Rain, SNSD among winners of 2011 Seoul Art & Culture Award

Korea has earned a culture award and Seoul art!
The winners were Rain, who picked up the world star award and SNSD, who won for the seoul art.
The performers weren't the all, also the scriptwriters, entertainment's founders, ... etc got their prize too.
Korea are really happy to win the prizes and be proud of their country.

I am writing a blog of the entertainment because this is another way to state the country "South Korea". As we show other countries our well developed country, there is a big possibility of good relationship with them and us. The internals would have a positive view of Korea. Another pleasing opinion is that the award ceremony was accompanied by a series of cultural performances for the economically disadvantaged. Which makes our country more bonded from each other by a small consideration.
I hope Korea do win another award after the fantastic performances to represent South Korea.

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110228000758

South Korea’s Current-Account Surplus Narrowed in January

South Korea's current account surplus have narrowed from 2.11 billion to 229 million. When Korea's account stepped up they had capital inflows and exports competitive. The oil price is the main reason why the South Korea's account have been lowering. Because of the narrowed surplus the KOSPI and dollar have been having problem with the global economy.
As soon as possible hopefully the oil price should decrease so the account surplus would boost up like the past and the global economy get better.

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-02-24/south-korea-s-current-account-surplus-narrowed-in-january.html

Korea urged to promote culture more subtly

The Korean government and the Culture minister plan to advertise Korean culture. They plan to open up to eight culture centers abroad and also create more opportunities for foreigners in Korea to learn about the culture. The government also plans to export its artists along with its culture, promoting Korean art culture and its lifestyle. Some people think that the so called "hallyu," the Korean wave, has been on the decline. However, I think that with subtle methods to export Korean culture, the wave will eventually spread successfully. Korea has been working hard to help the korean centers to work, even providing name tag with korean on it to visitors to the center.

http://www.koreaherald.com/lifestyle/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110223000920

Four Koreans rescued from quake-damaged hotel in New Zealand

On Tuesday a 6.3 magnitude giant earthquake struck Christchurch, New Zealand. The earthquake crashed tall buildings and churches, and sixty five people died from the country's worst natural disasters.

As you see above sidewalks and roads were cracked and spilt, of course the buildings were collapsing.
It was even impossible to say how many people were trapped and screaming for help. Polices, troops, and ambulances were urging to help the people, who were suffering from the destroyed buildings.

Four South Korean tourists were going through the earthquake when they were at the hotel in Christchurch. They were trapped inside after a wooden staircase in the building collapsed. Lucky four Koreans were rescued but currently there are 5,000 South Koreans living in Christchurch, which reports them to be careful with the earthquake.

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110222000753
http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110222000923

S. Korea wins Moller-Maersk order for huge container ships

At 2013 to 2015, Korea gains a huge ship; a vessel at 400 meters long, 59 meters wide, and 73 meters tall. Daewoo shipbuilding and Marine Engineering, the biggest shipbuilders and Moller Maersk signed the contract with a option for buying 20 more.

Having more population and containing more goods, will be helping the economy of Korea. 

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jEpZtk-2EY5yvdBYbH8HlGOggnbw?docId=CNG.aa651167cd0af745b3cb395cf1d402e3.351 

Since South Korea's weather has frozen down, the government is trying to limit down the heating. But other large countries are raising the price of electricity, so the South Korea is concerned of power blackouts.

I hope the government solves the problem quickly and make the citizen's convinient fast.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12292739

Portrait paintings of Joseon reflect Confucian standards

Great Korean portrait is different from other paintings because it is an art of immoral images of noble and the brave. The major portraits are mainly from the Joseon dynasty.

Portrait above is an art of "gisaeng", a traditional female courtesan.

A researcher, Cho has been related to the Joseon portraits. After a long period time of study Cho concludes Joseon portraits represents the respect of one's root and their ancestors because of the Confucian society. Meanwhile, her knowledge of Korea portrait have developed she thinks it is meaningful to study the art of Korea portraits.

As I look over the portraits of Joseon, it seems beautiful art and the combinations of the color are very impressive. When I see these wonderful portraits, I begin to have pride for my country.

http://www.koreaherald.com/lifestyle/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110217000832

Kim Jong-il birthday: North watches tributes, South sends propaganda balloons

North Koreans are celebrating Kim Jong - il's birthday. Nobody knows the year when he was born, but they assumes it's around 1941, 1942. On his birthday the citizens watched a film of him and honored him with grace. South Korea's president, Lee Myung bak have sent balloons with insulting messages above Imjin river. The balloons were blocked by the northern policemen. This decision of President Lee was a nongovernmental organization. As a South Korea citizen the propaganda balloons fit Kim Jong il. People call him "Republic of fat" because of his ruling towards his country; a selfish ruler who does not care of his people. 

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-Pacific/2011/0216/Kim-Jong-il-birthday-North-watches-tributes-South-sends-propaganda-balloons

Heaviest snowfall in a century hits South Korea's east coast

In more than a century, east coast of south Korea got chaos by a heavy snow. The snow prevented difficulties to the people; going to school, work, and other outdoors. It had snowed for 77.7 cm in a day. The government deployed 12,000 soldiers to clean up the snow for the people's confident. By this heavy snow the farmers' greenhouses have been collapsed. When I heard Korea has a heavy snow, i wanted the government to quickly conclude ways to decrease the snow.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12445509

Obama Plans to Step Up Talks on Free Trade Pacts

The United States trade representative, Ron Kirk intensify free trade with South Korea. The congress had been dragged because of opposition among democrats in congress; violence and week laws. Mr. Kirk goes Columbia, with a goal to develop "workable men" with human right groups to fix one of the democrats. Mr. Kirk stated the agreements of trade should be enforceable and highest standard and America's interest.


Personally, I do not agree with the free trade with US. Since South Korea does not have a strong economy, people will be saving money by buying cheap imports from the US, like rice or meat. Then South Korea farmers will be having hard time recovering their incomes. With the initiation of FTA, Korea's economy will surely collapse especially the ones who are related to agriculture.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/10/business/10trade.html?_r=1&scp=4&sq=South%20Korea&st=cse

Winter activities to spice up Daegwallyeong Snow Festival

Following to the winter season, Korea is having a snow festival. Taking place in Daegwallyeong for several days, the festival will feature variety of winter activities, like car race, folk games, food, art, and Korea traditional events.Visitors also can enjoy looking over the ice sculptures; the Chinese Zodaic animals and also the Olympic rings. Confinients for the visitors, certain sites would tell how to get there and what they should prepare. By opening these events, Koreans and also people from other countries will be enjoying the white snow and Korea traditions. 

http://www.koreaherald.com/lifestyle/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110211000753

Story of ‘Late Autumn’ beyond words

A Korean actor, Hyunbin and a Chinese actress, Tang Wei have filmed Late Autumn with a Korean director, Kim tae yong. Even before the movie's first showing, it has been popular among the Koreans. Everybody is looking forward to Hyunbin's latest work of art, because it is intertwining the chinese industry with the ever growing Korean dramas. Hyunbin was lately starred in "Secret Garden", which has great popularity around the world. This new duo will  have a great affect on the society because now viewers of China and Korea will be persuading to watch.
I am one of the viewers of the drama that the actor have been on and as I really liked the drama now I am looking forward to see the movie. By this movie I hope China and Korea have great effects.

North Korea Military Says `No Need' for Additional Talks With South Korea

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-10/north-korea-military-says-no-need-for-additional-talks-with-south-korea.html

Few days ago I have read an article about South Korea having a summit with the North. The North has responded them saying they disagree with the additional talks with South Korea. North Korea also explains of them crossing the limit line; they did not recognize the limit line.
As I read today's article, North Korea is hardly refusing to have a communication with the South. I thought President Lee, the South Korea's representative, have chosen the a right step towards his people, but now the South will feel uncomfortable with what North Korea has decided.
I hope the North does not regret on their decision and think and do the good for both of the countries.  

Smartphone demand helps Samsung fourth quarter profits

Samsung, one of South Korea's largest companies, has been experiencing high profits from their smart phones, Galaxy; 3.42 trillion won to 4.46 trillion won. Whenever I learn about my country's rapid development in technology I have pride in my heart. South Korea should not be vain with the outcomes rather they should keep up with their progress continually. These days, many of my friends own either Samsung or LG cellular phones; these appearances seem as if South Korea is getting one step closer in becoming a strong IT country. 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12306306

South Korea Questions Boat Passengers From North

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/08/world/asia/08korea.html?_r=1&ref=southkorea

On second of February 2011, boat carrying 20 women and 11 men crossed the limit line between the South Korea and the North Korea.
As South Korea questions why they have crossed the line, the North responds saying they were just the "work members".
The South Korea is reacting carefully because of Yeonpyeong Island's attack and seeing wounded civilian and two other soldiers  being killed. 
To be questioned and to be answered is one of the most important communication between countries. Couple days ago, I read another news of South Korea having a summit with the North. As I watch the process of it, I notice that "talk" is the primary source for both North and the South. 

South Korea Rescues Crew and Ship From Pirates

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/22/world/asia/22pirates.html?_r=1&ref=southkorea

Mr. Lee, the South Korea's president, is careful sending the crews to the Somalia island.
Korea have sent several soliers to rescue the hostage. Meanwhile, three Korean people got injured from dangerous guns. However, Korea have saved the hostage.

About two months ago, one of the small islands in South Korea were attacked by the North. Since then Mr. Lee has been well dealing with the foreign issues. I admire him for his efforts towards making changes for his people.

South Korea having summit with the North.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/csm/20110201/wl_csm/359884_1;_ylt=ArjIe5OyzDwiQ6H01KFHd_YBS5Z4

As I read this news, i think of president Lee Myung-bak have made a good choice for South Korea and also for the North. Lee Myung bak is trying to go against the North by having a conversation with the North Korea's president Kim jung ill. Which gives both South and North benefit with their politic.