Global Community

(150) DRY CLEANING

Kirk Has 2nd Thoughts on Sunshine Policy

By JR Breen Contributing Writer The policy of engagement with North Korea pursued by the Kim Dae-jung administration was a ``betrayal'' of South Korea's national interest, according to a veteran foreign journalist. Donald Kirk, the longest serving foreign correspondent in Seoul, believes that the dissident who became president in 1998 and overturned decades of anti-communist ``containment'' of the North, led the South Korean people astray with his so-called ``sunshine'' policy of engagement with the regime of Kim Jong-il. ``The betrayal was that Koreans were sold this program as the solution to North Korea (when it was not),'' said Kirk, speaking at a meeting of the Royal Asiatic Society Monday about his new book, ``Korea Betrayed: Kim Dae-jung and Sunshine.'' Kirk said he had initially supported the idea of engaging the communist state but that he was disappointed in the implementation. ``My opinion of DJ changed when I began to learn about the machinations that went into the 2000 summit,'' he said, referring to the first ever meeting between the top leaders of the t

Dancing at St. Andrew’s Day Ball

Kilts, bagpipes and a spot of Scottish dancing ― the quintessentially Caledonian fair ― will all be seen during this year's St Andrew's Day celebrations in Seoul on Nov. 28. Add a dash or few of whisky to the festivities, and the result is a veritable replica of events taking place across Scotland and among Scottish enthusiasts and expats around the world to honor the country's patron saint. Organized by the St. Andrew's Society of Seoul, the St. Andrew's Ball is one of two annual events staged that see participants bring weeks of practicing Scottish dancing to an end. Tickets for the ball, taking place at the Grand Hyatt Hotel from 7 p.m. until late, are still available by contacting Ann Dickinson at ann.dickinson4@gmail.com.

Seoul Players Kick Off Winter Season

A new performance titled ``Black Comedy'' from the Seoul Players group will start this Saturday at Roofers Bar in Itaewon. ``Black Comedy'' by playwright Peter Schaffer follows a young couple as they try to find their way around in the ``dark'' after a power outage; they're completely visible to the audience. The play will feature a cast from Canada, the U.S, England and New Zealand, and is suitable for those who are not native English speakers. Saturday shows will run from Nov. 28 to Dec. 12 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday performances will run from Nov. 29 through Dec. 6, starting at 3 p.m. There are also Friday shows running from Dec. 4 to 11, which start at 9 p.m. To reserve tickets or for more information e-mail blackcomedyseoul@yahoo.com.

NK Refugees Start Candle-Lit Demos

By JR Breen Contributing Writer North Korean refugees are holding nightly candlelit protests in downtown Seoul to draw attention to the plight of those suffering in their country's concentration camps. A planned protest outside the American embassy during President Barack Obama's visit last week was thwarted by security forces who blanketed downtown Seoul. Unify Korea 2009 had planned a two day hunger strike to coincide with Obama's trip, hoping to have a ``24/7 presence'' outside the embassy, but they were unable to gather anywhere near the building. ``There is so much security around Gwanghwamun and they didn't permit us (entry),'' said an organizer, speaking on Thursday, who wished to be identified only as Park, due to the sensitive nature of his work with North Korean refugees. Unify Korea 2009, an activist group of North Korean refugees, South Koreans and some foreign nationals, stage regular protests for the ``liberation of North Koreans.''They had hoped to gain wider recognition from the Obama visit. The group has held numerous other demonstrations, th

Sole Center Ministers to Jewish Community

By JR Breen Contributing Writer Tucked away in a residential back street of Dongbinggo-dong, near Itaewon central Seoul, the only center of worship for Jews in Korea appears, apart from the sign that hangs outside, like any other house. With no synagogues in the country, Chabad House offers the only space in all of Korea, aside from U.S. military bases, for people of the Jewish faith to meet, study and worship together. Established April of last year, Chabad House provides essentials for the Jewish community, such as food that has been appropriately prepared, known as kosher food. The House was established by Rabbi Osher Litzman ― who came from New York in response to a request made by the small Jewish community in Korea. The call from Korea came after the decision to relocate the main U.S military base in Korea from Yognsan, in Seoul, to Pyeontaek. The chapel on the base has, up until now, been the only center for practicing Jews in Seoul, where the bulk of the Jewish population resides. ``There are about 500 Jews in Korea, and we get about 2,000 visitors to

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