Kim Yoon-ah. Photo by KIYOUNG KIM
When Politics Plays the Art Critic: A Tangled Web in South Korea
Oh, what a delightful spectacle we've been treated to in South Korea! For those of you who might have been living under a rock or just focusing on trivial things like global events, let me catch you up. Kim Gi-hyeon, the leader of the 'People's Power' party, has now donned the hat of a cultural critic. Perhaps politics got a tad bit boring?
At a recent gathering, Kim took a moment to lambast Jaurim band member, Kim Yoon Ah, for her dreadfully audacious act of... sharing her thoughts on social media. She had the nerve to compare the Fukushima contaminated water release to 'hell.' The horror! Clearly, any politician’s primary duty should be policing celebrities' metaphor choices, right?
It's almost endearing how Kim then went on to recall the good old days when actress Kim Kyu-ri equated eating US-imported beef to munching on poison. Ah, memories. Kim Kyu-ri's witty remark got her a prime spot on the then-government's cultural blacklist. Because, as we all know, jesting about beef is a matter of national security.
To add another layer to this entertaining soap opera, we've got the possible appointment of Yoo In Chon as the Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. Does that ring a bell? Oh yes, he served during the Lee Myung-bak administration when the infamous 'cultural blacklist' was in vogue. But worry not, history doesn't repeat itself... or does it?
Kim Gi-hyeon eloquently speaks against group ostracization of celebrities for their political views, pointing to the unfair treatment of Noh Sa-yeon and novelist Kim Hun. But when it comes to Kim Yoon Ah, apparently the rules change? Consistency? Who needs it?
As the curtain rises on President Yoon Seok-youl's term, we can only hope the story doesn't turn from satire to tragedy. Because, in the great theatre of life, it's always better when the politicians aren't trying to write the scripts for the artists.
The "Genuine" Hunger Strike: Lee Jae-myung's Grand Theatrical in Politics!
Ah, the age-old hunger strike – an irrefutable testament to political dedication, or perhaps a timeless publicity stunt? Well, South Korea's star of the show, Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, has certainly taken it to a new level, hitting his 'limit' on the 14th day. All this according to the "official" medical diagnosis! Can't possibly overlook such a juicy tidbit, can we?
Now, before we all jump to conclusions, Mr. Lee's vital signs such as body temperature, blood sugar, and blood pressure are reportedly "still" within the norms. Quite the iron man, isn't he? But wait, there's more. He's exhibiting reduced bodily functions due to hypothermia. So, are we still in the "all is well" territory or not?
From the 7th day, the term 'electrolyte imbalance' started to pop up. For those of us who didn't ace medical school, it doesn't sound too promising. And massive weight loss? Well, it's a hunger strike – if he hadn't lost weight, that would've been the real story!
Despite all the 'entertainment', the medical team strongly suggests halting the hunger strike. While medically he's at the limit, who's to say where the political will might take him next?
But the pièce de résistance? The very public outdoor hunger protest, once available for all to see from 10 AM to 10 PM, is now discreetly moved inside the National Assembly building. Now, the world will only get a 1-2 hour daily glimpse of this compelling saga.
Everyone's eyes are peeled for the next act in Lee Jae-myung's hunger strike drama. Stay tuned, folks!
President Yoon's Latest Cabinet Shuffle – A Page Out of the Drama Playbook?
Well, here's a surprise (or not): President Yoon Seok-youl has graced us once more with a touch of his remarkable "flair" for dramatic cabinet reshuffles. This time, three ministries are getting a face-lift. And no, we're not just talking about new office decor.
For the role of Defense Minister? Enter Shin Won-sik, a People's Power Party lawmaker. It’s almost like watching a casting director line up A-listers for the next blockbuster movie. Then there's Yoo In-chon, formerly of the Lee Myung-bak administration, now making a glorious comeback as the nominee for Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Déjà vu, anyone?
And for the pièce de résistance, the Ministry of Gender Equality & Family, which was on the chopping block not so long ago, will now be led (if approved) by Kim Haeng, former emergency measures committee member of the People's Power Party. Apparently, she's just the right person to steer the ship of a ministry in transition. At least, according to the brains behind this reshuffle.
All these changes seem to deepen the color palette of the Lee Myung-bak administration hues in Yoon's government. Yoo In-chon, having once played the role of Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism during the Lee Myung-bak era, gets an encore.
With these changes, one can't help but wonder: Is President Yoon trying to inject new life into his administration, or is this just a strategic game of political chess in anticipation of October's National Assembly audits? Only time will tell. But for now, sit back, grab your popcorn, and let's watch this political drama unfold.
South Korea’s "Philanthropy King" Passes Away at 99: An Inspiring Tale of Generosity and Vision
Credit: Hankookilbo
On the 13th of September, the nation bid farewell to a titan of philanthropy. Lee Jong-hwan, founder of the Kwanjeong Educational Foundation (관정재단) and former chairman of Samyoung Chemical Group, passed away at the age of 99.
During his lifetime, Mr. Lee donated a staggering KRW 1.7 trillion (near 2 billion U.S. dollar). Not surprisingly, he earned the endearing nickname of 'Donation King.' Every year, the foundation has provided scholarships worth KRW 15 billion to 1,000 students both domestically and internationally. Over 12,000 individuals have benefited, with 750 earning their PhDs. In 2012, Lee's magnanimity led to the establishment of the expansive Kwanjeong Library at Seoul National University, made possible by a generous KRW 60 billion donation.
Lee's philosophy, as cited from his autobiography '정도(The right path)' published in 2008, beautifully captures his spirit: “Even if we can't earn money like angels, we should spend it like one." He further reflected on the joys of giving and the transient nature of life, emphasizing the importance of living with integrity and compassion.
In his final moments, Lee expressed his only regret: "I wish I could have seen a Kwanjeong scholar win the Nobel Prize." He peacefully closed his eyes after leaving a heartfelt message: "Live righteously. Righteousness will always prevail. Learn to forgive one another."
In recognition of his immense contributions to society, Lee was awarded the National Order of Merit, Mugunghwa Medal in 2009, and the 4·19 Cultural Prize in 2021. He is survived by his eldest son, Lee Seok-jun, who serves as the representative of Samyoung, along with two sons and four daughters. Mourning for this remarkable figure will be held at Seoul National University Hospital, with the funeral procession scheduled for 8:30 am on the 15th, and the burial in Gyeonggi Uiwang City Cemetery.
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