BRIDGE issue #07

all lis h

E N G L I S H

eng

c u r a t e d

in

BRIDGE p a p e r z in e

special theme

olympic artist

billy childish [bridge] people

sense of seoul indie band

nell

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#07 www.bridgezine.com

Cover Artist

yang eun-hye

we support korean artists

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olympic theme for 7th issue

06 s p e c i a l t h e m e olympic stars

10 t r a v e l

two days in hangang (park), two days in heaven.

12 h i d d e n s e o u l going for the gold

14 f o o d

bread road #1

16 e n t e r t a i n m e n t nell

20 c o v e r a r t i s t yang eun-hye

24 [ b r i d g e ] p e o p l e sense of seoul

28 a r t i s t billy childish

32 t h e s e d a y s

the unresolved comfort women issue

33 c o l u m n

a university: What is it for?

34 I a m m u s i c let's rock 'n' roll!!

35 s o c i a l f o c u s

feature story: pastor kim seong-eun

36 r e c o m m e n d a t i o n let's escape!

39 t a l k t o m e i n k o r e a n word that starts with "ㄴ,ㄷ"

이기는 편 우리편_100x80.3cm_acrylic on canvas_2012

Corrections Last month's Seoulist column, "Seoul Safari: Off-Your-Feet Micro-tourism" was erroneously credited to Vivian Lee. The author of the article is Sonja Swanson.

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CEO HANS LEE & SARAH BYON

PUBLISHER HANS LEE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SARAH BYON

There are nearly two million expats living in South Korea. People who make up the expat community vary from those who are here for a short term to the ones who have been here for decades. But not all of expats feel at home here. From time to time you might cannot but feel like a complete outsider, out of touch with what’s going on in Korea.

That’s where [Bridge] Paperzine comes in. Unlike other English magazines that focus on either tourist information or limited inner circles, we have created a media outlet where everyone can come together. Through [Bridge] Paperzine expats and Koreans can communicate, collaborate, and stay connected to each other.

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One thing we promise you is that we won’t be just another same old tour guide around Korea.

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We would love to hear directly from you. Please feel free to tell us what you think about [Bridge] Paperzine.info@roking.co.kr

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Bridge paperzine

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olympic stars The heat is on for the London Olympics 2012, and South Korea's no exception.

From 2012 to 2014, the three-year Olympic series brings excitement around the globe.

Read on and find out more about three sports icons, Park Tae-hwan and Kim Yuna of South Korea and Michelle Kwan of U.S.A., who are training hard for the Olympics and their dreams.

BY_ JIN-SUNG KWAK / PHOTOS PROVIDED BY_JIN-SUNG KWAK , SK SPORTS

Park Tae-hwan South Korea's beloved "marine boy" cleaving through the water towards his dreams.

2 0 1 2 S u m m e r O ly m p i c s Lo n d o n Gold medalist of Men's 400m Freestyle at 2008 Beijing Olympics, 23-year-old swimmer Park Taehwan is busily working out these days, training for the 2012 London Olympics. He has one goal: to be able to taste the same victory he felt four years ago.

The emergence of Park in South Korean swimming was wonderful news for everyone. Historically, South Korea wasn't strong in basic categories like swimming and track and field. Park raised the hope for

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a first gold in swimming for South Korea.

At Beijing Water Cube in 2008, Park actually won South Korea’s first gold in swimming in Men's 400m Freestyle competition. He also won Silver in 200m Freestyle, another wonderful surprise. South Koreans were crazy for Park, the new national hero.

But after the Olympics, Park fell into a deep slump. In the 2009 World Championship in Rome, Park

finished at a mere 12th in the 400m Freestyle meet. The 200m was marginal as well; he came in 13th.

In the 1500m Freestyle, Park didn't even make it to the finals. It was a nightmare for Park. Once hailed as South Korea's beloved "Marine Boy," Park lost his reputation with his failure in the 2009 World Championships. "Park Tae-hwan is over," many wrote on web discussion boards.

Despite public criticism, Park car-

ried on with training. He renewed his mind and focused only on hard work-outs. And in July 2011, he reinstated his position as top swimmer at the 2011 World Aquatics Championships, winning a gold medal in Men's 400m Freestyle.

Now Park has his eyes on the gold for London Olympics 2012. If he wins the gold again at the 400m meet, it will go down as a monumental moment in South Korean history.

Park learned that his efforts can make South Koreans laugh and cry for joy. He also learned the importance of public support.

With his winning looks and drive for gold, this six foot tall Marine Boy will bring the heat this summer.

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kim yuna The return of the queen

2014 Winter O ly m p i c s S o c h i It was like witnessing a coronation.

Kim Yuna officially became the queen of world figure skating at the Ladies' Single skating competition at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

22-year-old Kim scored 228.56 at the match, beating out Asada Mao, a long-time competitor of hers who is the same age. With more than a 20-point difference in score, it was a sweeping win for Kim. It was also a first gold in figure skating for South Korea.

Her short program, 007 Medley, was charismatic and provocative while her free program, Concerto in F by George Gershwin, was captivating. Kim Yuna's flawless performance was one of the highlights of the entire Winter Olympics that year.

Two years have already passed, and the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics is approaching. Everyone was asking one question: Will Yuna return?

It was natural for Kim to agonize over the decision between retiring and opting for another competition in 2014. Until recently, many guessed that Kim would choose a glorious retirement while she was still on top.

But on July 2nd, Kim announced her courageous decision: she was to compete in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. At a press conference, she claimed that her final goal as a professional skater would be to win a gold in 2014.

"[In the last season] I was inspired and moved by younger skaters. I thought that I still had work to do. I will be skating for myself, and that may bring down [the fans'] expectations‌ Now I am not a gold medalist at Vancouver Olympics, but a South Korean national figure skater.

I will retire at Sochi Olympics."

Kim will make a beautiful exit in 2014. Afterwards, she will work for the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, hoping to become a member of IOC. At the conference, Kim also briefed on her training plans. She will be training at the Korea National Training Center in Taeneung. David Wilson, her long-time choreographer, will again design the programs.

Kim will compete in the domestic games and finally compete in the Winter Olympics.

Her announcement to return as a full-time athlete surprised many.

"Even the skaters I train with didn't know about my decision," Kim said when asked about the reactions from people around her. "When my fellow athletes found out I was giving a press conference today, they asked me if I was retiring. I said yes," Kim said while making a knowing smile.

All South Koreans welcomed her decision to challenge herself again at the Olympics. The hopes are even higher for Sochi with Kim's decision.

Now, another episode in the drama of "The Queen" Yuna is about to begin.

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michelle kwan A gold medal for life

2 0 1 3 S p e c i a l O ly m p i c s P y e o n g c h a n g Michelle Kwan is remembered as a world champion in figure skating who has not won a gold in the Winter Olympics. Though she won the World Championships five times, she was not so lucky in the Olympics.

Her journey for the gold started in 1998. Setting Brian Boitano (Men's single gold medalist at 1998 Calgary Winter Olympics) as her role model, Kwan rose as one of the most prominent female skaters in history. In 1998, she was already the top of the world.

In the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, Kwan was considered the most likely gold medalist. But in the Olympics, it's not only the skills and

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technique that get you the gold.

There are always unpredictable variables that define the destiny.

Kwan would've won the gold if it hadn’t been for the surprising performances by 15-year-old Tara Lipinsky in 1998 and Sarah Hughes in 2002, who both took the gold.

Though Kwan won a silver in 1998 and a bronze in 2002, she didn't get to hold the highest honor.

For the 2006 Torino Winter Olympics, Kwan, who had announced to halt her professional life, decided to make a comeback and give it another shot at the Olympics. She wanted to reach her final goal.

Many encouraged her and showed support.

But soon, there was a misfortunate accident. After the opening of the Olympics, Kwan suffered an injury in the groin. Eventually, she had to make a decision to retire, and her challenge for gold had to stop there and then.

Many might have expected that Kwan would eventually be forgotten by the public. But Kwan made a comeback again, not as an athlete this time, but a prominent social figure.

Last month, she visited South Korea and diligently promoted the 2012 Pyeongchang Special Olympics. As a board member for Special Olympics International (SOI), she has been working hard to

successfully hold the Olympics for the mentally handicapped.

"I have known the [Special Olympics] figure skaters at the LA ice rink. I've been in touch with them and learned more about them," Kwan said in an interview. "If you think about the Special Olympics itself, it is just amazing. The athletes have to overcome so many hardships and challenges. 'Inspiration' wouldn't be enough to describe what these athletes gave me. They changed my life."

Because Kwan didn't win a gold in the Olympics, some might say she is ill-fated. But Kwan herself never thought of herself as such. After retirement, she actively participated

in different activities for a new life, and her efforts were fruitful. After her academic accomplishment, she was announced the first Public Diplomacy envoy in 2006 by the U.S. Defense Ministry.

Now, as a board member of SOI, Kwan is working towards making the 2013 Special Olympics a successful event. For her, this is more meaningful than a gold medal at Winter Olympics. Ultimately, her passion to share joy with others has given her a gold medal for life.

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two days in

hangang park two days in

heaven DAY 1

Stretching from Gangseo-gu to Gwangnaru, the Hangang flows majestically through the heart of Seoul. It’s a place of rest, leisurely strolls, and active fun for all Seoulites.

Offering a wide range of outdoor activity areas such as swimming pools, various sports courts, and exercise stations, it’s the place to visit, especially during warmer seasons.

The Hangang is surrounded by twelve separate parks, all with different themes.

ROKing set out for two whole days to report on the fun places to visit in each area.

BY_ CHARITY KINGSLEY / Illustration by _ Da-woon Yi

A QUICK POINTER: Getting around the Hangang is easy.

The Hangang is connected to most parts of the city by walking/running/bicycle paths, so you can run or walk or ride right from your home to any park connected to the Hangang. There is also a marine taxi stop in each area so you can pick up your phone and take a boat to any location along the river. It’s handy during traffic jams and easy to use when you have your bike with you and need to get to a different location promptly. (- The bicycle route is shown on the map in green.)

8. NANJI A lot of visitors know Nanji as a camping area and also a festival destination for music lovers. Nanji also has a riverside swimming pool that extends to the very edge of the river so you feel as if you're swimming right in the Hangang. Many works of art are situated around the park and the park has everything from great fishing spots to a large-scale Mirror Water Fountain.

9. MANGWON Mangwon is situated right between the Yanghwa Bridge and the Sungsan Bridge.

There are great fishing spots at Mangwon but it is most famous for its water sports and water skiing facilities. You can rent supplies or take lessons.

7. GANGSEO The Gangseo Wetland Ecological Park is an amazing huge stretch of land where visitors can see many species of birds native to Korea and other wildlife such as frogs, rabbits, and mystical looking bugs. It’s a good place to take a walk if you’re on a date or have a family outing. It’s one of the few places in the Hangang area where you can't ride your bicycle, which is good news for everyone on foot.

(After a while you get tired of getting out of the way each time a bike appears.)

11. YEOIDO

12. YANGWHA

10. SEONYUDO

Yanghwa is better known for the Yanghwa Bridge than it is for the park. Cafe Aritawoom stands right on the bridge overlooking the river so it is a different and interesting sight. There is an outdoor elevator that floats up and down the bridge. Seonyu, right across the river from Yanghwa, also has a similar bridge elevator and cafe.

Seonyudo Park is a beautiful modern park and is popular with couples.

Seonyudo also has a good observation deck and is prettiest after dark.

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Yeoido Park is also known as Seonyudo. Hundreds of people flock to this park during spring for the flower parades and festivals. The Hi Seoul Festival that is held all across Seoul has its largest stages at Yeoido. Yeoido also has wonderful lighting that is striking at night.

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(Best Choice)

3. TTEUKSUM Tteuksum is a great place to visit any day of the week. It’s just a subway ride away from anywhere and has the largest swimming pool in the Hangang area. There are many shade trees throughout the park, which is really nice on hot summer days. Walk to the edge of the water and you can sit on the steps near the river’s edge for a scenic break a break.

DAY 2

2. ICHON Ichon is sunny, full of flowers, and a wonderful place for school trips. There’s Turtle Ship Pier where you can learn about the Hangang or you can rent a bicycle to ride on the bike paths through the fields of flowers. If you're with young children or you're just looking for a long stroll, Ichon is a quiet and beautiful place.

5. JAMSIL Jamsil has a beautiful flower park that you can enjoy from a high jungja (gazebo).

(Recommended)

4. GWANGNARU Gwangnaru is the best place to go if you have children, pets, or you’re on your bike. It has a large wellorganized eco-system, a bicycle education facility, and a great children’s playground. The bicycle education center looks like a mini city and it’s also a great place for children to learn about road safety even without a bike.

(New Sight)

6. BANPO Banpo has become increasingly popular the past couple of months because it has added new attractions. They are the Floating Islands. Being man-made, they are the first of their kind ever on the water. The attraction is made up of three linked buildings (islands) and one outdoor stage. There are also observatories here where you can see Hangang from a bird's eye view.

1. JAMWON Jamwon is a great place for a run as it has a good selection of outdoor playing fields and exercise stations. It’s the place for outdoor recreation.

ONLINE:You can find an introduction to 30 Great Attractions of the Hangang at: hangang.seoul.go.kr/images/ data/english.pdf

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hidden seoul

going for the

gold

Article and photos by_Matt Kelley

A Seoul guide for the armchair Olympian When the London Summer Olympics get underway this month, most people won’t be at the event. As the world’s finest athletes fight for the gold, your body aches, simply reaching for the remote. Needless to say, you’re not in peak form. But what if watching all that sinewy perfection sets Rio 2016 in your sights? If so, here are six Seoul spots to help you train for official Olympic events of the past, present, and future.

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www.eatseeshop.com Courtesy of

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BREAD ROAD #1

The Oldest Bakery in South Korea,

Lee Sung Dang Since 1945

It's hard to find high-rise buildings in the small port city of Gunsan. You often come across traditional markets and low buildings around the town.

Lee Sung Dang, the oldest bakery in Korea, is located in this city. There are regulars who have been coming to the shop since they were little.

These loyal customers still visit Lee Sung Dang, but now with their children and family. Gunsan citizens often plan on a rendezvous at this homey bakery where one is reminded of the fading culture of jung.

BY_ NAK-HYUNG JU / PHOTOGRAPHS BY_mont

It has been a while since I last visited Lee Sung Dang.

While I sat by the window, customers came in and out without stop.

There is nothing fancy inside the bakery. From appearances, the store seems ordinary and it is located in a shopping complex that you would find anywhere you go.

But the bread glowing under the light gives off that irresistible smell of warmth.

It is natural to be awed by something or a place with a long history.

The store, which was founded decades before I was born, has a special character of its own.

On the packaging you read the sign: “Since 1945.� In Japan there are a lot of bakeries that are more than one hundred years old. But in South Korea it's hard to find a bakery that old, so in that sense, Lee Sung Dang is a special place.

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I asked the owners about the history of the bakery. A Japanese founded the shop in the late 1920s.

Then, after Korea became free of Japanese rule, the brother-inlaw of 76-year-old Oh Nam-rye, the first Korean proprietor of Lee Sung Dang, took over the bakery.

Eventually, Oh managed the bakery full-time. Now, Oh's daughter-in-law, Kim Hyun-joo, is in charge of the bakery.

While most local bakeries have given in to the massive takeover by big corporations and franchises, Lee Sung Dang stubbornly resists.

Though they may not have an up-to-date production line or use modern marketing strategies like the major companies do, this bakery distinguishes itself by its delicious bread. As a "window bak-

ery," which means a bakery that has their kitchen and ovens in the shop separated from the customers by a window, Lee Sung Dang has confidence in their goods. Compared to the franchises where they sell ready-made to half-finished goods, Lee Sung Dang's bakery goods carry tradition and craftsmanship.

And this is why they are beloved by the locals.

Seoul Incheon Suwon

Lee Sung Dang Most popular items

Sweet red bean paste-filled bread, vegetable dough bread, rice sandwiches, ice topped with sweet red bean 12-2 JungAngro 1-ga, Gunsan Tel) 063-445-2772 Delivery available to locations within an hour-drive distance

Daejeon

HERE Gunsan Jeonju

Daegu Ulsan

Busan Gwangju

"Get it while it's hot! It doesn't taste as good if it goes cold."

I was reminded of a saying that one needs both a good heart and genuine intention in order to find success. I took a bite of their famous red-bean filling bread, which sells by the hundreds everyday. The dough is thin and the filling rich. It's at a much higher level of goodness than what you would find at a franchise store. This bread is their specialty and the shop even runs a separate red bean filling bakery in Gunsan.

But I couldn't but wonder why they never opened a branch.

Why wouldn't they want to open a store, say, in Seoul?

"There's no way," the owner said in a determined voice.

"If we open a branch location, the taste will not be the same."

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interview/entertainment

1 4

indie band

life goes on nell Making connections to the world on an island of their own

BY_Hana Cho / PHOTOGRAPHS BY_Hee-eon Kim / PHOTOS PROVIDED BY_Woollim Entertainment / Styling BY_ Mee-suk Lee / Hair & Make Up_ Color Bin by Seo Iljoo Cooperation_ Adhoc, Andew, Ziff, Codes Combine, Fred Perry, Spris, Aigle, Flekjean

Don't need to explain a lot Nell's strong musical identity comes from the cohesiveness of the band members who have been together for thirteen years. It’s needless to say that it's not easy to stay in the same band for a long period, going steady and doing what you have to do.

But the members of Nell have a strong relationship with each other, as they stand for each other as companions of music making, and moreover, friends.

Scan here Play music

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I heard that Nell was founded when you four friends got together to start the band.

Lee Jae-kyung (LJK): We went to the same schools and lived in the same village. Jong-wan was just starting out in a band with some friends he knew. I played guitar then so we shared thoughts about music every time we met. And then Jong-wan's band members were replaced by close friends of his.

I recall that it was September or October of 1998.

Kim Jong-wan(KJW): The band members were all older than me.

After giving one performance I realized that this was not working.

After a week I talked to Jae-kyung, and then after another week I heard of some other members. That's how I slowly replaced the band members. The person who played bass was older than I and was scary, so it took two weeks to replace him with Jung-hoon. (laughs) It was around January 1999 when Jung-hoon joined us.

Where was your first live concert?

LJK: It was one month before high school graduation, at Club Freebyrd in Hongdae.

Did you perform cover songs mostly?

KJW: No, we did originals most of the time. So the audience didn't like it much. It was the first time they saw us and we were singing brand Did you audition for it? new songs. I recall that around that I'm sure your first pertime bands at live clubs mostly formance was not on a did covers. We continued on with weekend. our originals and someone told us KJW:It was a Tuesday. (laughs) to do some covers, but we didn't LJK:Originally there were no perfor- because it wasn't fun for us. mances on Tuesdays. Wednesday's show would be the first show of Who mainly wrote the the week. Maybe the owner liked songs? us, but he gave us a chance to LJK: Jong-wan wrote them mostly. perform on Tuesday. There was no one, and we performed happily, And the members liked all drinking beer and all. (laughs) the songs?

LJK: yes.

How long did it take you to go from performing on Did some members of the Tuesdays to giving shows band not agree with the on Weekends? personal tastes of the KJW:I think it took about a year. songwriter?

Jung Jae-won (JJW): We clicked musically from the beginning.

KJW: The people I first formed the band with had such different tastes in music than me. Their interpretation was really different from mine.

I had known the current members

for a long time and whenever we shared thoughts while drinking I came to realize that our tastes were quite similar. That's why we work together so well.

Back then did you imagine that you'd be entering your thirties with the same members?

LJK:Just to jam with friends who share similar tastes in music was exciting back then. Performing in front of total strangers in Hongdae was fun, too. Everything was stimulating. We didn't set an ending time, but just enjoyed each moment. It's still the same for me now.

KJW: We don't have a set reference whenever we make music or prepare concerts because we haven't been influenced by just one thing.

We’ve listened to a lot of music since we were young. Everything that has influenced us is combined with what we have in us, such as our thoughts and senses, and it all becomes the music of Nell.

curated from F.OUND (www.foundmag co.kr)

Nell has a language of their own.

Composed of four men, Kim Jong-wan on vocals, Lee Jae-kyung on guitar, Lee Jung-hoon on bass, and Jung Jae-won on drums, Nell floats on air and that distances them from the others.

Since the founding of the band in 1998 Nell has put out two independently-produced albums and four regular albums with a major label.

In a life where one can't avoid falling in love and parting, Nell's music gets under the skin and reminds you of the days that were warm, beautiful, and maybe even tragic.

Value of Nell's album Their first album <Reflection of>, released in 2001, now sells for over 200,000 KRW on online auction sites. The high price reflects the rarity of the album as it cannot be republished due to a conflict with publication rights, but it also shows how much people value Nellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s music.

Since their major debut, Nell hasn't let their fans down. They still put all they have in each song because they understand that an album's value lasts a long time.

Nell released two albums on the indie scene. Why did you start again with a regular album when you made a major debut?

KJW: For us it was natural. When you look at world-renowned foreign bands, they also have released many albums before making a major debut. We didn't put much meaning in it, but just followed what we saw and learned. Maybe some felt that it was strange for us to do so because they haven't seen such cases here. When we made our debut, bands that went from underground to major were almost nonexistent.

What changed after Nell made a major debut?

LJK: Our mindset was the same.

But we were working with many staff members and we had to change accordingly. Before we would go up on the stage and spontaneously change the set list or just jammed. But with many people working around us we had to keep certain lines. We can't just do whatever we want to do anymore.

You switched labels after your first and second albums. Your third album is quite different from the previous ones. Could you talk about the changes?

LJK: Changing the label and changes in music styles have nothing to do with each other. Maybe people presume so as it has happened a lot. But it doesn't apply to us.

KJW - Personally I think the first and second albums were more esoteric. Overall there were songs that were much easier to understand.

LJK: Our musical shift would have been made just the same even if we stayed with the same label.

KJW: Our third and fourth albums came out when we were twentyfive, twenty-six, and twenty-seven.

I think this is the most explosive times in a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s twenties. You are not a child but not entirely an adult. You don't have to be responsible for everything but you can't act like a kid anymore either. So that was the time where I had conflicting thoughts the most. Looking back, I think all the members were going through some personal issues. Now to think about it at thirty-

three, the issues I've had weren't so big. But back then little things felt so difficult and it was hard to endure them. So maybe that's why we made our musical shift.

By now do you understand one another by just looking at each other's faces?

KJW: We don't shy away from exchanging ideas. People who don't know us think that we are quite careful and sensitive people.

On the contrary, we are quite direct.

For the songs that don't work, we know it before we even talk about it.

Nell puts a lot of time and effort into each song, right?

KJW: I think that's because we are selfish. If we don't work so meticulously, others might not notice but we know it. When an album's released, you can't recall it to refix it. And that's why we work so hard. If we ignore the small things, we know that we will regret it. And even when you do your best, you always regret something afterwards.

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The happiest moment Their recent album <Slip Away> contains four years of Nell. For each one of us looking back the past four years ago feels like such a long time ago. It's same for Nell: their thoughts, lifestyle, and emotions have changed. But one thing that hasn't changed is the fact that they are still here, together.

I heard that the songs in <Slip Away> were selected from some one hundred songs.

KJW: I'm not the type to rush writing songs for the album. We've not put out an album for a long time, so I just had a lot of unpublished songs.

Are there times where you feel like you're going through a slump or have your beliefs shaken?

KJW: Actually, every single moment is a slump. This is true for not only the musicians, but for artists in general. Also you feel like you want to do better today than you did yesterday. You have to face such thoughts every day. So I try not to acknowledge it as slump or it will just make you depressed. Before, I would go into agony when some of the members' work was similar. But now I can turn that around and accept that that's just a part of making music. If you suffer, it doesn't really give you any good influence. Trying harder is the only thing you can do.

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You write music, jam, perform, and communicate with fans. There are lot of things when it comes to making music. For Nell, what's the reason for making music?

KJW: We talk about that sometimes. "If you have to choose only one thing, what would you choose?

Studio or stage?" Jae-kyung asked me a couple of days ago. If I have to really choose one, I'd say studio.

LJK: Same for me. Live performance passes, but we do studio work with an album in mind. It remains even after your death. We feel happiest when we make real good music because it's putting together our thoughts and creating something that didn't exist before.

KJW: I still remember the times when we worked in the studio to record the <Reflection of> album.

Twelve years ago or so, the most fulfilling moment was after finishing all the work and listening to the songs by ourselves in the dark while smoking. When we share words like "That turned out alright," "Let's use it," "That was good," "Good job," we feel happiest.

Do you think you have been improving since the first album?

LJK: I believe so. That's why we can continue making albums, believing in ourselves. We can't just release something that we are not satisfied with, hoping that it just might work.

KJW: Music is personal taste.

There is not an album that can satisfy everyone. If there is such music, then we would just need that music only. We don't feel overwhelmed by the fans or the critics' comments. We push ourselves to do more. It's really fighting with yourself.

LJK:If there are people who understand it later on, that makes us feel good.

What did you have in mind when you arranged the track list for the newest album? Did you think about a certain flow?

KJW: We wrote the songs in the album over the course of four years. By chance we've selected songs that I wrote in a certain period. Writing songs is telling one's personal story, and it reflects how one changed as time went by.

Everything, like your emotions and your status change as time goes on. So I think the track reflects just such a flow. It contains the changing process. When I listen to the album I'm reminded of those times.

I don't know how you can come up with such amazing lyrics on love and partings.

KJW: I think it has to do with my personality. When you are in a relationship, you are in it because you like the other person. But no matter what, there's an end to it. You don't think about how it would end in the beginning, but as time goes by you see the end coming. That's really my p ersonality, and that is reflected in the lyrics.

How about others? what do you think about that?

LJH: How things end may vary, but there's an end to everything.

How about those who got married?

JJW: I'm finished.

KJW: That was an end for Jae-won. (laughs)

A beautiful pain Among the fans Nell is known as inaccessible.

They hang on to the songs until they are satisfied and their albumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s release dates have been pushed back many times. They neither give many live performances nor perform much on broadcasts. Many say that Nell is mysterious because of their rare presence. But in person each one of the Nell members was optimistic and loves music. They have a strong will to solve the problems they run into, knowing that they should be happy first in order to attract more listeners.

They also told me that they realized the pain of loving the music they felt the past four years was actually a beautiful experience.

You all must have missed the stage the past four years.

KJW: I truly missed the stage. We all were burnt out back in 2008.

Since the times when we finished the college-entrance exam to our late twenties, we never had time to take a break. It takes about six months to make an album, and after we released the album we were busy preparing for concerts.

For the first time I felt like I want to try something other than music. I was so exhausted then. After four years of rest, I came to realize that making music is what I really want to do, and the times when I was busy were actually good times.

Even with all the mental and physical stress, I was happy. I came to really appreciate that what we do is make music. It is so precious.

I heard that you said the new album is quite relaxed.

In what ways is it relaxed?

KJW: I felt like these days there are too many excitable songs. You hear them on the street and on the radio all the time. So I decided that we should cool down. We aren't that noisy to begin with. To put it simply, sound-wise we became more calm, and internally we resisted bursting with emotions. The sound is calm, so naturally calm lyrics followed. I think our personality has shifted like that as well.

Did the public change a lot?

KJW: The public is constantly shifting anyway. But our fans are constant. Our first solo performance in four years sold out quickly. I feel so grateful for our fans. I feel embarrassed to say it. But they make us feel blessed, and we all feel thankful inside.

curated from F.OUND (www.foundmag co.kr)

Slip Away Time has gone by and many things have changed. Nell now uses â&#x20AC;&#x153;when we were youngerâ&#x20AC;? a lot in their speech. It shows that now they have learned composure where they can look back at the past and understand who they are and where they have come from. They also learnt that everything happening in life or in music is just part of a process that leads them to new roads.

I feel like the overall objective feel and calmness of the newest album shows that the members have matured.

KJW: I agree. I don't know what has contributed to the maturing. Maybe it's the time or a certain incident.

I realized that there are things in life that just won't work no matter how hard you try. You just have to accept it. When I was younger I thought I could reach something if I tried hard enough. But it doesn't work that way. Things that you're trying to reach could be a girl, a dream, or a passion. I think such thoughts are reflected in the lyrics.

Do you think it was more beautiful back then, when you were naive and didn't know harsh reality?

KJW: Maybe so. It's not like those times were better, but such beliefs drove me. I had passion for relationships. I did not want to let things I loved go. Maybe it was possible because I wasn't mature. Nowadays I think I am more energetic when it comes to music. But for relationships, not so much. But one can't help it.

Isn't it sad to accept the world as it is?

KJW: I think you can learn more by accepting reality. You can broaden your perspective and can give good thought to things. I have more space for myself. Rather than just suffering what I'm feeling at the moment, accepting it and thinking what to do next is better. I've suffered enough, I think.

Would it be true to say that Nell only makes songs about love?

KJW: Actually there are mostly love songs in this album. I tend to personify everything, so people think the songs are all about love. But there are songs that really aren't about love.

Could you give me an example of a song that personifies an object or an ideal?

KJW: There are dreams and beliefs, and passion. For example, I'd write "I hate to see you leave," and 'you' doesn't have to be a girl. It may mean a dream or passion.

ever since you started until now, does music mean the same for Nell?

KJW: I think the meaning of music has grown bigger. I started because it was fun to do. And then at some point I started to realize music makes me more like myself. I can express more. So I don't want to let it go and so I put more effort into it. I have to treat her right and do my best.

You and your friends have lived your lives with music.

What do you feel like when you look at the members next to you?

KJW: I think I feel refreshed each time. While looking at the bass line I encounter an entirely new groove, and then Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m surprised that Junghoon has such a side to him. We've been together for a long time, but I am surprised, even nowadays, when we jam or work.

I also feel moved when we look at our old pictures. I say things like "Wow, he was so young back then!" (laughs)

Do you feel responsible as a senior musician?

LJK: I think doing the best for our band is being responsible. A case like ours is unique, so there were a lot of things that I feel regret for.

I wish that there were more bands who stayed on the scene longer that we could look up to.

KJW: I hope that whenever people in bands doubt themselves, thinking "Can we make it here making music as a band?" they could console themselves thinking that there is a case like Nell. I hope to provide good influences like that. I don't want to let people down and have them think "Nell has been around for such a long time, yet that's all they've got?"

And things that remain...

Whenever I am caught up in so many thoughts that boggle my mind, listening to Nell's music has stopped time for me. It also helps me to face myself. It is painful to do sometimes, but you must face it in order to really heal. For those who were in love and have let love go, Nell's music is a cure. It makes you thankful for the music once again.

Some might say that Nell's music is depressing and sad. But Nell reflects all the emotions they encounter in life and empty themselves. After that process, one can truly fill again with something else. And that, to

Nell, is hope found at the end of despair. Life goes on for them and for us. For times yet to come, we will find a new side of ourselves through Nell's music.

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interview/cover artist

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cover artist

A resistance of her own for a

봄맞이행사_72.7X60.6cm_acrylic on canvas_2012 (2)

better world

KOREAN CONTENT PROVIDED BY_ A COMPANY / IMAGES BY_ YANG EUN-HYE

Meet Artist Yang Eun-hye and learn about her ways of resisting the world.

Everyday we hear so many success stories about people from all walks of life that it seems as if success is common, so reachable if you try hard. Walk into any bookstore and you’ll find people crowding around the "Art of Living" section so they can learn how to succeed. Such drive to be successful, to try harder, has been driving all of us into making a society fatigued with trying to succeed. It’s necessary to stop and think about the meaning of success. Can we find success if we follow one of the world's 'How to be successful' formulas? Or are we just following hollow images of success? Artist Yang Eun-hye explores such subjects with humor and a touch of wit. In her artwork the characters that dominate the space sometimes have indifferent attitudes, sometimes aggressive attitudes. Maybe the characters are reflections of us nowadays.

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a timid r e s i s ta n c e What are you trying to convey through your work?

I don't have ant special message.

I just reflect on things that I see in myself. So the end result tells a story not about only me but young folks nowadays who don't have any clear goals but just lead lives with no real dreams.

What made you to explore such ideas?

When I was preparing for the college entrance exam I had a clear goal: to enter college. But after I got in I felt like my goal had disappeared. I lived idly, questioning what was I doing there. When I talked to my friends who got jobs I was a little shocked to learn they just work to earn money without passion. I thought about what we all live for.

I empathize with you because it's something that everyone have thought about. So what's your way of leading the life?

I decided just to enjoy life. Before, I wanted to earn a lot of money and live happily. But if you become obsessed with such things you become exhausted, miserable.

Since I have chosen the work I really wanted to pursue, I decided to just enjoy life.

What are some of the 'timid resistances' by the characters in your work?

The characters in my work aren’t passionate. No matter what's going on in the world, they just shrug it off, their facial expressions are inattentive. I thought that that's kind of a resistance. I hope people will just enjoy my work. Life is hard, so if people find joy when they look at my work I'll be thrilled.

나를귀찮게하는것들_90.9X72.7cm_acrylic on canvas_2010

Her Artwork What kind of subjects did you explore in college?

Could you tell us how you came to do the work you do now?

I drew similar images in college. I did a lot of drawings outlined with cartoon-style lines. I recall that in my freshman year I drew nudes with various colors. At the end of my junior year I took some time off from school. During that time I got the inspiration for the work I do nowadays. I spent a lot of time by myself. I sat in cafes and drew for hours. Mostly doodle-like drawings. Then I returned to school as a senior and started to draw what I draw now.

Let's talk about your recent work. There are pieces that explore subjects such as airports and camping that were quite large.

Did it take a lot of time for you to make these?

It did. It took me an especially long time to finish the camping piece.

So I had a bet with my friend to finish it as fast as possible. To have drive in finishing the work, I guess. (laughs) I won and my friend treated me to a tuna dinner.

Large works are hard to draw, but it is very attractive work. You can't ignore the aura from such a large work. The level of satisfaction is huge too. I'd like to do more large works later down the road.

Is there any reason why you chose subjects such as an airport and camping?

At the baggage claim section of the airport you see people getting back from a journey and people who are about to embark on one. I wanted to capture that atmosphere. You see people with two contrasting emotions. Living this life you often run into such scenes. I worked on my camping piece while I was thinking of camping at Nanji. My

friends and I were all so excited. It was a true escape from the everyday-world. I wanted to share the feeling.

You once hinted that you’re working on a “wild” piece. Is that your piece, <Greeting the spring season>? I'm not sure if it’s all that wild or not. (laughs) How do people around you react to it?

When I present the work to people as a "wild" piece they are all disappointed. (laughs) I should try harder.

Do people say your work is cartoon-like? For me it's accessible because it doesn't look too complicated. But at the same time people might think your work is too light. What do you think about that?

I often hear people say that my work is light. But that doesn’t bother me because I want my work to be light. I intend on making my

work light. Heavy and serious paintings and drawings are not my cup of tea. My work should reflect who I am in order to be genuine.

Her hidden wit When I look at your work I can see hidden little things in the work that tickle me. What are some of your tricks for hiding the humor in your work?

I enjoy telling jokes and playing pranks. So this is naturally conveyed in my art We can't leave out talking about your witty titles. I find much humor in your titles, as much as I do in the drawings. What are some of your favorite titles?

When I drew <I'm sure your room looks like this, too>, I really meant it. I hoped that my room is not the only messy one. I was greatly

relieved to know that many people empathized with the work. My room looks exactly like that today. (laughs) What kind of person are you in day-to-day life? Do you play a lot of pranks?

I’m trying to hold back because I've been a tireless prankster. Nowadays my close friends don't even react when I play pranks on them because they’re so tired of it. I've become bored with the pranks so I’m stopping.

Do you put much effort in your wit and humor? I suspect that you are a fan of cartoons and animations.

I’m a fan of animations but I’m not all that wild about them. To get inspired I seek out illustration books and animations, searching for ideas. There are so many people around the world who have brilliant ideas.

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Ya n g E u n hye as an artist

talk about work a lot. We encourage each other. Besides working late hours, I drink and have a good time with my friends.

The continuing r e s i s ta n c e

You've been quite busy recently.

Yes, I have been, though I'm not sure why. Recently I’ve been preparing for a solo exhibition. Art Fair kept me busy, too, though it was only briefly. Besides these, I have small and big events that keep me busy. But I'm enjoying all of it.

You are quite charming, just like your artwork.

What do you think of yourself?

I am full of charm…(I'm sorry)

Are you going to continue on with your "timid" resistance? And what kind of work do you plan to do in the future?

These days I’m drawn to things I see and hear. So I’m looking for quite ordinary pieces. I want to explore the bonds of sympathy of us youngsters.

Please tell me about your day-to-day life besides work.

I'm at my studio almost all the time.

I get a little lazy these days and go there later in the day, though. I click with my friends with the studio and

What are your expectations for self?

Nothing in particular. Staying healthy is important. I have to have a healthy mind and body in order to create good work.

Could you tell us your plans? Your fans would appreciate it.

By fans you mean my family, right? (laughs) First I need to finish graduate school. Then I want to work harder and enjoy everything.

Have you ever thought about how the world might look different in your thirties?

This may be true for everybody; I used to fear reaching my thirties.

But now that I’ve reached that age, I don't think it's a big deal. (laughs) Maybe I should apply more eye cream. Since I can't avoid it, I might as well enjoy it. I like aging. You grow a broader perspective and you have more space in your heart.

But maybe I think this because I'm not quite mature yet.

Any advise to your peers struggling to make it?

Let's all cheer up!

Curated from

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interview/[BRIDGE] PEOPLE

3 4 [ BRIDGE ] PEOPLE

Sense of Seoul :

Presenting layers of expat life in S. Korea In a sitcom, a group of young people explore how foreign residents in Seoul live daily life, meet people and get around in one of the biggest cities in the world.

BY_ JUNG-YOON CHOI / PHOTOGRAPHS BY_ Matt DOUMA

For native South Koreans, watching portrayals of Koreans in Hollywood films and dramas could be a hilarious experience. The actors themselves are serious, yet often the inaccurate depiction of Koreans become a subject of ridicule and even outcry here.

On the other hand, expats here have a similar experience.

English-speaking expats, especially, are often portrayed only as one-dimensional characters, their personality or reality never being explored in depth.

There are many who are unsatisfied with such trends, and Director Choi Seung-yeon is one of them. He and his partner, camera

director Yoon Yeong-seok, recruited a group of filmmakers and actors in Seoul for a brand new project. The result was a five-part web sitcom series, Sense of Seoul (S.O.S).

meet the actors Troy Zitzelsberger as Ben Fisher

S.O.S follows four young Englishspeaking expats living in Seoul.

In the fast-moving plot line with twists and turns, the four main characters develop friendships while they struggle to find their places in Seoul.

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as Amy McDonald

Gavin Lee

as Kayjay Kim

The series is being wrapped up in June, but there are more stories behind the cameras to tell. Bridge met with the crew and actors of SOS and asked about the project.

Christina Sewell as Ji-na Jung

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Carson Allen

The four main characters of SOS represent quite common types of expats in South Korea. Yet the actors themselves are a diverse bunch, their backgrounds ranging from a high schooler to a real actor.

Troy Zitzelsberger plays Ben Fisher, a Canadian English teacher in South Korea. Though he is taken as an English teacher often times and plays one in the series, he came to South Korea for acting jobs.

"I have no idea how I ended up here," Zitzelsberger said. "While I was traveling in Bangkok someone said I should check out South Korea, and that's what I did."

Having lived in New York and Chicago, Zitzelsberger was involved in commercials and independent projects back home. Now seven months into his stay in Seoul he found about the project on Craigslist and decided to join.

His Character, Ben, is somewhat

awkward and shy with the girls he likes. Yet in real life, the outgoing and expressive Zitzelsberger, "may be the antithesis of what Ben is,â&#x20AC;? according to Christina Sewell.

Christina Sewell plays Ji-na Jung, an independent and strong female bodyguard who Ben falls for. Sewell is half-Korean half-Caucasian who grew up in both Georgia, Daegu and Seoul. Upon graduating from college in the States she returned to Seoul and has been working as a voice actor. "I'm just getting into acting, and it's been fun," Sewell said.

In one of the episodes she hints at her struggle with identity in the past. Her character, Ji-na, develops a friendship with Amy Mcdonald, played by Carson Allen.

Amy is Ben's cousin and a die-hard K-Pop fan who flies to Seoul from Canada for an audition. 17-year-old Allen is the youngest of the crew.

A high school student, Allen is an army child who attends school at the Yongsan base. "I have been into acting since I was a child and have done many plays. I always wanted to be on Broadway" Allen said. "But this experience has been really fun for me. In theater, you have to be totally someone else. But in sitcoms, you partly get to be yourself."

When asked if the characters are similar to their actual selves, some actors say yes and some say no. Gavin Lee, who plays Kayjay Kim, said the character is just like himself. The comic relief of the show, Kayjay is a Korean-American who is a notorious womanizer. "I'm almost the same as my character, minus the womanizing side. I'm a person who's looking for true love," Lee said.

24/7. Though he frustrates Ben with his ways with women, the viewers can't quite hate him for his simplicity. In one scene Lee bursts out dancing to Rain's Love Song in the middle of a conversation with Ben. "I had to dance in a cafe with transparent windows, and pretty much everyone in the shop saw me," Lee said.

Though they banter back-and-forth and have small fights, the four characters develop a bond as the show advances. And apparently the four actors did develop true friendships in life.

"I was having so much fun that not laughing while filming was hard," Allen said. "It's been a great experience."

Kayjay is Ben's friend who can't stop talking about woman,

m e e t t h e c r e ato r s

Lee Seung-joon assistant director

Choi Seung-yeon director

Yoon Yeong-seok camera director

Both film majors, Choi Seungyeon and Yoon Yeong-seok met in college and have been actively exchanging creative ideas since then.

Together they started a production company, 2ontheline, which takes on various filming projects such as music videos and commercials. For a long time the two had harbored the idea of creating a sitcom series on expat life.

"South Koreans watch sitcoms like Friends and become envious of New Yorkers' lifestyles," Choi said.

"But Seoul has just as many attractive things to offer. So we wanted to present it by exploring expats' lives, which is relatively unknown to others. Also, for Koreans viewers, we wanted to present the increasingly diverse society that Korea is becoming."

They put up a recruiting post on Craigslist and were surprised with the many responses from all kinds

of talent, including assistant director Lee Seung-joon. After joining the team early on Lee not only boosted up the management but also got a part as the narrator of the series. There were also people such as Enoch Ku who joined as a production intern, playing various extra roles on camera and managing PR off-camera. They also got emails and calls from make-up artists and cameramen who said they are willing to contribute.

The three directors Choi, Yoon and Lee work together intensely throughout the production. The script is written in Korean first, and then translated into English. The producers say interpreting jokes is one of the hardest parts in the process.

"Our goal is bridging the cultural gap between Koreans and expats, and if we tell a joke that applies to only one side, it wouldn't work,"

Choi said. "But at the same time we can draw humor from the cultural differences."

After weeks of the auditioning and selecting process for the first shooting that took place in early March. The weather was freezing, yet everyone braved the wind and brought their energy to the set. Such enthusiasm continued throughout the months of shooting.

"It was tricky to schedule the shoots because everyone had different availabilities. Often, we ended up shooting at dawn," Choi said. "Still, everyone showed up on time and worked hard. It was almost like we get recharged from filming."

"It's one of the biggest challenges we face," Choi said. "And yet, because of the passionate people who participated with minimal or no pay, the show was made possible."

Visit http://senseofseoul. wordpress.com/ to view all 5 episodes of Sense of Seoul.

With five episodes, the series has come to an end, but the team said they will seek ways to continue the project.

"There are so many interesting subjects we would like to explore," Choi said. "We hope that many people will watch the show and overcome their prejudices against expats in Korea."

The show has been uploaded on their website regularly, but the team said that so far they have had difficulties running a crew of a dozen or more on a small government start-up loan.

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Billy Childish's

Firm Confidence BY_ Na Hana / PHOTOGRAPHS BY_ Chun Yoon-ki / KOREAN CONTENT PROVIDED BY_ F.OUND MAGAZINE (www.foundmag.co.kr)

billy childish is an amazing, prolific artist.

So far, he has made over two thousand paintings and released around a hundred records. But that’s not all. He’s published forty volumes of poetry and five novels. Nirvana’s late leader, Kurt Cobain, said that he was a “worshiper of Billy Childish” and composed and played music inspired by Billy. Kylie Minogue, the Australian pop star, released an album titled after one of his books of poetry.

Actor Johnny Depp is a collector of Billy Childish’s paintings. Billy Childish visited Korea for his first solo exhibition in Asia, titled Strange Bravery, which was held between May 11 through June 3 at Gallery Hyundai.

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curated from F.OUND (www.foundmag co.kr) It was thrilling for me to think that I would interview him. Even on the day of the interview I still couldn't believe it. I felt like I’d met someone who had just walked out of fiction. The day before the interview, I went out to have a few drinks with a friend whom I hadn’t seen in three years. I whined a lot that night. I don’t know what got into me. Maybe it was the cool breeze that evening, or a sentimental tune that played on the TV, or the pressure of the coming deadline. My friend and I talked about joy and sadness, then about getting older and maturing, then about life and death, existence, and finally, emptiness. I felt like I was sitting in a dark narrow aisle that day and I couldn’t find the exit. I trembled considering the future and longed for the past.

The next afternoon I met Billy.

I was still under the influence of the night before. As Billy spoke, I listened carefully and my restless mind started to calm down.

Just like his name, Childish, Billy had the pure heart of a child. His firm confidence came from deep within him and showed through in his voice, manners, and every gesture.

He said that he is following his own star with strange bravery. After we parted I thought about what he said.

I felt that Billy’s bravery wasn’t so strange but was magnificent bravery, indeed.

First exhibition f e at u r i n g Yi Sang & Y i Gw a n g soo This is your first visit to South Korea. Besides the scheduled exhibition, do you have plans to do other things while you are here?

I’ve never planned while on a trip.

I just leave without making any plans. I just move around freely, and if I find something I like, I just do it.

Have you found things here in Korea that you like?

I went to the art supply store and found calligraphy brushes and hanji (traditional Korean paper). I especially like the texture of hanji .

The rooftops of hanok (traditional Korean houses) are beautiful. I had mandoo and muk (acorn jelly) yesterday, and muk was especially delicious. It was quite a memorable taste. I ran into all of these by accident. I am drawn to things that I run into by chance. At the press conference you explained that you painted Yi Sang and Yi Kwang-su because you wanted to politely say hello to the South Korean people.

(Billy made five paintings with Yi Sang and Yi Kwang-su as models.)

As one of the spectators, I want to thank you. I have admired and enjoyed your work for a long time and it was really special for me to be there. I can’t speak Korean, so the

only way I can communicate with Koreans is through my paintings.

These two writers have already passed away, but I feel connected to them. I found myself in their lives.

Is there any special reason why you chose writers over painters or musicians?

I’m drawn to modern literature.

When I read them, I feel like I am a part of the period. I feel like I am having a conversation, and feel as if their stories are embracing me.

Yi Sang and Yi Kwang-su are two great writers who many consider the fathers of modern Korean literature. I was searching for modern Korean writers and came across <The Heartless> by Yi Kwangsoo. I was smitten by the title of the story. I am still reading it with much interest. On the other hand, Yi sang studied architecture while he painted. He was a poet also. I worked on pieces based on the old photos of them and stories of their lives. I’ve done similar works before. I painted Hans Pallada, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Edward Elgar, among others. The important thing is, I don’t depict these people if their appearance, work, or lives don’t inspire me.

Like a fiveyear-old Child What were you like when you were younger. What were your major interests when you were in your twenties and thirties?

I was interested in meeting a lot of girls. (laughs) I enjoyed building relationships with people I hadn’t known before. I had girlfriends from Japan, Switzerland, and all over. (laughs) But I quit all of that when I was thirty-three. It was hard to make all of them happy. So after that, I focused on Yoga and Buddhism to find peace of mind. Don’t believe anything a man before age of thirty-five says, because it’s all lies. I’ve never lied, though. I was a bad boy, but I never lied. (laughs) Here in Korea, we believe that how one leads his life in his thirties is very important. We even say that what you do in your thirties determines what the rest of your life is going to be like. Besides meeting a lot of girls, what kind of creative work did you do?

I drew, made music, and kept writing. But I didn’t work on these to build a career. I didn’t want a career, and didn’t think I needed one. I just wanted to, and was naturally drawn to the work. The reason why I keep on doing painting, music, and writing is because I’ve never wanted to define myself as just one thing. I don’t want to gain approval by the people. I just want to acknowledge who I am myself and embrace it. I think that’s the most important thing.

A special person You’ve created a lot of work since you were little.

When did you start to acknowledge that you are an artist?

I started drawing when I was two, writing when I was fourteen, and then making music when I was seventeen. I’ve been doing all of these things for a number of years but I never thought of myself as an artist. Like I said earlier, I just thought I should be drawing when I turned nine. I had trouble reading and writing because I was dyslexic, so the only way I could express myself was through drawing. So I think of myself as a painter. I just write or make music because it's fun for me. People think art is something special. A lot of people want to be artists and become painters because they think they earn status that way and can become someone special. But that’s not true. No one is special. Or everyone is special.

Then what kind of mind should a painter or an artist have?

Those who have made it as artists become famous. I am special but I am not what is important. The important thing is the subject of the paintings. My status is not important at all. For example, if I paint something, that is special. A reporter does her or his work, and an interpreter does his or her work, and that’s very special in itself. If people do what they can do well and try their best to do it well, then they are special. I am treated as a “famous” artist, but people around me who help me are just as special. If those people are not special, then I’m not special. If they are special, then I’m special, too.

Have you ever thought about what you want to be like in your 40s and 50s?

When I was nine, I thought that I should draw when I grow up.

Besides that I never thought about what I wanted to be like or imagined what my future would look like. Up until now I did what I wanted to do and lived the way I wanted to live. As time went by my paintings changed a little, but my belief – that I should be doing just what I want to do – hasn’t changed since I was five years old.

I heard that you were abused as a child and suffered dyslexia and in your thirties you were an alcoholic. So some say that your past was depressing. Do you think your past was a sad one?

I don’t think it was a sad one and I don’t think this is a sensitive question. Of course there was some sadness. But life not only consists of sadness.

My experiences have helped me understand this world we live in and the nature of human beings as well. My past is my experience, but it’s not who I am. So I believe defining someone based on his or her past is not right.

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son, you should stop thinking about the things you can’t do because that part doesn’t matter. You should find something you’d like to do, and then you’ll become confident.

If your job is being an interpreter, but if you enjoy dancing, then you should dance. You should enjoy dancing as a hobby or something.

Even if others say you’re not so good, don’t worry about it. As you enjoy dancing and time passes, your confidence will grow naturally.

You don’t have to be good at doing something that you really like. If you like it, you just do it. What others think is not important. Tell yourself that you can do this, because this is what you want to do. It’s the same for me. There were times that I couldn’t paint the way I wanted to.

But I didn’t stop.

What if you’re confused when you choose a profession you like and have doubts later on whether you truly like it or not?

A similar thing happened to me when I was writing a novel. When that happens, just lie down for a bit.

If it’s something that really you like, you’ll eventually feel like doing it again. There are many people who aren’t like that. If lying down is not for you, just take a walk or work out and cool your head.

And then try it again.

his firm confidence ”To be able to do something in the midst of scolding eyes and people’s indifference, you need strange bravery. When others point their fingers at me, saying I’m going in the wrong direction, I just follow my own star. And that’s been my life’s journey.” This sentence was inscribed in front of the exhibition, which left a deep impression on me. Did people look down on you because you didn’t follow society’s rules?

Yes. I was not in the mainstream.

I’ve heard people say, “You should not be making this kind of art. It’s a waste of time.” People who drew a line between what’s wrong and what’s right have always been the ones to say so. It’s easy to live just like others, conforming to the norm. But in fact, that’s not an easy life for a person like me. For now, I just live as who I am and do what I want to do, but if I had to follow the mainstream, I wouldn’t be able to do what I want to do. People say that I live like this because of my

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depressive past, but I have always been a confident person. I’ve always been happy. My paintings look good because I’m confident in my work. I never worried whether people would like my drawing or not. If I like it, that’s good enough for me. I’m not faking anything.

What influenced you to think the way that you do?

I think it’s in my nature. I’ve done whatever I wanted to do since I was little. I never did anything because people made me do something. And I didn’t care whether people acknowledged me or not.

Then what gave you this self-assurance and help you find your identity?

What was your biggest influence?

I’ve always been confident. And I don’t worry over things. When people talk about their daily lives, they try to talk more about bad things than good things. Especially those in the fine arts. They try to bring others down and try to judge others. There are a lot of artist who worry because they don’t hear

anything good from people. But I’m not worried about those things at all. The reason I was kicked out of college was because I was just too confident. When people are not good at things or don’t know what exactly they want to do, they worry about it and try too hard. But that has never been the case with me. But I’m not arrogant, either.

I’m not worried not because I’m so good, but because I am concerned whether my picture is good or not to me.

And after I produce something I look at my work as if I’m looking at it as a third person. I try to distance myself and look at my work as objectively as possible. Sometimes I think I’m really bad. (laugh) In your life, confidence has been very important. But you were born with it. What about someone like me, who was not born with it?

It’s not like I’m confident in every single part of my life. My family tells me that I’m not good looking.

So I’m not sure about my looks. (laughs) To become a confident per-

You’re so confident, I feel like you must not have had any moments of a slump.

There have been moments of slump and depression for me. But that’s just natural. It happens to everyone. Sometimes you can’t overcome things naturally. But you shouldn’t be swayed by such emotions. Actually, you shouldn’t be swayed by any emotions.

Emotions come and go like water flows. But if you dwell too much on feelings, emotions turn into pain.

Of course, such feelings won’t disappear right away, but if you don’t get too caught up by them, they will pass by soon.

If I get into slump I’ll think about what you said. (laughs) What’s the driving force that has allowed you to be so productive over the years?

Hmm, well… I believe my interest in the mystery of creation and energy in all the creatures of the world, and my drive to know has been the driving force in my life. As you live life, the way you look at life changes. And such changes are part of the driving force as well.

This may be awkward, but could you tell us in a nutshell how your life has been?

Despite some misfortune in the past, I’ve been a lucky person.

Wait, no, drop what I said earlier.

I’ve been a lucky man.

I am who I am Prominent artists and stars like Kurt Cobain, Kylie Minogue, White Stripes, and Beck have said they worship you. How do you feel when you hear such things?

I’m grateful to them for liking me, but I hope they won’t blindly follow me. You have to be careful in choosing what you worship or follow and are inspired by. You have to follow the right things and get your inspiration from something that is worthy. What I want to say to those who like me is to not grow a mustache. Especially women.

Wearing a fake mustache might be a good thing, though. (laughs) A man’s mustache is like a woman’s bangs. You always agonize over it.

To get rid of it or keep it? Woman must have the same trouble over their bangs.

That's right. (laughs) Since you said you don’t have any plans for the future, I can’t ask you about your plans. What’s in line for you when you get back to the U.K.?

I have to paint. That’s my favorite thing to do. I’m writing fiction as well. I think you’ll be able to read it in a few years. And recently there have been proposals to turn my novel into a movie. They suggested that I direct it, and I said no.

Why is that?

It might be an interesting experience. But most of the movies based on novels have not been so great. If I were to direct a film, I’m confident that I’d do a good job.

But right now I don’t want to do it.

Later on, after time goes by. I don’t know what might happen.

Lastly, do you have any advice to youngsters?

I feel sorry when I see someone who tries too hard to fit into the mainstream. I hope you won’t avoid things because of fear.

Don’t try too hard to do well.

Don’t worry about how you should age and what kind of adult you should become. Even after you grow up, there’s a child left in your heart that doesn’t change, ever.

Who you really are never changes.

Even after you become an adult, you are still you.

curated from

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Let's escape!

Perfect backpack for a perfect journey BY_ MIN-JUNG CHOi / IMAGES BY_ MCM PR COMPANY "APR AGENCY (02-6911-0766)"

Summer is here, and everyone's planning for a getaway.

What is the single most important item for a successful trip?

Quite a few things come to mind, but more than anything, you need the right bag.

The quality of your luggage will greatly influence the comfort of your trip.

You might have suffered in the past holding too many items in both hands while trying to enjoy the trip. If that's the case, opt for a backpack this summer.

It will free up your hands so you can focus on having fun.

This season, many brands have released special edition designs for the 2012 London Summer Olympics. MCM, a favorite brand among not only many K-POP stars but Hollywood celebrities, have done the same. Pick your favorite, and prepare for a great vacation.

CAMOU POP BACKPACK

SAFARI BACKPACK

STARK BACKPACK

\855,000 / ITEM CODE: MMK2SMC03LU

\535,000 / ITEM CODE: MMK2SNS06OR

\495,000 / ITEM CODE: MWK2SVE12WT

Are you bored with the typical patterns and color schemes for backpacks? Then we strongly recommend MCM's Camou backpack. The unique digital pixel-like print on the bag is enhanced with various colors in each pixel. This eye-catching backpack will stand out among the crowd anywhere you go.

It has practical storage pouches on the front and sides. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate to choose this bag if you are looking for something extraordinary.

The biggest appeal of the Safari Backpack is its clean and simple design. The monochromatic material is light and casual. The corners are decorated with leather, giving a classic and dandy feel. If you want something that is not too flashy, pick this backpack. It comes in a variety of color options as well.

MCM's signature Stark Backpack has been a favorite among celebrities for years. The newly released, upgraded Stark Backpack boasts bold studs and enhanced glamour. If you've been waiting for the newest MCM backpack, this is for you. It is available in lime and orange.

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MCM London Olympic Special Edition Back pack (Limited Edition) \615,000 / ITEM CODE: Black MMK2SXL02BK, Red MMK2SXL02RE, Cognac MMK2SXL02CO, Orange MMK2SXL02OR What comes to your mind when you think of the U.K.?

The British flag, a.k.a. Union Jack, is not only an obvious symbol of the country but also a beloved fashion motif.

This London Olympics special edition backpack drew inspiration from the flag and spiced it up with MCM's unique sense of style.

With additional studs, the backpack has a funky feel while its vivid colors give off a casual yet stylish vibe.

The interior is efficiently designed to accommodate a laptop or iPad. With this backpack, you don't have to compromise style over comfort.

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Feature Story

Pastor Kim Seong-eun Is Saving N. Korean Defectors with their Struggles BY_ JUNG-YOON CHOI

The Korean peninsula occupies a small amount of land in the world, about the size of the U.S. state of Indiana. Nonetheless, it is unique, having been divided for more than sixty years after a bloody internal war. Partitioned at the 38th parallel, the distance between the two Koreas is not far – just four kilometers – but casually visiting between one Korea and the other is impossible.

After the division there were those who chose to go to North Korea.

Some South Koreans went for ideological reasons. But now the people who chose to go are mostly escaping to get to the South.

Since the 1990’s more and more North Korean defectors have been coming to South Korea and there has been an ever-growing number of defectors in recent decades.

There are currently 25,000 or so defectors here in South Korea, and an uncountable number in China. There are dozens of North Korea-related NGOs, from one that promotes human rights issues within North Korea to those that actually help people escape.

Pastor Kim Seong-eun is the director of Caleb's Mission, one of the most notable NGOs for its firsthand help in helping North Koreans escape. For a decade this NGO has been helping people escape from North Korea to South Korea and come to South Korea.

But his work can be dangerous and often is. One of the more interesting projects undertaken by Pastor Kim is bringing North Korean defectors to the South by boat.

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In March, 2011, he brought 11 people to South Korea by boat. This was the first time that defectors came by boat and it shocked many people. Pastor Kim, the mastermind behind the effort, sailed out in a boat to meet the defectors and then transferred them from the Chinese fishing boat to the South Korean boat in the middle of the sea.

"There and then, I decided to give my life in helping the defectors," Pastor Kim said.

While the news was all the rage when it happened, interest has now slowly faded.

"It was love at first sight, indeed," said Pastor Kim.

Since North Korea's Kim Jong Il died in December, the situation of the North Koreans has been put in jeopardy. Restrictions and control at the border has increased. Recent statistics show that the rate of defectors has decreased by 43%.

But in the midst of hardship, Pastor Kim continues with his mission.

When asked why, he said that it's because saving North Koreans has become his life's purpose.

His life was smooth sailing until a decade ago. He was a successful businessman and an ardent Christian. He was deeply involved in his church work and since mission work has always been his passion, he’s dedicated much time to it.

In winter, 2001, he decided to brave a mission trip himself. He arrived at the border region and was shocked by the conditions in which he found North Korean defectors. When he saw the bodies of defectors who had frozen to death, he was moved to the point that he made a life changing decision.

Soon he sought ways to become a full-time missionary. He met his wife in that work, as well. Park Esther had defected after her father died of starvation. Bright and determined, she soon caught Pastor Kim's eye.

Pastor Kim and his wife chose the name Esther for her. It was safe for the pastor's wife to have a pseudonym, and they wanted the name to convey their determination for the mission.

"Esther had said 'If I die, I will die.'

That's the attitude we have for all of our work," Pastor Kim said. "My wife and I are always ready to give our lives for the mission."

He's church is located in CheonAn, a mid-sized city located an hour and half south of Seoul. Named Caleb's Mission, Pastor Kim founded the church seven years ago.

A small church located in a commercial building, his church serves as the office and house for his family. His congregation consists of many defectors and some South Koreans too. The defectors who attend his church still have families left in the North and Pastor Kim's role is giving a hand in bringing people out of North Korea.

The congregation is small and has a sense of family. They afford the

church with the money they get from monthly supporters and the lecture fees they earn all over South Korea.

Nowadays, not only bringing defectors South has gotten more difficult with more control by the North, the missionaries he works with are in great danger, being targeted by North Korean spies for the work they do.

"Some said they don't know how they can continue with the work with the increased danger," Pastor Kim said. "But we can't stop, we have a mission to save people."

He believes bringing defectors to Korea by boat is the easiest and most efficient way. But because of the high cost of renting the boat the plan has been botched many times.

"With the boat, the defectors can land in Korea within two days," Pastor Kim explained. "But if the defectors have to take a land route that could take up to thirty days to six or even nine months, it's exhausting and life-threatening to go on a journey like that."

Despite the financial difficulties and betrayal of some of the people he has helped, Pastor Kim said he will remain unbowed.

"To speak out is important, but it's even more important to take action," Pastor Kim said. "And I believe that's what I've been called for."

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BY_ MIN-JUNG CHOI / CONTENT PROVIDED BY_ Naneun Moo-sik Hada ’Tis summer, and it’s the season of Rock ‘N’ Roll. The discomfort index rises as the heat gets intense in the middle of the day. Your body gets sweaty and your mind gets exhausted under the merciless sun. If you are looking for something that will relieve you from this sticky annoyance, why not listen to some Rock ‘N’ Roll tunes? Listen to the music and free yourself from the stress!

1. Radiohead –High and Dry

3. Lowdown 30 – Asphalt

Do we need any more explanation for Radiohead, the best band in the 20th century? If you ever heard their music just once, you’ll understand why many consider them the best. By the way, there’s exciting news for Radiohead fans in Korea.

It’s confirmed that they will appear at the Jisan Valley Rock Festival this year, their first official visit to Korea.

Listen to Radiohead’s “High and Dry” this summer and prepare to see them in person

It’s hard to figure out the genre that Lowdown 30’s music falls into. A trio led by Yoon Byong-joo, Lowdown 30’s music has its feet planted firmly in Blues Rock, but crosses over to Soul, Funk, Electronic, and others. In their songs the solid backbeat of the drums is contrapuntal to the bass. Add auto tuned vocals and rap, and you get the new sound of Lowdown 30.

Their jam sessions will thrill you and make you forget about the heat.

2. Kim Changwan Band – WooDooDooDaDa Dubbed “The Beatles of Korea,” Kim Chang-wan Band is a representative long running band of Korea.

Kim Chang-wan himself is nearly sixty years old but age doesn’t matter to with him. He and his band still make music and are loved by their many fans. Some might say they are, “Too young to die and too old to Rock‘N’Roll.” Acknowledging that he has aged, this not-youngbut-not-old musician passionately – and sometime pessimistically – sings of the gloom left behind the glory. ”WooDooDooDaDa” is a great song that shows the uniqueness of the band. You can get a sense of the music Kim Chang-wan Band makes and the ideas that drive them.

4. Owl City – Youtopia ”Youtopia” is a collaborative work of the one-man synth-pop band, Owl City, and renowned DJ, Armin Van Buuren. The producers of this song wanted to convey the message that you are heaven on earth, hence the title “Youtopia.”

With synth-pop elements and a feel of trance music harmonized with the soft vocal by Adam Young, this Trance pop tune oozes the unique vibe of Owl City. Enjoy the beautiful melody that will lead you to a perfect world created by the versatile musician, Owl City.

5. Beady Eye The Beat goes on Beady Eye was founded because of a fight. Two members of the internationally acclaimed band, Oasis, Noel Gallagher and his younger brother Liam Gallagher, had a fight before their 2009 Paris performance. They decided to break up the band, and later on, Liam and the rest of the Oasis members got together and founded Beady Eye. Listen to “The Beat Goes On,” and the remaining elements of Oasis come through in their music. You also get a feel for Brit Rock.

‘Naneun Moo-sik Hada’ I am the MUSIC iTunes Podcast :http://itunes.apple.com/kr/ podcast/naneun-musig-music-hada./id500126785 Twitter : @musichada

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the unresolved comfort

women issue BY_ JUNG-YOON CHOi

Wednesday may be just a day that marks mid-week for most of us, but for a group of elderly South Korean women the day means something more. For the past twenty years these women, victims of sexual slavery by the Japanese military during World War Two, have been protesting for an official apology and compensation in front of the Japanese Embassy. The dozen or so women and their supporters have never missed a single week, come rain or snow, to voice their demands. On December 15, 2011, the women held their onethousandth protest, which went into the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest protest for a single purpose.

Back in the 1990s when these socalled "comfort women" started to speak out about what they went through during the Japanese occupation, their situation was tough. The victims felt ashamed to step up and claim they were forced into sexual slavery because of the awful social stigma attached to it. A lot of them, though, were brave enough to come forward and announce their demands: Formal recognition and an apology from the Japanese government.

Things have changed a lot in South Korea in the past two decades.

Nowadays the sexual enslavement of these women is a well-known fact among the South Korean public and the women are looked upon as heroes.

Public recognition might have changed over the years, but the condition of living hasn't changed much for these elderly women who are mostly now in their mid-to-late eighties. They still live in anguish and pain for not being recognized by the Japanese government as the victims that they were, plus the lukewarm attitude of the South Korean government about their plight is another reason for their frustration. Each year a handful of the remaining victims passes away and the world looses the chance to hear from them. Weak and aged, living in shacks or in shelters, these women say that time is running out for them.

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Why does such a struggle continue? It's because South Korea and Japan haven't cleared the past. The Japanese government never formally acknowledged their war crimes. What is more, many textbook publishers in Japan have erased or distorted the part about forced slavery. Some ultra-right wing activists have accused these women of being prostitutes who voluntarily followed the military.

most of the more than one-hundred or so victims who stepped forward have passed away and now there are only dozen of these women left.

The debate has been going on for years. While the struggle continues, there was a recent incident that provoked public anger from many South Koreans.

Last month a Japanese right wing activist named Suzuki Nobuyuki left a wooden stake on which he had written claims about Dokdo Island, an island in dispute over sovereignty between South Korea and Japan. Nobuyuki placed the stake next to the Peace Statue, a statue of a teenage Korean woman symbolizing the lost youth of the victims of Sexual Slavery, across from the Japanese Embassy on the one-thousandth day of the protest.

And since the current government has made it clear that they won't be stepping up to solve the problem, the only way these women and their supporters can put an end to their decades of struggle is to draw international attention to their cause.

This drew angry reaction from both the victims and from the South Korean public. One South Korean truck driver turned his anger into action and drove into the main gate of the Japanese Embassy with his one-ton truck on July 9.

It has now been twenty years since the first Wednesday protest and

What can these weak women in their late eighties and nineties do?

The reason the Japanese rightwing behaves so badly is because the South Korean government hasn't taken a firm stance about the Japanese distortion of history.

The cause of these women is not just for Koreans but for all citizens of the world. We have to acknowledge these past atrocities and make sure that something this horrible will never happen again.

If you get a chance, and if you are so inclined, please go to the Japanese Embassy every Wednesday that you can and participate in one of the Wednesday demonstrations. Show support for setting history right.

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All the tickets may purchased through the links provided on the right.

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PlayDB http://www.playdb.co.kr/

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interpark english booking http://ticket.interpark.com/Global/

Tickets for August 2012

Reserving a ticket in English site i s p r ov i d e d at yo u r c o n v e n i e n c e

HEDWIG Show Type: musical Dates: 20120811~20121021 Venue: KT&G SANGSANG ART HALL Rating: 14 AND OLDER

THE DISAPPEARANCE OF WANGSEJA

Tickets: R 66,000 won, S 55,000 won

(MUSICAL) 2012.08.07~10.28 venue: DAEHAKRO ARTONE

The century’s best stylish rock musical <Hedwig> is presented by these outstanding actors and producers with excitement and passion!

LA CAGE AUX FOLLES

THEATER 1HALL Rating: twelve and older tickets: R 60,000 WON, S 40,000 WON

(musical) 2012.07.04~.09.04 venue: LG ART CENTER Rating:thirteen and older tickets: VIP 130,000 WON, R 110,000 WON, S 80,000 WON, A 60,000 WON

2012 INFINITE CONCERT "THAT SUMMER" (concert) 2012.08.08~08.12 venue: AX-KOREA

HYUNDAI CARD SUPER CONCERT 17 EMINEM

Rating: seven and older tickets: STANDING 99,000 WON, ASSIGNED 99,000 won

BUNJEE JUMP

Show Type: concert Dates: 20120819~20120819 Venue: JAMSIL ASSISTANT STADIUM Rating: 12 and older

(musical) 2012.07.14~09.02 venue: BLUE SQUARE SAMSUNG CARD HALL Rating: seven and older tickets: R 80,000 WON, S 60,000 WON

LAUNDRy Tickets: STANDING R 132,000 won, STANDING S 110,000 won, ASSIGNED S 110,000 won When Eminem emerged in the genre known as “HIPHOP,” all prejudices were broken. The incomparable becomes the superstar of the 21st century, Eminem is having his first visit to Korea.

(musical) 2012.04.04~09.30 venue: HAKJEON GREEN THEATER Rating: thirteen and older tickets: WEEKDAYS(WED,THU,FRI) 35,000 WON, WEEKENDS(SAT,SUN) AND HOLIDAYS 43,000 WON

HAN NA CHANG’S ABSOLUTE CLASSIC

SUPER! SONIC 2012 Show Type: Concert Dates: 20120814~20120815 Venue: Olympic Park Rating: ALL AGES

1 day only

ROBOCAR POLLY (CHILDREN MUSICAL) 2012.07.04~08.26 venue: OLYMPIC PARK WOORI CAPITAL ART HALL Rating: 24 months and older tickets: POLI 55,000 WON, VIP 50,000 WON, S 40,000 WON, A 30,000 WON

(classic) 2012.08.18 venue: SEONGNAM ARTS CENTER CONCERT HALL Rating: seven and older tickets: R 50,000 WON, S 30,000 WON, CHORUS 10,000 WON

Tickets: 2Days(14th_15th) 240,000 won SUPER STAGE(Gymnasium) 110,000 won, SONIC STAGE(Handball) 77,000 won, 1Day 150,000 won Presenting a new concept festival, Super Arena Concert Festival

MARKETA IRGLOVA IN KOREA

1 day only

(concert) 2012.08.15 venue: AX-Korea Rating: seven and older tickets: 1FLOOR 88,000 WON, 2FLOOR 77,000 WON

Above information may change due to an actor/actress and entertainment management company's scheduling.

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Lyman McLallen is a professor in the English College of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies.

Lyman McLallen You can find the entire text of Democracy and Education at: http://www.ilt.columbia.edu/Publications/dewey.html

A University Education:

What is it for

The fate of the nation is forged in its classrooms. - John Dewey, Democracy and Education (1916) BY_ LYMAN MCLALLEN (mclallen.hufs@gmail.com)

The drive to earn good grades, or the fear of getting bad ones, inspires students to study and learn things they would ignore if grades didn’t hang in the balance. This was true for me forty years ago in America, it’s true for students today in Korea, it’s true all over the world, and it’s been true for a long time.

That students work for grades more than they’d work for knowledge and wisdom alone (and we all know this is true) shows that grades are indeed a force for good. Grades force students to study more than they would if grades weren’t looming at the end of the semester.

Grades force them to meet deadlines and be responsible to the members of their group projects where all of them depend on each other for their grade.

One grade, or even a few, won’t make or break anybody, but all of them together reveal the work habits and tenacity of the student (if not her or his brilliance) and accumulating enough of them leads to graduation.

As vital as grades are to students while they’re at university, their importance will not last. What really counts is the work students do to get them. They never believe this – and it’s probably good they don’t – but sooner than they imagine, their grades will mean little.

Five years from now nobody will ask about that History grade.

Most of the stuff they learn in pursuit of grades won’t matter either. Cramming the way they do (the way we all did) in their attempts to make respectable grades, they’ll soon forget most of the trivia they jam into their heads those last frantic weeks of the semester as they face their final tests. College, after all, is as much a test of endurance as it is an act of scholarship.

Think of how the internet and cell phones have revolutionized the world in the last twenty years, and before that, railroads, autos, and airplanes, and before that… Think of the constant advances in science, engineering, and medicine, and realize the pace of all this will only accelerate in the years to come. Now, consider that it all happens because students first wanted to make good grades.

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The only thing we know for sure is that life in the next few decades will be profoundly different than it is now, quite possibly even more different from our lives today than our lives are different from those early human beings who first taught themselves how to control fire. In light of this, how can the university prepare its students for jobs that haven’t yet been thought of, much less exist?

The main goal of the university is not to prepare students for high-paying jobs. But if a university education doesn’t guarantee a good job, what does not having one guarantee? A young person enters the university hoping to a land an attractive job after graduation, and college graduates do indeed earn more than those who complete only high school.

To earn a degree, a student has to struggle through the difficulties, frustrations, and uncertainties for four or more years at the university and finish the required work, which is no easy feat. What this really prepares them for is to adapt effectively to unexpected circumstances, and there will be plenty of those.

Because Korea has no natural resources to speak of, it must rely on the intangible human qualities of intellect, imagination, and daring, as it has done since its beginning.

So that the nation continues to thrive, the Koreans’ most important task is to prepare their children for the challenges of the university, for what they learn there will be decisive in sustaining the nation’s miraculous success.

Students enter the university and aim for good grades to get good jobs – and that’s a worthy goal – but through chasing grades, they transform themselves beyond what they ever imagined they could be. As often happens with university students, they aim for one thing at the beginning but end up developing strengths and talents they weren’t even dimly aware they had when they first entered the university, and those will be far more valuable to them than just getting a job.

In the next fifty to sixty years it will be their turn to make Korea and the world better.

Meanwhile, sweating for those grades is helping them get there.

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There are hundreds of thousands of vocabulary words in Korean, and sometimes it's more fun and much easier to learn such a huge amount of vocabulary by grouping words into certain categories. Through this series, we are doing just that! By grouping vocabulary together that start with the same consonant, we hope this simplifies the seemingly daunting task of learning Korean vocabulary words.

We will be introducing you to words that start with the consonant "ㄴ" (n) & "ㄷ" (d).

나비 [na-bi] = butterfly

나사 [na-sa] = screw

나이 [na-i] = age

낙서 [nak-seo] = graffiti

냄비 [naem-bi] = pot

노래방 [no-rae-bang] = karaoke

녹차 [nok-cha] = green tea

눈썹 [nun-sseop] = eyebrow

닭싸움 [dak-ssa-um] = chicken fight

담 [dam] = wall

당구장 [dang-gu-jang] = billiard hall

대학생 [dae-hak-saeng] = college student

도로 [do-ro] = road]

도장 [do-jang] = seal

동전 [dong-jeon] = coin

두유 [du-yu] = soy milk

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Everyday Korean phrases using the words above 나무를 심다 [na-mu-reul sim-da] = to plant a tree 나이를 먹다 [na-i-reul meok-da] = to age 낙서를 하다 [nak-seo-reul ha-da] = to doodle 날짜를 바꾸다 [nal-jja-reul ba-kku-da] = to change the date 냅킨을 접다 [naep-ki-neul jeop-da] = to fold napkins 노래방에 가다 [no-rae-bang-e ga-da] = to go to karaoke 녹차를 마시다 [nok-cha-reul ma-si-da] = to drink green tea

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Everyday Korean phrases using the words above 담을 넘다 [da-meul neom-da] = to climb over a wall 대학생이 되다 [dae-hak-saeng-i doe-da] = to become a college student 도장을 찍다 [do-jang-eul jjik-da] = to set the seal 동아리에 가입하다 [dong-a-ri-e ga-i-pa-da] = to join a club 동전을 던지다 [dong-jeo-neul deon-ji-da] = to flip a coin 두유를 마시다 [du-yu-reul ma-si-da] = to drink soy milk

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