(EN) Gwangju News May 2009 #87

Gwangju News International Magazine for Gwangju and Jeollanam-do

May 2009 Volume 9, Issue 5

Gwangju News uses 100% E-PLUS recycled paper provided by Daehan Paper in Seoul. The website of Daehan paper is http://www.daehanpaper.co.kr

GIC TALK

Every Saturday 2:15 p.m.

May 2nd No GIC Talk (Buddha’s birthday) May 9th Speaker: Hans-Ulrich Seidt (Visiting professor at Chonnam National University) Topic: Working together for a better world: Global challenges and common answers in the 21st century May 16th Movie Screening on Human Rights Movement Introduction by Georgy Katsiaficas (Visiting Professor at Chonnam National University, Sociology) May 23rd Speaker: Philip Setunga (Human Rights Activist) Topic: Human Rights Situations in a number of countries

May 30th Speaker: Lee Ji-Hyang (Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding) Topic: Spring of Asia - Introducing the centre and a photo exhibition on democracy, human rights, and peace in Asia All talks take place at the GIC office Address: 5th Floor, Jeon-il Bldg, Geumnam-no, Dong-gu (동구 금남로 1가 전일빌딩 5층).

Directions: The GIC office is located in the same building as the Korea Exchange Bank (KEB) in downtown Gwangju. The entrance is immediately north of the KEB on Geumnam-no street, across from the YMCA. Subway stop: Culture Complex Bus: 07, 09, 36, 45, 51, 52, 53, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 61, 74, 80, 95, 150, 151, 518, 1000, 1187 For more information about the GIC Talk go to www.gic.or.kr

For more information about the GIC Talk go to www.gwangjuic.or.kr contact Kim Ji-hyun at: gwangjuic@gmail.com or call: (062) 226- 2733~4

2009 GIC 3rd Korean Language Class Saturday Classes

Weekday Classes Level

Days

Level

Beginner 1-1

Monday & Wednesday

Beginner 1

Beginner 1-2

Tuesday & Thursday

Beginner 2

Beginner 2-1

Tuesday & Thursday

Beginner 3

Beginner 2-2

Monday & Wednesday

Intermediate 2

Intermediate 2

Tuesday & Thursday

- Period: May 9th - June 27th (Every Saturday for 7 weeks) Advanced 2 Monday & Friday - Class hours: 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.

- Period: May 11th - June 26th (Twice a week for 7 weeks) (2 hours) - Class hours: 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (2 hours) - Tuition fee: 50,000 won (GIC membership fee: 10,000 won/6 months - Tuition fee: 80,000 won (GIC membership fee: 10,000 won/6 months and textbooks excluded)

and textbooks excluded)

Note

*The tuition fee is non-refundable after the first week. **A class may be canceled if less than 5 people sign up.

GIC is located on the 5th floor of the Jeon-il building, the same building as the Korean Exchange Bank, downtown.

The entrance is located immediately to the north of the bank. Contact GIC office for more information.

Phone: 062) 226-2733~4 E-mail: gwangjuic@gmail.com Website: www.gic.or.kr

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Gwangju News May 2009

Contents

Contributors

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Lee Jay Eui interview

5

Editorial

Publisher: Prof. Shin Gyong-gu

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Homeless Shelter

Editor in chief: Doug Stuber

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First Nepal Restaurant

Staff Report

By Doug Stuber

May 2009, Volume 9, Issue 5

By Lee Si Hwa

By Kristin Messinger

Editor: Andrew O'Donnell Coordinator: Kim Sing-sing Layout and Design: Kim Hye-young

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Korean Way No.75

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Kia Tigers

By 2Ys

By Kang Byung Moon

Proofreaders: Pete Schandall, Matt Raue Miriam Ho, Douglas Tennant

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Printed by: Saenal

Club Nevermind

By Ahn So Young

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Vietnamese Diaspora Family

By NguyenThi Thanh Mai

Photographer: Andrew Dixon Cover Photo: 518 Memorial Sculpture

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Comic World Convention

By Simon Bond

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Love Motels Facades in Gwangju

By Miriam Ho

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Zaytun, One Year in Iraq

By Song Eun Kwang

Special thanks to the City of Gwangju and all of our sponsors.

Copyright by the Gwangju International Center.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication covered by this copyright may be reproduced in any form or by any means - graphic, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise - without the written consent of the publishers.

Gwangju News welcomes letters to the editor (gwangjunews@gmail.com) regarding articles and issues.

All correspondence may be edited for reasons of clarity or space.

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Cartoons

By Kimberly Kae Bingham

23

Euthanasia, Yes or No

By Lim Yeon Jin

24

Lee Kang Ha

By Doug Stuber

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Lumbini: Buddha’s Birthplace

By George Katsiaficas

28

Honnam Welcomes International Students Staff Report

29

Feathers

By Rebekah Morrison

30

518 Ramifications:

By Lee Kee Eun & No In Woo

k i m ’s Dental Clinic

31

Freedom

32

Poetry of Murid AL Barquoti

34

May Events

35

Letter to the Editor

36

GIC Gwangju News

37

Community Board

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The 2nd Gwangju Together Day

By Stella Oh

By Andrew O’Donnell Compiled by Jung Ji Eun

By Michael Dunne

Gwangju News May 2009

3

Staff Report

Lee Jay Eui interview T

he Gwangju News asked the Director of the Jeonnam Nano Bio Research Center’s Bio Control Center, Lee Jay Eui, about the ramifications of the achievement of Democracy after the 5-18 uprising. Lee, who wrote “Kwangju Diary,” and co-edited “The Gwangju Uprising” and who worked as a journalist while Korea lurched toward and changed from its newfound democracy, gave this answer: “The influence of the uprising has been very strong. To me it is important to compare life before and after the uprising. Before (5/18/1980), the Korean social and political situation was under the control of dictatorships. Between 1980 and ‘87, the characteristics of the dictatorships changed. The basic structure of the social status was changing, but direct control of the mass media, and other controls by the police and investigation units, continued.

“People were very angry, and worked to change the agony felt by the dictatorial control. Very difficult politics and a poor economy made life so hard. Political and military power groups cultivated financial systems that gave them control of the Chaebol companies, thus growing their own power. The quick growth of the Chaebol groups polarized society because so much money went to such a small group of people. No one with abilities could access those jobs unless they also had a relationship with the top group, and this created a contradiction between the ruling and non-ruling classes. People wanted to change this to gain opportunities.

“The main point of the people’s movement, and the labor movement in 1982 and 1983, was to change this system. The labor unions focused on small and medium sized companies. Students devoted their lives to the poor people’s unions, which was very civil work, which often led to being arrested. Many devoted their entire lives to creating these changes.

“In about 1984, the Democratic Youth Federation became a very open organization. Before, the movements had to be secretly organized, but with more people involved in the groups, more arrests occurred.

Still, the momentum continued through labor unions, and by 1985 others got involved, like farmers groups, and peasant advocates. They were inspired by the ‘Gwangju Families of the Sacrificed’ organization, 4

Gwangju News May 2009

which was the vanguard in this area. This led to networks that were unbreakable.

A n t i Americanist sentiment also flourished then, so networks were based on d i f f e r e n t beginnings.

“In June, 1987 The People’s Democratic Movement achieved a very historical first vote. The May Uprising Families Association had inspired the networks that achieved a direct democratic vote. By July and August of 1987, huge and unexpected labor rallies and strikes occurred at companies like Dae-Woo and Hyundai.

This was amazing because no union effort had been made at the Chaebol companies, yet the unions of those companies were in solidarity, and came out to say so. Better working conditions and better pay were demanded.

“The Teacher’s Union was a big player, as its ideology was effective as a leadership point for other unions.

This process also included Buddhist and Catholic and other Christian religions who worked together for change. Keep in mind that, for one year, 1961, South Korea also had local autonomy in its government, but that disappeared until 1989. Local autonomy was an important final step in democracy, because it allowed localities to create their own social codes to an extent, without interference from the national government.

This changed the educational system.

“Teachers rewrote textbooks, and brought what had been a covert ideology directly to the students. History and other subjects that are influenced by philosophy and ideology were changed. I was a Gwangju Daily News reporter at the time, and made reports about recent history, uncovering facts about the time between the end of World War II and the beginning of the Korean War. “The ownership of land was a huge issue when the Japanese left, because they had owned all the farm

Editorial land. A scramble for ownership ensued, with farm workers claiming the land and its buildings. But, a corrupt land ownership company called Shinamgongsa distributed property to those who supported the US. Freedom of the press gave us liberty to cover these past, but still relevant events, and we were encouraged by many readers to find out as much as possible. This information was like a lit fuse on a bomb, and caused many to cross over to the North out of anger about what had happened in the South.

“It wasn’t until the 1990s that reunification issues surfaced. This added to the democracy politically and socially. The 1997 IMF crisis created another amazing historical moment: people donated everything from money to their gold wedding rings to help solve the crisis. This led to more consensus, and a wider democracy. Political leaders in the 1980s were worried about chaos, so they used that fear to their advantage.

But economic growth in the 1990s shifted more power to the people. Yet, productivity rose even in the “disorderly” 1980s. But productivity and hard work rose much higher in the 1990s, when workers knew that hard work could mean real gains for their families.

This liberation occurred because in the 1980s wage gains were impossible, so people did not work as hard, because it wasn’t going to gain them anything. Labor unions created an atmosphere where harder work meant better pay, no matter what your job was.

“Meanwhile, the financial system, both fragile and corrupt, was weak by global standards. Even after the IMF crisis, privileged families were not compelled to open up their books. Finally, a more transparent system is now evident. The administration of Noh, Moo-Hyun developed a new globalized financial system, but globalization has caused a difficult climate for progressive ideals, which have limitations under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. It is important that not just individual nation’s economies improve, but that labor conditions improve worldwide.

This is a very difficult task under the current agreements.

The current global economic crisis makes it hard to factor in the needs of the workers. Traditional capitalism has limits. Additionally, the reunification issues of Korea are now in the global spotlight, as they are comingled with strategic and security concerns.

Lastly, our people should be prepared to accentuate the point of view of the middle class, and to deal with conservative viewpoints. This is because current policies and economic realities are a severe threat to the middle class. We need to develop a secure middle class.”

How does a country’s creative community reflect the freedoms its culture has? Is art, in particular, more a sign of wealth than individual freedoms? In Gwangju the distinctions between these questions, and their Kwang Suk and Doug answers, is relevant, not just in a post “May 18th, 1980” way, but because Gwangju is striving to become a cultural hub city of Asia.

The European dark ages produced little innovation in painting, literature, sculpture or music. The Renaissance was jump-started by the wealthy Medici family, and, as soon as civilization had the luxury to relax, creativity sprung to life again.

For Gwangju, the hard-fought battles that led to democracy also spurred high quality art, music, dance, literature and the ability to support the preservation of traditional culture. Our traditional orchestra, fully-costumed street dance-and-drum troupes, Kimchi Festival, and myriad “watercolor and ink on rice paper” painters prove that old and new forms of art are in full bloom. Chosun University has an acclaimed art department, and Chonnam University sports a very good textile design department that puts on one whale of a fashion show every spring. Creative courses at all local colleges and universities offer students a chance to follow their dreams.

This is not always possible in any society, but right not, right here, it is, and this is a remarkable achievement.

Music abounds with a large percentage of schoolchildren learning an instrument. The US could learn something about how to expand brain capacity via music. Alas, many inner-city schools in the US don’t even offer music as an elective anymore due to lack of funding. Once-proud classical orchestras now suffer from lack of public money and audiences alike stateside.

So, in economic downturns it takes a strong will to remain a creative human, because you may do so without financial reward. How many parents instruct their children “not to be art majors” in school even if they show aptitude? This is because they know that, at best, the field is crowded and a hard place to succeed, and at worst, a student could end up having a hard time finding a job, no less a job in her/his field.

Local legend Lee, Kang Ha, worked with a strong eye toward Korea’s cultural heritage, while expressing his art in modern, often surreal ways. Save this magazine. Remember Lee’s art.

Doug Stuber www.stuberpark.com PS: Professor Stuber’s bicycle was stolen on April 7, 2009. It was locked and parked indoors at Chonnam University. Whoever has it must need it more than I. Safe peddling to you!

Staff Report

Gwangju News May 2009

5

Current Issue

The Mudeung Welfare Center Homeless Shelter T

he Mudeung Welfare Center’s homeless shelter in Duam, Buk-Gu began serving those without homes in 1999, and currently has 17 guests, with space for 20. Kim Sang Hyun and Hyun Jung Ai, the shelter Manager and Director respectively, talked about current activities and conditions at the Mudeung shelter.

“We have a weekly self-support program that helps guests find out and cure psychological problems. Last week they used hand cream to express their inner feelings via hand movements,” Kim said. “A Chonnam University psychology graduate student discovered that seven out of ten guests are satisfied with this program. The other major program is when volunteer medical doctors come once a week to check on guests’ conditions.”

Another notable finding is the relatively low rate of psychotic disorders among the residents of the South Korean homeless shelters, an April, 2003 article of the Journal of Nervous and Mental Diseases states.

Reports from individual homeless shelters in the US put psychological problems as high as 75%, with other disturbing news that many (30-60%) of the guests are veterans of foreign wars, and in some cities, as many as 30% of the guests are from the Afghanistan or Iraq war. US law prohibits payments for war veterans going to veterans who lose their address (home).

The logical conclusion is that both psychological problems and the numbers of homeless people decline in countries that do not participate in wars.

“Some of the M u d e u n g shelter guests

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Gwangju News May 2009

are taxi drivers, others work in public baths or factories in Hanam, or in a salt mine in Young-Gwang,” Kim said. “Even as workers they cannot afford to have an apartment. Others are looking for work. Sometimes they find work, and leave the shelter, but many come back. This is the only shelter for Jeollanamdo and Gwangju. So sometimes they will go to shelters in Ulson, Chung-Bu. About 20% go to other shelters and then recycle back into our shelter,” Kim explained.

Reporter Jeong Ja-Yeon contributed this tidbit from the internet: “There are 117 homeless shelters housing 3,514 people with a capacity of 5,109 in the Republic of Korea,” she discovered. The Mudeung shelter is clean, and is part of a center that houses after-school classes, and other support services for Buk-Gu residents.

“The average length of stay is one year, and it takes about six months to find a job,” Hyun said. “If

someone stays more than one year, they get more counseling to find a job, so they can go out and start their own life.”

This means that it can take up to six months of saving money to afford the “Key deposit” at apartments, a practice that makes climbing out of homelessness hard to do. “The number of people staying in our shelter has steadily increased,” Hyun said.

autonomous activities can keep guests motivated rather than complacent in their situation.

“The shelter is affiliated with the Catholic Church, but there are no required services for the guests,” Hyun said.

The shelter has rules: “They wake up at 6:30 am, some work or others do a self-support program, and they must be back by 11pm. No alcohol is allowed, and drinking is prohibited away from premises as well. If someone comes back drunk, then they might not be able to stay the night, as the smelly breath can be obvious, and causes others to want to drink as well,” Kim and Hyun said alternately. This is lenient compared to shelters in other countries, such as the US where guests in most shelters must be in by 8pm.

The food comes from the Gwangju Food Bank, which is cheaper than commercial institutional wholesalers, but not free. The food is cooked on premises, so companies like Paris Baguette donate food to the food bank, and then the shelter buys the food from the food bank.

Individuals donate money, but none of the shelter’s donations come directly from the church. One corporation, E-land, donates clothes twice a year.

There are many donors who contribute 10,000 Won per month, Hyun said.

“The education level at the shelter is higher than you might expect: 20% have graduated from university,” Kim said. “In Korea, after the IMF economic crisis in 1997-98 the homeless numbers went way up, so it is not unusual to find homeless people who graduated from university.”

Many guests send money back to their family and stay in the shelter rather than getting a place of their own.

Many people have stayed homeless over five years, so some feel awkward after being away from their families so long. Some are fathers too, and even though it is hard to be away from their families, they would still rather stay at the shelter and send money home n order to help their families as much as possible.

“The shelter has a woman who cooks breakfast and dinner, so guests can get these two meals whenever they want, since everyone has a different schedule.

Guests can also cook their own meals,” Kim said. These

“There are no volunteer opportunities for foreign workers at the shelter,” Kim said. “It takes a long time to establish a relationship, and so our volunteers need to give up over a year to make it worthwhile for the guests or the volunteer.”

By Lee Si Hwa Photos by Doug Stuber

Gwangju News May 2009

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Review

First Nepal Restaurant U

pon walking in to First Nepal I noticed the simple authentic tapestries and quaint Nepalese atmosphere. Suddenly the aromas of curry and garlic permeated my senses and my appetite immediately emerged. We were greeted by the friendly staff and given a robust but manageable menu. To my delight there was a variety of drink options Nepali, Western, and Korean, which included Nepali Lassi, traditional and Nepali tea, coffee, soda, suju, fruit juices, Korean and imported beers. I immediately ordered a Heineken, but others might prefer a Johnny Walker on the rocks. They also serve draft beer in sizes 500cc, 2,000 cc, and 3000 cc.

There are 14 choices of snacks and appetizers ranging from 3,000 won to 9,000 won which include Momo (Nepali dumplings), Chowmeins, Papad, and even fries. Great options for friends who need a snack break when drinking across the street at Mike and Dave’s Speakeasy, or Mr. Songs German Bar. But I was there for dinner, and I wanted to save myself for the delicious smelling curries, I hoped awaited me.

We started out with a Samosa, a potato and pea stuffed turnover served with a mildly spicy chutney. For the main course there was Tandori Chicken marinated with spices, and served with a mint and spice sauce, and Chicken Tiikka Marsala, with a coating of yogurt, turmeric, and garlic, both dishes are baked and are really the best that I have had, full of flavorful spices but not a mouth burning experience.

varieties. I especially enjoyed the Butter Chicken (makhani) that was creamy, flavorful, and a little less spicy. We also had the Dal Makhani, a lentil dish in a fry curry, really good. They also serve one of my favorites, the Palak Paneer, a spinach dish with paneer cheese. Paneer Cheese is a traditional cheese, used in Nepali and Indian cooking. First Nepal makes its paneer cheese on the premises.

Then there was the Curry and the Dal. There was something for everyone, vegetarian, mutton, sea food or chicken in many

No Nepalese meal would be complete without nan, and the nan (bread) is phenomenal! My favorite is the garlic nan, but there are seven flavors of nan to choose from, including potato nan, paneer nan, and Aulu Paratha which is a whole wheat nan stuffed with potatoes and peas. Other accompaniments for the meal can include a variety of six soups and three salads.

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Gwangju News May 2009

The lunch set is available Monday through Friday 11AM to 2PM only. For dinner they offer a slightly different version of the set, but still at a great price. For a dinner set look for the Nepali Special. The Vegetable Thali Set includes salad, vegetable curry, dal and rice for 9,000 won. The non veg Thali set includes salad, mutton or chicken curry, dal and rice for 10,000 won.

Soups include sweet corn chicken, hot and sour, and chicken mushroom. For salads they offer a hearty Tandoori chicken salad, a vegetable salad, and special salad. Warning on the special salad there are some strange items such as fruit cocktail, so be wary and ask questions on this item. Salads are served with iceberg lettuce.

I wandered back into the kitchen to check it out. It was surprisingly small, but clean. So what is the secret of putting out all this amazing food in such a small kitchen? It’s simple; most of the food is cooked in an authentic clay oven called a Tandoor. The Tandoor is a cylindrical clay oven, where food is cooked over a charcoal or wood burning flame. Meats are cooked kabob style in the radiant heat. Even the nan is cooked in the oven and the results are healthy, and deliciously cooked food.

Everything is served ala cart, which makes it a fun place to go to share food with family or friends. There are a few exceptions. They offer a veg or non veg lunch set. The veg set includes a green salad, choice of nan or rice, a mixed vegetable curry, and a dal and curd at the cost of 9,000 won. The non veg set includes a salad, choice or nan or rice, choice or mutton or chicken curry, and a dal and curd at the cost of 10,000 won.

Among the friendly and efficient staff you might get lucky and see Rudra Sharma. He is the Executive Chairman at Nepal First. Sharma has been in the biz for five years. This is his third successful restaurant.

The first restaurant was opened in 2003 and is called First Nepal Bupyeong Incheon, and is located in Incheon, he then added one at Ewha University in Seoul, and the third is here, strait down Chhung Jangno from the Y.M.C.A. bus stop on Gumnamno. All this keeps Sharma busy, but he loves it. Sharma is from Nepal and has a family there. “I get back to my wife and family about once every two or three months,” he said.

I highly recommend a trip to First Nepal; I know that I will be back. There is a nice mix of Korean and foreign diners, and even a Korean/foreign book exchange.

Prices are reasonable. Curry and Dal dishes range from 6,000 to 11,000 won. Soups and salads cost between 4,000 and 10,000 won. Tandoori and barbeque items range from 9,000 to 18,000 won. Nan bread is 2,000 to 4,000 won. Desserts cost between 2,500 and 4,000 won. The food is a good value for the money. The bathrooms are on site and very clean, they even have TP. Hours of operation are 12 noon to 11PM everyday.

Get a little spoonful of Nepali seeds before you leave the restaurant, they are next to the register, they aid in digestion and freshen the breath.

It is easy to find Nepal First. Start across the street from the Gwangju International Center (GIC), in the Jown-Il building, in down town Gwangju. Use the underground stairway to cross the street. After going down, and then up. Continue away from Gumnamno, past the Starbucks, past the Post Office, past Mike and Dave’s Speakeasy, and Mr. Song’s German Bar, until you run strait into a Mini Mart that is diagonally to your right. Keep going 10 more steps and the second opening with stairs on your left leads up to First Nepal.

For more information, menu, maps, reservations, and history, check out their website at www.firstnepal.com or call 032-525-8771, or 02-364-8771. The motto at Nepal First is “Come as a guest, leave as a friend.” For me finding a fabulous foreign food restaurant in Gwangju is a good basis for friendship.

By Kristin Messinger Photos by Doug Stuber

Gwangju News May 2009

9

The Korean Way No. 75

Banned Songs M

usic, be it instrumental or vocal, is the art and science of combining sounds or tones in using melody, harmony, and timbre, especially so as to form structurally complete and emotionally expressive compositions. It is said to have derived from nine goddesses, the Muses in Greek mythology who presided over literature and the arts and sciences.

In general, music is supposed to produce a pleasing effect, so when hearing good music, people are apt to say ‘it’s a beautiful piece of music.’ Music can be classified into various types depending on the instruments that are used to create it: string music, pipe music, which is further divided into wood and brass, and vocal music, which is still further divided into many types depending on the gender, number and scale of the vocalist, and on the style of presentation like solo, duo, trio, chorus, etc. and opera, oratorio and musical etc. http://blog.joins.com/media/folderListSlide.asp?uid=h114&folder=8&list_id=8908836

Even though intended to create a pleasing effect, music can also express feelings of sorrow, anger, sadness, hopes and bravery. An elegy, dirge and military music may be said to represent these categories. During the Japanese colonial occupation of Korea (1910~45) and the despotic government of Park Chung-hee (1961~79), certain songs were regarded so resistant or so sissy and elegiac that the authorities banned the singing of those songs.

TOUCH–ME-NOT(”…–¨› ) The first stanza Standing in the shade of the hedge, thou dost look sad.

When thou didst beautifully bloom, during the long, long summer days, pretty maids saw thee and rejoiced.

The second stanza is skipped.

The third stanza 10

Gwangju News May 2009

Though thy form fades in the northern wind and snowstorms, since thy soul is dreaming of peace, mayest thou return to life in spring, and bloom in the balmy spring wind.

In 1937 Japan started Chino-Japan war and in 1938 the colonial authorities prohibited the teaching of Korean language at all schools. Even children’s songs were in Japanese, but the Korean people somehow found a vent for their frustration and indignation in patriotic songs such as the one above. Those who were patriotically-inclined especially loved to sing this song.

The song was composed by Hong Nam-pa who was supposedly the first modern Korean composer who ever studied modern music in a music academy in Tokyo, Japan in the 1920’s. He composed numerous popular songs including children’s songs. Many of his works are still popular in Korea. His vocalist counterpart was Kim Cheon-ae.

Being pinched for food grains, Japan started shipping

islands. It has beautiful cup-like red/ pink flowers blooming in early spring. The first half of the song runs like this: Feeling too much the pains of gouging out of her heart, how much the camellia girl cried for many countless nights Being tired with and exhausted by bitter crying!

Her timbre of voice and the tune of her singing were so elegiac that she was dubbed ‘the queen of elegy,’ swaying the whole nation. But the general-turnedPresident Park did not like her singing style. The coup d’état general wanted something spirited, lively, manly, not sissy nor feminine nor elegiac. He composed the song ‘Let’s live better ( » ˘”‚…… )’ himself and had it blared through loudspeakers all over the country early .’ in the morning. He banned ‘ ¿„Ø ˘ ¡

Tom Johns http://kr.blog.yahoo.com/orcaevent/595.html?p=1&pm=l&tc=30&tt=1163040726

Korean farmers to Manchuria to cultivate farmlands there in the late 1930s. In 1931, Japan brought about the so-called Manchurian Incident and succeeded in establishing the puppet state of Manchukuo by enthroning the young offspring of the Ch’ing dynasty.

Vocalist Kim Cheon-ae made frequent visits to the Kando area in the Manchu-Korea border region to sing the aforementioned song and other songs of the same nature like ‘The Tearful Tumen River (·«„ `¥” ˛‚‚ ›)’ and ‘The Ruins of an Old Castle (¨†…”¿ ¯˝ ),’ all composed in the 30’s. When Kim got to sing ‘Touchme-not,’ the like-minded audience, who were overwhelmed, cried, embracing one another, venting their sorrow and anger at the Japanese seizure of their fatherland. The original Korean poem is composed of four-syllable verses in three stanzas. The English translation is the result of my faithful trial to convey the original rhythm. The lyrics toward the last of the third stanza brought the Japanese authorities to apprehensions of Korean independence because the verses “mayest thou return to life in spring and bloom in the balmy spring wind” has a subtle connotation that ‘In due time Korea will regain independence.’ This song’s rapid popularity among Korean people aroused the Japanese and they imposed a ban on it.

One of the banned songs during the Park Chung-hee administration was Mdm. Lee Mi-ja’s ‘A Camellia Girl ( ¿„Ø ˘ ¡ ).’ The camellia plant is a flowering plant growing in Korean southern provinces and on southern

A Western song that was banned in late sixties was Delilah. The verse reads: I saw the light on the night that I’ve passed by her window, I saw a flickering shadow of love on her blinds, She was my woman. As she deceived me I watched and went out of my mind. … I crossed the street to her house and she opened the door. She stood there laughing. I felt the knife in my hand and she laughed no more. …

I don’t need to continue the verse any longer. This menacing, bloodthirsty and decadent song could not be allowed to be sung in Korea, which should be full of energy and passion to build a healthy new nation! Park might have likened himself to Samson.

By 2Ys

Call when you are in need!

(English is available) 062) 1345 Immigration Contact Center 062) 1350 Labor Counseling Center 02) 762-1339 Emergency Counseling and Hospital Information 062) 1330 Korea’s 24-hour One-Stop Travel Information Service

Gwangju News May 2009

11

Sports

Kia Tigers T

hroughout March, Korea was obsessed with baseball due to the World Baseball Classic. It seems that the obsession may just be beginning as the heroes from the tournament (except for few who play in the leagues overseas) are back on the field for the Korean League action. The 2009 CJ MaguMagu Korean Baseball League began on Saturday, April 4th as the defending champions SK Wyverns took on the Hanhwa Eagles in Incheon.

Korean Baseball Organization, also known as KBO has big hopes and expectations for this season. With the success of the Korean National Team in WBC, KBO is looking to break the attendance record this season. It certain appears that they might be on the right track as the opening day crowds in 4 stadiums broke the all time opening day attendance record with 96,800.

Gwangju’s local franchise, the Kia Tigers started out their season in Seoul as they took on the Doosan Bears.

The Tigers feature several WBC heroes, especially the starting pitcher Suk Min, Yoon and the leadoff batter Yong Gu, Lee. Yoon holds the key for the Tiger’s Starting rotation was the start in the semifinal game against Venezuela, where he pitched so brilliantly shutting down the MLB based Venezuelan team to only 7 hits and 2 runs in 6 and 1/3 innings pitched. The est of the pitching squad behind Yoon aren’t that bad either. Jae Seo, a formal starting pitcher for the NY Mets starts his second season as the Tiger and he is followed by couple of other outstanding starters. Hyun Jong, Yang and Rick Guttormson complete the Tigers starting rotations for the earlier part of the season.

So far the Tigers have been lights out in pitching, only

Choi Hee-seop, “cha-big” homers in 2nd April 8 v. SK Myverns 12

Gwangju News May 2009

Seo Jae strikes out another Myvern in April 8 home win.

allowing average of less than 3 runs over the first 9 games. During this stretch, the bullpen has also allowed no run in 25 innings pitched. This streak was broken during a heartbreaking 9th inning against the Lotte Giants on April 15. On the other side of the mound, hitting continues to be the problem for the Tigers. With Chae Jong Bum and Lee Yong Gu both getting injured early in the season, the Tigers have been very ineffective at the batter’s box. They are averaging less than 3 runs per game and are shamelessly in the bottom of most offensive categories including RBI’s, total hits and homeruns.

As of now, the outlook for the Tiger’s this season looks very unclear. The Tigers starting rotation and the bullpen are amongst the best in the league. However, it is certain that unless bats start to get going or else “Project V10” may not happen in 2009. Many KBO experts consider most of the teams except for SK Wyverns and Hanhwa Eagle (last year’s champion and runner up) to be in the same level and they believe early season action could easily determine who will have an easier road getting into the playoffs come late Fall. If the Tiger’s continue to struggle with getting runs in, they may even look into trades during the season. Many managers in the league have noticed the phenomenal Tigers rotation and some of them have been discussing in their post game interviews about

how envy they are of some of the young Tigers arms.

Manager Sun of Samsung Lions has said that he envies the young pitchers in the Tigers organization and the talent pool of high school pitcher in Gwangju and Chullanamdo area. If clean up hitters like Hee Seop Choi and Ji Wan Nah don’t produce as manager Bum Hyun Jo expects them to, he may have to ask the front office to consider giving away some young prospects for big ball hitters.

On the other hand, you have to take in the fact that the season has just begun. Although the pitchers have been lights out, it may be that the batters just have to get in their rhythm. Regardless of how the Tigers perform throughout the season, going to some ball games this season may be a way to relieve your stress throughout summer and fall. The tickets go between 6,000 won for regular seating to 20,000 won in VIP seating’s so its truly a bargain considering the experience you could get out of it. So whenever you have some free time, don’t be a couch potato all throughout the summer. Call up your buddies from school or hagwons and go see the Tigers this season.

You will definitely enjoy the baseball action and joining the wave of crowds singing “Namhang Yulcha” a popular chant song since the Tigers were first created back in the 80’s.

Few tips for going to the ballgame - Parking can be a hassle on Game days. So try to take a public transportation system. It should save you little time and help the environment.

- Seats at the stadiums are not designated. The earlier you go to the ballpark, the better seats you can choose.

- They have a website. It is www.kiatigers.co.kr - You are allowed to bring in some food. Although the foods (meals, drinks, ice cream and others) are relatively cheap, the selection might not have what you are looking for.

- Discount prices are available for certain bank cards (ex. Gwangju Bank) and with membership.

- There is always a supply of beer and chicken to buy outside the main gate. If you are running late and want to skip the ticket line, you can buy some beer form an ajumma, and she will also sell you a ticket. If it’s going to sell out, this is a way to beat people to seats.

By Kang Byungmoon Photos taken by Staff

KIA Tigers Baseball Team Schedule Place : Gwangju Mudeung Stadium (Baseball field) „« – Ticket Price - Special Seat: Adult 20,000 won Child 10,000 won - Reserved Seat: Adult 10,000 won Child 5,000 won - General Admission Seat: Adult 6,000 won Hyundai Card 3,000won, Samsung Card 4,000won, Advance Purchase: www.ticketlink.co.kr Tel. 1588-7890

Date

Match team

Time

May 8 May 9~10 May 9~21 May 22 May 23 Jun 2~4 Jun 5 Jun 6~7 Jun 12 Jun 13~14 Jun 23~25 Jun 26 Jun 27~28

Lotte Lotte LG Heroes Heroes Doo-san Samsung Samsung Han-hwa Han-hwa SK Heroes Heroes

18:30 17:00 18:30 18:30 17:00 18:30 18:30 17:00 18:30 17:00 18:30 18:30 17:00

Gwangju News May 2009

13

Review

Freedom to Create:

Club Nevermind, Memi Artspace C

lub Nevermind, which opened in 2002 and moved to a yellow building across from Dae-in market well over a year ago, just hosted “Jang Gi Ha and the Faces”, moving the club up a notch on the Korean music circuit.

The club, which sports four or more live shows every month, can be researched at: http://cafe.daum.net/clubnm .Tickets for most shows can be purchased in advance online, and the club features independent label bands, alternative rock, and rarely heavy rock or punk shows.

Every Saturday there is a live music show, with bands from all around Korea, sometimes supported by local bands.

Chief Director Nam Yu Jin sat down for an interview, and explained that in addition to Club Nevermind he is the producer of the Memi Art Center. “Every Saturday from Noon to 6pm Memi has an art market outdoors, and a curated show indoors.” Nam said. These alternative art events feature a live band, food and beverages, and an eclectic mix of artists and musicians.

Memi Art Space is also across the street from Dae-in, but one alley up from the street that houses Nevermind. Memi can be researched at www.memispace.org but has no link I could find in English.

When Nam, Yu Jin grew up he played guitar and sang in a band. Normally he does not mention this, but the interview was the day before Jang Gi Ha and Faces were playing, and Nam was laughing and excited as he explained the club. His knowledge of the music scene as a player led to his wanting to open Club Nevermind.

All seven members of the band came, and the wild dancing and hilarious antics kept two sold-out shows excited. They played a 7pm show and a 10pm show at Nevermind.

“I don’t think there is one standard of what is good music, in the public” Nam said. “But, we can judge the musicianship of each band by their instrument playing, if they write interesting songs, and if their stage presence is professional.”

On May 30th, the Gwangju Youth Festival, another Nam project, hits the stage at 4pm in front of City Hall, he explained. “There are two pre-shows, one on May 23rd at 6pm on Gumnamno downtown, and one on May 29th in Chomdan at the Gwangju Educational and Cultural Center for Students.” The main concert has three main Indie bands, possibly a surprise act, and all the local bands that qualify for the stage.”

This is the fourth year of the youth festival, which draws more and more bands each time. “I really want to support youth bands, and make as many chances as possible for young bands,” Nam said. He is not interested in producing new bands, or making a new group, but the goal is to provide venues so local bands can find an audience. Launching or producing a majorlabel band is not his goal. He also has no desire to be the owner of a label for indie bands. Nam believes that providing performance venues is the best way to grow the local music scene.

I asked him if all the most popular music is automatically the best music. “No,” Nam replied.

“When you compare Girls Generation, Wonder Girls, and other such bands, to the bands from 1970 to 1980 the musicianship was stronger back then. Since H.O.T. the focus has been more marketing the band.”

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Gwangju News May 2009

The music history from the West is much longer, like blues, jazz, and then rock, but the influence and styles continue. Korea, on the other hand goes form one style to the other, but the older styles fade away rather than continuing to make more music in that genre. Nam pointed out.

Maybe the advent of the Gwangju Foreigners Network will open the ears of local listeners who then might want to catch alternative styles of music at Club Nevermind. This new station has a chance of creating a new awareness of foreign alternative bands that could then propel Korean alternative bands in Gwangju, and beyond.

Nam Yu Jin talked about Jang Gi Ha and Faces, before their show on April 11. The group became famous suddenly among the people. Their lyrics and rhythm are familiar with the public. The style of the songs originated from traditional music such as the group named Sanullim from 1970-1980. According to what he said, their music is considered highly artistic.

“The big characteristic of independent music is creativity,” Nam said. It is directly related to musical artistry. I tend to focus on bands whose music is extraordinary or unfamiliar to the people.”

The Jang Gi Ha performance the next night was great, as he played 18 songs, told funny jokes between the songs, danced with the crowd, and signed autographs until everyone was satisfied after the show. The Faces played two shows, with the 7pm show welling out, and the 10pm show was about 3/4 sold out. Considering that their first CD was released in February, their rise to “indie stardom” has been meteoric.

After the show, Jang Gi Ha answered a few questions as people walked by. “On this tour we played eight shows,” he said. “We plan to keep playing forever, but don’t know when our next CD will come out, since our first CD just came out.” (Already the fans were asking

when more music would be on CD.) His songs also sound like the US band Talking Heads at times, and for his last song he jumped around like a punk rocker, even though the volume level was quiet for live music, allowing people to pick out the words, and enjoy the show. The Mimi sisters were particularly funny with extreme stage seriousness, and a tone that was like movie star, but it was obviously meant as a joke about rock stars and how silly they can be. Instead of signing autographs, the two, still in their huge sun glasses, stamped paper, and applied a sticker that was a tiny photo of them in different wigs.

It was certainly a coup for Club Nevermind to be on Jang Gi Ha’s first tour ever, and everyone there hoped that band visits the club on all future tours as well. Jang, Gi Ha, and Club Nevermind are both products of the newfound freedoms gained in the last 20 years in Korea. In both cases people followed their dreams, and in both cases, those dreams have become a reality. Apparently, once the independent spirit sneaks into a culture, it is hard to keep it down.

By Ahn Soyoung Photos by Doug Stuber

Gwangju News May 2009

15

Multicultural Affairs

Vietnamese Diaspora Family (Editor’s Note: Third year Chonnam National University Economics/English Student Ngyuen T. Mai lives here, but her father is still in his hometown of Hanoi, Vietnam, while her sister lives in Singapore and their mother is a doctor in Angola. The Nguyen family, they all started in Vietnam and became multi-cultural via a self-activated diaspora. Nguyen, T. Mai’s story in her own words.)

s

ince coming here I have travelled more in Korea than I ever did in Vietnam. My team won a scholarship through the CNU Global Education program, and travelled to Greece, Italy, Austria, Czech Republic, France and the Netherlands. About 50 teams got some traveling money out of the 90 participating. I had high school friends in France I got to see too.

In Korea I think it is easier for Asians to fit in than Westerners. My sister (P Mai) lives in Singapore where the mix of east and west seems more at ease. She is a computer programmer for an engineering company, and her husband is working on his PhD. in Chemical Material Engineering. The lifestyle is very comfortable there, with a mix of Malaysian, Indian and western countries(cultures?). There is no nature there though.

Even the famous resort “Sandosa” is artificially made.

Travelling has been my love, but in Asia I have only been to Japan, Korea, Singapore and Thailand. One thing in common in Asia is that the traditional ways are in the country, and the capital cities have a modern lifestyle. It would be great to do graduate work in the US, but I fear culture shock. If a scholarship does not develop, then working for a Non-Government Organization (NGO) is a goal.

My mother is a doctor in Angola, and my father remains a colonel in the Army in Hanoi. He can be very lonely at times, but my mother is committed to her medicine in Africa. The exchange program she works through pays much better than being a doctor in Vietnam, and she wants to help her family as much as she can. We all got together for my sister’s wedding, which was back in Vietnam, and we are together for Lunar New Year every year. Otherwise, we stay in touch electronically.

Mom got malaria when she first arrived in Angola, and was seriously ill, but did not come home. After two or three years she adapted to life there, which had more poverty than she expected. My father has a social network, but it’s not the same as family, so I am constantly thinking about returning to Hanoi myself.

He retires in May, and that may be what convinces my

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mother to return home.

My sister has been in Singapore eight years, but will certainly stay there now.

When it comes to c u l t u r a l differences b e t w e e n Vietnam and Korea, one of the biggest is in marriage.

Korea is materialistic and realistic, thus many get married to make a better economic life, rather than for love. A rich man who has a stable (job?) is sought after. Korean life is more hierarchichal so people want a high class partner. However, Koreans forget themselves to help their friends. It’s hard for me to have close friends here because I don’t have that much time to devote to them.

In Vietnam there is a less wide gap between classes, so it is easier to marry someone you love. It is a shortterm view to get married by a certain age too. People who are satisfied with that do not have big dreams.

Lastly, the Vietnamese culture is more open to the influence of the United States than Korea. Many university students study in the US, and bring the culture back with them. It is a selective acceptance of US culture though. It seems that in Korea there used to be a blanket hatred of the United States, but it seems the younger generation is changing that. Korea and Vietnam have one big thing in common: we work hard and get things done in a hurry.

Korea has an admirable family life that is moral, and leads to a safe society. Things are not stolen and less people are taken advantage of here. In Vietnam there are many more thieves. In Korea people know good from bad. At least for a while I want to volunteer to help the children of Africa.

By Nguyen Thi Thanh Mai

Upcoming Events

Comic World Convention: Yangjae Arts Centre — Seoul, May 9th/10th

A

s a photographer I’m always drawn to colorful and dynamic imagery and so the pop art found in comic books is something I appreciate. I found about a Comics Convention in Busan, with people coming dressed as their comic book heroes.

This dress code is known as cosplay, those who don’t know what this is should think of Halloween only with comic books as the inspiration.

Comic World, was a two-day event held at the BEXCO exhibition centre in Busan in March. It was/is a showcase for many anime magazines and artist. This event is also held in Seoul 2 times. The next Comic World is being held in Yangjae Arts Centre – Seoul, May 9th/10th.

Many “cosplayers” wearing colored contact lenses and bright colorful wigs, often juxtaposed against a traditional style outfit such as a maids dress, or with a paper umbrella. This neo-traditional effect was full of willing models and many photographers. With many photographers taking photos of the same pose an original photograph can be tough to get. The fact that these were not professional models meant it was possible to approach people to ask for a specific type of shot. I think I was the only photographer who got a photo of someone taking a running jump, with sword in hand!

Photos and Story By Simon Bond

Gwangju News May 2009

17

Photo Essay

Love Motel Facades in Gwangju I

n Gwangju, the neon lights of a love motel are never far from view. Young couples use love motels to enjoy a romantic night away from parental scrutiny. Love motels are also a rendezvous point for extramarital affairs.

Like beauty pageant contestants, love motels decked out in exotic attire vie for attention along the Gwangjucheon waterfront.

Sculpted nudes grace a VIP entrance. Legend has it that the caryatid, a stone female figure used as a supporting column in Ancient Greece, was named after the women of Caryae who were condemned to hard labour when Greece defeated Persia in 480 BC.

Classical columns and entablatures decorate this white tiered building, to the effect of a wedding cake: European, frippery, and oozing with romance.

Like beauty pageant contestants, love motels decked out in exotic attire vie for attention along the Gwangjucheon waterfront.

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Gwangju News May 2009

Classical columns and entablatures decorate this white tiered building, to the effect of a wedding cake: European, frippery, and oozing with romance.

With wanton gods in bas-relief on all sides, and a Statue of Liberty replica topping the central dome, this love motel is an eye-catching monument. However kitsch, love motels are landmarks in the city skyline.

Romance, or spontaneity? This pseudo Victorian edifice is unfazed by its insolent, rainbow-striped neighbour.

The love motel is a traveller's destination, a foreign country unto itself. The Windmill Motel is reminiscent of the idyllic Dutch countryside, and of the famous Parisian cabaret Moulin Rouge.

Photos & Story by Miriam Ho

Gwangju News May 2009

19

Current Issue

Zaytun: One Year in Iraq M

y name is Song Eun Kwang and I’m a student of Chonnam National University and I’ve been attending the Business Administration department for four years at Chonnam. I’m also working at GFN radio station as a writer for the program.

It’s been two years since I came back to Korea from Iraq, and whenever I recall memories that I’ve cherished from this foreign country, still, my heart pounds.

I was serving my military service at the CDC (Capital Defense Corporation) headquarters in Seoul as a soldier specializing in translation. After a year in the CDC, I decided to volunteer for a soldier’s unit which was going to be dispatched to Iraq. This was in early 2006. Of course CDC headquarters was a good place to serve my period but I wanted to move on with my life, even within the time I served in the military, in order to see the wider world. I didn’t think about any hardships or pain that would follow after my decision, at that time. Many fellow soldiers came up to me and they tried to persuade me not to go. I also had to go through several interviews with generals. But my belief was really strong and I had a stubborn eagerness to broaden my knowledge in this way. But the only matter I couldn’t regard as an easy barrier was my parent’s strong opposition to my plan. I am actually the only boy for three generations… but after many trials trying to convince them my parents allowed me to go. Now we can say this with a smile, but I was still worried a lot at that time too.

Anyway, after my dispatching schedule was confirmed, I had to change to the Special Warfare Command

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Gwangju News May 2009

regiment to train for combat and any eventual war situation. So I took a hard training course there for four months. Then, finally, I took an air force plane to Iraq.

I arrived in Kuwait in early spring. At first we couldn’t fly to Iraq directly from Korea because the headquarters of the allied forces lies in Kuwait. So after taking a rest for a few days in Kuwait, I had to take another plane to get to the Korean Iraq base in Zaytun.

Do you know what Zaytun stands for? It means “the olive” in Arabic. But the olive is well known to the Arabic people as “God’s Gift.” So the first impression that I got strongly was “blaze.” The wind was dried up and the only thing that I could see was sand. There was nothing more than just sand.

After a few weeks in the desert things started to change. I was adjusting myself to Iraq’s weather and we had a time difference, so we had to take a rest for a couple of weeks. During that time we had to meet with the senior soldiers who were dispatched already and were waiting to go back to Korea. But the desert became sparsely dotted with green grasses and I could even see the yellow flowers of dandelion in some places. I still can’t forget those great views. The sky was clean and higher than our autumn sky and I couldn’t see any mountains near our Zaytun Division. But strangely, I saw it snow twice. Before I came here I never thought that I could see snow in Iraq, and expected a short snowfall that would only come occasionally. But aside from this strange weather, we had to get up at six in the morning and my work finished at 11 at night! But I always attended the Zaytun church’s morning service, which gave me the

Call for Artists and Art Lovers !

strength to continue and the knowledge to go forward.

Once a month, I needed to go out of our Zaytun division’s enclosure to participate in a meeting with my serving general to give him oral translations. Once I went to the palace of the King of Arbil, because in Iraq, we were taking charge of maintaining security for the Mosul area, which includes the Arbil district (on the northwest side of Iraq). And in the Arbil district, most people are not Arabic or Iraqis, most of the population in there are the Kurds. The Kurds are a big nomadic tribe who have wandered around for many years to find their own land to build their country. So the Kurds want us to help them to get a certain amount of independence from the main Iraqi government. In this way I remembered that our Korean corporations were thinking of expanding our branches to Iraq.

I stayed in Iraq for another eight months and I went out for operations that included various ceremonies.

We completed the building of two hospitals, five schools and one big library, too. During that time I once saw an American four-star general who was in charge of all the international troops in Iraq. In the summer time, I never saw the thermometer’s mercury below the 50°C during days. At night temperatures went down really fast and the wind was really harsh! I could see many desert foxes, cobras and scorpions.

I think that this was a hard period of time for me… but it gave me more strength to carry on with my life, and those memories always give me the energy to make me think that I can do whatever I decide or try to do. Now I can picture a wider range of the world and think about things more thoroughly. So I would recommend that people keep dreaming, and try to make their own destinies. Because we are strong in ourselves and we’re still not aware of ourselves, and what makes us human.

So please try hard and keep dreaming of a better future.

On Sunday, May 31, at Pungam Park come out and meet the GIC's burgeoning international artists collective. We will be showing work/ performing/ making art on site, and providing art activities for kids and adults at “Gwangju's Together Day" outdoor fair.

Enjoy international art, food and music and let us introduce you to upcoming activities and events to be offered by the collective including art tours, lectures and workshops.

As of June 1st, The GIC will have a gallery space available and is accepting exhibition proposals on an ongoing basis starting immediately.

We invite all artists interested in displaying work at the above event or at the GIC gallery to contact us ASAP. Interested in joining the collective?

Come to our next meeting: Saturday May 2nd ,12:30 at GIC. gic-artists-collective@googlegroups.com

Photos & Story by Song Eun-Kwang Chonnam University student

Gwangju News May 2009

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Cartoons by: Kimberly Kae Bingham

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Gwangju News May 2009

Current Issue

Euthanasia, Yes or No Have you heard about ‘euthanasia’? Not only the word is hard to pronounce but it also causes a lot of social and ethnical problems. Many countries are discussing whether they should permit it or not. Today, let's talk and think about euthanasia seriously together.

We can do mercy killing, - When a man breathes with a respirator and can't live a life like normal people - When a man has a serious disease so has no hope of recovering.

In my opinion, I think it is okay to euthanatize in special cases.

Some people with terminally-ill diseases live with a respirator day by day and live in pain. It is like torture to make them live in a world where there is pain.

Euthanasia helps them die in comfort. Furthermore, everyone has a right to choose their fate by themselves and also has a right to choose their death.

Some people say that doing mercy-killing harms the dignity of humans. The dignity of humans is given because we, humans can be rational and make a judgment by themselves. However, if a man just lives without judging rationally or feeling emotions as a man, I think the dignity is not worth being given to him.

Furthermore, I think that a man's life has a real value

when he does not feel pain and live a happy life doing what they want to. But many of the people who need euthanasia always stays in bed, suffering from pain everyday, and can’t do what they like to do. They are living in a reality which is more painful than death. We can relieve their pains with mercy-killing.

Also, nursing the patient gives mental stress and economic burden to the family members. Though the remedy for him is not available, it costs a lot of money and effort to the family members to nurse a patient.

Some people say that doctors who do euthanasia are killers. However, the title of ‘killer’ can be called, when the killed do not want die. In this case, the patient and the family agree with it, so it is not a killing act but a mean to give relieve to the patients.

If we allow euthanasia in law, some people may abuse it. For example, there might be murder cases copying euthanasia. Though the patient wants to live, the family members kill the patient because of the economic and mental burden. So it is necessary to set a strict law for it.

-Set a strict procedure in order to administer it.

- Needs at least 5 doctors’ agreement for it.

- The patient required it several times and surely wants it - When one suffers from continuous and incurable pain - Only government can have the drugs and facility for it A few years ago, in Korea, one father removed the respirator from his son. His son had a terrible muscle disease and was also sentenced as 'brain dead'. As his son had suffered from pain for over 20 years, he wanted to his son to die in comfort. What do you think of it? Is it a father's love toward his son or a killing act that harms the right to live?

Written By Lim Yeon Jin www.dailymail.co.uk

Gwangju News May 2009

23

Art Review

Lee , Kang Ha O

n March 27, Branch Director and Curator Jang Kyung-Hwa closed the retrospective Lee, Kang Ha exhibition that, though it took up all six rooms of the Gwangju Museum of Art Sangrok Exhibition Hall, could not fully cover the career of Jeollanamdo’s most gifted artist to date. This area, packed with dozens of talented painters rightfully described as world class, lost its champion at the tender age of 56 last March.

wonder why the woman is nude, what she is trying to forget, what she has a l r e a d y forgotten, and what she can never forget.

One also wonders what she looks like from the other side.

“When he was young he saw how hard it was to be an artist, but went ahead anyway.

Lee learned early on that no matter what family you are from, you have to go beyond them to succeed. His father had a case of permanent ‘han,’” Jang said.

His modest family upbringing in Yong-Am was full of five siblings and a father who painted Buddhist Temples: a very detailed craft that provided a very meager paycheck. “You can’t do the job of painting temples without knowing the Buddhist philosophy of hard work,” Jang said in his short but powerful speech.

“Lee learned Shamanist and Buddhist philosophies, as he lived near ancient Shamanist sites.”

As a student at Chosun University, Lee participated in the May uprising and it landed him in jail where he “groaned in seclusion for a month” on the charge of being a 518 militiaman, his exhibition catalogue points out. “Ah Gwangju,” his 1990 sketch/painting for a large work never completed, show the tumultuous time, making us wonder how striking the planned museumsize piece would have been.

“Forgetfulness,” 1984, 130 x 182cm captures three of Lee’s most consistent themes: the female figure, Buddhist philosophy, and heartfelt human longings, rendered in impeccable detail. He recreates the splendor of a well-painted temple, shows off unlimited talent in the folds of the colorful ground cloth, and takes us on a trip inside our own id by making us

Every year Lee was devoted to a large museum-only work in his Moodeung Mountain series. Perhaps in homage to his father’s recurring misery, these works scream “it’s great to be alive,” even if the “silk roads lead to heaven.” It would take volumes to describe the painstaking care that the details in the silk alone took to complete in “Moodeung Mountain, Tae Pyoung So

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Gwangju News May 2009

“Youngsan River Mother II,” 1995 shows the hardworking, naturally reverent simplicity that pervades Korea’s farm country. This time the subject is walking toward a clean crisp life, leaving the past to fade, as it must, if one is to endure the heavy labor farming demands. If you want to get a quick lesson in perspective, this painting is a good start.

in Early Dawn,”1992. The fearless woman stands ready to face life’s path, while the philosophy of inescapable destiny, thus fading silk, leading to the afterlife, winds its way to the natural wonder atop Moodeung that has defined and protected Gwangju through the centuries.

Lee picked “Impression of Toledo,” (2002) for a postcard of a recent exhibit. It’s a large painting that draws on the nudes of the past to accentuate an accurate cityscape. Many of his newer works are less philosophical, while capturing contemporary life as it is. Still he could never resist painting the quietly emotional moments, whether veiled Muslims women in Istanbul, people waiting for a boat in Egypt, a Volkswagen Beetle on the streets of Mexico,

Among hundreds of drawings and mounds of glorious, scenic paintings, two other themes stand out: Lee’s depiction of hard working country women, and his recent forays into Europe, the Middle East and Latin America. Lee, Kang-Ha was prolific. His painting and family flourished thanks to the wholehearted and tender support of his wife, Lee, Jeong-Deok. His children, daughter Sun and son Jo-heum are pursuing art too. How could they resist?

sunbathers next to a crashing wave, or perfectly attired dancers in Spain.

Once, thanks to my best friend, I got to shake Lee’s hand at the base of Mount Moodeung. I have never felt closer to God. On Saturday, April 4th Honnam University hosted a welcoming field day for foreign students attending over a dozen area universities. Each school had its own colored T-Shirts, and students were welcomed to the area by a police band, the school’s presidents or other high ranking officials, and Lee Hwa Seong, of Honnam University. A regular field day ensued with ae Kwon Do demonstrations by Chonnam Universities multicultural squad, games, and, of course, raffle drawings for prizes like MP3 players. Excellent weather, native costumes, and a large amount of smiles made the day memorable for everyrone.

Photos & Story by Doug Stuber www.stuberpark.com

Gwangju News May 2009

25

Religion

Lumbini: Buddha s Birthplace H

eading into Lumbini, Nepal’s mountainous landscape gives way to a large and fertile plain.

Crows sit effortlessly on grazing water buffalos’ backs. Haystacks in the distance mark a way of life that seems to have remained the same through the ages.

together we inspect the outcome. She beams positively.

“I come every day with my grandfather, a monk.”

“You’re lucky,” I insist. “It’s so peaceful here.”

For centuries, the place where Buddha was born and ancient temples and monasteries stood was a significant pilgrimage site. Chinese writers visited the site as late as the 7th century, when Hiuen Tsang recorded his journey. In the 14th century, Lumbini became little more than forgotten ruins, but since 1896, the site has been salvaged. Today, archaeologists agree that this is indeed the spot where Buddha was born. Amazingly, the remains of ancient stupas and monasteries have been identified, especially a remnant of the column erected in 249 BCE by Indian emperor Ashoka (who erected dozens of similar pillars extolling the necessity of non-violence and even sent missionaries to Palestine and Macedonia to propagate Lord Buddha’s teachings).

Peaceful it is. The Maya Devi temple (named after Buddha’s mother) stands in the background of my photo of Babita. Inside the temple, monks

As I approach the great tree near the birthplace of Buddha, nine-year old Babita Panbey approaches me.

“Take my photo,” she insists. Happily I oblige, and

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Gwangju News May 2009

circumambulate the ramp around the ruins and the stone marker (covered with bullet proof glass) on the exact spot where baby Buddha entered this world in 563 BCE.

in Nepal—including the dominant Maoist party and the more conservative Congress Party. They are on their way to the western part of the country to train youth activists. We all smile as they tell me the main challenge they face today is to learn to work together.

“This is a perfect place to make a new beginning,” I suggest.

Wishing them luck, I continue to move from temple to temple. Each country mirrors its own architecture and iconography, making the avenue site of many manifestations of Buddhism’s diverse appearance. The Chinese temple has its smiling fat Buddha, while the Thai temple’s baby Buddha reflects the innocence of Thai culture. The monumental Korean temple remains unfinished—perhaps a monument to Korea’ own incomplete project of rebuilding its own national identity. I feel a tragedy at work in the competition of nation-states seeking to outdo each other in their construction’s grandeur.

To view the vast complex surrounding the ancient site, I rent a bicycle and ride dirt paths along 15 modern temples built to honor Buddha. The central avenue is at least one kilometer in length—far too long to walk happily in the sweltering heat. I am practically alone.

At the all-white Thai temple, adorned with a photo of the king next to the altar, I am approached by a group of young Nepalis. “What do you think of Lumbini?” they ask.

Two different thoughts enter my mind and I give them voice. “Peaceful place, but at the same moment, I wonder if Buddha would have approved so many massive temples when there is so much poverty nearby.” “Right!” exclaims a young woman. “Buddha told people not to worship him.” As we talk, I discover they are youth activists from the major political parties

Thirsty and tired from the sweltering heat, I retreat to get some water. I encounter a pump donated by a small group of Vietnamese pilgrims whose names are on the plaque next to it. A young boy quenches his thirst with the cool water he happily brings to the surface. More than the giant temples, the simple pump is as great a gift to the pilgrims here as one could hope to find.

George Katsiaficas lives in Gwangju. He was in Lumbini on April 20, 2009.

Photos & Story by George Katsiaficas Gwangju News May 2009

27

Events

Honam Welcomes International Students O

n Saturday, April 4th Honam University hosted a welcoming field day for foreign students attending over a dozen area universities. Each school had its own colored T-Shirts, and students were welcomed to the area by a police band, the school’s presidents or other high ranking officials, and Lee Hwa Seong, of Honnam University. A regular field day ensued with Tae Kwon Do demonstrations by Chonnam Universities multicultural squad, games, and, of course, raffle drawings for prizes like MP3 players. Excellent weather, native costumes, and a large amount of smiles made the day memorable for everyrone.

Staff photos and story

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Gwangju News May 2009

Feathers!

I found a little feather.

I wonder where it’s been!

Here and there and all around?

I wonder what it’s seen!

I find a lot of feathers And wonder where they’ve been If they could speak, what would they say Of things they’ve done and seen?

Perhaps it’s flown around the world Across the wild wet seas, Perhaps it’s flit not far at all And stayed within the trees?!

Some make me laugh Some make me cry Some make me dance and sing…

Some make me whirl around and round And tickle everything!

Look here! Another feather!

I wonder where this one’s been?!

Here and there from ship to shore?

I wonder what it’s seen!

There’s many more fly through the air Of colours, shapes, and size Each one yuneek…. None quite the same Of every kind and guize.

Perhaps it’s been in pirate hands!

He used it as a pen To boast of all he’d seen and done To family and friends!

So take a chance, collect and see How very different they can be!

Hey, LOOK! Another feather!

Where has this one been?

I found it by the pond near home, Of colours brown and green!

THIS feather found was in my bed Above my wooley rug Inside my quilt, my pillow too It keeps me snug, warm bug!

Hey WOW! ANOTHER feather!

I found it on cracked ground, On what did have and will have soon A flowing, soothing sound!

Tickle here and tickle there, There’s kids all laughing everywhere!

These feathers now have been the help, For giggles come and play (!!)

To tickle, wiggle, nibble, talk, Let’s shout! Hi-bip Hooray!

Tickle here and tickle there, Kids sure ARE laughing everywhere!!

Soooooo….

This feather at my feet I wonder where THIS ONE’s been…?!

It’s been here and it’s been there Ohhhh, it’s been flying everywhere…!

Pick it up and take a guess At what it MIGHT have seen!

“Where, little feather Have YOU been?”

ANOTHER little feather!

Look here - It’s in a hat!!

It makes the hat look pretty What do you think of that?

Rebekah Morrison, 2009.

Her cheeks are pink and rosy Her nose is bright red too But what I notice most of all…

Is the spickled, speckled feather In her flower-fun-filled hat!!!

Look here! A LITTLE feather!

Where has this one been?!

Sometime it was all licked and spat…

(Our dog had found it on my mat).

It seemed a mess, but then was fine For painting super-flouncy lines!!!

Right now I have one in my hair, Placed there with VERY special care!

It makes me feel SO beautiful When people stop and stare!

THIS feather was a mile from home, I found it on a walk, It flew and hit me on the nose It made me think… and talk!!

staff photo Gwangju News May 2009

29

Current Issue

May18 Ramifications: Lee Kun Re and Shin Gyoeng Jin I

nterviewers Lee, Kee Eun and No, In Woo set out to discover what members of the association of the Wounded in the 5-18 Democratization Movement felt were the important issues that people in the younger generations should take forward, now that democracy has given Koreans more freedom to create their own type of society. In all cases the interviewers are represented by “GN” for Gwangju News, and the respondents will be represented by their initials. First up was Lee, Kun Re, the woman who lost her son during the uprising, and was the “first woman protestor in the world to shave her hair” to show her emotions about what had happened.

GN: What is your name?

LKR: My name is Lee, Kun Re, my son’s name is Kwan Ho Young.

GN: What Happened 29 years ago?

LKR: I lost my son during the Gwangju Uprising. The soldiers took my high school son. He was missing, I could never find even his body. I kept trying to find him, and it took 25 years to find him. I found his body four years ago thanks to a blood test.

GN: What did you do after the Gwangju Uprising?

LKR: The government recognized my son°Øs death even though his body was not found, and they gave me a small financial apology. But when Kim Young Sam was President, he said Jun Do Huan and No Tae Woo were not guilty of the Gwangju Uprising massacre. I was so angry I protested about this for 170 days in front of Mung Dong Catholic Church. Many organizations helped us. This is when I shaved my head.

GN: What was the result of your protest?

LKR: Finally they went to jail.

GN: What do you think about the new part of Provincial Hall being knocked down?

LKR: We gave our heart and soul here. This hall is Gwangju’s face and the site visitors should come to first.

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Gwangju News May 2009

GN: How do you think the younger generation should use the freedom democracy has brought them?

LKR: How they use it is not important. What I want is that they act in a honorable way.

On April 9, 45 Chonnam University professors held a press conference in support of the protest to save the entire Provincial Hall as an historical landmark. The protestors have been at the site since June 2008, with some never once leaving the site. A recent court decision did not go in favor of the protestors, who represented themselves, as they could not find a lawyer to take the case here, or in Seoul. The decision requires payment of 500,000 Won per group per day if protestors had stayed after April 17, 2009. (This adds up to 1,000,000 per day, as there are two groups participating). This decision is clever because if the protestors were thrown in jail, it would make a large amount of publicity. At the time of printing, the groups had not backed away, even when an official government group tried to sticker the door saying the property was theirs. The groups refused to adhere to the postings, took them down, but have not faced a collection attempt on the fine for staying there. ON April 30th that would be a 1.3 million Won fine, but no one knows about whether the courts will collect the fine, or if April 17th is the official start date of the fine.

Association President, Shin, Kyung Jin added thoughts about democracy going forward: GN: How is the younger generation making use of their freedom that was won?

SKJ: Every generation has their big event, and we don’t want to pass this on. This event has to end in our generation, and we hope this fight will be the final fight.

GN: Is another leader like Kim Dae Jeong likely to come along these days?

SKJ: President Kim Dae Jeong was a good President, but we put too many expectations on him. So we ended up disappointed. We don’t expect as much anymore, and he was just one of the Presidents. We don’t expect another President like him.

GN: How do you feel about losing your case about saving this building in the court trial?

SKJ: I think the court should not judge this historical event. The fine of two million Won per day will not make us surrender. We will not yield to government power. We will protect this place with all our life.

GN: Explain what you mean by ‘this place.’

SKJ: In May, 1980, 24 people died here and more than 110 were arrested. To Lee Kun Re, this is where her son died. To us, this is where our friends died.

Even today we find empty bullet cartridges near this building. Our memories of the final fight remain vivid.

GN: Is it possible that the success of 5-18, and the final achievement of democracy in 1987 influenced the Chinese students to attempt their demonstrating for democracy in Tiananmen Square?

SKJ: It is possible. Because of our experience, the 518 Foundation is trying to help other countries who fight for democracy, like the Philippines, Mongolia, and so on. I hope that someday people from all these countries fighting for democracy come to Gwangju so we can talk and sing folk songs together.

GN: Many students fell from buildings between 1980 and 1987, what do you think of their bravery?

SKJ: I think that their suicides were a way to continue the Gwangju Uprising. I am very thankful for their bravery. I hope that this history is the last time people have to die for democracy.

GN: Do you think former President Jimmy Carter should come here to make an apology or make a speech about democracy?

SKJ: Time has gone by. Even the Korean leaders did not apologize, so how can we hope that Jimmy Carter would do that? We hope that he would come here as a democracy ambassador and speak about democracy or peace, but not specifically the Gwangju Uprising.

GN: Do you know the date this part of Provincial Hall will be knocked down?

SKJ: No not exactly.

GN: What did you ask the government for in your petition?

SKJ: We wanted three conditions: 1) the government should withdraw its court decision 2) we need a public hearing with civil organizations and 3) we need a discussion about the need to knock down this building with architects and history professors in attendance.

GN: What is the most important thing gained from the Gwangju Uprising, other than democracy?

SKJ: The younger generations now have the right to protest government’s wrong decisions. The youth can express their opinions on the internet, or with candlelight vigils and demonstrations.

By Lee Kee Eun and No In Woo Staff photos

FREEDOM Language and Culture: What does it mean to be free?

I

truly wonder what it feels like to spend a lifetime in prison.

Of course, I dare not compare that to my situation right now. But I hate waiting and that is a prison, a prison in my mind. There are days that I want to leave Korea and return to the U.S., where things make sense to me.

Freedom does not just mean financial wealth or being able to go anywhere you please (although I wonder if that’s true for me) or even to practice your own faith.

This was the thought that came across my mind as I was waiting for my bus ride home. I travel to Asan Elementary School on Tuesdays which is an hour bus ride from home.

The mountains make a majestic backdrop to the school, but it is a remote place by bus. They must feel that there is less need for it there. I was told that the public transportation system in Asan has been cut down since more people are moving into the cities.

So what does it mean to be free? Freedom to me means being able to do what I want when I want however I want and whichever way I please, while being responsible for its consequences.

Waiting--and boredom--can be a great prison in one’s mind. There is a cure though, and for me it was this: While I waited at the local bank for the next bus home, I started jotting down these thoughts. What do you know, a moment later a co-worker from the finance department came by and struck up a conversation with me. I asked him when the next bus to Hwasun leaves, and he in turn called a co-worker and got me a ride home, which was a pleasant surprise knowing that I am not able to get a ride home from other teachers. They all live in Gwangju and I am not on their way.

I believe there are two great solutions to imprisonment of the mind. One: Make creative use of it in your own way.

Two: Express yourself, and help will come.

Freedom is something Americans are known to strive for.

However, there is a saying: Freedom is not free. What does that mean? Freedom is something you must strive for, and it’s not always something that is granted to you.

I feel very blessed to be in the circumstances that I am in right now compared to many others in this world. It is my wish that others feel the same kind of freedom in their lives.

By Stella H. Oh

Gwangju News May 2009

31

Poetry Review

The poetry of Mourid Barghouti GIC Talk, March 28th 2009 - 04 - 23 Mahmoud Abdul Ghaffar reads the poetry of Palestinian Poet Mourid Barghouti

P

alestinian poet Mourid Barghouti was born on the 8th of July 1944 in Deir Ghassana near Ramallah, Palestine; He has published 12 books of poetry, the last of which is Muntasaf al-Lail (Midnight), Beirut, 2005. His Collected Works came out in Beirut in 1997. He was awarded the Palestine Award for Poetry (2000). His poems are published in Arabic and international literary magazines. English translations of his poetry were published in Al Ahram Weekly, Banipal, Times Literary Supplement, Pen, and Modern Poetry in Translation. His autobiographical narrative Ra°Øytu Ramallah (I Saw Ramallah), 1997, published in several editions in Arabic, won the Naguib Mahfouz Award for Literature (1997) and was translated into several languages; the English translation was published by the American University in Cairo Press as well as by Random House, New York and Bloomsbury, London, Barghouti participated in numerous conferences and poetry readings and festivals in almost all Arab countries and in several European cities.

In the pages of Sulfur magazine, back in the 1970s, the American L.A.N.G.U.A.G.E poet Charles Bernstein wrote about what he called Official Verse Culture, which essentially pointed towards a homogenizing of poetic concerns among poets leading to the stifling of genuinely imaginative and fresh voices in poetry, particularly voices whose concerns lay outside a conservative view of the world, politically.

Now, with the development of Creative Writing courses in the U.K, and MFA courses in the U.S the western world sees a final commodifying of poetic sentiment and thought. Personally, these courses represent the last gasp of capitalism’s attempts to turn all things, both physical and psychic, into commodity, and this is largely a problem of these societies developing their own ‘experts’, ‘poets’, ‘writers’, (some of whom may be genuinely talented but too eager to gain a salary over telling the truth) to head these programs. To a certain extent, this is a generalization, there are genuinely progressive programs available in these countries but they are few and far between. In fact the entire concept of a genuine poet needing paid instruction (and not friendly advice, institutionalised book recommendations and not stumbled upon books from stumbled upon bookshops seems wildly suspect to me.

32

Gwangju News May 2009

In short though, we live in an irrevocably changed world and have done, I believe, since the attacks on the World Trade Centre of ‘01 (which were very probably engineered by the Bush Administration) and the attacks on the London underground in ‘05 (also possibly engineered by government). Each incident, particularly the latter in the U.K, constituted a “goingto-sleep” process in the way those countries medias represented reality (and perhaps in other countries too), with less truth and a higher quotient of Notspeak (my own term for the fluffy, gossipy unengaged way in which the entertainment world has crossed over into the realms of a once-purer journalism). With journalism layed bare as questionable, the next question would be how does poetry respond to this gap in believable reporting? Well, my response would be that, on the whole, it doesn’t. A couple of years ago I took a large number of subscriptions out to different literary magazines in the U.K and was , for the most part, disappointed with what I read. The level of engagement with the world was disappointingly low, and was often lost to combinations of “visit” poems (poet visits somewhere and his/her interest is picqued by something), private nightmare/fantasy poems (all with closed hermetic atmospheres and unengaging images and voices) preserving of attitudes/thoughts between people that the writer would prefer the reader to be excluded from.

There were exceptions of course. Publications like The Wolf, The Liberal, Citizen 32, Banipal, www.nthposition.com and certain issues of the London Review of Books still featured writing that to differing degrees, seemed to be confronting a world which I could recognize as the one I inhabited from day to day, world that was outward looking and open-minded in its preservations of poetry while Britain has never been liberal enough to question itself in the terms Bernstein used to characterize U.S. poetry in the 70s you could definitely say Official Verse Culture is very much present in the way that the majority of poets approach their ‘art’ at the beginning of the 21st Century in Britain...¶ and it’s this lapse in being vigilant to the present (and by the present, I mean, as ever, the political present) is part of a wider intellectual lethargy when it comes to the problem of corporate world powers’ take-over of the citizen’s freedom of speech and any provisions for basic human rights, both outside and in the Western world, and also via the evil

that is committed to other countries in the name of the citizens of the west. An audience for world poetry, and reflection on poetry in translation is really the saving grace for all poetry readers.

It’s in this context that, a ten years ago, I came across an English language translation of a selection of poems by the Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish called “Unfortunately It Was Paradise” and it was this book that opened up a totally different world of poetry to me (Darwish’s poem ‘Mural’ I think is one of the best lyric poems I’ve ever read anywhere). Darwish’s death on August 9th last year? (on my birthday, no less) left a gaping chasm in my own personal feelings about world poetry.

So it was, in this context, a great relief to hear about Mahmoud Abdul Ghaffar’s reading of (and translations of) the Palestinian Poet Mourid Barghouti.

First of all Mahmoud introduced himself, stating that he wanted to concentrate solely on the poems, and not to dwell too much on information, gotten in media, etc.

After this he showed us a computer presentation focusing on the background of the Palestinian struggle and the history behind the Nakba (the sixty year holocaust that the people of Palestine have been subject to). Much of this was very useful to me, particularly the centuries old history of the people of Palestine since if helped to put the struggle of the recent poet into a much wider context (I’m now full of curiosity about history and poetry from this region in older times). The film also showed the level of encroachment of the settlers in Palestine after World War II and what surprises is the speed of the settlers domination of much of the area of Palestine over such a short time.

A poet sits in a coffee shop, writing: the old lady thinks he is writing a letter to his mother, The young woman thinks he is writing a letter to his girlfriend, The child thinks he is drawing, The businessman thinks he is considering a deal, the tourist thinks he is writing a postcard, the employee thinks he is calculating his debts, the secret policeman walks slowly, towards him This strikes me as a very distanced and intelligent way of showing how the policeman or the representation of authority resolutely doesn’t think...¶ but this is done in an implied way, and is the implication of these poems, their understatedness that many in the audience found particularly satisfying. What was striking about the poems is the way Barghouti plays with perspectives in order to create an entirely new view of a particular series of situations, most interestingly through the use of giving voice to inanimate objects, as in: Third World The magnet said to the iron filings: You are totally free to go in whatever direction you want!

In the next poem he talks about the nature of yearning, of wanting...¶ in the face of time, which does not retain the fixity of moment and place.

Eagerness

The film also showed how the life of Palestinians has been radically altered over this time, due to the domination of Israeli forces (with British and U.S. backing) in Palestine. He also pointed that the average Palestinian, doing this lifetime, will wait at checkpoints an average of about eight years. This was an absolutely astounding fact that really gets to the heart of the everyday experience of Palestinians.

Although, as Ghaffar mentioned earlier, the political context is important but the emphasis on the poems was a useful one.

So the poems were presented in English with some short explanations by Ghaffar, providing comments on why exactly he saw them as affecting poems.

The threshold said: I wish I could enter the hall.

The hall said: I wish I could go out to the balcony.

The balcony said: I wish I could fly.

Lots of questions were asked after the reading, and I think all found the work memorable and educational.

Mahmoud Abdul Ghaffar was professor at Cairo University and currently works in the Arabic Department of Chosun University. Poet Mourid Barghouti has two books available in English translation, Midnight and Other Poems from Arc Publications and I Saw Ramallah from Bloomsbury in the U.K and Anchor in the U.S.

Interpretations www.openseasonpress.com

By Andrew O'Donnell www.myspace.com/ajodonnell

Gwangju News May 2009

33

Events

May Events made from Boseong’s tea will also be available, and visitors can purchase tea at the tea market.

- Period: May 8~11 - Venue: Green tea fields in Boseong - What: Festival-goers can also learn more about the wide variety of teas; pick tea leaves from a tea field; learn the etiquette for preparing, serving, and drinking tea; taste foods made from tea; and enjoy a tea facial mask to make their skin look healthier and smoother.

- For more Info.

- Phone: 061-850-5223~4 http://dahyang.boseong.go.kr (in Korean)

“Damyang Bamboo Festival” Set in 2.4 kilometers of bamboo trees, this festival is full of activities with a bamboo theme. These include river sports activities, such as ‘Riding Log Rafts’ and ‘Water Bicycling’. Visitors can also try some of Damyang’s famous cuisines and other world foods at the cultural experience center.

Furthermore, there are many other popular tourist destinations in this area, such as the Damyang Soswewon, Damyang Gwan bangjerim, Damyang Jungnokwon, Metasequoia, and more - Period: May 02~ 07 - Venue: Damyang-gun, Around Bamboo Garden, Jeollanam-do (Jungnokwon, Gwan bangjerim) -What: making bamboo charcoal and bamboo crafts, bamboo percussion instrument performance, a traditional folk play performance, bamboo swing rides, and a bamboo flute contest. Some of the programs cost a small fee, while others are free of charge.

- For more Info.

Phone: (061)380-3151~4 http://www.bamboofestival.co.kr/ (in Korean) “Boseong Green Tea Festival” Boseong province is the largest tea producing region in Korea and produces a wide variety of specialty teas.

Each spring visitors come from far and wide to stroll through the rolling fields of green tea. The festival’s program includes a tea exhibition and visitors can take part in gathering the tealeaves and making teas. Food 34

Gwangju News May 2009

“Yeoju Ceramics Expo” The Yeoju Ceramics Expo was launched in May 1990 by the Yeoju Ceramic Co-operative, which was established in 1985. The Yeoju Ceramics Expo is held every year to promote the excellence of its ceramics both nationwide and abroad. As the first and best ceramics festival in Korea, the expo exhibits unique, high quality ceramic artworks and products. Yeoju laid the foundations for becoming a major ceramic city by hosting the World Ceramics Expo in 2001, and since hosting the World Ceramics Biennale in 2003 and 2005 it is now internationally recognized as a world center for ceramics.

- Period: Apr.25-May 24 - Venue: Gyeonggi-do Yeoju-gun Yeoju-eup Cheonsongri 301-1 Admission fee: (19yrs~) 5,000won/ Youth (13~18yrs) 4,000won - What: you can see works of art by ceramics masters and buy a variety of ceramic products, such as tea sets, at discounted prices.

- For more Info.

Phone: 031-645-0531 http://www.ceramicexpo.org (Korean)

Race, Hike, Enjoy...

Wolchulsan Mountain May 9 for Charity The Inaugural Wochulsan “King of the Mountain,” race and walk starts at 10am May 9, and is a charity event.

Registration begins at 9am, and early arrival is suggested. There is an entrance fee of 5000 Won and all profits go to the Gukdong Orphanage House in Yeosu. Runners/walkers/hikers are asked to find sponsors to help raise money for the orphanage.

Sponsorship forms and other details can be found at: http://kingofthemountain.110mb.com/ Race founder Stuard Aird was excited that contestants and hikers from as far away as Seoul, Daegu and Busan will participate in the event. “I’m worried that we won’t have enough volunteers to register the runners in time, considering the large number of people already expressing interest,” Aird said. Participation can be as a volunteer registrar, family of hikers, in-shape enthusiastic runner trying to win the first “King of the Mountain” title, or, of course as a sponsor who backs another participant. Mokpo and Gwangju figure to be the main drawing areas, as the mountain is about an hour from Gwangju (out past Naju) and 45 minutes from Mokpo. Aird also reminds participants to bring their own water and sun protection.

Compiled by Jung Ji Eun

Let ter to the Editor

D

ear Doug

This is no snipe to your request for proofreaders, but I have been wondering about the organization of the Gwangju News, since the changeover to the newest editor(s).

I have wanted to write a letter to the editor to query the quality and relevance of recently published articles in the Gwangju News, but, honestly, I am reluctant to comment on others' efforts and hard work. However I feel that this is an appropriate concern, and I hope you will hear it as such. In particular I mention: The articles published since January have really suffered from bad editing. Is there no copy-editor these days? The 'editor' has been producing a vast amount of the content of the magazine. The choice of articles is poor. Does no-one edit the editor?

I, along with a few other colleagues, have noticed copies of the magazine are not being read by people in town. Some common pick-up points (one example being Speakeasy) still have a stack of untouched magazines. Maybe you are producing abundantly more copies - which I doubt - or maybe readers are unimpressed with the choice of article for the magazine.

I write to you out of all concern with no spite. I would welcome any response. I hope you receive this email in the manner in which it is written: in good faith. faithfully, Michael Dunne.

Dear Michael Jon Ozelton, the excellent copy editor in the past, has taken a leave after years of volunteering for the Gwangju News. The Publisher edits the editors. To which articles do you refer as lacking ‘quality and relevance,’ and could you please write corrective articles, which we will happily publish? Thank you.

Sincerely,

Doug Stuber

Gwangju News May 2009

35

GIC was established by the Gwangju City Government and Gwangju Citizens Solidarity in 1999 as a model of government and NGO collaboration. Gwangju City provides financial assistance to help GIC to carry out its missions of - providing foreigners with information and services - promoting international exchange programs in the fields of culture and economy - fostering international awareness among Korean youth

GIC has administered a number of programs in Gwangju and Jeollanam-do.

Its activites of note include the following: - A Monthly Magazine Gwangju News - GIC Talk on Saturdays - Korean Language Classes - Gwangju International Community Day - GIC Library

- GIC Concert - Additional Activities: Translation Service Counseling and conflict resolution services Information Service through phone and e-mail

Membership Fees

International Residents: 10,000 won/6 months Students: 10,000 won/year Korean Adults: 5,000 won/month Please remit membership fee to: Gwangju Bank 134-107-000999 / Kookmin Bank 551-01-1475-439 / Nonghyup 605-01-355643 Account name: 광주국제교류센터 *Your contribution to the Nonghyup account is used to provide assistance to the Third World countries.

The Benefits for the Center Members The Center members are privileged to - receive the Gwangju News and the GIC newsletter every month - participate in all events sponsored by the GIC - have opportunity to develop international friendship

5th Floor, Jeon-il Bldg, Geumnam-no 1-ga, Dong-gu, Gwangju 501-758, Korea Phone: 062-226-2733~4 Fax: 062-226-2732 Website: www.gic.or.kr E-mail:gwangjuic@gmail.com Directions: The GIC office is located in the same building as the Korea Exchange Bank (KEB) in downtown Gwangju. The entrance is immediately north of the KEB on Geumnam-no street, across from the YMCA. Subway stop: Culture Complex 문화전당역 Bus No.: 7, 9, 36, 45, 51, 52, 53, 56, 57, 58, 59, 61, 74, 80, 95, 150, 151, 518, 1000, 1187

Community Bord

Gwangju News Needs You Due to the rapid expansion of our community, we need more volunteers to help with the running of the magazine.

Help the community and gain new skills.

You can help in a variety of roles: - proofreading - editing - photography - writing - layout - administration - website or any other way YOU can think of.

Contact: gwangjunews@gmail.com Jr. GIC Cultural Club Volunteer Wanted Calling all good hearted people who love working with super bright children.

If you have one hour to share, two Saturdays a month, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. we need you.

We will need someone to help coordinate the Jr. GIC Cultural Club If you are interested, please contact Jung Ji-eun at the GIC 062-226-1050 or send an e-mail to gwangjuic@gmail.com.

Sung Bin Orphanage Sung Bin Orphanage is looking for longterm volunteers. We would like you to give at least two Saturdays per month.

As well as being a friend, you will be asked to teach basic English to girls aged 7 to 14.

For more information please contact Mike at: sungbinvolunteers@gmail.com.

Gwangju Men’s Soccer The Gwangju international soccer team plays regularly most weekends. If you are interested in playing, e-mail: gwangju_soccer@yahoo.com.

Kona Volunteers Kona Volunteers is a registered organization for helping underprivileged kids by teaching English using storybooks. We are looking for long-term native speakers who desire to enrich their lives by volunteering. We would like you to volunteer at least 2 Saturday mornings or Sunday

afternoons per month. We help orphanage children or children of lowincome or single-parent families. If you have any picture books or storybooks, please donate them when you leave Korea. For more information, please visit: http://cafe.daum.net/konavolunteers

get off at Wolgok market bus stop.

Mass: Every Sunday 3 p.m. at Wolgokdong Catholic Church

Gwangju Expat Parents Association Raising interracial or foreign children in Gwangju? Want to meet other expatriates who are doing the same thing?

The photo-exhibition, 'Democracy, Human rights and Peace in Asia -Spring of Asia' presents works of photographers from Asia, that are taken in the region related to the democracy, human rights and peace issues in their countries. The exhibition will share common historical experiences and also show diverse cultural values of Asia.

Ultimately, the exhibition is organized to expand the sphere of mutual understanding and commonalities across the Asian region.

A new web forum has been set up for expat parents in Gwangju, and we’re hoping that we can organize to discuss issues that are relevant to our somewhat unique situation in Gwangju.

The web forum is open to people of all nationalities, not just westerners.

Our main focus right now is on discussing alternative educational options for school-age children.

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Volunteer one day a month GIC needs volunteers to mail out Gwangju News. Gwangju News, published monthly, is sent to nearly 700 addresses. Join our Gwangju News mail-out volunteers at GIC. Volunteers are called 48 hours before the mail-out day (during the first week of each month). GIC needs 6-8 people who can help. GIC and Gwangju News are only as good as the volunteers who bring it to life! Contact GIC at 062-226-2733~4, or email us at: gwangjuic@gmail.com.

Photo Exhibition ‘ Democracy, Human Rights and Peace in Asia - Spring of Asia’

- Date: 2009.5.17(sun) ~ 5.31(sun) - Venue: M Gallery (inside Dae-in Market) - Countries: Cambodia, Philippines, Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia, Korea etc - Photographers: Num-Hun Sung, JongJin Lim, Risman Marah, Marlon V. Gotingco, Rahman Roslan, Vannaphone Sytthirath etc - Hosted by: APCEIU (Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding) - Supported by: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Office for Hub City of Asian Culture

Free Health Clinic for Foreigners Venue: Gwangju Joongang Presbyterian Church.

Time: Every Sunday from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Offers: Internal medicine, Oriental medicine and Dental service. You could take some medicine after treatment.

How to get to there: Buses - 19, 26, 39, 59, 61, 74 (around Hwajeong crossroads), Subway - Exit 2 Hwajeong Station.

Apostolate to Migrants Center 969-10 Wolgok-dong, Gwangsan-gu 062-954-8004 Buses: 18, 20, 29, 37, 40, 98, 196, 700, 720

- place: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, photographer: Rahman Roslan - Hands are raise by people who performs during the celebration of National Independence Day

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Gwangju News A Monthly International Magazine

How to Subscribe Send an e-mail to gwangjunews@gmail.com including the following information: 1. Sender name: 2. Receiver name: 3. Shipping address (including zip code): 4. E-mail address: 5. Telephone/mobile phone number: 6. The starting month:

Subscription Rates (monthly issues for 1 year):Domestic: 10,000 won Asia : 25,000 won Australia and Europe: 40,000 won The Americas and Africa: 50,000 won Payment can be sent to our bank account using the information below.

Please include the name that corresponds to the subscription name.

You are responsible for any bank charges incurred.

Kwangju Bank 134-107-000999 User name: Gwangju International Center (–⁄` –„`ƒ–‡•ø… ¯˝ ) For further information on magazine subscriptions, please contact Kim Singsing at gwangjunews@gmail.com or call (062) 226-2733~4.

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Gwangju News May 2009

Advertise in Gwangju News Target Your Customers!

Does your business cater to the foreign community?

Advertising in Gwangju News is the best way to reach your target market. 3,000 copies are printed and distributed every month. News about your services will spread like wildfire!

For advertising information contact Kim Min-su at (062) 226-2734 or e-mail: gwangjunews@gmail.com

Worship at Dongmyung English Service Sunday 11:30 am, Education Bld.

Pastor : Dan Hornbostel (010-5188-8940)

Bus: 15, 27, 28, 55, 74, 80, 1000, 1187 get off at Nongjang Dari or at Court Office Entrance

If you bring this magazine,

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The 2nd Gwangju Together Day Sunday, May 31st, 2009 Time: 11:00~18:00 Place: Pungam Park, near World Cup stadium Gwangju International Center is holding the 2nd Gwangju Together Day on Sunday May 31 at Pungam Park.

Koreans and foreigners will be able to participate in various programs such as an international food court, world children’s playground, talent show, art exhibit, flea market, and worldwide musical instrument playing. If you can cook any great recipes from your home country, we’ll provide a booth and offer you a great opportunity to share the many tastes of your national cuisine. If you have any special talents you are excited to share with people from different countries, please sign up through the GIC right away! Anybody who wants to make unforgettable memories together will be welcomed! Please come and enjoy some delicious exotic food, and learn by direct and participatory experience about different world cultures. We are looking forward to having a wonderful time together on the Gwangju Together Day. If you have any question, feel free to come to the GIC or use our website www. gic.or.kr