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GLOBAL KOREA THE BEAUTY OF KOREA-15 Korea foundation Korean B-boys present the Chansavanh Secondary School in Vientiane with scholarships and school supplies under a title of “Flying Higher — Korea’s B-boys.” It featured one of Korea’s premier B-boy teams, Gambler Crew, along with a Poppin’ team Animation Crew, Girls Hip Hop Duo and a female singer. In this way, the so-called Korean Wave made its way to Laos, whose people are considerably less exposed to Korea’s popular culture, in comparison to nearby countries like Vietnam and China. In Laos, there is a serious lack of cultural content for the people to enjoy. There are two state-run TV stations, but they offer little in the way of cultural programs, so most households tune into broadcasts from Thailand. Moreover, since the development of the local performing arts culture is limited, people have a keen interest in cultural/entertainment events that are arranged by foreign embassies. According to the Korean Embassy in Laos, the performances of “Jump” and “Break Out,” which had previously been hosted by the embassy, were well received by local residents, thereby raising expectations of Korea-related performances. As a result, the Lao National Culture Hall was crammed with people hoping to watch the B-boy performers. Even heavy rain could not dampen the audience’s excitement. In line with the “Flying Higher” theme, the Korean B-boys deftly executed their high-flying maneuvers that seemed to somehow defy gravity. The dynamic break-dance movements, combining acrobatic and gymnastic agility, elicited gasps of amazement and appreciation from the audience. Animation Crew’s poppin’ performance, a kind of mime slapstick, easily had everyone laughing aloud. In addition, the Girls Hip Hop Duo and the female singer further energized the frenzied atmosphere with their choreographed dances and enchanting singing. The first performance attracted the attendance of prominent local figures, including government and diplomatic officials, such as the Minister of Information and Culture, who presented a bouquet of flowers to the performers as an expression of the Laotian people’s appreciation of Korea. Cultural diplomacy During the morning after the second performance, the performers visited Chansavanh Secondary School in Vientiane to present scholarships and school supplies to the students. Along with enthusiastically welcoming the performers, the students presented them with a handmade embroidery work, with a message of friendship between Korea and Laos. The embroidered message, in Lao, Korean and English, in addition to being carefully crafted, was a heartfelt symbol of the warmth of the Lao students. After an impromptu presentation for the students, it was time to depart for the airport, winding up the five-day visit. During the flight home, people shared photos and stories about their memorable experiences in Laos. For the otherwise reserved Lao people, the B-boy performance was a special occasion for them to thoroughly enjoy this new form of entertainment. The universal appeal of Korea’s hip-hop culture was readily evident and well received. Of note, with the people in Laos having a favorable perception of Korea, due to the promotional efforts by the Korean Government and business concerns, it seems natural for the Korean Wave to gain considerable popularity there, similar to the situation in Vietnam. Starting from popular culture, and then introducing the refined content of Korea’s culture and arts through exchanges, it could be possible to enrich the lives of the Lao people and develop more cooperative relations between the two countries. In this way, our cultural diplomacy efforts could contribute to tangible and practical results. ■ (Source: Korea Foundation Newsletter) Pensive Bodhisattva National Treasure No. 78 This sixth-century gilt piece represents the popular style of Buddhist statues during the Three Kingdoms era (57 B.C.-A.D.668). The statue, in a pensive pose, is claimed to have originated from Buddha’s posture that contemplates a human being’s life. Its enigmatic smile, natural pose, clothing and harmony among body parts distinguish itself from National Treasure No. 83, another masterpiece that has the same posture. The piece has a tall crown decorated with shapes of the sun and moon, which scholars believe were influenced by contemporary Persian culture. Because of its focus on harmony, historians believe that it originated from the Baekje Dynasty (18 B.C.-A.D.660). ■ Photo courtesy of the National Museum of Korea 26 KOREA SEPTEMBER 2008 SEPTEMBER 2008 KOREA 27
CHUSEOK Time for Celebration and Sharing BY JEONG HYEON-JI STAFF WRITER A family in their hometown for Chuseok The Korea Herald Every autumn, the nation witnesses an exodus of people leaving Seoul to celebrate the most important holiday of the year, Chuseok. Largely known as “Korean Thanksgiving Day,” this year’s holiday falls on Sept. 14. Chuseok is not only a time to celebrate the harvest and remember one’s ancestors, but it is also a time to remember where one comes from and to share good times with family members and neighbors. Koreans, therefore, prepare a lot of good food to treat their family, neighbors and visiting friends. The holiday is thought to have originated from the practice of “gabe” during the Silla Dynasty (57 B.C.-A.D. 935). On gabe, which was Aug. 15 by the lunar calendar, two teams of court ladies participated in a looming competition, and the losing team would have to throw a celebratory party for the winning team with food, drink, dancing and music. From this practice “hangawi” was born, a name which also refers to Chuseok. Traditionally, families hold “charye” in the morning of Chuseok, a memorial service for deceased family members and ancestors with newly Korean children dressed in hanbok on Chuseok 28 KOREA SEPTEMBER 2008 SEPTEMBER 2008 KOREA 29
Page 3 and 4: Opening a communicative space betwe
Page 5 and 6: NATIONAL South Korea celebrated the
Page 7 and 8: DIPLOMACY 1 2 3 4 President Lee hel
Page 9 and 10: 2008 BEIJING OLYMPICS The Korea Her
Page 11 and 12: SCIENCE Global Market Leaders Made
Page 13: GLOBAL KOREA Quiz Show Brings Vietn
Page 17 and 18: CHUSEOK The Korea Herald Children o
Page 19 and 20: tertainment industries in both coun
Page 21 and 22: CULTURE Toyota Motor Korea GM Daewo
Page 23 and 24: CULTURE Wonju Hanji Festival Hanji,
Page 25 and 26: TRAVEL Korean Air Enjoy Korean Cuis
Page 27 and 28: FOOD Ceramic Pots — Natural Prese
Page 29 and 30: PEOPLE Yonhap A Veteran Artist’s
Page 31 and 32: EVENTS National Palace Museum of Ko
Page 33 and 34: BOOKS Political Change in Korea Edi

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