[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, January 2 2008] Korea to unveil new bullet train
Korea will be the fourth country to run a next-generation bullet train with domestic technology, following France, Germany and Japan.
The Ministry of Construction and Transportation in Seoul announced the completion of express rail construction that began in 1996.
The dolphin-headed KTXⅡ can run up to 352 kilometers per hour and will be run on the Honam line from 2009.
KTX Ⅱ made its public debut at the Korea Railways Fair 2007 in Busan in May 2007. The model underwent its first test runs in 2002 after the start of the project in 1996. The KTXⅡ recorded a top speed of 352.4 kilometers per hour in 2004, and has had 200,000 kilometers of test runs without an accident.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, December 29 2007] Future growth engine program and hi-tech in 2020
By Cho Young-hwa
President, Korea Institute of Science & Technology Evaluation and Planning
What was our life like 13 years ago?
We would page friends who were late for an appointment; they would be at a loss to do anything because there was no way to contact anybody while on a bus. We also carried our documents in huge discs, and were happy to watch dramas on 14-inch TVs.
But 13 years later in the year 2007, we contact people through our mobile phones at any time, carry our documents on tiny USB memory sticks, and watch dramas on PMPs while walking on the streets.
What was unimaginable in the past is a reality to us now. As you can see, the development of science is progressing at a speed which was unimaginable in past eras. Then what will the progress of science be like 13 years from now -- in 2020?
By Cho Young-hwa
President, Korea Institute of Science & Technology Evaluation and Planning
What was our life like 13 years ago?
We would page friends who were late for an appointment; they would be at a loss to do anything because there was no way to contact anybody while on a bus. We also carried our documents in huge discs, and were happy to watch dramas on 14-inch TVs.
But 13 years later in the year 2007, we contact people through our mobile phones at any time, carry our documents on tiny USB memory sticks, and watch dramas on PMPs while walking on the streets.
What was unimaginable in the past is a reality to us now. As you can see, the development of science is progressing at a speed which was unimaginable in past eras. Then what will the progress of science be like 13 years from now -- in 2020?
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, December 24 2007] Korean technician to boost the nation's space industry
Ko San, Korea’s first astronaut, is now having a training session inside the Soyuz spacecraft stationed at the Gagarin Space Center in Moscow.
About 36,000 Koreans applied to become the country’s first person in space and only six people were short-listed after rigorous tests for physical fitness, reaction to a contingency, general fitness for space flight and interaction with foreign cosmonauts.
...
"The astronaut program is needed because it can provide vital know-how that can form the foundation of future development in this field," said Vice Science Minister Chung Yoon in an interview with a domestic news agency.
The vice minister said the space program will help the country create a system for selecting and training astronauts as well as enable Korea to improve cooperation with Japan and European countries in the space industry.
Ko San, Korea’s first astronaut, is now having a training session inside the Soyuz spacecraft stationed at the Gagarin Space Center in Moscow.
About 36,000 Koreans applied to become the country’s first person in space and only six people were short-listed after rigorous tests for physical fitness, reaction to a contingency, general fitness for space flight and interaction with foreign cosmonauts.
...
"The astronaut program is needed because it can provide vital know-how that can form the foundation of future development in this field," said Vice Science Minister Chung Yoon in an interview with a domestic news agency.
The vice minister said the space program will help the country create a system for selecting and training astronauts as well as enable Korea to improve cooperation with Japan and European countries in the space industry.
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, December 24 2007] Korean astronaut to collect detailed photographic data on mega-lightning
Korea’s first astronaut will collect detailed photographic data on mega-lightning that occurs in the earth’s stratosphere, the government said Monday (Dec. 24).
The Ministry of Science and Technology and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) said astronaut Ko San will use a locally developed micro-electro mechanical systems (MEMS) telescope to capture the unexplained atmospheric phenomenon for future research. He is scheduled to blast off into space on April 8 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan and stay in orbit for eight days.
Korea’s first astronaut will collect detailed photographic data on mega-lightning that occurs in the earth’s stratosphere, the government said Monday (Dec. 24).
The Ministry of Science and Technology and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) said astronaut Ko San will use a locally developed micro-electro mechanical systems (MEMS) telescope to capture the unexplained atmospheric phenomenon for future research. He is scheduled to blast off into space on April 8 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan and stay in orbit for eight days.
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, December 21 2007] Samsung signs deal to share HDD-related patents with Hitachi's affiliate
Samsung Electronics Co., Korea’s electronics giant, said Friday (Dec. 21) that it has signed a deal to share patented technologies with Japan’s computer hardware manufacturer HGST in producing hard disk drives (HDD).
Under the deal, both companies will be able to share HDD-related patents registered before 2003 permanently and others until 2011, the company said in a statement. HGST is an affiliate of Hitachi, one of Japan’s largest electronics companies.
In a separate move, the two have agreed to drop all pending patent-infringement lawsuits lodged against each other, Samsung added.
Samsung Electronics Co., Korea’s electronics giant, said Friday (Dec. 21) that it has signed a deal to share patented technologies with Japan’s computer hardware manufacturer HGST in producing hard disk drives (HDD).
Under the deal, both companies will be able to share HDD-related patents registered before 2003 permanently and others until 2011, the company said in a statement. HGST is an affiliate of Hitachi, one of Japan’s largest electronics companies.
In a separate move, the two have agreed to drop all pending patent-infringement lawsuits lodged against each other, Samsung added.
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, December 20 2007] Korea gears up efforts to become science leader
The government has worked out a plan to make Korea one of the world’s top five science and technology leaders by 2012.
In a science and technology committee meeting held at a Seoul hotel Thursday (Dec. 20), Minister of Science and Technology Kim Woo-sik and relevant officials discussed five-year plans to bring the country into the ranks of the world’s leaders in science and technology.
The committee mapped out a plan to expand R&D, biotechnology development and tech startup nurturing.
It also discussed ways to limit damage from natural disasters and assist provinces with their individual science and technology development plans.
Under the slogan World-best Science Nation, the government will continuously increase its R&D budget for related sectors and modify science and technology innovation strategies accordingly, the officials said.
The government has worked out a plan to make Korea one of the world’s top five science and technology leaders by 2012.
In a science and technology committee meeting held at a Seoul hotel Thursday (Dec. 20), Minister of Science and Technology Kim Woo-sik and relevant officials discussed five-year plans to bring the country into the ranks of the world’s leaders in science and technology.
The committee mapped out a plan to expand R&D, biotechnology development and tech startup nurturing.
It also discussed ways to limit damage from natural disasters and assist provinces with their individual science and technology development plans.
Under the slogan World-best Science Nation, the government will continuously increase its R&D budget for related sectors and modify science and technology innovation strategies accordingly, the officials said.
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, December 20 2007] KTF's 3G service users exceed 3 mli.
KTF Co., Korea’s No. 2 mobile carrier, said Thursday (Dec. 20) it has attracted more than 3 million subscribers to its third-generation (3G) mobile service, which offers video telephony and other enhanced multimedia functions.
The mark was reached just 10 months after the company started its nationwide 3G service called "Show" based on high-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA) in March this year, KTF said in a statement.
Of the customers, 22.6 percent and 21.9 percent were in their 20s and 30s, respectively, showing that younger generations are more receptive to the new mobile communications platform, the company said. Male users accounted for 53.1 percent, slightly outnumbering female ones.
KTF Co., Korea’s No. 2 mobile carrier, said Thursday (Dec. 20) it has attracted more than 3 million subscribers to its third-generation (3G) mobile service, which offers video telephony and other enhanced multimedia functions.
The mark was reached just 10 months after the company started its nationwide 3G service called "Show" based on high-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA) in March this year, KTF said in a statement.
Of the customers, 22.6 percent and 21.9 percent were in their 20s and 30s, respectively, showing that younger generations are more receptive to the new mobile communications platform, the company said. Male users accounted for 53.1 percent, slightly outnumbering female ones.
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, December 12 2007] Korea develops high-capacity superconducting power storage system
Korea has developed a world-class, high-capacity superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) system that can compensate for sudden blackouts, the government said Wednesday (Dec. 12).
The SMES unit developed by state-run Korea Electric Power Research Institute (KEPRI) can store up to and release 1.03 megawatts of electricity in one second, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy said.
It said the new power storage system could prevent key facilities like hospitals, banks, semiconductor lines and military installations from experiencing power failures that could have serious consequences.
"It also has the highest storage capacity of all SMES developed so far," Kim Hak-do, head of the ministry’s industrial power team said.
Korea has developed a world-class, high-capacity superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) system that can compensate for sudden blackouts, the government said Wednesday (Dec. 12).
The SMES unit developed by state-run Korea Electric Power Research Institute (KEPRI) can store up to and release 1.03 megawatts of electricity in one second, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy said.
It said the new power storage system could prevent key facilities like hospitals, banks, semiconductor lines and military installations from experiencing power failures that could have serious consequences.
"It also has the highest storage capacity of all SMES developed so far," Kim Hak-do, head of the ministry’s industrial power team said.
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, December 11 2007] Korean scientists develop world's fastest nano transistor
A team of Korean scientists said Tuesday (Dec. 11) that they have developed a prototype of the world’s fastest nano-scale transistor, a core semiconductor device used in high-end applications such as satellites and telecommunication services.
The team led by Seo Kwang-seok, an engineering professor at Seoul National University, said it succeeded in creating a 15 nanometer high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) with a maximum frequency speed of 610 gigahertz.
A team of Korean scientists said Tuesday (Dec. 11) that they have developed a prototype of the world’s fastest nano-scale transistor, a core semiconductor device used in high-end applications such as satellites and telecommunication services.
The team led by Seo Kwang-seok, an engineering professor at Seoul National University, said it succeeded in creating a 15 nanometer high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) with a maximum frequency speed of 610 gigahertz.
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, December 11 2007] Korea, UAE to hold talks on IT cooperation
Korea and the United Arab Emirates will hold their first talks Tuesday (Dec. 11) in Dubai to discuss ways of enhancing cooperation between the two countries in the information technology field, Seoul officials said.
The meeting is a follow-up on a promise by Korean President Roh Moo-hyun during his visit to the Middle Eastern country last May that he will work on boosting IT ties between the two countries, the Ministry of Information and Communication said.
During the talks to be held later in the day, both sides are expected to discuss measures aimed at boosting the exchange of cutting-edge technologies and helping each other build an e-government, ubiquitous cities and wireless Internet infrastructure, the ministry added.
Korea and the United Arab Emirates will hold their first talks Tuesday (Dec. 11) in Dubai to discuss ways of enhancing cooperation between the two countries in the information technology field, Seoul officials said.
The meeting is a follow-up on a promise by Korean President Roh Moo-hyun during his visit to the Middle Eastern country last May that he will work on boosting IT ties between the two countries, the Ministry of Information and Communication said.
During the talks to be held later in the day, both sides are expected to discuss measures aimed at boosting the exchange of cutting-edge technologies and helping each other build an e-government, ubiquitous cities and wireless Internet infrastructure, the ministry added.
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, December 9 2007] KT to help set up Internet data center for Mongolia
KT, Korea’s leading fixed-line telephony and broadband Internet service provider, said Sunday (Dec. 9) it plans to help establish an Internet data center in Mongolia.
KT said it has won an order to build an Internet data center for the Mongolian government and to establish information and technology (IT) systems as well as networks. The project, which is scheduled to be complete in February, 2009, also calls for KT to provide IT education and dispatch experts to Mongolia.
"The project will help the two countries to improve technology co-operation and accelerate South Korean companies’ foray into the Central Asian country," a KT official said.
KT, Korea’s leading fixed-line telephony and broadband Internet service provider, said Sunday (Dec. 9) it plans to help establish an Internet data center in Mongolia.
KT said it has won an order to build an Internet data center for the Mongolian government and to establish information and technology (IT) systems as well as networks. The project, which is scheduled to be complete in February, 2009, also calls for KT to provide IT education and dispatch experts to Mongolia.
"The project will help the two countries to improve technology co-operation and accelerate South Korean companies’ foray into the Central Asian country," a KT official said.
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, December 9 2007] Korea's largest telecommunication service provider goes global
With the growth of the domestic market slowing, a number of local telecommunication giants are scrambling to expand earnings from beyond the increasingly saturated domestic market.
And KT, Korea’s largest telecommunication service provider, is leading the way.
KT CEO Nam Joong-soo says that the firm aims to build a "Silk Road" of the digital era with its broadband and mobile network technology.
Nam said his firm hopes to build a digital silk road that stretches from Korea, across Russia’s Far East to Europe, and all the way to Africa, connecting people through the Internet and mobile telecommunication technology.
KT has already established itself in some of the countries along the route.
With the growth of the domestic market slowing, a number of local telecommunication giants are scrambling to expand earnings from beyond the increasingly saturated domestic market.
And KT, Korea’s largest telecommunication service provider, is leading the way.
KT CEO Nam Joong-soo says that the firm aims to build a "Silk Road" of the digital era with its broadband and mobile network technology.
Nam said his firm hopes to build a digital silk road that stretches from Korea, across Russia’s Far East to Europe, and all the way to Africa, connecting people through the Internet and mobile telecommunication technology.
KT has already established itself in some of the countries along the route.
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, December 8 2007] Web links bind rural areas to Internet age, raise productivity
Goryeong-gun in Gyeongsangbuk-do (North Gyeongsang Province) is one of the five least-inhabited counties in Korea. But around 1,500 years ago, it was a seat of power for the Gaya Confederacy (45 - 532) of chiefdoms.
Though the county has only 35 thousand residents and five computer game rooms, well developed IT technology in its homes, businesses and schools keep Goryeong residents up to date with the other parts of the peninsula.
Goryeong county council members attend virtual meetings via laptops and Internet connections. Participants can follow and join in proceedings by listening to real-time radio broadcasts thanks to the so called “e-assembly system.”
The Goryeong-gun Office injected 94 million won to establish the online, paperless meeting system that allows users to read electronic documents on the Web and hear input via an IP broadcasting system that delivers the discussions countywide through real-time radio broadcasts.
The system increases efficiency by reducing the number of paper documents -- and hence printing costs -- and saving commuting time for members who live in outlying areas.
According to Goryeong-gun officials, the county expects to pocket up to 20 million a year just by doing away with printing paper and toner outlays.
Goryeong-gun in Gyeongsangbuk-do (North Gyeongsang Province) is one of the five least-inhabited counties in Korea. But around 1,500 years ago, it was a seat of power for the Gaya Confederacy (45 - 532) of chiefdoms.
Though the county has only 35 thousand residents and five computer game rooms, well developed IT technology in its homes, businesses and schools keep Goryeong residents up to date with the other parts of the peninsula.
Goryeong county council members attend virtual meetings via laptops and Internet connections. Participants can follow and join in proceedings by listening to real-time radio broadcasts thanks to the so called “e-assembly system.”
The Goryeong-gun Office injected 94 million won to establish the online, paperless meeting system that allows users to read electronic documents on the Web and hear input via an IP broadcasting system that delivers the discussions countywide through real-time radio broadcasts.
The system increases efficiency by reducing the number of paper documents -- and hence printing costs -- and saving commuting time for members who live in outlying areas.
According to Goryeong-gun officials, the county expects to pocket up to 20 million a year just by doing away with printing paper and toner outlays.
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, December 7 2007] Korea aims to become leading manufacturer of LED lights by 2015
Korea is aiming to become one of the top three manufacturers of light emitting diode (LED) lights by 2015, the government said on Friday (Dec. 7).
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy said at a lighting industry workshop in Seoul that efforts are underway to enhance the country’s level of LED technology, which currently stands at roughly 80 percent of leading industrial economies.
Korea is aiming to become one of the top three manufacturers of light emitting diode (LED) lights by 2015, the government said on Friday (Dec. 7).
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy said at a lighting industry workshop in Seoul that efforts are underway to enhance the country’s level of LED technology, which currently stands at roughly 80 percent of leading industrial economies.
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, December 6 2007] Incheon begins transformation into U-city
The west coast port city Incheon, pop. 2.6 million, is developing a high-tech personnel and traffic control system to establish a ubiquitous city by 2009, Incheon officials said Wednesday (Dec. 5).
Injecting 650 million won, the Incheon Metropolitan Government will install sensors on streetlights and monitors in each household in a test district so people can keep track of young children and elderly relatives.
For the system to work, the youth and aged need to carry a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag.
The city is also installing a remote control device for streetlamps.
The planned services start in January 2009.
The west coast port city Incheon, pop. 2.6 million, is developing a high-tech personnel and traffic control system to establish a ubiquitous city by 2009, Incheon officials said Wednesday (Dec. 5).
Injecting 650 million won, the Incheon Metropolitan Government will install sensors on streetlights and monitors in each household in a test district so people can keep track of young children and elderly relatives.
For the system to work, the youth and aged need to carry a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag.
The city is also installing a remote control device for streetlamps.
The planned services start in January 2009.
Korea's Information Society 한국의 정보 사회
Korea's Information Society 한국의 정보 사회: "Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Korea Game Science High School
In my regular morning review of technology news in Korea I just learned about the Korea Game Science High School. Founded in 2004, it is located in North Cholla Province. The very existence of this high school is a good indicator of how much the field of computer gaming has developed in South Korea. The goal of education at this high school is to 'Provide students with the creative atmosphere and education he or she needs professionally to compete in the growing, global industry of computer gaming.'"
Korea Game Science High School
In my regular morning review of technology news in Korea I just learned about the Korea Game Science High School. Founded in 2004, it is located in North Cholla Province. The very existence of this high school is a good indicator of how much the field of computer gaming has developed in South Korea. The goal of education at this high school is to 'Provide students with the creative atmosphere and education he or she needs professionally to compete in the growing, global industry of computer gaming.'"
Monday, February 18, 2008
[Korea.net News, Culture / Events, February 15 2008] Korean language service available at Louvre Museum
Korean visitors to the Louvre Museum in Paris will be able to enjoy the objects of art there with explanation in their mother tongue.
The Louvre said it would start offering a Korean-language information service on a trial basis on Feb. 12. The museum plans to expand the scope of the service if successful.
The guide is a portable device that displays video images of 600 main artworks displayed in the museum, along with audio explanation.
Korean visitors to the Louvre Museum in Paris will be able to enjoy the objects of art there with explanation in their mother tongue.
The Louvre said it would start offering a Korean-language information service on a trial basis on Feb. 12. The museum plans to expand the scope of the service if successful.
The guide is a portable device that displays video images of 600 main artworks displayed in the museum, along with audio explanation.
[Korea.net News, Culture / Events, February 14 2008] Learn traditional Korean music online!
Starting Feb. 14, you can learn about Korean traditional music online.
The National Center for Korean Traditional Performing Arts has opened a website (http://egugak.go.kr) to provide a chance for people to get to know traditional Korean music (called gugak) online free of charge.
On the website, visitors can learn about the history of gugak, how to play some of the popular traditional instruments such as gayageum, a 12-string traditional Korean zither and geomungo, a six-string zither. Also, visitors can listen to various gugak songs online.
Starting Feb. 14, you can learn about Korean traditional music online.
The National Center for Korean Traditional Performing Arts has opened a website (http://egugak.go.kr) to provide a chance for people to get to know traditional Korean music (called gugak) online free of charge.
On the website, visitors can learn about the history of gugak, how to play some of the popular traditional instruments such as gayageum, a 12-string traditional Korean zither and geomungo, a six-string zither. Also, visitors can listen to various gugak songs online.
[Korea.net News, Culture / Events, February 14 2008] [Photo News] Exhibition held in memory of video artist
A special exhibition opens at the Korean Cultural Center in New York on Wednesday (Feb. 13) to mark the second anniversary of the death of Korean video artist Paik Nam-june (1932-2006).
A special exhibition opens at the Korean Cultural Center in New York on Wednesday (Feb. 13) to mark the second anniversary of the death of Korean video artist Paik Nam-june (1932-2006).
[Korea.net News, Culture / Events, February 14 2008] Singer Rain grabs leading role in Hollywood film
Rain, Korea’s foremost entertainer recently dubbed one of the world’s most beautiful people, has clinched a leading role in a Hollywood flick scheduled to begin shooting later this year, his U.S. promotion agency said Wednesday (Feb. 13).
"Ninja Assassin," to be directed by James McTeigue, will mark the first time for the 26-old singer and actor, whose real name is Jeong Ji-hoon, to play a leading role in a U.S. movie. He will make his official Hollywood debut in May with a smaller role in "Speed Racer."
"This is such a huge opportunity for me. It seems like a dream," he said at a press conference in Seoul.
Rain emerged as a worldwide star when South Korea’s pop culture, especially its pop music and television dramas, became hugely popular several years ago in Asia and other regions.
Rain, Korea’s foremost entertainer recently dubbed one of the world’s most beautiful people, has clinched a leading role in a Hollywood flick scheduled to begin shooting later this year, his U.S. promotion agency said Wednesday (Feb. 13).
"Ninja Assassin," to be directed by James McTeigue, will mark the first time for the 26-old singer and actor, whose real name is Jeong Ji-hoon, to play a leading role in a U.S. movie. He will make his official Hollywood debut in May with a smaller role in "Speed Racer."
"This is such a huge opportunity for me. It seems like a dream," he said at a press conference in Seoul.
Rain emerged as a worldwide star when South Korea’s pop culture, especially its pop music and television dramas, became hugely popular several years ago in Asia and other regions.
[Korea.net News, Culture / Events, February 4 2008] Paik Nam-june bridges worlds with legacy of art, originality
As about 100 people watched in silence, a Korean shaman started speaking in what many considered to be the voice of Paik Nam-june, the Korean-born American pioneer of video arts who died two years ago.
...
The scene last week at Hankuk Art Museum in Yongin, just outside Seoul, marked the second anniversary of the death of the world-renowned artist who, with his insight, transformed the realm of art into modern media.
Paik, who died on Jan. 29, 2006 of natural causes at age 74, stunned the world in 1963 when he exhibited a dozen television sets randomly scattered about as their screen images were deliberately distorted with magnets.
"The exhibition in Germany literally shocked everyone because no one ever imagined a video could be used as a means of art," said Oh Kwang-soo, former head of the National Museum of Contemporary Art.
"Paik broadened the horizon of art itself," he said, noting that the late artist was even referred to as "the George Washington of video art."
As about 100 people watched in silence, a Korean shaman started speaking in what many considered to be the voice of Paik Nam-june, the Korean-born American pioneer of video arts who died two years ago.
...
The scene last week at Hankuk Art Museum in Yongin, just outside Seoul, marked the second anniversary of the death of the world-renowned artist who, with his insight, transformed the realm of art into modern media.
Paik, who died on Jan. 29, 2006 of natural causes at age 74, stunned the world in 1963 when he exhibited a dozen television sets randomly scattered about as their screen images were deliberately distorted with magnets.
"The exhibition in Germany literally shocked everyone because no one ever imagined a video could be used as a means of art," said Oh Kwang-soo, former head of the National Museum of Contemporary Art.
"Paik broadened the horizon of art itself," he said, noting that the late artist was even referred to as "the George Washington of video art."
[Korea.net News, Culture / Events, February 1 2008] [Photo News] Korea's favorite action figure returns
Robot Taekwon V, one of Korea’s favorite action figures of the 70s is being displayed in New York. The exhibition "Toy Stories: souvenirs from Korean Childhood" displayed on the 8th floor of the Korea Society building at 950 Third Avenue, New York City will run from January 31 to April 18, 2008.
Other popular Korean toys of the 70s and 80s on display include miniature cars, trucks, paper dolls and ttakchi, a Korean cardboard game. Below is a display of heroic figures modelled from overseas including Atom (left) from Japan, Superman from the U.S. and Ultraman, again from Japan.
Meanwhile back in Seoul, a renewed Taekwon V figure was displayed at the Assem conference room in COEX Center few days during the occasion to explain the remake of the popular animation into a real live movie to be released next year.
Robot Taekwon V, one of Korea’s favorite action figures of the 70s is being displayed in New York. The exhibition "Toy Stories: souvenirs from Korean Childhood" displayed on the 8th floor of the Korea Society building at 950 Third Avenue, New York City will run from January 31 to April 18, 2008.
Other popular Korean toys of the 70s and 80s on display include miniature cars, trucks, paper dolls and ttakchi, a Korean cardboard game. Below is a display of heroic figures modelled from overseas including Atom (left) from Japan, Superman from the U.S. and Ultraman, again from Japan.
Meanwhile back in Seoul, a renewed Taekwon V figure was displayed at the Assem conference room in COEX Center few days during the occasion to explain the remake of the popular animation into a real live movie to be released next year.
[Korea.net News, Culture / Events, January 31 2008] Korean culture center opens in London
Building on rising international interest in Korean pop culture and the history of cultural relations between Korea and the United Kingdom, the 12th Korean cultural center in the world has opened in London.
Supervised by Korea’s Culture and Tourism Ministry, Britain’s first Korean Cultural Center launched in Trafalgar Square Wednesday (Jan. 30) with a reception featuring Tea Music, a multidisciplinary performance based on traditional Korean tea ceremonies.
Center director Choi Kyu-hak said, “We hope that the Korean Cultural Center will become a vital resource for those interested in engaging Korea’s diverse and vibrant cultural scene, by offering outstanding events at our major new venue in central London.”
Building on rising international interest in Korean pop culture and the history of cultural relations between Korea and the United Kingdom, the 12th Korean cultural center in the world has opened in London.
Supervised by Korea’s Culture and Tourism Ministry, Britain’s first Korean Cultural Center launched in Trafalgar Square Wednesday (Jan. 30) with a reception featuring Tea Music, a multidisciplinary performance based on traditional Korean tea ceremonies.
Center director Choi Kyu-hak said, “We hope that the Korean Cultural Center will become a vital resource for those interested in engaging Korea’s diverse and vibrant cultural scene, by offering outstanding events at our major new venue in central London.”
[Korea.net News, Culture / Events, January 31 2008] Stringed instrument player wins top prize for UCC video
A teenage boy plays a pair of the traditional Korean instrument gayageum. By flawlessly playing the 12-stringed zither, he creates a Korean-flavored rhythm of Johann Pachelbel’s Canon in D major.
A video of Cheon Sae-bit (above) playing the canon is gaining huge popularity among Korean Web users. The clip won the top prize at the Korea UCC Contest 2007 held by the Culture and Tourism Ministry and the major Korean Web portals that include Naver, Daum and Cyworld.
The ministry and the Korea Broadcasting Institute selected Wednesday (Jan. 30) 13 of the top amateur UCC (user-created content) videos created by Korean Internet users.
Three of the 13 clips, including a Michael Jackson dance performance (below) accompanied by a popular Korean trot song, were chosen in the parody category. Though hardly professional, the video’s creator Lee Baek-gyeong created an unbalanced yet hilarious harmony of Jackson’s dance using the rhythm of the love song "Ddaengbeol."
Other winning videos included a young photographer who creates a large "taegeukgi (Korean national flag)" with 1,000 Polaroid photos on the wall, and a rap version of "humminjeongeum," a document containing 28 Korean letters originally created by King Sejong (1397-1450) during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).
In the song, the singer highlights the significance of the Korean alphabet hangeul with witty lyrics. He also criticizes the excessive emphasis on English by Koreans over their native language.
The 13 videos were chosen from 110 entries recommended by major Web portals, including Naver, Daum, Cyworld, Korea.com, Pandora TV, Freechal and M goon. Votes were tabulated online and by phone, as well as through polling of experts.
A teenage boy plays a pair of the traditional Korean instrument gayageum. By flawlessly playing the 12-stringed zither, he creates a Korean-flavored rhythm of Johann Pachelbel’s Canon in D major.
A video of Cheon Sae-bit (above) playing the canon is gaining huge popularity among Korean Web users. The clip won the top prize at the Korea UCC Contest 2007 held by the Culture and Tourism Ministry and the major Korean Web portals that include Naver, Daum and Cyworld.
The ministry and the Korea Broadcasting Institute selected Wednesday (Jan. 30) 13 of the top amateur UCC (user-created content) videos created by Korean Internet users.
Three of the 13 clips, including a Michael Jackson dance performance (below) accompanied by a popular Korean trot song, were chosen in the parody category. Though hardly professional, the video’s creator Lee Baek-gyeong created an unbalanced yet hilarious harmony of Jackson’s dance using the rhythm of the love song "Ddaengbeol."
Other winning videos included a young photographer who creates a large "taegeukgi (Korean national flag)" with 1,000 Polaroid photos on the wall, and a rap version of "humminjeongeum," a document containing 28 Korean letters originally created by King Sejong (1397-1450) during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).
In the song, the singer highlights the significance of the Korean alphabet hangeul with witty lyrics. He also criticizes the excessive emphasis on English by Koreans over their native language.
The 13 videos were chosen from 110 entries recommended by major Web portals, including Naver, Daum, Cyworld, Korea.com, Pandora TV, Freechal and M goon. Votes were tabulated online and by phone, as well as through polling of experts.
[Korea.net News, Culture / Events, January 29 2008] Incheon to host World City Expo in 2009
Korea’s third-largest city and second-largest port of Incheon will host the World City Expo in August.
The Incheon City Hall formed in February 2007 a committee to organize the World City Expo. The non-profit organization received support from the central government. Committee executives and employees were appointed from the Incheon government and subsidiary organizations.
Experts say the majority of the world’s population will keep moving to cities, so urban flight will rise as a key global issue. Under this circumstance, cooperation and exchanges among international cities are growing in importance.
Korea’s third-largest city and second-largest port of Incheon will host the World City Expo in August.
The Incheon City Hall formed in February 2007 a committee to organize the World City Expo. The non-profit organization received support from the central government. Committee executives and employees were appointed from the Incheon government and subsidiary organizations.
Experts say the majority of the world’s population will keep moving to cities, so urban flight will rise as a key global issue. Under this circumstance, cooperation and exchanges among international cities are growing in importance.
[Korea.net News, Culture / Events, January 28 2008] Korean films in theaters to get English subtitles
A domestic film production company and distributor will show the latest Korean movies with English subtitles in theaters to attract more foreign audiences.
CJ Entertainment and CGV announced Monday (Jan. 28) that they will start with "A Man Who Was Superman (2008)."
"Initially, the selected movies will show on one screen at Yongsan CGV (theater in Seoul) for the duration of the films’ domestic theatrical run," CJ said in a statement.
Korean movies playing in theaters have no English subtitles and thus mostly cater to Koreans, despite the rising number of foreigners living in the country.
"A Man Who Was Superman" will be screened with English subtitles starting Thursday (Jan. 31), the same day the movie is released to Korean viewers.
A domestic film production company and distributor will show the latest Korean movies with English subtitles in theaters to attract more foreign audiences.
CJ Entertainment and CGV announced Monday (Jan. 28) that they will start with "A Man Who Was Superman (2008)."
"Initially, the selected movies will show on one screen at Yongsan CGV (theater in Seoul) for the duration of the films’ domestic theatrical run," CJ said in a statement.
Korean movies playing in theaters have no English subtitles and thus mostly cater to Koreans, despite the rising number of foreigners living in the country.
"A Man Who Was Superman" will be screened with English subtitles starting Thursday (Jan. 31), the same day the movie is released to Korean viewers.
[Korea.net News, Culture / Events, January 20 2008] Korean idol pop group's new album gains massive fan base even before its release: chart
Korean pop band Dong Bang Shin Ki carved out a massive female fan base in Japan with their upcoming new album "T", which has received top name recognition among teen girls, a leading Japanese music chart revealed Sunday (Jan. 20).
The five-member male K-pop group, called Tohoshinki in Japan, is the only group whose pre-release album was recognized by more than 90 percent of teenage girls, according to Japan’s best-known Oricon Charts. Ninety-six percent of teen girls said they knew about T, set to be released on Wednesday. Its name recognition overall was 67 percent.
Korean pop band Dong Bang Shin Ki carved out a massive female fan base in Japan with their upcoming new album "T", which has received top name recognition among teen girls, a leading Japanese music chart revealed Sunday (Jan. 20).
The five-member male K-pop group, called Tohoshinki in Japan, is the only group whose pre-release album was recognized by more than 90 percent of teenage girls, according to Japan’s best-known Oricon Charts. Ninety-six percent of teen girls said they knew about T, set to be released on Wednesday. Its name recognition overall was 67 percent.
[Korea.net News, Culture / Events, December 24 2007] Korea's leading actress recognized at Cannes Film Festival
Jeon Do-yeon is one of the most versatile and well-known actresses in the Korean movie industry, having performed a wide range of roles for the last 10 years, but unfortunately, she has not had a chance to show off her talent on the international stage at least until May this year.
In May, she was finally invited to the Cannes Film Festival for her role in "Secret Sunshine," and she said she was just excited about having a chance to meet world-famous stars. But she did more than meet matinee idols at the festival.
Jeon Do-yeon is one of the most versatile and well-known actresses in the Korean movie industry, having performed a wide range of roles for the last 10 years, but unfortunately, she has not had a chance to show off her talent on the international stage at least until May this year.
In May, she was finally invited to the Cannes Film Festival for her role in "Secret Sunshine," and she said she was just excited about having a chance to meet world-famous stars. But she did more than meet matinee idols at the festival.
[Korea.net News, Culture / Events, December 24 2007] Struggle of comedian-turned-director finally pays off
It wasn’t an easy decision for Shim Hyung-rae to give up his fame and reputation as a top comedian after being chosen as the most lucrative entertainer in the 1990s, but he couldn’t stop himself from taking an audacious chance to become a movie director.
He said he was so fascinated by the potential of sci-fi films, which can appeal to everyone regardless of their nationality, age, ideology and gender.
But after repeated failures, some called his movie business quest stubborn foolishness although some praised his persistence.
In particular, the failure of his movie “Yonggary,” the nation’s first big-budget science-fiction film that was released in 1999, hit him hard.
But six years have passed since “Yonggary,” and Shim finally achieved his ultimate goal -- a wide release in the United States and full-fledged computer-generated graphics with his monster-fest movie "D-War,"
It wasn’t an easy decision for Shim Hyung-rae to give up his fame and reputation as a top comedian after being chosen as the most lucrative entertainer in the 1990s, but he couldn’t stop himself from taking an audacious chance to become a movie director.
He said he was so fascinated by the potential of sci-fi films, which can appeal to everyone regardless of their nationality, age, ideology and gender.
But after repeated failures, some called his movie business quest stubborn foolishness although some praised his persistence.
In particular, the failure of his movie “Yonggary,” the nation’s first big-budget science-fiction film that was released in 1999, hit him hard.
But six years have passed since “Yonggary,” and Shim finally achieved his ultimate goal -- a wide release in the United States and full-fledged computer-generated graphics with his monster-fest movie "D-War,"
[Korea.net News, Culture / Events, December 23 2007] Korean cartoons grow up and into lucrative animation industry
An old, driverless car approaches a young man, suddenly stands up, and transforms itself into a tall, talking robot armed with never-before-seen technology.
This is a scene from “Transformers,” the recent Hollywood blockbuster directed by Michael Bay. The show features robots that can change themselves into any kind of vehicle to fight against evil robots out to takeover earth.
The movie and the original 1980s cartoon on which it is based captivated many robot enthusiasts, young and old.
The creative power behind the Transformers is Korean animator Nelson Shin, 67, the producer of the original Transformers cartoon and director of the 1986 Transformers movie. Dubbed “god of animators” in South Korea,” Shin and the staff at his studio AKOM in Korea have also been drawing famous U.S. cartoon characters from “The Simpsons,” “Dilbert” and “Pink Panther.”
Meanwhile, at Internet cafes across Korea a legion of 200,000 users -- ages 20 to 60 – are logged on and playing Lineage. The online multi-role game, allows players to be princes, knights, magicians or other characters fighting for their kings in a fantasy world created by cartoonist Shin Il-suk. Shin, 45, is one of well-known Korean animators. "Manhwa" or Korean comic book readers, were amazed by the world of fantasy, epic and romance Shin created in her other artworks that include "Four Daughters of Armian" (unofficial translation) and "Pharaoh’s Lover" (unofficial translation).
An old, driverless car approaches a young man, suddenly stands up, and transforms itself into a tall, talking robot armed with never-before-seen technology.
This is a scene from “Transformers,” the recent Hollywood blockbuster directed by Michael Bay. The show features robots that can change themselves into any kind of vehicle to fight against evil robots out to takeover earth.
The movie and the original 1980s cartoon on which it is based captivated many robot enthusiasts, young and old.
The creative power behind the Transformers is Korean animator Nelson Shin, 67, the producer of the original Transformers cartoon and director of the 1986 Transformers movie. Dubbed “god of animators” in South Korea,” Shin and the staff at his studio AKOM in Korea have also been drawing famous U.S. cartoon characters from “The Simpsons,” “Dilbert” and “Pink Panther.”
Meanwhile, at Internet cafes across Korea a legion of 200,000 users -- ages 20 to 60 – are logged on and playing Lineage. The online multi-role game, allows players to be princes, knights, magicians or other characters fighting for their kings in a fantasy world created by cartoonist Shin Il-suk. Shin, 45, is one of well-known Korean animators. "Manhwa" or Korean comic book readers, were amazed by the world of fantasy, epic and romance Shin created in her other artworks that include "Four Daughters of Armian" (unofficial translation) and "Pharaoh’s Lover" (unofficial translation).
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