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orea
K erbal’s
onv
N ormance
Perf
www.korea.net
ISSN: 2005-2162
prelude표2대면 2010.8.30 4:29 PM 페이지 1 Mac-2 in T C M Y K
PRELUDE
CONTENTS
SEPTEMBER 2010 VOL. 6 NO. 9
발간등록번호 : 11-1110073-000016-06
www.korea.net
04-15 cover story 2010.8.30 4:15 PM 페이지 1 Mac-2 in T C M Y K
COVER STORY
KOREA’S
NON
VERBAL
PERFORMANCE
In the late 1990s, a new genre was born in
Korean theaters. Though the name initially
sounded, within 10 years “non-verbal
performances” grew up to become a central
pillar of Korean theater. It introduced the
world, and much of Korea, to the dynamism
of the people and modern culture. Now, a
successful decade later, non-verbal
performance continues to expand the
possibilities for performing art. by Jang Say
04-15 cover story 2010.8.30 4:15 PM 페이지 2 Mac-2 in T C M Y K
ⓒ PMC Production
new genre, with many returning to see it time and again. “I’ve
never seen anything like this,” became the standard refrain. If
you asked them what it was about, they’d often reply that the
story wasn’t really the point.
The main characters in Nanta are a master chef who can’t
face up to his manager, a male chef who tries to rely on his
sex appeal rather than his cooking, and a female chef whose
youthful looks belie a deep inner strength. While working in
their kitchen one day, the manager bursts in and gives them
just one hour to prepare for a previously unannounced ban-
quet. Worse, he saddles them with his troublemaking nephew.
KOREA
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2010 07
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KOREA
SEPTEMBER
08 2010
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after mulling how they could incorporate taekwondo into a around the world. It was a breath of fresh air for a dance
stage performance. In early versions of the show, convention- world that had, in some countries, seemed to run out of new
al acting played a big part, but as time progressed, martial ideas. It became a social and commercial phenomenon that
arts came to the fore. even business figures and politicians paid attention to.
Success came quickly, but Yegam wasn’t prepared to sit President Lee Myung-bak, the prime minister, cabinet minis-
back and relax. It began changing and improving the show ters and legislators have all attended the show, as have leaders
almost immediately, and has continued to do so ever since. In in education and religion.
practically every show, the actors ad-lib lines and try out The plot is very straightforward. On a street where a ballet
slightly different moves. This keeps the performance fresh hall is located, some breakdancers set up a square where they
and interesting, prompting spectators to return for repeated can practice, leading to friction between the b-boys and the
viewings. eponymous ballerina. As time passes, however, the ballerina
In its early days, Jump received numerous and often unfa- falls for one of the b-boys and chooses to become a street
vorable comparisons with foreign martial arts shows, but as dancer instead. Though choosing life on the opposite end of
time went by, it gained recognition for being something
entirely unique. In a run that has continued virtually unbro-
ken since its debut, Jump has played in 40 towns and cities
around Korea and, after being named an “excellent perform-
ance” by the Korea Cultural & Arts Centers Association, it will
tour more than 40 more venues this year. Jump now has two
dedicated theaters in Seoul alone, and two more each in
Busan, Korea and New York, the US. It has filled theaters in
Britain, Greece, Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore and
Australia. Last year, Jump played its 5,000th show, a feat for
which it was awarded the 2009 Korea Contents Awards.
As with Nanta, what makes Jump’s success particularly
gratifying is that it embraced Korean cultural sentiment and
took it around the world. The hope now is that people who
danced to these ancient samulnori rhythms will go on to take
a wider interest in Korean culture. Whether they do or not,
Nanta and Jump have shown that Korean shows can have a
universal appeal, a crucial stepping stone for Korean compa-
nies as they spread out into the world.
ⓒ Pentatonic Inc. (top, opposite top); Showbboy (middle, opposite bottom); KJ Ent & Haera Inc. (left)
introduces original artistic concepts, including sculpture,
frottage and marblework. During the creation of the art
work, an image in the painting might change into something
completely different, or a new picture may be added. At one
point, a crying statue of Korean military hero Yi Sun-sin is
used to convey Koreans’ anguish over the fire that engulfed
Namdaemun, an ancient gate in Seoul. The high-speed
drawing and changes to the pictures occur right before the
audience’s eyes, letting imaginations run riot. All the draw-
ings have an element of magic to them.
With its long and rich history, Korean culture offers a
wealth of material that can be channeled into stage
performances. Samulnori in Nanta and taekwondo and
taekkyeon in Jump are only two examples. The genre of non-
verbal performance in Korea is blessed with a sea of other
sources from which to choose, spanning music, dance,
martial arts and art. Finding out where it will be go next will
be just as exciting as attending one of the shows.
KOREA
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COVER STORY
KOREA
SEPTEMBER
12 2010
04-15 cover story 2010.8.30 4:16 PM 페이지 10 Mac-2 in T C M Y K
comedy without dialogue using just martial arts, acrobatics, Both companies are also working on follow ups to their hit
gymnastics, and straight acting. By doing Jump, we realized productions. PMC has been trying out several new shows,
actions were what brought us closer to the audience.” including The CAR and TAAL. Later next year, Yegam plans to
Both Nanta and Jump incorporate non-verbal elements of tour a new martial arts blockbuster a similar to Jump. Called
traditional Korean culture. For its show of chefs banging out Break Out, the show, which incorporates elements of b-boy
pulsating rhythms using kitchen utensils, Nanta drew inspira- dancing and hip hop music, has already previewed to good
tion from a traditional Korean percussive form samulnori. reviews.
Jump uses elements of the Korean martial arts taekwondo “As with Nanta and Jump, we have to keep developing cre-
and taekkyeon with joyous Korean music in the background. ative and original content,” Song says. “Rather than going
With the exception of taekwondo, none of these forms are with what’s hot at the moment, you have to develop new con-
well known outside Korea, but all were crucial in creating the tent and keep making necessary changes to pursue a long-
shows’ successes. term project. If you stick only to what’s distinctively Korean,
Besides their embrace of traditional Korean culture, the you may not win over too many fans outside the country. So
other key part of the shows’ long-term success, Song says, has it’s important to have some universal values.”
been their decision to open up their own resident theaters. “Quality and originality are essential elements,” says Kim,
“We opened the theater in 2000 and we’ve been performing echoing Song’s ideas. “You also have to find a common sensi-
there ever since,” he said. “I think that was the biggest key to bility that everyone in the world can relate to.”
our success. The show itself is important but stability from With Nanta and Jump, Song and Kim achieved exactly that.
the specialized theaters has produced synergy effects. We can Wherever they go next in search of those universal values, it
host foreign tourists at the same venue and we’ve been able to promises to be an exciting ride.
maintain partnerships with many travel agencies.”
The huge success of Nanta and Jump has done much to
Kim Kyung-hun, CEO of Yegam Inc.
heighten the profile of Korea overseas. This hasn’t necessarily
led to increased knowledge of the country’s culture, as Song
discovered when pitching Nanta to a foreign buyer a few
years ago.
“He said to me, ‘You perform in Korea?’ There are three
things I know about Korea: North Korea, South Korea and
the DMZ,’” recalls Song. “And things aren’t that much differ-
ent today. According to a 2009 study by Korea Brand and the
Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, people in
America and Europe still mostly associate Korea with the
Korean War and North Korean nuclear issues.”
“If you look at Asia, it’s more encouraging,” Song adds.
“There are still remnants of Hallyu [the “Korean Wave” of
popular culture that swept across the region] in Asia. If we
keep our focus on countries where people are more positive
about our culture, then it could ultimately have a great effect
on Korea’s national brand and recognition.”
ⓒ PMC Production (opposite); Yegam Inc. (right)
KOREA
SEPTEMBER
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COVER STORY
FOR KOREAN
SHOWS,
ALL THE WORLD
IS A STAGE
Nanta, which kick-started the genre of
“non-verbal performances,” wowed audi-
ences at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in
Scotland, before taking New York by
storm. Jump also played to packed houses
in Edinburgh and now has its very own
resident theater on Broadway. This is the
story of two boisterous shows born in
Korea, but now very much a part of the
world stage.
KOREA
SEPTEMBER
14 2010
04-15 cover story 2010.8.30 4:16 PM 페이지 12 Mac-2 in T C M Y K
Jump’s creators. dented event for a theater production, Jump also won the
On first performing in New York, Jump soon caught the Export Tower Honors, awarded by the Korea International
attention of The New York Times, The New York Post and CBS. Trade Association to highly successful exporters, along with
It has played during halftime at an NBA basketball game, and US$1 million in prize money.
it counts Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie among the thousands In 2003, when the Korean theater market was growing,
of people to have seen it. In March 2003, the Broadway show Jump embarked on wildly successful world tours — taking in
marked its 200th performance. Israel, Spain, Japan, Singapore, China, Thailand, South Africa,
In 2005 and 2006, Jump played the Edinburgh Festival Russia, United Arab Emirates, Malaysia and France — and
Fringe, where it received a Sell-out Show Award — given to opened purpose-built theaters on its way to becoming a
all productions that sell out every performance — and bona-fide cultural phenomenon. As it continues to entice
became the first Korean show to win the Comedy Award and crowds around the globe, the future for Jump and its produc-
Cavalcade Best Walking Group prize. Jump later became the tion company Yegam can only get better.
KOREA
SEPTEMBER
2010 15
16-19 pen&brush 2010.8.30 4:17 PM 페이지 16 Mac-2 in T C M Y K
AMAZING
STORIES
ABOUT TRIVIAL
THINGS In her 15 years as a novelist, Ha Sung-ran
has looked to catch her readers off-guard
with stories about ordinary people facing
extraordinary events. Yet in taking nine
years to publish her most recent work, A,
she says she merely wanted to use “stan-
dard tactics.” KOREA met with Ha to find
out just what her standard tactics are.
by Chun So-hyeon | photographs by Kim Nam-heon
16-19 pen&brush 2010.8.30 4:17 PM 페이지 17 Mac-2 in T C M Y K
ung-ran
Ha S
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KOREA
SEPTEMBER
18 2010
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KOREA
SEPTEMBER
2010 19
20-23 people1 2010.8.30 4:18 PM 페이지 20 Mac-2 in T C M Y K
PEOPLE
THE
ART
SHE
BREATHES
If you only judge Kim Young-hee by her diminutive stature and her age,
then prepare to have your expectations dashed. Though well into her 60s,
she doesn’t mind working 10-hour days. She adores her family, but is almost
equally passionate about flowers. When asked what words would best describe
her, this artist, best-selling writer, and mother of five says simply, “Kim Young-
hee is Kim Young-hee.” by Oh Kyong-yon | photographs by Park Jeong-roh
KOREA
SEPTEMBER
20 2010
20-23 people1 2010.8.30 4:18 PM 페이지 21 Mac-2 in T C M Y K
Kim Young-hee in front of her painting, A Demonstration with Peace, at Chosun Ilbo
Gallery in Seoul, where she held a solo exhibition in August.
KOREA
SEPTEMBER
2010 21
20-23 people1 2010.8.30 4:18 PM 페이지 22 Mac-2 in T C M Y K
Kim Young-hee besides her sculpture Ballet, which was also on display at her Seoul
show (top). With Kim’s sculpture Mom Reading to a Child in the foreground, some
spectators take in the Seoul exhibition (above).
KOREA
SEPTEMBER
22 2010
20-23 people1 2010.8.30 4:18 PM 페이지 23 Mac-2 in T C M Y K
She lists gardening as her only hobby. But even then, she says, just now,” she says. “I’ve built my career in Europe, and my
“Beautiful flowers enrich my artistic sensibilities and so help children and grandchildren are all living in Germany. But
my career.” when I go, I want to be buried in Korea.”
With each being so unique, she says, raising flowers is very Her periodic Korean exhibitions, held every one to two
similar to creating works of art. When she’s home, Kim years, present precious opportunities for Kim to visit her
checks on every one of her plants, making sure they’re well- native land. She still loves the beauty of hanok, and whenever
watered, and even conversing amiably with them. “I’ve she travels to Korea, she makes sure to go to Deoksugung,
planted about 200 of them in my garden and every season Changgyeonggung, and Gyeongbokgung palaces in Seoul.
brings its own beautiful colors. People in the neighborhood The chance to taste Korean cuisine on her home soil is
see me as a gardener first, not an artist.” another great joys she looks forward to. When her Korean
Though she’s known more as an artist overseas, Kim takes exhibit ended in late August, she was thrust right back into
on yet another title – that of “author”. Her first essay, The grueling preparations for her next show in Germany. Her
Woman Who Makes Babies Well, offered a candid account of time in Korea, despite the work, had been as comfortable and
her up-and-down personal history. It sold more than 2 soothing as the most languid of summer vacations.
million copies, turning Kim into an instant celebrity. She “My dakjongi pieces have portrayed children,
followed with an autobiographical novel and a picture book. but my larger sculptures of late are depict mature,
“For me, literature and art are complementary,” Kim says. adult women,” Kim says. “In my paintings, I freely
“Writing is an act in the two dimensional world: writing blend in elements of photography and sculpture.”
words, black, on a sheet of paper, white. As an artist, I tried As her continuing thirst for experimentation
to give colors to these words. On the other hand, when I am shows, Kim’s career is still in high gear. And thanks to her
trying to deal with all these brilliant colors in art, I apply the undying passion and love for life and art,
black-and-white motif from literature.” Over the years, this her fans are always counting the days until
most versatile of writers has also authored a mystery novel Kim’s next exhibition.
and a love story. She said for her next work of fiction, she
wants to write an autobiographical novel about something
close to her heart: displaced people.
Summertime in a Gallery, a painting on hanji with mixed materials (top left). Still
Life, a painting on hanji with mixed materials (top right). Sounds of Spring’s Coming,
a sculpture of painted dakjongi paper (above left). Butterfly Spell, a sculpture of
KOREA
painted dakjongi (above right). SEPTEMBER
2010 23
24-25 people2 2010.8.30 4:19 PM 페이지 20 Mac-2 in T C M Y K
PEOPLE
THE
ROAD TO
Though few people can completely escape
the brouhaha of the FIFA World Cup, even
keen sports fans may not know too much
about the women’s game. And so it was in
Korea — until one woman changed all that
with an astonishing performance at the
recent Under-20 Women’s World Cup.
by Guk Yeong-ho
KOREA
SEPTEMBER
24 2010
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VICTORY
with the world’s best. “I have always wanted to compete in
where else in the world.”
That Ji is now eyeing up a career in America shows just
how much her life has changed. As further confirmation, Ji
was invited to meet President Lee Myung-bak at the Blue
House, where the president asked her to act as a “ambassador
the American women’s soccer league, where the world’s top for women’s football.” Lee further asked Ji for her “coopera-
women players compete,” she said. “No Korean player has tion and support for women’s football in the creation of new
ever played in the WPS League, and this makes me all the teams.” Though not someone who feels naturally comfortable
more determined. I want to show the world that there are in the limelight, Ji agreed to the request of the man she
top-class female football players from Korea, too.” respectfully called “president grandfather,” and is now
For a woman who was brought up in difficult circumstances learning about promoting the sport in Korea.
ⓒ Yonhapnews Agency
— with divorced parents and her mother’s long struggle with President Lee is far from alone in expecting a great deal
cancer — the financial lure of the US is a big factor too. One from Ji. After her herculean efforts at the under-20 World
American team has reportedly offered Ji 100 million won Cup, Ji now represents the hopes of a nation, as it looks for
(US$85,000) a year, and though this shrinks a fair bit after further success from its female football stars.
In a game against Mexico, Ji So-yun celebrates her 6th goal at the 2010 FIFA U-20
World Cup (opposite). The Korean national footballers including Ji, second from left,
are running at a game against Mexico (above).
KOREA
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TRAVEL
From atop Buyongdae hill, a panoramic view of Hahoe Folk Village opens up before you.
26-31 travel 2010.8.30 4:20 PM 페이지 3 Mac-2 in T C M Y K
Travelers learn about the history of Hahoe Folk Village in Yangjindang (above).
Yangjindang, a traditional hanok building, is suffused with the greatness of a noble
old Korean family (opposite top).
KOREA
SEPTEMBER
28 2010
26-31 travel 2010.8.30 4:20 PM 페이지 4 Mac-2 in T C M Y K
Some travelers from Iran try out the souvenirs at Hahoe Folk Village (middle). A boat
crossing the river from Buyongdae to Hahoe Folk Village adds to the rustic charm (above).
KOREA
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2010 29
26-31 travel 2010.8.30 4:20 PM 페이지 5 Mac-2 in T C M Y K
those rituals, yet few still carry the importance of the ones
in Hahoe. Their frequency may be much diminished every-
where, but jesa, the memorial services carried out for
ancestors, are still a major part of life in Hahoe, and yet
another reason why this village is such a cherished part of
Korea’s heritage.
Another cultural treasure here is the Hahoe Mask Dance
Drama, which has roots stretching back 800 years. While
Confucianism was the domain of the cultural elite, mask
dances such as the one in Hahoe were the preserve of the
common man, providing an outlet for his joys and hardships.
The masks all represented important characters of the
An apostate monk harasses a lady during a scene from the Hahoe Mask Dance Drama
(top left). A performer wears baekjeongtal, representative of a butcher (top right).
KOREA
SEPTEMBER
30 2010
26-31 travel 2010.8.30 4:20 PM 페이지 6 Mac-2 in T C M Y K
Performed on an outdoor stage, the Hahoe Mask Dance Drama takes place very
close to the audience, ensuring a lively atmosphere and even a bit of audience
participation (above left). Famous for its subtle and healthy taste, heotjesabap is
KOREA
one of Andong’s best-known foods (above right). SEPTEMBER
2010 31
32-35 my korea 2010.8.30 4:23 PM 페이지 1 Mac-2 in T C M Y K
MY KOREA
THE
SWEETEST
AUTUMNAL
CONNECTION
Besides the gorgeous fall weather, the arrival of
September 22 (15th day of August of the lunar calendar)
in Korea also mean only one thing: chuseok, the
“Korean Thanksgiving.” In a country where so much
tradition has been lost, chuseok offers an intimate
reacquaintance with the ways of old, and rituals that
solidified one expat’s affection for his new home.
KOREA
SEPTEMBER
32 2010
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To me, few sights in this world are as stunning as a persimmon tree against a healthiest ingredients. It goes without saying
brilliant blue autumn sky, its branches sagging under the weight of swollen that to a people so deeply intertwined with
orange fruit. This is a common sight across the Korean countryside, but one their agrarian past, celebrating the harvest
that I never tire of seeing. By tradition, when the fruit is plucked from the would be of the utmost importance. Chuseok,
boughs a few persimmons are left behind for the magpies, heralded in Korean sometimes referred to as hangawi, is a
folklore as the bearers of good news. This act typifies Koreans’ connection to Korean harvest festival that lasts for three
nature, the harvest, and their agrarian roots. Those who have visited Seoul, days around the Autumn equinox. Every
with its bustling streets, endless crowds of people, skyscrapers, and bright chuseok, the crowded metropolis of Seoul
lights might laugh, but I would argue that Korea is still largely rooted in its becomes a ghost town as people leave en
agrarian past and the countryside. masse for their ancestral hometowns in the
Korean society and culture continues to revolve around the consumption of countryside. Buses and trains are sold out
food and drink, and emphasis is always placed on using the freshest and months in advance, and even the relatively
KOREA
SEPTEMBER
2010 33
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low demand for domestic air travel skyrock- The cakes are then loaded on a bed of pine needles and steamed into a
ets. Cars pack the highways and slowly snake, delicious treat.
bumper-to-bumper, out of Seoul and to Traditionally songpyeon was exchanged between neighbors, reminiscent of
every remote locations throughout the the American tradition of exchanging sweets during the Christmas season. All
peninsula. Drive times quadruple and of this food, however, serves a greater function than to just be eaten. Before
hawkers freely walk between traffic lanes anyone even touches the food, it is given as an offering to the ancestors in a
selling their wares to Korean wayfares ceremony called charye. The food and rice wine are arranged in an impressive
engaged in this yearly exodus. display on a table in front of the ancestral burial mounds or in the family’s
The final destination on this journey is home. The family gathers together in front of the table and recites prayers
the keun-jip, literally translated as “big while offering the rice wine. Then, family members make full bows,
house,” but referring to the residence of the prostrating on the floor, offering thanks for the blessings received and
oldest living male family member. All memorializing their deceased family members.
immediate family members gather at the After the ceremony is finished, the family sits down together and partakes
keun-jip to celebrate the harvest and to pay of the bountiful feast. During this three-day reunion, cousins, uncles, aunts
thanks to their ancestors by preparing and and grandparents spend a great deal of time together. Traditionally families
sharing a great feast. took part in folk games like tug-of-war, archery, or ssireum, a form of
Foods traditionally eaten on this day tend traditional Korean wrestling. However, in more recent times, it’s much more
to vary by household, but commonly one likely that family members will share beers while munching on squid and
can find meats like bulgogi or galbi, two peanuts, watch TV or play Go-Stop, a popular Korean card game played with
traditional meat dishes, japchae, a dish hwatu cards.
prepared with various vegetables, meats and
cellophane noodles, jeon, a pancake like side FAMILY REUNION From start to finish, the holiday emphasizes the connec-
dish prepared by pan fried vegetables, fish tion between people and their hometowns, families, ancestors and the Earth.
and meat, coated in a batter of flour and Sin-to-bul-i, a common Korean idiom often used to say that the agricultural
eggs, and of course a wide variety of fruits, products of one’s hometown are the best, is literally translated as “the body
nuts, and herbs. The food most commonly and the earth cannot be separated.” This typifies Koreans’ attitudes when it
associated with chuseok, however, has to be comes to chuseok. Koreans’ respect for their traditions is only trumped by
songpyeon. This delicious dessert is made their passion and desire for sharing them with others.
from tteok, or glutinous rice cake, filled with During my seven years in Korea, I have had ample opportunities to
a sweet mixture of sesame seeds, honey, participate in Korean traditions with my friends and acquaintances. I first
sweet red bean or chestnut paste placed in encountered this hospitality as a young man living in the small town of
the middle as filling. The flattened rice is Gunsan. One of my coworkers, Mr Yu, was so concerned that I would be
folded around the mixture making a half- lonely or go hungry during the extended holiday when shops close that he
moon shape. invited me to spend the holiday with him and his family. While never having
experienced chuseok, nor understanding fully what it would mean to a
Korean to be alone on such an important day, I was touched by his concern.
On the first morning we rose early, packed our lunches, and headed to the
mountains to trim the grass around his family’s tombs. With four
generations of the Yu family sprawled on the side of the mountains,
by grass-covered mounds and stone pillars, there was a lot of
ground to cover. Armed with weed eaters, each of us took
painstaking care to trim the grass to a uniform level in the brisk
autumn air. Coming from a land where we pay a cemeteries to
look after the remains of our loved ones, this somehow felt
more intimate.
When we were finished and the sun began cresting on the ridge of the
mountain adjacent, we sat down beside the graves and ate our lunch, while
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KOREA
SEPTEMBER
2010 35
36-39 G20 report 2010.8.30 4:24 PM 페이지 1 Mac-2 in T C M Y K
LOOKING TO
LONG-TERM
COOPERATION TO
ACHIEVE GLOBAL
GROWTH
The G20 Summit in Seoul is just two months
away. In the first of a special four-part series
that will take a look at the leaders, the event
and stories, KOREA this month discusses the
significance for Seoul in hosting the Summit.
The Significance of Seoul Summit <September 2010> ; Preparations for
the G20 Summit <October 2010> ; The Summit’s Agenda and Schedule
<November 2010> ; The Outcome of the Summit and Untold Stories
<December 2010> will appear on these pages.
36-39 G20 report 2010.8.30 4:24 PM 페이지 2 Mac-2 in T C M Y K
United States, Japan, Germany and al era, signaling the growing economic the body’s most crucial decisions in
Britain, and emerging economies such power of Asia in particular. its short life. Discussions about sus-
as Korea, China, India, Brazil, and The G20 nations account for two- tainable and balanced growth, the
Indonesia. thirds of the world population. Their importance of which has grown expo-
KOREA
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2010 37
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KOREA
SEPTEMBER
38 2010
36-39 G20 report 2010.8.30 4:24 PM 페이지 4 Mac-2 in T C M Y K
Board plans to tackle problems what may be known as the “new nor- appealed directly to the IMF. With
caused by financial companies mal” era. GSM, the IMF itself proposes setting
deemed “too big to fail.” In addition, Global safety nets, a key part of up credit lines to countries it deems
reforms to the IMF and other interna- Korea’s proposals, is based on the to be facing liquidity risks. In other
tional financial agencies will be up for IMF’s new liquidity support system, words, the IMF will go from being the
discussion. The IMF plans to modify tentatively called the Global Stability “firefighter”— attempting to tackle
its quotas so that at least 5% of Mechanism (GSM). Instead of focus- damage after the fact — to being a
shares owned by developed countries ing on individual countries, GSM takes “vaccine,” offering preventive steps
will be redistributed to emerging a global approach, looking to counter before the situation gets out of hand.
economies. They also plan to offer financial risks that arise in several To improve the FCL, the IMF is look-
more seats on the IMF board to devel- nations at the same time — exactly ing at increasing the loan period from
oping countries, and to make appoint- the situation that occurred in the its current six months as well as mak-
ments to top positions both more recent global financial crisis. The GSM ing it more widely available. It is also
transparent and meritocratic. was set up to counter the problems considering setting a Precautionary
Some of the most pressing econom- inherent in individual countries receiv- Credit Line (PCL) for countries with
ic issues facing the world today will be ing funds from the IMF — namely, that lower credit ratings. All these meas-
up for discussion in Seoul. The fate of they risked being singled out as vul- ures could be confirmed at the Seoul
these talks could very well determine nerable by investors and world mar- Summit. Yet they are not without their
just how important, the G20 will be in kets. In addition, the Flexible Credit detractors: developed economies such
determining the course of the world Line (FCL), another IMF mechanism for as the US, Germany, and Canada
economy. receiving assistance, is in practice lim- have all raised questions about mak-
ited to countries that are in reason- ing such major changes to the IMF.
THE KOREA INITIATIVE “The ably good economic health; so far, They have also pointed out the risks
Framework for Strong, Sustainable only Mexico, Colombia and Poland of moral hazard among emerging
and Balanced Growth,” the biggest have signed up. countries if it becomes too easy to get
topic of discussion at G20, has previ- The key difference between GSM financial support from the IMF.
ously been discussed between two and the IMF’s previous support sys- When the IMF wishes to make major
blocs: developed and developing tem is in how the help is initially changes to its operations, it must
nations. At the Seoul Summit, individ- given. Under the previous arrange- obtain 85% support from its share-
ual nations will put forward proposals ments, countries in need of support holders, of whom G20 members
of their own. Considering the impor- account for about 70%. For this rea-
tance of the issues on the table in son, the success of these new pro-
President Lee Myung-bak hosts a regular meeting
Seoul, any agreement could mark the on the G20 Seoul Summit at the Presidential posals is far from assured. However,
beginning of a new economic order, in Committee for the G20 Seoul Summit on July 29. Korea has at least managed to put
the idea up for discussion by arguing
that liquidity problems are, big enough
disincentives to prevent emerging
economies from pursuing reckless
economic policies. Further progress is
expected in Seoul.
On development aid, another pillar
ⓒ Seoul Economy Daily (opposite); Cheongwadae (right)
KOREA
SEPTEMBER
2010 39
40-43 global korea 2010.8.30 4:25 PM 페이지 1 Mac-2 in T C M Y K
GLOBAL KOREA
KOREAN VOLUNTEERS
TAKE TO THE WORLD
ⓒ International Workcamp Organization
Young Koreans are looking out toward the world. Through a wide range
of overseas voluntary programs, Korea’s youth are helping people less
privileged than themselves, while learning all about their cultures in the
process. To them, the term “we” is no longer confined to family or
compatriots, but extends across borders. by Seo Dong-cheol
KOREA
SEPTEMBER
40 2010
40-43 global korea 2010.8.30 4:25 PM 페이지 2 Mac-2 in T C M Y K
KOREA
SEPTEMBER
2010 41
40-43 global korea 2010.8.30 4:25 PM 페이지 3 Mac-2 in T C M Y K
KOREA
SEPTEMBER
42 2010
40-43 global korea 2010.8.30 4:25 PM 페이지 4 Mac-2 in T C M Y K
Korean volunteers teach English to children in says. “During my volunteering, I grams with the agency. The Ministry of
Cambodia (above left). A Korean volunteer shares a
helped translate Korean children’s Gender Equality and Family operates
tender moment with a Nepalese child (above right).
songs into Chinese and danced for the Into Dreams and People Youth
young students. I got to learn a differ- Volunteering Group, which is run dur-
were so familiar that I was at once ent culture, and teach others about ing summer and winter breaks in five
surprised and happy.” my own country. It was great.” Asian nations.
Part of the program was a Aside from the International
“Taiwanese Night,” which provided an FROM KOREAN TO COSMOPOLITAN Workcamp Organization, Copion
excellent chance to learn more about More young Koreans are gaining a (www.copion.or.kr), the Asia Exchange
Taiwanese culture. Kim discovered broader view of the world through over- Association (www.asiaea.or.kr), and
that with Korean culture having so seas volunteering. The International the Korea Overseas Volunteers
many roots in China, the commonali- Workcamp Organization (IWO), Korea’s Association (www.kova.org) are among
ties with Taiwan were striking. leading agency for international volun- a host of other NGOs and religious
“In particular, Taiwanese people teering, now sends about 3,900 young groups that manage volunteer pro-
also observe the Lunar New Year and Koreans to foreign countries each grams. Officials estimate that, tens of
chuseok [Korean Thanksgiving], and year. In its inaugural year in 1999, the thousands of young Korean volunteers
that made me feel closer to Taiwan,” non-governmental, non-profit agency now go abroad each year.
Kim says. “There were also some fas- sent 49 young people, a number that “A growing number of young
cinating differences in cuisine, charac- swelled to 1,000 in 2005, and 3,500 Koreans are learning the meaning of
ters, and languages, and I was able to in 2008. volunteering, as they interact with
experience things that they didn’t The IWO runs many programs cover- locals and youths from around the
teach us in classrooms.” ing an array of different regions and world,” says Ahn Hyun-mi of the
In Taishi, as part of an “educational themes. Among the most popular are International Workcamp Organization.
art performance,” Kim painted murals the International Workcamp, an “Though it’s only for a short time, they
on a 150m-long wall. At first, he was exchange program with youths from feel their outlook on the world really
daunted by the scale of the work, but 70 countries; Environmental expands after meeting international
as he painted and chatted with the Volunteering, which takes place in the friends and taking an interest in differ-
local volunteers, the four days just United States or Australia; and YESiA ent countries and cultures. As I watch
flew by. International Volunteers, which sends these young Koreans becoming true
“I did some picture book renditions young Koreans to 10 nations around cosmopolitan, I feel genuinely confi-
of Korean fairy tales, and wrote some Asia. Government agencies, compa- dent that we’re helping Korea and the
English and Chinese words,” Kim nies, and schools also run joint pro- world toward a brighter future.”
KOREA
SEPTEMBER
2010 43
44-48 now in korea 2010.8.30 4:26 PM 페이지 44 Mac-2 in T C M Y K
NOW IN KOREA
A WORLD OF
Starting from a get-together of artists in 1998, Heyri Art Village
has grown into Korea’s biggest art community. Now home to
nearly 400 artists, Heyri’s influence has been sharply felt in Seoul
— whose people flock to visit it — and, increasingly, in the
provinces, where inspired artists have taken Heyri’s mission into
the countryside. by Lim Ji-young | photographs by Kim Hong-jin
KOREA
SEPTEMBER
44 2010
44-48 now in korea 2010.8.30 4:26 PM 페이지 45 Mac-2 in T C M Y K
The white and black façades, the red sculpture and the blue sky combine to form an
enticing backdrop at Heyri Art Village.
KOREA
SEPTEMBER
2010 45
44-48 now in korea 2010.8.30 4:26 PM 페이지 46 Mac-2 in T C M Y K
Heyri has its share of nostalgia, including this reproduction of a bus stop from the
1980s (top). In his residence and studio in Heyri, Lee An-soo carves a sotdae pole,
with which Koreans once prayed for a good harvest. A true renaissance man, Lee was
KOREA
SEPTEMBER
inspired to try his hand at writing and painting after coming to Heyri (above).
46 2010
44-48 now in korea 2010.8.30 4:26 PM 페이지 47 Mac-2 in T C M Y K
In the Toy Museum, traditional dolls welcome visitors with smiles (top). Children and
adults will find plenty to amuse them at the museum’s Wow Place (middle). Offering
much more than just art, Heyri also boasts a series of amusement parks. At Motnani
KOREA
Amusement Park, visitors can rediscover the lost innocence of childhood (above). SEPTEMBER
2010 47
44-48 now in korea 2010.8.30 4:26 PM 페이지 48 Mac-2 in T C M Y K
Oversized pencils line up to form a colorful fence in front of Dalki Space at Heyri
(top). Down on Jeju Island, Jeoji Art Village forms an enclave of artworks for islanders
and visitors alike (above).
KOREA
SEPTEMBER
48 2010
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KOREA (SEOUL)
KOCIS
15 Hyoja-ro, Jongno-gu
Seoul (110-040)
Republic of Korea
ⓒ Choi Ji-young
Mac-2 in T C M Y K
9월호엽서 2010.8.30 4:28 PM 페이지 1
9월호엽서 2010.8.30 4:28 PM 페이지 2 Mac-2 in T C M Y K
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