Global Community

(181) KARAOKE-SINGING ROOMS I

Writer Delves Into Lives of North Koreans

First dates amid widespread famine, falling in love surrounded by repression, raising a family in the midst of concentration camps ― not exactly the stuff of romance novels. As far as the worldwide media is concerned, North Korea is a place with only one face: misery and the struggle for survival. But according to Barbara Demick, the former Los Angeles Times correspondent to Seoul, there is an altogether more human face that is largely overlooked ― and it's not necessarily one wincing in pain or gripped by fear. Speaking Monday evening in Seoul during the launch of her new book, ``Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea,'' she tried to light a torch on the almost banal aspects of the reality of living on the other side of the Demilitarized Zone. In the title, she details the lives of six North Koreans, and takes a particular look at day-to-day aspects of living in the North. ``I wanted to bring out the humanity behind the headlines,'' Demick said. ``It was a very simple book to do,'' she continued, although it took ``days and days'' of interviewing. The

HS Seoul Global Center Celebrates Second Anniversary

By J.R. Breen Contributing Writer The Seoul Global Center, which provides services to the foreign community, celebrated its second anniversary Friday with traditional Mongolian entertainment, refreshments, and an awards ceremony. "I look forward to this year," Alan Timblick of the center said. "We have 500 visitors every day. They thank us, but we thank them as well; they are the reason for our existence." The center was founded in January 2008 as a key initiative of Mayor Oh Se-hoon's Global Zone Project. Participants were treated to a performance of Mongolian music and dance, including an interpretation of the Korean folk song ``Arirang.'' Awards were given to three people from the center for their extensive work with foreign communities. Filipina Veronica Viray received an award for her services to the Filipino community. "It gives me great joy to serve my fellow Filipinos," Viray said. "I would like to thank the center for the help it gives the migrant community." A Korean volunteer, Oh So-jung, was recognized for providing language therapy to children f

Burns Supper Offers Kilts and Haggis

It's that time of the year again to dust down the kilts, ready the haggis and prepare for a long, eventful night commemorating the life of the 18th century Scottish bard, Robert Burns. This year will mark 251 years since the birth of the poet, who authored both ``Auld Lang Syne,'' which serves as the traditional New Year's greeting; and ``Scots Wha Hae,'' which served for a long time as the unofficial national anthem of Scotland. The St. Andrew's Society of Seoul is hosting the annual Burns Supper, this Saturday, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Seoul. The event begins at 7 p.m. and continues through the night. Fees are 110,000 won and which covers a five-course dinner and a choice of refreshments including, amongst others, whisky. Those attending are advised to dress formally for the event. For more information or to make reservations, contact ann.dickinson4@gmail.com or dixonsabroad@hotmail.co.uk

Addictive Night Showcases Korean Bands

An Itaewon bar has organized a Korean band night, hoping to enrich the experience of the local community. The Hive, Itaewon, is set to host the event, which will present three Korean bands from the local area. The night, named Addictive, will open with a performance from Folk―ya, featuring Yeri Oh, a 2009 MBC college song contest prize winner. The head line act includes all girl, all Korean band Mary Jane. The band is prominent on the Hongdae Indie scene, but this is their first show in Itaewon. In 2008, they won the KT&G SangSang Madang Incubating Band Competition, which got them studio time, mentoring, concert opportunities and an album release. Rounding off the night is Rabihem with their progressive metal sound. The event runs from 9 p.m. Friday until 2 a.m. the next morning. For more information, contact community@koreatimes.co.kr or look up The Hive on Facebook.

(180) MUSIC

(179) HOMETOWN

(178) BABIES (II)

(177) BABIES (I)

(176) DENTAL OFFICE (II)