Who said that donations are only done by money? The Hat Knitting Campaign defines another type of donation in the global world.

 

           When people think about the world ‘volunteer’ or ‘donation’ we often think about the red charity boxes that we put money into. Or often people relate volunteer work to cleaning up after messes or other physical activities. However, Save the Children’s Hat Knitting Campaign is defining a new type of volunteer for the people across the world. Since 2007, Save the Children, an international organization helping the world’s child poverty, has been pursuing the ‘Hat Knitting Campaign’. This campaign is meant to help infants dying due to diseases that can easily be treated. What makes this campaign special is the fact that instead of just simply donating money; participants knit hats with their own hands to ship to infants in developing countries. Now beyond just money, there are efforts sent along with the donations.

           The ‘Hat Knitting Campaign’ is growing steadily with lots of attentions. Now this campaign is celebrating its 5th year and stands with a goal to ship 15 thousand knitted hats to Zimbabwe and Bangladesh. To hear about the enormous spread of contribution-culture set by this campaign, I interviewed Park Young Ee from the Save the Children Communication Team.


           The ‘Hat Knitting Campaign’ holds its significance for defining a new type of ‘volunteer’ and ‘donation’. Instead of just donation money, each time I knit I can think about the infants that will be wearing the hat in my hands after a couple months. The participants love, effort and care will be shipped across the Zimbabwe and Bangladesh. The positive energy this campaign is sending not only to the participants but also to the people across the world is making the world feel like a warmer place.


Photos are credited to Save the Children

 

Q. What is the starting background of the ‘Save the Children Hat Knitting Campaign’?

 

A. Annually Save the Children publishes ‘State of the World’s Mothers’. In this, there was a rank for ‘good countries to be a mother at’. According to this ranking, in the whole world, every year about 7 million infants under 5 have their breath taken away. Out of these infants 2 million babies die on their day of birth, and 4 million lose their precious lives within a month.

 

The deaths of these infants are due to easily cured diseases such as pneumonia, diarrhea and malaria. There are easy and quick ways to save the infants from losing their lives such as malaria prevention mosquito net, antibiotic, moisture supplement and etc. To provide easy ways for people to help these infants, we have started this campaign.

 

Save the Children has started the ‘Hat Knitting Campaign’ in South Korea 2007 and is continuing the 5th season this year with United States, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, Australia and Hong Kong.

 

Q. When most people think about ‘volunteer’, people think about doing chores for the neglected class of people or doing their works for them. However, the ‘Hat Knitting Campaign’ is a unique type of volunteer. You knit the hats at home and send them on a plane to be shipped across to countries such as Africa. What do you believe is the unique way of volunteering that this only this campaign offers?

 

A. The ‘Hat Knitting Campaign’ is not only a donation type of giving. Instead it holds great significance for settling a new type of contribution culture-giving by making by the hand. Also in the hat knitting kit cost, along with the cost for the kit, there is also a donation included to sponsor foreign nutrition business. When you buy the kit, you can donate and knit the hat and contribute it. Since in this campaign, you can contribute twice, the fact that the happiness will be twice is something that makes ‘Hat Knitting Campaign’ different with other volunteers.

 

Q. The campaign could’ve been called ‘Sock Knitting Campaign’ or ‘Scarf Knitting Campaign’. Out of so many products, why did Save the Children specifically choose ‘hats’? Was there a special situation related with hats?

 

A. Wool hats are known to keep the baby’s body heat and act as an incubator like a kangaroo care. Through this way, the percentage of the death of infants can be lowered to about 70 percent- the reason why Save the Children started the ‘Hat Knitting Campaign’. 

 

Q. This campaign started in 2007 and is already continuing its 5th season. What is the special key to maintain a campaign for continuous times?

 

A. Since the campaign started in 2007, as the years pass the number of participants in the campaign and the number of hats have been increasing steadily. Especially last year, in the season 4, with 61,488 participants and 141,574 hats have been gathered from all over the country, allowing it a byname of ‘national campaign’. The reason that this campaign can be continued is due to the participants. Even though the knitting process is hard, many participants are willing to challenge themselves to knit to contribute. The participants who have been calling for the kits even before the season started, participants participating in every season, participants knitting all winter long and sending a whole basket and etc. are the people who has made this campaign and raised this campaign.

 

Q. Is there an ultimate goal for the ‘Hat Knitting Campaign?

 

A. The ‘Hat Knitting Campaign’ progressed as the save the infants under 5, as a part of the EVERY ONE Campaign. (EVERY ONE Campaign is a campaign to save help children grow healthily until the age of 5. The reason why we help children until they are 5 is because if they are healthy until 5 years old they grow a level of immunity that allows them to age until their 70s.) This campaign is a global campaign that started in 2009 to protect children’s dying from diseases that can be easily cured, in about 50 countries across the world. Every year about 8.1 million infants are dying due to easily cured diseases. Save the Children is working in countries with high infant mortality rates such as Mali, Nigeria and etc. They are supplying medicines and medical supplies and training region medical treatment human resources to protect babies against unnecessary deaths.

 

The ultimate goal of EVERY ONE Campaign is the 4th and the 5th goal in the MDGs, reduce child mortality and improve maternal health. United Nation’s MDG(Millennium Development Goals) is an agenda adopted by the agreement of 191 participating countries in 2000. The MDG is 8 international promises to make poverty in half by the year of 2015.

 

* Goal 4(Reduce child mortality): By the year of 2015, according to the standard measured in 1990, reduce the child mortality in to 2/3rd.

*Goal 5(Improve maternal health): Between the years of 1990~2015 reduce the death of mothers with babies to 3/4th.


 

Do you wish to participate in Save the Children ‘Hat Knitting Campaign’?

1. Type ‘save the children’ at gsshop.com

2. Buy the ‘Hat Knitting Campaign’ Kit

3. Learn how to knit on http://moja.sc.or.kr/moja_season/moja_5/menu2/way_tab1_1.php

4. Knit!

5. Send it to ‘Save the Children’ by February 29th of 2012.




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“Books, thousand of eyes looking at the future”, Seoul International Book Fair 2011

 


The history of the Seoul International Book Fair 2011

Over 23 countries, 572 publishing companies and 774 booths, total of thirteen thousand people were all gathered to witness the 2011 Seoul International Book Fair which took place on June 15th through June 19th held in COEX A, B hall. The Seoul International Book Fair started in 1947, a book fair with only Korea books. However, starting from 1995, they categorized their title as an international book fair festival which portrayed immense signs of popular growth. Year by year, more countries started to participate, along with increasing numbers of steadfast programs, creating stimulating readers interests.

This year many readers were allowed to communicate with the writers (e.g., Cho Kyung Ran, Koo Byung Mo). Also the E-Square (Electronic Publishing Square) show casted electronical book devices. They also had world pop-up books on display and held an event, specifically where individuals can create their own. In hopes that next year’s fair will provide readers with much more experiences, an interview was conducted with one of the sponsors from the book fair festival, Kim Eun Hee from the Korean Publishers Association.  
 

                                       Kids enjoying the animation booth


1.    If you could describe the 2011 Seoul International Book Fair in a short phrase, how would you describe it and why?

-       This year slogan is “Books, thousand of eyes looking at the future”. In terms of this slogan, I want to tell you that the Seoul International Book Fair is a festival that connects not only Korean readers but also the international readers together. There are domestic halls, international halls along with children halls. Also there are many events held for many visitors of the fair to enjoy among the books.

-        

2.    How is the Seoul International Book Fair 2011 different from the 2010 fair?

-       “In terms of what has improved compared to last year, first of all the Seoul International Book Fair 2011 opened more space for the readers and writers to meet. Also to reflect the big issues and changes due to the electronic publishing, we expanded the contents for the E-Square (Electronic Publishing Square). Lastly, lots of special exhibits and open spaces for visitors to participate were provided.”

3.    What is the ultimate goal for the fair?

-    “The fair has a purpose of strengthening the traditional book contents. It is true that the popularities of books are decreasing due to diverse cultural contents. Therefore we are opening gates for publishing companies to connect with readers. Also it allows publishers to actively trade copyrights. In addition, we are pursuing many seminars to help current publishers develop.”

4. To what kind of people would you recommend this fair?   

-    “I would like to recommend this fair for not only readers but to everyone because there are events held that does not have age limits for the enjoyment of reading books. This year, the pop-up books were especially loved also I want to recommend to families with children. Especially, our B hall has a children hall, so there are many chances and events for the family to become one.”

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                     BANN restaurant is opening up a new sensation of Korean cuisines in New York

Lately with the spread of Hallryu, there are expanding new interests in Korean cultures around the world. Besides K-POP, Korean celebrities, and Korean dramas, there is a new kind of culture that is interesting people in the United States. A Korean restaurant in New York is interesting the taste of many foreigners-this restaurant is called Bann. BANN Restaurant, since opening in 2005, has become the premier Korean restaurant in New York City. It is the flagship of a group of bicoastal restaurants developed by Mrs. Young Sook Choi, highly regarded as the pioneer in revolutionizing modern Korean cuisine. Following the success of more contemporary restaurants in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and SoHo, Mrs. Choi began to focus more on broadening traditional flavors and artisan crafted foods, creating BANN's signature style of cuisine.

Executive Chef Eli Martinez brings 'Innovative Korean Cuisine' to BANN, showcasing traditional elements in a modern adaptation with an emphasis on using the finest natural ingredients to develop rich, distinct flavors highlighting the unique tastes of Korean cuisine in a simple & refined presentation. Exclusive to BANN is the distinctive style of dining not found in any other Korean restaurants. BANN's rare approach creates a dynamic sensory experience through the use of all 5 senses. The open kitchen provides guests with an exciting look into how their food is being prepared with views of blazing fires from the wok and aromas of familiar and exotic foods. Known for authentic Korean barbeque, all tables are fitted with smokeless grills where guests can watch a variety of fresh meats and seafood sizzle and cook to their liking.

             Many people believe that foreigners, especially Southerners, do not enjoy Korean food. They think that it is too spicy and not suitable for their taste. However, BANN proves this wrong with their special cuisines that keep the original Korean taste but also suit the foreigners taste at the same time. Today, I have asked BANN about their special tips on success to suiting the Korean flavor to the foreigners.


1. Could you tell us the history of BANN?

             Mrs. Choi is a second generation restaurateur, being mentored by her mother in law who began the famous Woo Lae Oak chain. After working together for the openings of the original Woo Lae Oak in New York and Los Angeles Mrs Choi decided to modernize Korean cuisine and try to introduce it to the Western palate. She opened her first branch of Woo Lae Oak on the prestigious "Restaurant Row" in Beverly Hills and soon the restaurant gained a large celebrity clientele as well as critical acclaim. Having seen how Korean cuisine was well accepted, Mrs. Choi focused on opening a new branch of Woo Lae Oak to replace the original space in New York that had burned down in Midtown, this time in an up and coming neighborhood, SoHo. In 1999 the restaurant opened and has become the premiere Korean restaurant in the city as well as a hot spot for the chic Soho crowd. 5 years later Mrs. Choi and executive Chef Eli Martinez created a new dining concept to go back to authentic recipes and ingredients and focus on traditional cuisine, which would become the signature style for Bann. Bann is now the most recognized Korean restaurant, having been featured in several media outlets such as television shows, movie, magazines, etc. Bann has hosted the National Korean Tourism Board as well as the Korean Culture Association, has been frequented by the Secretary General of the United Nations and other dignitaries. With the success of Bann New York, Mrs Choi opened another location in Korea town Los Angeles at MaDang Plaza.

 

2. How many foreigners normally visit the restaurant?
Bann is very popular with tourists because of the prime location in Times Square. About 50% of the customers are foreigners (from all parts of the world) travelling to New York and of Bann's regular clientele roughly 65% are foreigners.


3. What changes/efforts does Bann make in order to adjust to the taste of foreigners?
When people think of Korean food, they automatically think spicy, which traditionally Korean food can tend to be. However at Bann we try to highlight all the unique flavors of each dish using the finest natural ingredients to create a multi-layered but simple and refined plate. We try to create a balance between flavors like spicy, sweet & savory that will not overpower the other. In a word, it is milder than traditional Korean food


4. Can you introduce us foods that foreigners enjoy the most from your restaurant?
Bann is known for our tabletop barbeque, which is successful because all cultures can appreciate grilled meats. Foreigners tend not to order items that are that are too exotic so will choose the more familiar items such as the fresh sashimi (sang sun muchim), Ke Sal Mari (crab), Dae Ji Jim and Dak Nal Ke Ti Kim as appetizers. For traditional dishes foreigners choose entrees (not so much chiges or soups) like the Kalbi Jim or the Un Dae Gu Jorim. Also here are some of my favorites:


Duk Bok Ki

Baked Scallop

Raw beef

Beef with lettuce

5. What kind of future do you see in Bann? (Or what is the future goal of Bann?)
We are trying to truly globalize Korean cuisine. It is still not as well known as Japanese, Chinese or even Thai cuisine so we try to make it more approachable. We are developing new concepts like Bann Next Door which is our fast casual restaurant that serves popular Korean street food. We want to expand the "Bann" concept by creating different dining styles while focusing on using the finest products available.

  

             Sometimes questions are brought on whether we should keep our original flavor or change the flavor of our food to suit foreigners. BANN Restaurant is expanding the tastes of many foreigners by trying to keep the original flavor, yet also suiting the foreigners’ taste at the same time. Through their efforts, Korea’s culture is spread far through cuisines. Maybe it’s not about only emphasizing the original taste. Like BANN, maybe what combines both the original and foreign taste can be the global choice.



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Lithunian college women dress in Korean traditional dresses and spread the Hallyu

 

                                                                       Hallyu Klubas logo

            In Kaunas, Lithuania, you can see Lithuanian college women dresses in Korean traditional dresses and singing Korean songs or talking about Korean movies. Through the teachings of Professor Seo Jinseok at Magnus College of Korea and Korean culture since 2008, a group of women interested in the Korean culture were formed. Seo JinSeok is a professor at the Magnus College and teaches Korean regional sciences to students. With the help of his knowledge of Korea as a Korean himself, they meet regularly and watch Korean movies, listen to Korean pop, eat Korean food and etc. These women are helping the Korean culture, hallyu, grow with their deep interest. Korea was always thought to be a “single race”. However, these foreigners are helping Korea grow out of this single race and spread the cultures and spirits of Korea to their country. Now Korea’s range of race is widening to a multicultural race across the globe.

             In the media many people have been able to watch big countries such as England or France love K-POP. Now even this small country Lithuania that not many Koreans know about, is expressing their loves for Korean music and cultures. Korean culture is spreading fast and far. There have been lots of informations about the spread of Korean music in France through the media. However, many people don’t know how Lithuania got to start loving the hallyu. There has been an interview done with the leader of Hallyu Klubas, Rita Marija Antanaviciute and Laura Smolskte  to see how they have been exposed to Korean cultures with such little information about Korea exposed in their country.

Q1. Could you please introduce Hallyu Klubas?

A.  Hallyu klubas (klubas means club in Lithuanian) was opened on February 17th, 2010, but the idea of it came to us several months before. On our page now there are around 200 members, but in our meetings there are around 20 - 30 people who comes usually. Well, we weren't fluent in Korean language, so with name helped our Korean teacher Seo Jinseok. He is our club's guardian. He suggested this name, explained the meaning and we thought that Hallyu - Korean Wave is the best name to our club.

 

Q2. What kind of activities do you do in the Hallyu Klubas?

A. We are showing Korean movies, cooking Korean dishes, doing Korean things as lotus blossoms or calligraphy, celebrating Korean celebrations like Moon New Year, Chuseok, teaching Korean language, talking about history, representing music, myths, adages, etc. We are trying to show Korean culture in all possible ways.

 

Q3. How did you guys start to like Korea related things?  Is there a special reason behind why you guys chose to love Hallyu?

A. As for me everything started with Dong Bang Shin Ki. I knew about them in 2008. That was something new to me and very impressing, because I was not used to see such a shows from musicians. Later I started to watch Korean movies and listened to other Korean singers and finally I got interested in whole Korean culture.

 

Q4. How did you get interested in Hall-ryu?

A. My first interaction with Hallyu was in the end of 2008. The music attracted my attention. If being more precise, the band called Big Bang made me interested in Hallyu. Later I found out about more Korean bands and until then can't stop listening to it. After music, I got interested in films, a bit in dramas. Hallyu has been some new air in my life as I was tired of Western popular culture already.

 

Q5. Do people in your country know lots about Hallryu or not, and why?

In Lithuania it is possible to find a group of enthusiasts who are interested in Hallyu. However, the majority of Lithuanians know nothing about Hallyu or Korea in general. I believe the reason is lack of knowledge about Korea. As much as I've heard, people most often remember only bad things and the North Korea is what they know. Equally, they assume that in the peninsula South Korea does not exist and every time you mention Korea they immediately interpret it as North Korea. The other point is, the attitude in society. The older generation still is focused on European countries. However, with every next generation, interest in Korea or Far East in general, is getting bigger and bigger.

 

Q6. What are the goals of the Hallyu Klubas?

A. The goal of Hallyu club is to represent Korean culture to Lithuanians and to make Korea more popular.


                                                Hallyu Kluba members with Professor Seo JinSeok

                                                                  Kimbap making event

                                                                Making lotus torches

Are you interested about Korean culture, hallyu?

Then join the Hallyu Klubas yourself!

1. Type ‘Hallyu Klubas’ on Facebook!

2. For more information about the club, refer to http://asc.vdu.lt/lt/clubs/club-hallyu/





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Two faces of Audition Programs-Is it a chance, or is it planned?

           Lately, programs such as American Idol and America’s Top Model have been taking over the television in the United States. In the spread of audition programs, in Korea, programs like Super Star K, Dancing with the Stars, Shin Yip Sa Won (New announcer of broadcasting station MBC) and etc. have been showing up also. Audition programs differ from regular television broadcasts because they have regular people instead of stars. Regular people compete for the chances they dreamt up. In American Idol, contestants sing with all their might to be a singer through the show. In Shin Yip Sa Won, people competed to become the next MBC, a Korean broadcast channel, announcer. Today, I interviewed each contestant from American Idol and Shin Yip Sa Won. These two people both participated in audition programs. Yet, they take different views about audition shows. One says it’s an everlasting experience, and the other says it’s an unfair competition. Let’s hear about the two sides of audition programs from these two participators.

 

                                            Tiffany Preston

                                                American Idol in United States.  


Q. Could you please introduce yourself?

A. My name is Tiffany Preston. I'm 19 years old, currently attend Grand Valley State University with a major in psychology and have a huge passion for music, my family and friends, and God.


Q. How did you get to participate in the American Idol show?

A. In order to participate in the American Idol show, I had to register in the audition city which was Kansas City, MO for me. You have to fill out forms and then when you register, you get a wristband and a number for your audition.


Q. What kind of experience was ' American Idol' to you?

A. American Idol was an interesting experience to say the least. It was a great opportunity to meet new people who have the same love for music as you and fun to be able to show the world what you love doing. Some things about the competition weren't very fair, including letting on contestants who obviously weren't on for the right reasons but to get fame or letting contestants on who couldn't sing. This didn't give people who actually had a talent to succeed in the competition because someone who wasn't talented at singing took their spot.


Q. Is there anything different about before the competition and after? If there is, what is it?

A. Before the competition, I didn't have as many opportunities to grow in music until I made it on the show. After the show, I was contacted by radio stations and newspapers which made me feel so blessed and humbled to be able to do these things.


Q. Would you recommend 'American Idol' to people with dreams of a singer? If yes (or no) why?

A. I wouldn't necessarily recommend American Idol to others who have dreams of becoming a singer because I believe the process isn't very fair. Those who don't make it with talent normally get cut if they don't have a shocking life story which in unfair.

 

 

 

                                                            Lee Siu 
                                            Shin Yip Sa Won  in South Korea


Q. Could you please introduce yourself?

Hello. I am model Lee Siu that has been taking responsibility of the Korean fashion. Actually, to be exact, I was. Now I’m Lee Siu who wants to take lead in Korean broadcast.

 

Q. How did you get to participate in the ‘Shin Yip Sa Won’ program?

Since I was young, I liked to talk in front of many people. Also since it made me very happy to make others laugh, I had a dream of becoming a MC. However due to my situations, I was bent on making money. So I chose the career of a model. While modeling, I forgot my dream. However through the encouragements my friends I decided to participate in the audition program. Most of all, the biggest appealing part was that there was no age or educational background limit. 

 

Q. What kind of experience was ' Shin Yip Sa Won’ to you?

It was the greatest experience in my life. Through the program I met many people. I’ve only met people in the fashion industry. However through this chance, I’m so happy to get to know many people in the broadcasting field. Most of all, despite of educational backgrounds, I felt that that I can do it through my passion in my dream.

 

Q. Is there anything different about before the competition and after? If there is, what is it?

When I walk around, many people seem to recognize me and cheer up me. If there is anything bad, because my image on the audition show was kind of humorous, the image still lasts even when I’m modeling now. It’s been hard to stand on runways.

 

Q. Would you recommend ‘Shin Yip Sa Won’ to people with dreams of a singer? If yes (or no) why?

I really recommend it. You earn what very much and I believe that learning in this kind of experience will give you lots of help.

 

Q. Was there a specific reason why you dreamt about becoming an MC, even while you were standing top in the fashion industry as a model?

While I was modeling, I had a chance to MC a show. Through this experience I was able to feel that this job was very charming. The woman MC was Ahn Hye Kyung and watching her talk so well impressed me. By this experience, I was able to dream about broadcasting once again.

*These two opinions about audition programs are personal opinions according to their very personal experience.


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Diplomat; a Public Servant

             In the 2011 state-administered examination for diplomats, 1659 people applied-making the competition rate 55 against 1. 38 people passed the 2nd part of the exam and moved on to the 3rd part, interview. Finally, on 16th of June, 26 people for the diplomacy trade duty, two as an English linguist and one Russian linguist has been chosen to as the diplomacy of South Korea. A total of 29 people passed and gained the chance to stand on world stages with a Korean flag. Out of these 29 people, Hyung Kwon Jung, a student of Seoul National University, passed with the highest score, average of 71.62. He graduated Dae Jin Boys High School and currently is a senior at Seoul National University as international relations major. Jung said he was worried before starting to prepare for the examination for diplomats because he didn’t know how long it would take for him to pass. However with passion, he tried to reach his goals and at his 3rd try he managed to pass and now is ready to stand on world stages.

             Since Ban Ki Moon has been inaugurated as the Secretary General in United Nations, many teens dream about working as diplomacy like him. Hyung Kwon Jung gives advices to teens with the dreams in the diplomacy field and reveals one’s plans as a diplomacy.

Q. Could you give us an introduction about yourself?

A. Hello guys, I am Hyung Kwon Jung. I go to Seoul National University and I am majoring in international relations. I am 27 years old and recently passed the state-administered examination for diplomats. 

 

Q.  Since when and how did you start to dream about becoming a diplomat?

A. When I was 13 years old, I had an opportunity to stay in the United States. While staying in the States, I really enjoyed competing with my colleagues from all around the world. Since then, I have pictured myself in the world stage. Since coming back to my country, I have always dreamed of being a diplomat, a career that would perfectly fit for my goal: overcoming my limitations and also helping Korea to raise its international image.

 

Q.  When you become a diplomat you have to travel to many different countries. Which country do you want to work at the most and why?

A. The region that I mostly want to work is the Latin America. Regardless of its importance to South Korea, the nation has been showing little attention to the region due to many reasons including geographic distance. However, in order to become one of advanced nations, South Korea desperately needs Latin American countries. In particular, these nations are rich in natural resources of which South Korea lacks. These days, South Korea is trying to narrow its distance with the region by signing various agreements such as MOUs and FTAs. I wish I can be a little help to my country accomplish its national task to be a friendly nation to the Latin American region.

 

Q.  What do you hope to pursue at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade as a diplomat?

A. As we all know, diplomat is public servant also. Therefore, as a future diplomat, I will devote myself for the Korean people and my country. At the same time, I will improve my English and second language ability so as to be a small help to Korea to become an international leader in the world stage.

 

Q.  In the future, what kind of diplomat do you want to be remembered as to the world?

A. I want to be remembered as a person that has been honest for his whole life and always passionate to pursue new goals and as a person who has never given up.

 

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       There was food, flags of many nations, clothes, dances and most importantly, there was a spirit of many nations gathering into one heart.

 

                   Chinese tradional dances are performed at the stage of the Seoul Friendship Fair.


Seoul opens up for all people to become one

         Seoul is trying to open new gates for many foreigners. ‘Seoul Friendship Fair 2011’, a festival held in Seoul Plaza through May 7th and 8th, provided opportunities for people of all nations to gather together. This fair is held annually every May for Korean citizens, foreigners living in Korea and visitors from different countries. For 2011, the theme of the fair was, "Meetings of the people from all across the globe, sharing and becoming one". The fair was named 'Seoul Friendship Fair' to resemble that as many countries gather into one area with one heart, foreigners and locals can make a strong bond. There was food, flags of many nations, clothes, dances and most importantly, there was a spirit of many nations gathering into one heart.

            ‘Seoul Friendship Fair 2011’, held by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, set a goal to offer an opportunity for Koreans and foreigners to gather into one place; and this goal was undeniably met. On stage, there were special performances such as Mexico, Bangkok, and 7 other countries’ traditional dances. Off stage, booths were set for people to freely enjoy. People seemed to enjoy walking from booth to booth on foot. At these booths, they could enjoy many different countries’ traditional foods and even try on cultural costumes. “My kids and I really enjoyed the booth where we could try on cultural costumes. It was very special to be able to try on so many cultural costumes instead of just looking at them through picture,” Hyun-Sook Song, a mother of two children, commented about the cultural costumes booth.


A Korean man is asking about the cultural foods from Sri Lanka at the food booth.

 

220 Different countries all gathered into one land

           Next to the costumes booth, there stood about 220 different nations’ booths. Starting from Australia to Venezuela, there stood booths with each nation’s names and flags with each person from that country. They laid out the traditional items from their country which people could buy. Hee Jin Lee, a college student, said “It was so interesting to be able to so many countries’ cultures all at once. The festival was like a 1+199 package.” At the end of the booths they also had polls to vote on the best nation’s food. A student volunteer at the last booth said, “The festival was a great experience for me. As I volunteered, I was able to talk to so many foreigners. I didn’t even know that there were so many foreigners living in Korea before! I am glad to know that Korea is becoming a land for more and more kinds of people.”

           “’The Seoul Friendship Fair 2011’ allowed me to see Korean’s efforts to help us fit in. It feels great to know that people are trying to accept us,” Julio, a foreign exchange student from South America said. Before, Korea has been criticized for its strong bond for only our race. However, now starting with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Korea is opening up more chances for foreigners to become one with the citizens. Seoul is welcoming people of all colors with an accepting heart. Seoul Friendship Fair was first held in 1996, and the 2011 one celebrates its 16th anniversary. In 2004, 5 countries with 90 foreign performancers were invited to this fair. However, now in 2011, 16 countries with over 350 performancers were invited. Also, compared to last year, there have been more countries participating in the cultural food booths-making more people excited for next year's fair. As we see many more countries participating in this fair, we can feel the spirit of the foreigners and Koreans having some kind of bond now. Friendship means having a strong bond with another. As the 'Seoul Friendship Fair' grows, so is the bond, friendship, for Koreans and foreigners.


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New Writing Style: Portraying with the Headlight on One’s Car

 

“My work every day is first to write as well as I can, to get better as a writer, as opposed to “representing” anything/anyone in particular, or speaking for a particular group. “

                                                                        -Sonya Chung   

 

           Many people ask Sonya Chung, the writer of Long for This World, “How can you survive as a Korean-American writer in the land of United States?” She answers with determination that it is her writing that identifies her work; not her race. Indeed, Chung is correct. It is her writing that defines the characters of Sonya Chung as a writer. Her unique, yet soft style of writing has captured many readers’ hearts through her first novel, Long for This World.

           Sonya Chung’s debut novel Long for This World starts by two brothers after the Korean War-one deciding to be Korean and the other deciding to be Korean-American. The story starts from the point of the brother who has immigrated to the United States in the decision to becoming Korean-American, Han Hyun-ku.  His daughter, Jane, and he unexpectedly go to Korea after 40 years in the U.S. The story progresses by showing Korea-Americans trying to fit in the Korean society. They are awkward of the unfamiliar cultures and struggle to understand. Later the story moves on to the perspective of other characters and each character tells the story of how they are trying to fit in this family and the new world. Based on Sonya Chung’s own experiences of visiting Korea herself as a Korea-American, the story is told in lively languages. Her experiencing of visiting Korea has inspired to her write this novel. After all, she is a Korean-American herself.

 

Reasons why people need to pay attention to Sonya Chung

 

Many people are probably not familiar with Sonya Chung and her work yet, since she is a new-comer to the world of novels. However, her soft yet vivid use of language is receiving many attentions from the literature world in the United States. She has been the recipient of Pushcart Prize nomination, the Charles Johnson Fiction Award, and the Bronx Council on the Arts Writers’ Fellowship & Residency. Her strategy of writing in a step-by-step process is well praised by many people. Chung said that her writing will not feel like looking at the whole society on a sunny evening. Instead she said that the reader will probably feel like driving through a dark foggy night with only the headlights on. As the headlight only shines a little at a time, so does her writing as she portrays the characters’ mentalities. As well as she expands the psychology of characters, she introduced the Korean cultures to many Americans. At her meeting with fans at the University of Maryland Ulrich Recital Hall, American readers said that they have been able to learn about new Korean cultures through her novel. Today, she speaks of her work and exposes her hopes that Long for This World would get more popular in Korea; popular enough for someone to translate into Korean.  

 

 

Photo Credit: Robin Holland

 

Q. Could you introduce yourself to us?  

A. I am Sonya Chung, a writer and writing teacher living in New York City. I was born in Washington, DC, and have lived in Maryland, Seattle, and New York.  My first novel, LONG FOR THIS WORLD, was published (by Scribner) in March 2010.  My parents were both born in S. Korea; they emigrated to the U.S. in the mid 1960s.

 

Q. Why did you decide to write a novel based on a Korean and Korean-American Family in 'Long for this world’?

A. The initial inspiration for LONG FOR THIS WORLD was in 2002, when I visited Korea for the first time.  I was meeting relatives I’d never met before and seeing the places where my parents grew up.  In a small town near Pusan, one of my aunts (by marriage) was playing tour guide and hosting me, and I found her to be an intriguing woman.  She wasn’t very talkative, and because my Korean is not very good we didn’t communicate very well in words; but something about her intrigued me.  She had a quiet competence about her, a bit of mystery.  I wondered who she was and if she had a story.  (My family both didn’t know much about her background, and didn’t talk about it – I think this was because she is not a blood relative, and because she is a woman, her identity subordinate to her husband.)  So I started writing the part of LONG FOR THIS WORLD that takes place in Korea, and I imagined a story for a woman like my aunt.  

The Korean American part of the story was also there from the beginning.  I knew that the novel would be about the interesting relationships between immigrants and their native place, and that there would be parallel stories in Korea and the US which would collide/converge in some way.  In addition, I knew that Jane, the Korean American main character, would be someone who had traveled a lot, who was worldly (in the novel she is a photojournalist); I wanted the story to encompass more than just Korea and the US.

 
Q. Does being Korean have any kinds of effects on your writer life in American? (Positive or negative)

A. It’s hard to know what the effects are.  There is a wonderful Asian American writer’s community in New York, and across the country, which I am fortunate to be a part of.   Also, I think a positive aspect is that many American readers are interested in stories of cultures that are different from their own – writers like Chang-rae Lee, Jhumpa Lahiri, Zadie Smith, and Junot Diaz, for example, has a very wide readership in the US.  For the most part, though, I think of myself as a writer, not primarily a “Korean American writer.”  Which is to say that my work every day is first to write as well as I can, to get better as a writer, as opposed to “representing” anything/anyone in particular, or speaking for a particular group.    

 
Q.  Have you ever read any Korean literatures? If yes, what book and what do you think about it? If no, do you have any interest in Korean literatures?

A. I have wanted to read Hwang Sun-won’s work, and I am excited that Shin Kyung-sook’s work is now being translated into English.  (Unfortunately, I don’t read Korean well enough to read literature in Korean.)  Also, there is a book that was written about my great grandfather, Song Chang-keun, who was a well-known theologian; I wish I could read that book, or that someone would translate it!


 Q. How did you become a writer in America? Was there any hardships?

A. It was, and is, very challenging.  For immigrant families, the job of a writer is one that seems unstable and unfamiliar.  Many Koreans emigrate to the US with the hopes that their children will do well academically, professionally, and financially.  A writer’s life is not as easily accepted as that of a doctor, or an engineer, or a lawyer, for instance.  So the decision to become a writer was somewhat lonely for me; it wasn’t something that my family quite understood or for which they could offer much support.  

In addition, when you are starting out as a writer, and even later after you’ve published a book, it is very difficult to make a living from your writing.  So you have to always be figuring out ways to earn income while also writing books and stories.  These things are always in competition, i.e. your “job” and your writing.  In 2006, after I’d been working on LONG FOR THIS WORLD for two years, I quit my full-time job because I felt I needed time and space to finish the novel.  This was a big risk, and an anxious time, because I didn’t know if I could finish it, and I didn’t know if I could get it published.  I was happy and relieved that I was able to do both.

Lastly, writing itself is very difficult; it requires so much patience, and solitude, and you are always facing the blank page, figuring out how to tell your story.  It never really gets easier, and in many ways it gets harder.


 
Q.  Can you give words of cheers to anyone that is deeply interested in being a writer like you?
 
A. I would say: 1) Read a lot, read all the time, read the best writers; reading is your best teacher 2) Expect difficulties.  Writing well is difficult, getting published is difficult, getting your book to be recognized can be extremely difficult.  3) Because it’s difficult, you should pursue writing only if you love it, if you are someone who feels you MUST do it in order to fulfill your sense of purpose and your sense of yourself in the world.  The writing itself is its own reward; everything else is somewhat out of your control, so you can’t count on it.  Good luck!

 

 

 

 

This interview has been done by e-mail through the MIZY youth reporter MinKyung Kim and Sonya Chung.

 

 

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Dreaming of Becoming the Next New Global Leader!

                        Song Min Kyu tells us about his experience as a youth representative of South Korea in the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Among teenagers who dream of becoming global leaders, majority wish to work in the United Nations (UN). After Ban Ki Moon became the Secretary General in UN, Korean teenagers’ interests on the UN and world peace has increased. Song Min Kyu, a student at Korean Foreign Language University, has been able to experience UN before many others have.

                  The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family has announced for the dispatch of the Korean youth representative at the Forty-Ninth session of the UN Commission for Social Development in February, 2011. Having gone through competitive applications and interviews, Song Min Kyu earned the fortune of becoming the representative of South Korea in UN headquarters. He spoke about his special experience he had in New York.


Q: Could you introduce yourself? (Name, age, school, interest, etc.)

A: Hello. My name is Song Min Kyu. I am currently attending Korean Foreign Language University as a business major. I am 22 years old now.

 

Q: How did you get to apply for the UN dispatch?

A: About a year ago, I had an opportunity to know a website called ‘Nation Council of Youth Organizations in Korea’ (www.ncyok.or.kr) through a person I knew. I didn’t get to go on it very often but I tried to go on the website whenever I had free time. Then one day I was able to reach the news that the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family was looking for a youth representative for the UN Commission for Social Development. Since I always had passion and interest for this area, I decided to apply for this opportunity.

 

Q: Can you tell us about the interview you had before you were selected as a representative?

A: During the interview I was asked many questions. First, they asked me why I wanted to go to the UN. For me, I started having interest in the UN during my high school years. Through this opportunity, I said that rather than listening about what the UN is, I wanted to actually experience it.  

 

Q: Many people are very curious about the process of preparation for the UN dispatch. What kind of trainings did you go through at the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family? Also, what was your special effort to be the chosen representative?

A: Rather than saying that I had a special effort, I think that my interest in the UN field since my high school years has helped me get selected as a representative. Also, I think telling myself that I want to experience the UN and always searching information about the UN helped me. At the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, I was able to learn about the Korean teenagers’ policies. In a short time, I learned many laws and policies that Korea has set and has enforced. On the terms of policies relating to youth, I was able to know that even when compared with other developed countries, ours are not behind.

 

Q: Can you tell us about the UN dispatch? Where was it held? Please tell us about the process, people you met, New York and anything else that you have felt from this experience.

A: When I first arrived in New York as the representative I was very anticipated to go inside the UN headquarters. However, the UN headquarters was in construction. Instead, we got to work in the temporary headquarters. I was very nervous that I will be with the representatives from the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. However when I actually started to be with these people, I became very close with them and I had a lot of fun.

 The general meeting was held twice a day from 10 a.m. to 1p.m. and then from 3 to 6 p.m., from Wednesday to Monday. Also in the between times, from 1:15 to 2:30 p.m., each youth representative gathered to discuss about the youth related policies. This meeting was progressed by discussing about the passages that need to be amended. Also each representatives added comments about each one’s opinion.

The special experience was that there were about 20 youth representatives and I was the only one that made a speech as a youth representative. I was curious whether it was alright to make a speech with representative from so many nations in front of me. However, I think the speech ended well. Even the chairperson commented that it was very creative. At the time, because I was so nervous, I had a mixed feeling of happiness and confusion. When I first arrived there as a youth representative, the consular introduced the people from the ‘World Youth’. The consular explained what this group does. The World Youth is a nonprofit volunteer organization which offers people over the age of 18 to volunteer in developing areas. I was surprised that most of them were around the same age as me. At first it was very awkward to be with people that I was not familiar with, but later I was able to see them couple of more times and talked with them about what needs to be done for the youth.

 

Q: What is your final goal or dream? Also were you able to get closer to your dream through this dispatch experience?

A: My final dream is to go in the UN Commission for Social Development that I have been dreaming since high school. In the commission, I want to discuss social issues that developing countries are dealing with. Many people in Korea say that numerous developing countries have set Korea’s development as their role model. This is somewhat true, but I think they should include countries that failed as their model also. Instead of saying “To solve these social issues, your country should do this!”, I want to help each country figure out their issues by concentrating on their culture and society.

 

Q: What is a ‘global leader’ to you?

A: Everyone has different meaning of a ‘global leader’. For me, I think that a global leader is a person that can help others when others need help, rather than a person that everyone knows and looks upon.

 


 

You can be the next new global leader!

 

The dispatch for the youth representative is all around the world. The youth representatives come from countries starting from Australia, Austria, Germany, Norway, Republic of Korea, Rwanda, Tunisia and etc. When you participate in the dispatch as a youth representative in the UN for the next session, youth representatives write the Reports of the Secretary General on Youth together. This document provides background for the Resolution on policies and programmes on youth at the General Assembly. Along with presenting in formal meetings, they also participate in the informal consultations where negotiations of the Resolution take place. Here are the three different meetings youth representatives (delegates) can participate in:
 

General Assembly (GA)

The General Assembly deliberates on social, cultural and humanitarian issues. The matter relating with youth falls under the agenda item, “Social development, including questions relating to the world social situation and to youth, ageing, persons with disabilities and the family”. The GA is held usually in October.

 

The Commission for Social Development (CSocD)

The Commission for Social Development deals with social development issues such as poverty, employment, youth and etc. When participating in the GA, the delegate is most likely to also participate in the CSocD. The CSocD is held in February.

 

The Commission on Sustainable Development. (CDS)

The Commission on Sustainable Development reviews the implementation of Agenda 21 and the Rio Declaration on the Environment and Development. Youth delegates can participate as their country’s official delegation or by representing an NGO for Children and Youth. The CDS is held annually in the month of March.

 

If interested in the dispatch for the youth representative for your country, keep updated by checking http://english.mogef.go.kr , and http://www.un.org/youth for official announcements. The announcements for the dispatch in 2010 were announced on June 30th and December 31st. 

 

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 Judy Blume, the children book writer of all time, speaks of her love

 

“Over the 40+ years I've been writing I've also written for adults, but I always come back to young people.”  
                                                                                                                              -Judy Blume

 

                                                                       

            Judy Blume is one of America’s most-loved writers of all time; especially for the younger generation. She has sold over 80 million sales of novels including books such as the Fudge series, Are you there God, it’s me Margaret, Blubber and etc. Without Judy Blume, lots of young readers may be still complaining about how boring reading is. Today Judy speaks of her love for the younger generation and the passion for her writing.

 

                                                            Photography credit to Sigrid Estrada

 
           1. What has driven you to write so many books especially for young adults/children?

I need to be involved in creative projects. That was true even when I was in school.  It was when I was out of school, married with two babies, that I realized I needed to find creative work.  I missed the excitement, missed the energy, missed that feeling of wanting to jump out of bed in the morning and get back to my project.  I was physically sick a lot in my 20's.  But once I found writing the illnesses magically disappeared. 

I don't think about writing books for children vs. writing for young adults, or even adults.  I go with whatever story is inside my head and demands to come out.  I think of characters rather than plot.  This isn't right or wrong, it's just the way I work.  I have a connection to young people, maybe because my memory of my own childhood is so strong.  I've always identified with young people.  It never occurred to me, when I began to write, to write about anything else.  Over the 40+ years I've been writing I've also written for adults, but I always come back to young people.

 

2. What kind of habits do you have from being a writer?

I think novelists are interested in everything, too, but mainly in people.  I'm a people watcher, an observer, a listener.  This has always been true.  Even as a young child I made up characters inside my head.  I invented stories about them but never wrote them down. 

Before I start a book I keep a notebook -- I call it my security blanket -- because I could never face a blank screen, or a blank page.  This way I'm less scared about starting.  I've got my notebook filled with ideas, characters, and scenes.  This is where I am right now.  I left a novel that I'd just started two years ago, when the opportunity to film Tiger Eyes came along.  Yesterday I took out my notebook.  I think I'll soon feel ready to begin again.  And that's good, because I'm happiest when I'm writing, even though I might tell you it's torture (and sometimes it is).
 

3. If you could be one of any of the characters that you wrote about, who would you choose to be and why?

 

 They're all my children.  I could never pick one character.  The fun of writing is that you get to be different people.  You get to see life from different points of view.  My characters surprise me as I'm writing about them.  That's the best part of writing fiction for me.

 

4. What kind of commitments and responsibilities do you have as a writer?


I try not to sign a contract for publication until I've finished the book.  That way I don't have the pressure of deadlines.  For some writers, deadlines are essential.  Without them, they'd never write, or never finish.  But this is how I've always done it and it works well for me.  One time I decided I needed the pressure of deadlines so I signed a contract for a series of four books -- The Pain & the Great One series for younger readers.  And it worked okay.  I did what I had to do.  But I wouldn't want that kind of pressure for this novel that I'm trying to write. 

I feel my responsibility is to write the best, most honest books I can.  I owe that to my readers.

 

5. What are you future goals?

 

I'm hoping I get to do more of the same.  Writers tend not to retire.  We write until we can't.  I still have stories to tell and characters to create. 

Thanks for your very thoughtful questions.  Morning is my best time for writing -- but you see, I'm answering emails instead.  That's because it's so hard to get back to writing a book.  But now that my notebook is next to my computer, now that I can see it every day, I know I'll be getting back to that novel very soon.

 

 

This interview has been done by e-mail through the MIZY youth reporter MinKyung Kim and Judy Blume.

 

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