By Cho Jae-hyon
City Editor
When Lee Myung-bak was sworn in as the country's new president on Feb 25th, snow blanketed Seoul. In Korea, snow on a day of certain important occasions, such as moving or getting married, is taken as an auspicious sign.
Thanks to perfect temperatures on the day of a new start, the snowflakes were a beautiful, clear white. Snow piled up on the ground at night, sparkling like myriads of tiny stars.
Watching the snow, many people must have hoped that it would bring about many good things for the country in the upcoming five years under the leadership of President Lee.
The next morning, some newspapers printed photographs of the presidential house, Cheong Wa Dae, covered with white snow on the front page. One caption underneath the beautiful photo was headed by the title Auspicious Snow.
As beautiful as the snow was the music the New York Philharmonic performed in the isolated capital of Pyongyang the day after the inauguration.
In the ``axis of evil,'' the orchestra from ``imperialist'' America gave a rousing concert, receiving warm responses from the audience.
Broadcast live on TV both in South and North Korea, the unprecedented concert melted the hearts of the packed crowds in the theater and their brethren in the South.
The broadcast provided an opportunity to take a peek at North Koreans. Unlike in the past, they appeared very leisurely and relaxed. A female audience member in traditional Korean Hanbok dress appeared to be carelessly chewing gum whenever the camera caught her applauding and smiling.
Conductor Lolin Maazel's choice of music was superb and all of the selection seemed to reflect a purpose_ from Leonard Bernstein's ``Candide'' overture to Antonin Dvorak's ``New World'' symphony and George Gershwin's ``An American in Paris. ''
Astounding was the fact that the orchestra played the North Korean national anthem and the Star Spangled Banner on a stage flanked by flags of both nations. It's an undeniable indication that the North is embracing change.
The highlight of the concert came when the Philharmonic played "Arirang,'' the folk song loved by both North and South Koreans. It struck the right cord with the audience.
The final encore, bringing the crowds to their feet in a standing ovation, not only moved some members of the orchestra to tears but also made South Koreans watching it cry. They all shared the same tears.
It was such a rare moment of harmony, proving the power of music that bridges the divides.
Sadly, a single concert will never lend a meaningful impetus to break the diplomatic impasse between the U.S. and the North. Still, the concert opened the door to the isolated state. It's a sign indicative of a warmer tone to the relationship between the two nations.
Tears shed in Pyongyang could become a catalyst for tearing down walls blocking North Koreans from the outside world.
Despite the mood created by the snow and ping pong style diplomacy, the reality facing the Lee Myung-bak's ``MBtious'' government is ruthless.
Lee will likely play hardball with the North. However, even to some hawkish members of his government, the concert could be a gentle reminder that cultural exchanges might do wonders that diplomacy and hostility can not.
Domestically, he got off to a poor start. Some of his nominees for Cabinet posts were singled out amid a variety of accusations ranging from speculative investment in properties to plagiarism and dual citizenship of their children.
Many people voted for him believing he would revive the economy. However, economic conditions are taking a turn for the worse.
Lee should juggle between the weak economy and soaring inflation and at the same time strike a balance in the relationship with North Korea and the U.S.
Heading to the presidential house after the inauguration ceremony, Lee, poking his upper body out of the top of his limousine, vigorously waved to people sparsely lined up at sidewalks to see his cavalcade.
Citizens' reactions on TV were far from enthusiastic. Some people, with their arms folded, gave some cold looks to the President. Some waved back to Lee. But most of their faces were somber or nonchalant.
If Lee does not deliver on his pledges to reinvigorate the economy, people will not warm to him.
As maestro Maazel drew enthusiastic responses from North Korean people, Lee also should orchestrate economic and diplomatic breakthroughs to win a wave of support from the people. He also should not ignore the tears in Pyongyang and think of ways to further open the door to the North.