC are being passed to the music player -- through your body. It sounds like a scene from a science fiction movie, but the technology is real.
Japanese telecommunications giant NTT has succeeded in transmitting MP3 files without a cable through the human body and several Korean companies are busy researching and developing similar technologies with an eye to profiting from them.
According to the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Monday, in 2004 there was just one patent application for technology to transmit files such as photos, video clips and MP3s between portable gadgets like mobile phones, digital cameras and MP3 players. That figure grew to nine in 2005 and 25 in 2006. In 2007, 14 such patents had been applied for as of September. Of those, Koreans have applied for 69 percent and foreigners have applied for the rest.
The Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute is one of the Korean organizations that is researching and developing technologies that utilize the human body as a vehicle for data transmission.
"We're researching technologies that can transmit data through human body as fast as existing broadband Internet connections, with speeds of 10 megabits per second," said ETRI's Dr. Kang Sung-won.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 18 2007] Plenty of Fresh Bidders for Daewoo Electronics
A larger-than-expected number of bidders have lined up to take over Daewoo Electronics. According to the creditors of the appliance maker, 10 domestic and foreign bidders submitted a letter of intent to the accounting firm Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers, which oversees the takeover.
A larger-than-expected number of bidders have lined up to take over Daewoo Electronics. According to the creditors of the appliance maker, 10 domestic and foreign bidders submitted a letter of intent to the accounting firm Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers, which oversees the takeover.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 18 2007] Plenty of Fresh Bidders for Daewoo Electronics
A larger-than-expected number of bidders have lined up to take over Daewoo Electronics. According to the creditors of the appliance maker, 10 domestic and foreign bidders submitted a letter of intent to the accounting firm Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers, which oversees the takeover.
A larger-than-expected number of bidders have lined up to take over Daewoo Electronics. According to the creditors of the appliance maker, 10 domestic and foreign bidders submitted a letter of intent to the accounting firm Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers, which oversees the takeover.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 18 2007] Hwang Trying to Resume Stem Cell Research
The cloning scientist Hwang Woo-suk, whose status as a national hero unraveled when he was found to have faked research that gave hope to millions of sufferers from incurable diseases, is apparently attempting a comeback. The Ministry of Health and Welfare said Monday the Suam Bioengineering Research Institute, a nonprofit lab known as Hwang’s research base in Korea, submitted a research plan on embryo cloning using somatic cells -- the very procedure Hwang falsely claimed to have perfected. Hwang is included as an ordinary researcher rather than team leader, according to Yang Byung-guk, a ministry director in charge of bioethics safety.
The cloning scientist Hwang Woo-suk, whose status as a national hero unraveled when he was found to have faked research that gave hope to millions of sufferers from incurable diseases, is apparently attempting a comeback. The Ministry of Health and Welfare said Monday the Suam Bioengineering Research Institute, a nonprofit lab known as Hwang’s research base in Korea, submitted a research plan on embryo cloning using somatic cells -- the very procedure Hwang falsely claimed to have perfected. Hwang is included as an ordinary researcher rather than team leader, according to Yang Byung-guk, a ministry director in charge of bioethics safety.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 18 2007] UCC Named Top Product of 2007
User created content, or UCC, has been chosen as the best hit product of the year, according to a survey released by the Samsung Economic Research Institute on Monday.
The institute came up with a top 10 list of the year's best products based on a survey of 10,142 Internet users.
The list included the China Fund, teenage sports stars Kim Yu-na and Park Tae-hwan, historical dramas such as "Dae Joyoung" and "Taewangsashingi(The Four Guardian Gods of the King)," cash management accounts (CMA), MBC entertainment show "Extreme Challenge", corn silk drink, five-girl pop group the Wonder Girls, Blemish Balm cosmetic cream and wine.
Cultural products were very popular this year, the institute noted, while unlike Japan and the U.S. where Apple's iPhone and other IT gadgets were included hit product lists, no IT devices made it on to the Korean list.
User created content, or UCC, has been chosen as the best hit product of the year, according to a survey released by the Samsung Economic Research Institute on Monday.
The institute came up with a top 10 list of the year's best products based on a survey of 10,142 Internet users.
The list included the China Fund, teenage sports stars Kim Yu-na and Park Tae-hwan, historical dramas such as "Dae Joyoung" and "Taewangsashingi(The Four Guardian Gods of the King)," cash management accounts (CMA), MBC entertainment show "Extreme Challenge", corn silk drink, five-girl pop group the Wonder Girls, Blemish Balm cosmetic cream and wine.
Cultural products were very popular this year, the institute noted, while unlike Japan and the U.S. where Apple's iPhone and other IT gadgets were included hit product lists, no IT devices made it on to the Korean list.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 17 2007] Standoff as Defense Ministry Closes Press Room
The Ministry of Defense on Sunday tried to evict all reporters from the press room on the first floor of the new ministry building, shutting off electricity and heat. The ministry has been demanding reporters move to an integrated so-called media center behind the old annex, a 10-minute walk away, where the offices of the minister and vice minister of defense as well as the Joint Chiefs of Staff are located.
Two officials from the public relations team at the ministry visited the press room and demanded reporters vacate it by 12 a.m. Sunday. When reporters refused, the ministry immediately shut off the electricity. The 18 journalists based in the press room held a candlelight vigil protesting the measure and some resisted demands by ministry officials to leave. There was a shouting match after a ministry official demanded the reporters extinguish their candles due to fire safety concerns and reporters told the officials to get out. But there was no physical confrontation.
The Ministry of Defense on Sunday tried to evict all reporters from the press room on the first floor of the new ministry building, shutting off electricity and heat. The ministry has been demanding reporters move to an integrated so-called media center behind the old annex, a 10-minute walk away, where the offices of the minister and vice minister of defense as well as the Joint Chiefs of Staff are located.
Two officials from the public relations team at the ministry visited the press room and demanded reporters vacate it by 12 a.m. Sunday. When reporters refused, the ministry immediately shut off the electricity. The 18 journalists based in the press room held a candlelight vigil protesting the measure and some resisted demands by ministry officials to leave. There was a shouting match after a ministry official demanded the reporters extinguish their candles due to fire safety concerns and reporters told the officials to get out. But there was no physical confrontation.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 17 2007] LG to Help Develop Hyundai's Hybrid Car
LG is teaming up with Hyundai Motor to produce hybrid cars. LG Chemicals said Sunday that it will be the exclusive supplier of lithium polymer batteries for Hyundai's Avante hybrid car, which is scheduled for mass-production in 2009.
Eco-friendly hybrid cars are powered by both gasoline engines and electric motors. Toyota of Japan is currently the hybrid market's technology and sales leader.
LG is teaming up with Hyundai Motor to produce hybrid cars. LG Chemicals said Sunday that it will be the exclusive supplier of lithium polymer batteries for Hyundai's Avante hybrid car, which is scheduled for mass-production in 2009.
Eco-friendly hybrid cars are powered by both gasoline engines and electric motors. Toyota of Japan is currently the hybrid market's technology and sales leader.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 17 2007] Korean Mobile TV Technology Adopted as Global Standard
A Korean-made mobile broadcasting technology has been adopted as a global standard. Developed by adding a multimedia aspect to Europe's digital audio broadcasting (DAB) technology, terrestrial digital mobile broadcasting (T-DMB) enables clear reception of video and audio while on the move.
The Ministry of Information and Communication said Saturday that the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) confirmed T-DMB as a global standard after getting approval from its 191 member nations. Other mobile telecommunication technologies adopted as global standards include U.S. company Qualcomm's MediaFLO, Finnish company Nokia's DVB-H and Japan's OneSeg.
A Korean-made mobile broadcasting technology has been adopted as a global standard. Developed by adding a multimedia aspect to Europe's digital audio broadcasting (DAB) technology, terrestrial digital mobile broadcasting (T-DMB) enables clear reception of video and audio while on the move.
The Ministry of Information and Communication said Saturday that the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) confirmed T-DMB as a global standard after getting approval from its 191 member nations. Other mobile telecommunication technologies adopted as global standards include U.S. company Qualcomm's MediaFLO, Finnish company Nokia's DVB-H and Japan's OneSeg.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 17 2007] Chip Price Slump Has Hynix Facing Hard Times
The brakes have been put on Hynix Semiconductor's business performance, which had seemed unstoppable since last year. The company will almost certainly suffer massive losses in the forth quarter, and the falling price of D-RAM, the company's major product, dims its prospects even further. And on top of this, Hynix is being accused of leaking a key technology to a Taiwanese company.
◆ The D-RAM crisis
◆ Technology leak controversy
The brakes have been put on Hynix Semiconductor's business performance, which had seemed unstoppable since last year. The company will almost certainly suffer massive losses in the forth quarter, and the falling price of D-RAM, the company's major product, dims its prospects even further. And on top of this, Hynix is being accused of leaking a key technology to a Taiwanese company.
◆ The D-RAM crisis
◆ Technology leak controversy
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 17 2007] Director Im Kwon-taek Awarded at Dubai Film Festival
Korean film director Im Kwon-taek has received a Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's Dubai International Film Festival.
Im is one of the most successful filmmakers in Korea and has made 100 films during his half-a-century career. The festival committee praised his numerous and experimental works in diverse genres.
Korean film director Im Kwon-taek has received a Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's Dubai International Film Festival.
Im is one of the most successful filmmakers in Korea and has made 100 films during his half-a-century career. The festival committee praised his numerous and experimental works in diverse genres.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 17 2007] Director Im Kwon-taek Awarded at Dubai Film Festival
Korean film director Im Kwon-taek has received a Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's Dubai International Film Festival.
Im is one of the most successful filmmakers in Korea and has made 100 films during his half-a-century career. The festival committee praised his numerous and experimental works in diverse genres.
Korean film director Im Kwon-taek has received a Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's Dubai International Film Festival.
Im is one of the most successful filmmakers in Korea and has made 100 films during his half-a-century career. The festival committee praised his numerous and experimental works in diverse genres.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 14 2007] Beware of Ransomware, PC Users Told
Korean PC users have been warned of malware that encrypts data belonging to an individual on a computer and demands a ransom to restore it. IT security firm Ahnlab said Thursday a growing number of victims were reporting ransomware that hijacks their video files and demands payment in exchange for their restoration. The ransomware encrypts files on the victim's computer which the victim is then unable to open without the correct decryption key. Only when the ransom demanded is paid is the victim given the decryption key.
The ransomware was included in adware “Uccplay.” Victims are led into thinking the adware is a multimedia player, but when they install it, the program copies all video files stored on the computer to a hidden folder and removes the original files. Victims have no choice but to open the ransomware to access their video files, which then opens up a “certification” box that actually links to mobile phone payment.
Korean PC users have been warned of malware that encrypts data belonging to an individual on a computer and demands a ransom to restore it. IT security firm Ahnlab said Thursday a growing number of victims were reporting ransomware that hijacks their video files and demands payment in exchange for their restoration. The ransomware encrypts files on the victim's computer which the victim is then unable to open without the correct decryption key. Only when the ransom demanded is paid is the victim given the decryption key.
The ransomware was included in adware “Uccplay.” Victims are led into thinking the adware is a multimedia player, but when they install it, the program copies all video files stored on the computer to a hidden folder and removes the original files. Victims have no choice but to open the ransomware to access their video files, which then opens up a “certification” box that actually links to mobile phone payment.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 14 2007] Kim Seon-ah Wins Breach-of-Contract Suit
Actress Kim Seon-ah (32) has won a suit for breach of contract brought against her by a film production company. The Seoul Central District Court on Thursday ruled against the production company, who sued the actress and her agency for damages. In June, production company Yoon and Joon sued Kim for damages worth W1 billion (US$1=W925) claiming that Kim failed to carry out her obligation to play the leading role in the film “Thursday’s Child” and it caused damages worth W2.3 billion by halting production last year.
Actress Kim Seon-ah (32) has won a suit for breach of contract brought against her by a film production company. The Seoul Central District Court on Thursday ruled against the production company, who sued the actress and her agency for damages. In June, production company Yoon and Joon sued Kim for damages worth W1 billion (US$1=W925) claiming that Kim failed to carry out her obligation to play the leading role in the film “Thursday’s Child” and it caused damages worth W2.3 billion by halting production last year.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 14 2007] Digital Chosun Starts New Keyword Click Service
The Digital Chosun Ilbo will launch a new service allowing readers to access detailed additional information while reading a news article by clicking key words in the report. A similar service is provided by the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and BusinessWeek. Named “Focus,” the service offers detailed information on 1,900 celebrities, top-500 corporations, 300 domestic government agencies/public organizations, 197 countries and 208 major cities in the world.
Readers of the online edition will be able to look up additional information without resorting to encyclopedias or portal search services. For example, if readers want to know more about a company in an M&A report in the Digital Chosun Ilbo site, just a mouse-click on the company’s name brings up details of its history, business, stock price and corporate news. The service is currently available for the Korean edition only.
The Digital Chosun Ilbo will launch a new service allowing readers to access detailed additional information while reading a news article by clicking key words in the report. A similar service is provided by the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and BusinessWeek. Named “Focus,” the service offers detailed information on 1,900 celebrities, top-500 corporations, 300 domestic government agencies/public organizations, 197 countries and 208 major cities in the world.
Readers of the online edition will be able to look up additional information without resorting to encyclopedias or portal search services. For example, if readers want to know more about a company in an M&A report in the Digital Chosun Ilbo site, just a mouse-click on the company’s name brings up details of its history, business, stock price and corporate news. The service is currently available for the Korean edition only.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 14 2007] Science Ministry to Sell Satellite Photos to Public
The public will soon be allowed to purchase photographs taken by Korea's Arirang 2 satellite. The Ministry of Science and Technology said Thursday that it will make the photos available online (www.spacecapture.kr).
Existing photos can be purchased immediately, or orders can be placed to have the satellite take specific photographs.
The public will soon be allowed to purchase photographs taken by Korea's Arirang 2 satellite. The Ministry of Science and Technology said Thursday that it will make the photos available online (www.spacecapture.kr).
Existing photos can be purchased immediately, or orders can be placed to have the satellite take specific photographs.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 14 2007] Seoul Dreaming of a Blue Christmas
By this time every year, major landmarks in downtown Seoul like City Hall and Gwanghwamun are decorated with bright Christmas lights. But this year, instead of the traditional red and yellow, all is bathed in the soft blue of light-emitting diodes (LED). Take the Galleria Department Store in Apgujeong-dong, for instance. Its top-end brand house West, known for its 4,330 glass disk-covered unique exterior, spent around W300 million (US$1=W925) to place special LEDs on all the glass disks, which were then connected to the computer system to emit blue Christmas illumination.
By this time every year, major landmarks in downtown Seoul like City Hall and Gwanghwamun are decorated with bright Christmas lights. But this year, instead of the traditional red and yellow, all is bathed in the soft blue of light-emitting diodes (LED). Take the Galleria Department Store in Apgujeong-dong, for instance. Its top-end brand house West, known for its 4,330 glass disk-covered unique exterior, spent around W300 million (US$1=W925) to place special LEDs on all the glass disks, which were then connected to the computer system to emit blue Christmas illumination.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 14 2007] Korean Scientists Build Autonomous Mobile Robot
A Korean research team has developed an autonomous mobile robot that can be used to patrol industrial facilities or apartment complexes.
The Korea Institute of Science and Technology said Thursday that its "Securo" (SECUrity RObot), developed by the team led by Dr. Kang Sung-chul, passed a recent test by successfully navigating a one km-long course by itself.
Using a built-in global positioning system and laser image scanner, the robot moved along a pre-set route at a speed of 5.4 km/h within an error range of 10 cm without human control.
A Korean research team has developed an autonomous mobile robot that can be used to patrol industrial facilities or apartment complexes.
The Korea Institute of Science and Technology said Thursday that its "Securo" (SECUrity RObot), developed by the team led by Dr. Kang Sung-chul, passed a recent test by successfully navigating a one km-long course by itself.
Using a built-in global positioning system and laser image scanner, the robot moved along a pre-set route at a speed of 5.4 km/h within an error range of 10 cm without human control.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 13 2007] Buy-in-America Boom Spreads to Korea
The weak dollar has sparked a U.S. shopping spree among Europeans, the so-called Buy-in-America boom. Thanks to weak dollar and strong euro, prices in the U.S. became much lower than in the Europe, and European shoppers are going to the U.S. for shopping as well as to U.S. shopping websites. The most popular items are electronics and clothes. The Chosun Ilbo looks at the bargains.
...
This U.S. shopping boom is now advancing to Korea. According to the Korea Customs Service, the number of parcels from overseas between January and October has increased by 14 percent to 674,000 compared to the same period last year. A substantial amount of that consists of products bought on U.S. Internet shopping sites.
The weak dollar has sparked a U.S. shopping spree among Europeans, the so-called Buy-in-America boom. Thanks to weak dollar and strong euro, prices in the U.S. became much lower than in the Europe, and European shoppers are going to the U.S. for shopping as well as to U.S. shopping websites. The most popular items are electronics and clothes. The Chosun Ilbo looks at the bargains.
...
This U.S. shopping boom is now advancing to Korea. According to the Korea Customs Service, the number of parcels from overseas between January and October has increased by 14 percent to 674,000 compared to the same period last year. A substantial amount of that consists of products bought on U.S. Internet shopping sites.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 13 2007] Architects of Media Oppression Try to Hide
Bang Sun-kyu, the official at the Government Information Agency who played a central role in the Roh Moo-hyun administration's efforts to close down and consolidate press rooms at government agencies, is reportedly about to be appointed as press attache to the Korean embassy in the U.S. Bang applied for the position voluntarily.
Early this year, Bang was entrusted by President Roh to observe the way press rooms are run by government agencies around the world. It was Bang who created the blueprint for Roh's clampdown on media access to government officials and ministries. It is mind boggling to see the official who worked so hard to realize the president's plan trying to leave Korea now when the administration's days are numbered. It just makes one feel that Bang, who appeared to be such a firm believer in the president's views on taming critical news media, was just doing his job.
...
These officials made a lot of noise during their day. But their day is coming to an end soon and they are probably right in seeking to find a place in which to bury their heads. But they cannot hide. A person's exit should be graceful. How they handle their exit says a lot about their character. What good will it do to make these people pay for their actions, when they are already getting ready to hide in shame?
Bang Sun-kyu, the official at the Government Information Agency who played a central role in the Roh Moo-hyun administration's efforts to close down and consolidate press rooms at government agencies, is reportedly about to be appointed as press attache to the Korean embassy in the U.S. Bang applied for the position voluntarily.
Early this year, Bang was entrusted by President Roh to observe the way press rooms are run by government agencies around the world. It was Bang who created the blueprint for Roh's clampdown on media access to government officials and ministries. It is mind boggling to see the official who worked so hard to realize the president's plan trying to leave Korea now when the administration's days are numbered. It just makes one feel that Bang, who appeared to be such a firm believer in the president's views on taming critical news media, was just doing his job.
...
These officials made a lot of noise during their day. But their day is coming to an end soon and they are probably right in seeking to find a place in which to bury their heads. But they cannot hide. A person's exit should be graceful. How they handle their exit says a lot about their character. What good will it do to make these people pay for their actions, when they are already getting ready to hide in shame?
Friday, January 04, 2008
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 13 2007] When History Becomes Entertainment
This year, cultural products dealing with history have been hugely popular, and TV dramas, movies, musicals and novels based on historical themes and materials lead the pack in terms of production value and sales. The three terrestrial networks are airing historical dramas at prime time, which was once replete with variety shows and talk shows. King Jeongjo in particular enjoys huge popularity in various historical dramas.
The boom is nothing new. Since the mega-hit “Daejanggeum(Jewel in the Palace)”, historical series have been enjoying continuous popularity. In the 1980s and 90s, historical novels such as “The Land,” and the novels “Donguibogam” and “Taebak Mountain” were runaway bestsellers. One million copies of “500 Years of Chosun Dynasty” were sold in the late 1990s -- a rare success for a liberal arts book. Since then, novels with some kind of claim to a basis in historical fact have been selling well in the wake of “The Da Vinci Code.”
But there is a big difference between the historical hits of the past and today’s. For a start, there is no evident patriotism at play in today’s historical works. Kim Hoon’s “Namhan Sanseong” dealing with the second Manchu invasion of Korea in 1637 and Shin Kyung-sook’s “Lijin” describing a woman’s life in the late Chosun Dynasty put more emphasis on the individual’s conflict and suffering than the ups and downs of history itself.
Recent historical works are strong on the detail of daily life rather than the broad sweep of history, struggle for power and ideological conflict. Based on an interesting story, they home in on culture and everyday life. The public’s interest has moved on from the powerful to ordinary people, and from the center to the periphery.
In other words, history has become entertainment. Sometimes it evolves into fantasy, as in the case of “Taewangsasingi,” starring Bae Yong-joon. People in their 20s who are accustomed to video games go wild for this combination of fantasy and history. Questions about historical accuracy or the lessons of history are meaningless to them.
This year, cultural products dealing with history have been hugely popular, and TV dramas, movies, musicals and novels based on historical themes and materials lead the pack in terms of production value and sales. The three terrestrial networks are airing historical dramas at prime time, which was once replete with variety shows and talk shows. King Jeongjo in particular enjoys huge popularity in various historical dramas.
The boom is nothing new. Since the mega-hit “Daejanggeum(Jewel in the Palace)”, historical series have been enjoying continuous popularity. In the 1980s and 90s, historical novels such as “The Land,” and the novels “Donguibogam” and “Taebak Mountain” were runaway bestsellers. One million copies of “500 Years of Chosun Dynasty” were sold in the late 1990s -- a rare success for a liberal arts book. Since then, novels with some kind of claim to a basis in historical fact have been selling well in the wake of “The Da Vinci Code.”
But there is a big difference between the historical hits of the past and today’s. For a start, there is no evident patriotism at play in today’s historical works. Kim Hoon’s “Namhan Sanseong” dealing with the second Manchu invasion of Korea in 1637 and Shin Kyung-sook’s “Lijin” describing a woman’s life in the late Chosun Dynasty put more emphasis on the individual’s conflict and suffering than the ups and downs of history itself.
Recent historical works are strong on the detail of daily life rather than the broad sweep of history, struggle for power and ideological conflict. Based on an interesting story, they home in on culture and everyday life. The public’s interest has moved on from the powerful to ordinary people, and from the center to the periphery.
In other words, history has become entertainment. Sometimes it evolves into fantasy, as in the case of “Taewangsasingi,” starring Bae Yong-joon. People in their 20s who are accustomed to video games go wild for this combination of fantasy and history. Questions about historical accuracy or the lessons of history are meaningless to them.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 13 2007] Korean Scientists Clone Genetically-Modified Cat
A combination of somatic cell cloning and gene modification has created clones of a genetically-modified cat for the first time in the world.
The Ministry of Technology and Science said Wednesday that a research team led by Prof. Kong Il-Keun of the zootechny department of Gyeongsang National University succeeded in cloning cats with modified genes.
Three of the special cats were born in January, two of which survived. This is the world's first successful case of a cat being created through both cell cloning and gene manipulation, although the U.S. succeeded in creating a cat by cloning cells in 2002.
A combination of somatic cell cloning and gene modification has created clones of a genetically-modified cat for the first time in the world.
The Ministry of Technology and Science said Wednesday that a research team led by Prof. Kong Il-Keun of the zootechny department of Gyeongsang National University succeeded in cloning cats with modified genes.
Three of the special cats were born in January, two of which survived. This is the world's first successful case of a cat being created through both cell cloning and gene manipulation, although the U.S. succeeded in creating a cat by cloning cells in 2002.
[The Hankyoreh, January 2 2008] [Editorial] Continuing South Korea’s leading role
The joint editorial appearing on New Year's Day in North Korea's three main newspapers is considered the Pyongyang government's New Year's address. This year's editorial used the term "peaceful prosperity" (pyeonghwa beonyeong) several times over. Gone were the usual calls for a "grand union of anti-conservatives" in the South to oppose the Grand National Party and the other usual criticisms of the GNP. Overall, the editorial emphasizes uniting behind the North Korean government and strengthening the North's economy, and it also placed a lot of weight on advancing inter-Korean relations by, among other things, thoroughly implementing October's summit declaration. This shows you that Pyongyang has considerable expectations for the new South Korean government, that of President-elect Lee Myung-bak.
The joint editorial appearing on New Year's Day in North Korea's three main newspapers is considered the Pyongyang government's New Year's address. This year's editorial used the term "peaceful prosperity" (pyeonghwa beonyeong) several times over. Gone were the usual calls for a "grand union of anti-conservatives" in the South to oppose the Grand National Party and the other usual criticisms of the GNP. Overall, the editorial emphasizes uniting behind the North Korean government and strengthening the North's economy, and it also placed a lot of weight on advancing inter-Korean relations by, among other things, thoroughly implementing October's summit declaration. This shows you that Pyongyang has considerable expectations for the new South Korean government, that of President-elect Lee Myung-bak.
[The Hankyoreh, December 27 2007] New administration will allow newspapers to own broadcasting companies
Media policies will put competition first, with controls preventing media monopolies
With President-elect Lee Myung-bak of the main opposition Grand National Party to take office next February, observers expect there to be a big change in government polices regulating the nation’s media industry.
“For local newspapers to be competitive, we need to allow them not only to pursue paper media but also broadcasting businesses,” Choung Byoung-gug, a lawmaker who led Lee’s campaign staff, said on a recently broadcast radio program. “Still, we shouldn’t support them unconditionally. Rather we need to open the market and encourage the players to engage in free competition, providing a ‘media development fund’ for some time. In this process, companies without a competitive edge should disappear.”
Choung pointed out that newspaper companies should be allowed to provide cable and Internet-protocol TV services, but that regulations need to be in place to prevent them from seeking to begin terrestrial broadcasting. “If we allow newspaper firms to run broadcasting businesses, it could prompt concerns over an industrial monopoly by major media companies, but this could be controlled through caps on shareholding,” he said.
Media policies will put competition first, with controls preventing media monopolies
With President-elect Lee Myung-bak of the main opposition Grand National Party to take office next February, observers expect there to be a big change in government polices regulating the nation’s media industry.
“For local newspapers to be competitive, we need to allow them not only to pursue paper media but also broadcasting businesses,” Choung Byoung-gug, a lawmaker who led Lee’s campaign staff, said on a recently broadcast radio program. “Still, we shouldn’t support them unconditionally. Rather we need to open the market and encourage the players to engage in free competition, providing a ‘media development fund’ for some time. In this process, companies without a competitive edge should disappear.”
Choung pointed out that newspaper companies should be allowed to provide cable and Internet-protocol TV services, but that regulations need to be in place to prevent them from seeking to begin terrestrial broadcasting. “If we allow newspaper firms to run broadcasting businesses, it could prompt concerns over an industrial monopoly by major media companies, but this could be controlled through caps on shareholding,” he said.
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