Global Community

Korean ska-punk band performs in US cities

Members of ska-punk band SkasucksBy John RedmondKorean ska-punk band Skasucks is winning audiences on its first U.S. tour managed by expat musician and promoter Jeff Moses of World Domination, Inc.As part of its “Make America Skank Again” tour, Skasucks has played venues across California, Oregon and Washington with support from various local acts.Formed in 2006 in Seoul, Skasucks is known for its lively stage presence.After releasing a self-titled CD in 2010, the band gained a large following among the local and expat indie music communities in what was then a thriving live music scene near Hongik University in western Seoul.Lead vocalist Ryu Jin-suk has become a prominent organizer of the Korean punk music scene.So far, U.S. audiences have been very impressed with the Korean band.“It’s been insane. I’ve booked four U.S. tours and this has blown every one out of the water,” Jeff Moses said via an online interview.“Biggest attendance and everyone is losing their minds. It’s been great.”The band winds up the “Make America Ska

PTPI to host Asia Pacific conference

Kim Gil-youn, president of the PTPI Korea national headquarters, poses in her office in Yeouido, Seoul. / Courtesy of John RedmondBy John RedmondThe People to People International (PTPI) Korea national headquarters will present the 2017 Asia Pacific Regional Conference at Central Park Hotel in Songdo, Incheon, from July 20 to 22.The event will attract participants from some 10 nations, including Bangladesh, Nepal, Mongolia, Pakistan, Japan, Togo, Nigeria, Liberia, Taiwan and the U.S.PTPI is a nonpolitical, nonreligious and nonprofit organization that is dedicated to private diplomacy and cultural exchange on the global stage, and engages in a wide range of activities in relation to education, culture, sports and the arts.Founded in 1956 by Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th president of the United States, the aim of PTPI is to promote international exchanges and understanding through voluntary efforts by the private sector.“Eisenhower, who had been contemplating the ways to eradicate war and establish peace on Earth since the end of World War II and the Korean War, founded PTPI bas

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My Seoul Story Entering Korea's mosh pits

Members of Korean-American punk band Heimlich County Gun Club pose on stage at Thunderhorse Tavern in Seoul. / Courtesy of Jon DunbarThis is the second in a series of contributions about Seoul’s charms as seen from foreigners’ points of view ― ED. By Jon DunbarLive music is one of the basic needs, along with food, clothing, shelter and alcohol. So when I moved to Korea in December 2003, I scoured the internet for traces of Seoul's live music scene.Jon DunbarBack then, there wasn't much information. I knew of Club Drug, the cornerstone of the 1990s Korean punk scene, through reputation, but had no accurate data. My first weekend there, I found Drug in Sangsu-dong near Hongik University, stumbling down the pitch-black stairwell with no railing, led only by the sound of muffled live music until I opened the door. But the people there were only practicing and didn't know when the next show was.I found an English page for Skunk Label, which led to a punk show in Sillim, southern Seoul, at Turn Live Hall, probably long since vanished. But the directions were wrong. I

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InterNations to mark Mandela Day

Global networking group InterNations invites Korean members to celebrate Nelson Mandela International Day at Lotteworld Mall in Seoul, July 16.The day commemorates the lifetime of service Nelson Mandela gave to South Africa and the world, and was launched via a unanimous decision by the U.N. General Assembly on 18 July, 2009, his birthday.South Africans remember Mandela by pledging 67 minutes of their life to social justice every July 18 as Nelson Mandela gave 67 years of his life for this cause.“Mandela Day calls on us all, every day, to make the world a better place. Each year … we look back on what has been done, and forward to what will be done,” the event organizer says on its official website.“It is in your hands to make the world a better place,” said Mandela in 2008, calling on the younger generation to take up this task.“Making every day a Mandela Day celebrates Madiba’s life and legacy in a sustainable way that will bring about enduring change.”“Madiba" is Mandela’s clan name and is used as a sign of respect.Inter

Icelandic band will perform in rock festival

Sigur Ros / Courtesy of Yoshika HoritaBy John RedmondIcelandic three piece band Sigur Ros will perform at the Jisan Valley Rock festival, July 28 to 30.This will be the band’s third appearance in Korea, following their last concert in Jamsil, Seoul, late last year.Hailing from Reykjavic, the post rock band is known for its ethereal sound, frontman Jonsi’s falsetto vocals and incorporation of classical and minimalist elements.Though popular on the European live circuit, Sigur Ros is relatively unknown in Korea. However, during the current Pacific tour, the band saw itself gaining in popularity playing concerts in Japan, New Zealand and Australia.The band also has songs featured in current movies and TV shows, including an episode of “The Simpsons” and movies “Vanilla Sky” and “127 hours.”The current lineup is Jon Por “Jonsi” Birgisson on lead vocals, guitars, bowed guitar and keyboards; Georg “Goggi” Holm on bass guitar, glockenspiel, toy piano, keyboards, and backing vocals; and Orri Pall Dyrason, drums, percussi

English teachers welcome end of HIV test

By John RedmondEnglish teachers in Korea have welcomed a government decision to scrap HIV tests for E-2 visa applicants.Viewed as discriminatory and a human rights violation, the HIV tests also caused unrest due to the fact that only foreign teachers were targeted. Korean nationals working in the same position were exempt.Many have seen this requirement as racist.“I was appalled when I was told that I had to undergo a test, but my Korean co-workers didn’t,” said a teacher who wished to be referred to as Mike.Many saw it as the last straw.“The institution of the testing in 2007-08 was a small part of my decision to leave. I was on an E-1, but my partner was on an E-2 and I was offended that she might be subjected to testing ― and that very few E-2 holders, and almost no Koreans except the good people at the STD clinic, shared my viewpoint,” said former university lecturer Craig.The teachers’ main issue seemed to be the mentality that HIV was a Western disease.There was also the argument about homophobia; that HIV is seen as a disease spread by

Seoul's first 'Queer Bnb' opens

By Celeste KrielA newly opened “Queer Bnb” in Seoul offers short-term studio accommodation to travelers in Korea who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ). LGBTQ guests can access accommodation and travel information as well as support and advice tailored to their needs.“There is not much information about traveling in Korea while queer so I thought it would be a good idea to offer accommodation to people looking for that kind of thing,” said Hayden Royalty, the Korean-American owner, who identifies as gender queer.The Queer Bnb opened just in time for international Pride month in June, when members of the LGBTQ community and supporters around the world hold events to advocate for equal rights, celebrate sexual diversity and build communities.However, this year’s Korea Queer Culture Festival (KQCF) has been delayed by a month and will be taking place this Saturday ― after having been scheduled, canceled and rescheduled due to strong opposition from right-wing Christian groups.While being gay is not illegal, anti-gay sentiments ar

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