December 5, 2013

The Korean daily media headlines and humor

Thursday, December 5, 2013

    Good morning, Excellency!
Here are The Korea Post news, African proverbs, humor from Korean-language economic dailies, and a roundup of important headlines from all major Korean-language dailies, TV and other news media this morning:
/s/
        
Lee Kyung-sik
Publisher-Chairman
Korea Post Media
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The Korea Post news

'One of Seven Wonders of Winter' for a 22-day run

Hwacheon Mountain Trout Ice Festival opens Jan. 4

Named one of the 'even Wonders of Winter' by CNN and Lonely Planet, the Hwacheon Sancheoneo (Mountain Trout) Ice Festival is probably the most famous winter event in Korea. During the month of January every year, more than 1,000,000 people swarm Hwacheon in Gangwon province hoping to catch mountain trout bare-hand or ice fishing.

Mayor Chung Gap-cheol invites the Ambassadors and families to attend of Festival on Thursday January 17, 2014 and The Korea Post is transmitting the Invitation of Mayor Chung to the Excellencies with a detailed schedule of the Festival. (Further details and photos are toward the end of this Headlines.)

1.4 million persons reportedly visited Hwacheon Mountain Trout Festival last year having their fill of the joys of the winter--ice-fishing mountain trouts and treating their eyes to the colorful lanterns of the angels at the Seondeung Candle Light Festival that takes place in the night.
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At the KUK Cultural Foundation Building behind Ritz Carlton Hotel

KUP hosts Year-end Concert with famed World Vision Children’s Choir of Korea

The Korea United Pharmaceutical Co. (KUP), hosts a Gala Year-end Dinner and Concert at the Cultural Foundation Building of the Company in Seoul (located behind the Ritz Carlton Hotel) on Dec. 26, 2013. It is presented by the famed World Vision of Korea Children’s Choir. Chairman Kang Duk-yung of the KUP invites the ambassadors and madams to the prestigious concert. (See invitation and full details of the Concert at the end of this Article.)

Members of the Sunmyung-hoe World Vision Children’s Choir in performance

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Dr. Sang-Ki Hahn's African wise-sayings:

One tree does not make a forest.
-A Ghanaian proverb

You agree like the yam and the tree to which it clings
- A Kenyan proverb

If the first goat goes lame, those that follow will not reach the pasture.
- A Kenyan proverb
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Humor from Korean-language economic dailies this morning:

Seoul Kyungje

A man took his Rottweiler to the vet and said, "My dog's cross-eyed. Is there anything you can do for him?"
"Well," said the vet, "let's have a look at him."
So he picks the dog up and has a good look at its eyes.
"Hmm," says the vet, "I'm going to have to put him down.*"
"Just because he's cross-eyed?" says the man.
"No, because he's heavy," says the vet.

Hankuk Kyungje
Woman Dentist
“Oh, hell, I have trouble with one of my teeth,” a guy said to his colleague.
“Why don’t you see a dentist?” replied the friend.
“Surely I’ll. Now I would like to see a woman dentist.”
“Why?” asked the friend.
“Because it would be a pleasure to have a woman say, ‘Open your mouth’ instead of ‘Shut up’.”
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KBS (
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/)
'Jang's Removal Likely Aimed at Solidifying Kim Jong-un Leadership'
Seoul’s Unification Minister Ryoo Khil-jae says it is very likely North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s uncle Jang Song-thaek has been removed from power.

Presidential Official Dismissed for Illegally Accessing Info.
The presidential office says one of its staff illegally accessed the information of a young boy who former Prosecutor General Chae Dong-wook allegedly fathered in an extramarital affair.

Committee Introduces Budget Bill
Rival parties have launched long-stalled deliberations on the administration’s budget plan for next year.

Foreigners Shift to Selling in Emerging Asian Markets
The Korea Center for International Finance (KCIF) says foreign investors sold off one-point-37 trillion U.S. dollars of shares at seven emerging markets in Asia, including South Korea.
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Yonhap (
http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr)
Xi, Biden split over air defense zone issue
Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. Vice President Joe Biden exchanged differing views on the air defense zone issue as they met for more than five hours in Beijing Wednesday (local time), a senior U.S. official said.

Lockheed set for 'comprehensive' support for Korea's own fighter jet ambitions
With the planned purchase of F-35 stealth fighter jets, South Korea will gain "comprehensive" support from the largest U.S. defense firm, Lockheed Martin, in its bid to produce an indigenous fighter jet, code-named the KF-X, a senior company official said Wednesday.

Park celebrates opening of U.N. climate fund's secretariat in S. Korea
South Korean President Park Geun-hye celebrated the opening Wednesday of a U.N. organization aimed at raising funds to curb climate change, saying it is an important watershed in the global fight against creeping environmental disaster.

N. Korean leader's uncle not personally affected by dismissal: policymaker
The uncle of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has not been personally affected by the execution of his confidants and his likely dismissal from power, Seoul's unification minister said Wednesday.
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The Korea Herald (
http://www.koreaherald.com)

Jang’s ouster raises prospect of N.K. upheavals
The apparent ouster of Jang Song-thaek, a key guardian and uncle of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, has raised the pros...

Green Climate Fund, World Bank offices open in Songdo
President Park Geun-hye said Wednesday that Korea would fully support developing and underdevel...

Power generation halted at Yeonggwang nuclear reactor
The 1 million-kilowatt reactor 3 of the Hanbit (formally Yeonggwang) Nuclear Power Plant in Sou...

Yoona goes for the big laugh
Girls’ Generation member Yoona looks dead-set on channeling her inner Stooge with her latest t...

EU fines six banks record 1.7 bn euros for rate fixing
The European Union fined six finance groups a record 1.7 billion euros ($2.3 billion) on Wednesday for rigging the Euribor and Japanese yen Tibor interest rates.

Rodman heading back to N.Korea to train basketball team
Former NBA star Dennis Rodman, the new friend of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, will this month make a third visit to the reclusive state to train its basketball team, a source involved in the trip said Wednesday.

Biden: US-China ties rely on trust, good motives
Emerging from a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden said Wednesday that U.S.-China relations depend on trust and a positive notion of each other's motives. Neither leader made public mention of a major clash over disputed airspace that's pitted China against the U.S. and its Asian allies.
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The Korea Times (
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr)
`Huawei deal to go as planned'
U.S. concerns about ties between China’s Huawei Technologies and LG Uplus are “overblown” and their 250 billion-won deal will go ahead as planned, a spokeswoman for the Korean carrier said Wednesday.

Why Jang Song-thaek was ousted
After it was reported that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un recently dismissed his uncle, Jang Song-thaek, the No. 2 man in the reclusive regime, questions are being asked as to why he made the surprise move.

Reactor halts fuel shortage worries  
The consecutive shutdown of two nuclear reactors in about a week is fueling worries that the count... 

Jinju promotes lantern fest in North America  
The Korean traditional lantern festival is likely to be lit up in more cities in North America as ... 

Budget discussion back on track  
The ruling Saenuri Party and the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) eventually brought up Presi...

 

NIS - master of 'coincidences'  
The National Intelligence Service (NIS) once again showcased its knack for releasing ultra-sensiti... 

Presidential aide suspended over top prosecutor removal  
Cheong Wa Dae said it suspended Jo O-young, a presidential administrator, from his job Wednesday o... 

Textbook authors rebel against revision order  
The authors of six Korean history textbooks filed a suit Wednesday demanding the government withdr... 

Asiana hires ex-ANA expert as safety chief  
Asiana Airlines appointed a foreign flight safety expert as an executive for the first time in its... 

Univ. students see Ban as role model  
Students at Hanyang University in Seoul picked U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and figure skate... 

Energy drinks worsen heart conditions  
A German medical team confirmed that caffeinated energy drinks are actually effective in raising t...

 

Cultural heritage to undergo inspection 
The hasty restoration of No.1 National Treasure Sungnyemun Gate has prompted the government to lau... 

Military leaders vow readiness amid NK power struggle 
The nation’s military chiefs ordered high vigilance against any possible North Korean provocations...
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Dong A (
http://english.donga.com)
S. Korean military cautious on N. Korea`s power shuffling
The South Korean military authorities Wednesday ordered commanders to maintain high vigilance against North Korea to prevent any provocations and an all-out battle, following intelligence that North Korean leader Kim...

Taegeukgi flying over Ieo Island
Navy’s maritime patrol aircraft (P-3C, center) and destroyer Yulgok Yi Yi (left) stage “operational maneuvers to guard Ieo Island” over skies and around waters of the undersea reef islet where the Ieo Island`s General...

Korean language lesson available online to people worldwide
Foreigners can now learn Korean online anytime anywhere in the world. Korea Cyber University introduced Quick Korean, a free Korean language training program at the international conference hall at the Korea Federation...

U.S. urges China to lower tensions over air defence zone
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden arrived in Beijing and began his two-day tour to China on Wednesday. Meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the day, Biden discussed dispute between Korea, China and Japan over...
Tears of a Greek veteran of the Korean War
Greek President Carlos Papoulias currently in Korea as state guest had a dinner Wednesday with President Park Geun-hye at the Presidential Office. President Park offered a toast when the dinner was coming to an end. 

Korean researchers developed battery lasting five times longer
A Korean research team has developed a new battery manufacturing technology that can extend the battery life of mobile phones by more than five times.
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Chosun Ilbo (
http://english.chosun.com)
Kim Jong-un Makes Strides in Reshuffling Power Structure
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is swiftly revamping the power structure of the regime, replacing about half of the top cadres in the Workers Party, government and military in the year and 10 months since he took power.

Korea Tops PISA Education RankingsKorea ranked top in the OECD in terms of schoolchildren's performance in reading and mathematics, for the third time after 2006 and 2009. Including non-OECD members, Korea ranked fifth among 65 countries after China, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Samsung Executives Earn Over W5.2 Billion a Year
Executives earn more than W5.2 billion a year at Samsung Electronics, the highest among Korean companies. The Korea CXO Institute and head-hunters Unico Search on Tuesday analyzed the wages of executives in the top 100 Korean companies who sit on their board of directors and are legally responsible for corporate decisions.

Signs of N.Korean Purge Spotted in September

N.Korean Eminence Grise Jang Song-taek 'Stripped of All Posts'

U.S. Veers Toward Compromise Over China's Air Defense Zone

More Big Businesses Swamped by Debt

Korea to Have Friendly with U.S. in February

Korea Among Favorites to Host U-20 World Cup in 2017
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Hankyoreh (
http://english.hani.co.kr)
Why could powerful figure in N. Korea have been ousted?
Experts suggest move could have been made to further consolidate Kim Jong-un’s unchallenged rule
The reported ouster of Jang Song-thaek, uncle of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, reported to the National Assembly on Dec. 3 by the National Intelligence Service, comes as a major shock in terms of timing and Jang’s standing in the Pyongyang power structure.

Jang Song-thaek reportedly knocked off North Korea’s ladder of power
The National Intelligence Service (NIS) said on Dec. 3 that head of the Central Administrative Department of the Korean Workers’ Party (KWP) Jang Song-thaek, 67, could have been purged. Jang, the uncle of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, and as Kim’s guardian, Jang had effectively been the number two man in the North Korean regime.

Waters remain peaceful off of Ieo Island
It was around 9:20 in the morning on Dec. 2, not even ten minutes after we passed by the volcanic crater of Mt. Halla on Jeju Island, nearly close enough to touch it. We could see a few Chinese fishing vessels on a tranquil azure sea that seemed to go on forever.

Disabled people defy categorization
Ha Sang-ryun, 40, holds Class 1 disability status due to a brain lesion. He is paralyzed from the waist down, and a stroke has left him with difficulty communicating. In 2009, Ha, who uses an electronic wheelchair to get around, moved out of his care facility and into a group home in Seoul’s Suyu neighborhood where he and other disabled people learned about independent living.

Seoul should consider national interest first
The rocky political situation in Northeast Asia in the wake of China’s announcement of a new air defense identification zone (ADIZ) looks set to hit a critical moment this week.
With US Vice President Joseph Biden arriving on Dec. 2 for visits to Japan, China and South Korea, experts are already making predictions about a resolution to the military standoff between China on one side and the US and Japan on the other.
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Joong Ang (conservative): (
http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/)
GCF opens its Korea headquarters
The Green Climate Fund, set up by the United Nations to direct clean-energy funding to developing nations, opened its headquarters in Songdo, Incheon, yesterday. The GCF has become the largest among 32 international organizations that have offices in Korea, and it is the first time for it to be headquartered in the country…

Jang Song-thaek is still alive, ministry believes
The once-powerful uncle of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un may have been purged, but he’s still alive, South Korea’s unification minister said yesterday…

Another nuclear reactor goes down
A turbine at the Hanbit-3 nuclear power reactor abruptly stopped operating yesterday morning, reigniting worries about nuclear safety and power shortages over the coming winter…

Lawmakers finally break through impasse
The National Assembly yesterday resumed its review of the budget proposal for next year, following a dramatic breakthrough in party talks. Leaders of the ruling Saenuri Party…

Blue House admits role of staffer in Chae leak
The presidential office confirmed yesterday that one of its staffers asked a Seoul district official to illegally access the family history of a 54-year-old woman…

Ministry to head cultural inspection
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced yesterday that it will conduct a general inspection on cultural properties nationwide along with the Cultural Heritage Administration…

12 textbook authors file injunction
Authors of six textbook publishers filed a suit with the Seoul Administrative Court yesterday and demanded that the Ministry of Education repeal an order to revise high school…

Pollution from China must be addressed, ministry says
Fine-particle pollution in Seoul and neighboring Gyeonggi regions reached a high yesterday, with concentration levels two to three times higher than normal…

E-Land a sign of women’s progress
Under Korea’s first female president - Park Geun-hye - the status and role of women in the workplace have been growing.E-Land, a retail conglomerate that owns…

Measures to help renters, landlords
As part of efforts to provide more stability to non-homeowners and also to boost private rentals, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said yesterday…

Survey finds fewer feel they are in middle class
The latest survey by Statistics Korea clearly shows that more people are unhappy about their lives in the first year of the Park Geun-hye administration…

Pfizer’s poll uncovers a healthy contradiction
Many Koreans appear to lack confidence when it comes to their health, though many of them say they look and feel younger than they actually are…

Abe readies $182 billion plan to boost the economy
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is readying a $182 billion economic package this week in his latest bid to pull the economy out of deflation…
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Edaily (
http://eng.edaily.co.kr/Stock/)
[US the closing price]The U.S. Dow Jones Index, -24.85p(-0.16%) slightly down.
The U.S. Dow Jones Index Closing (At 2013.12.04) The Dow closed at 15,889.77p, slightly down -24.85p(-0.1...

[Table]Exchange Rate Quotation
This is Exchange rate Quotation offered by Korea Exchange Bank. [table] Exchange Rate Quotation Offered by KEB ...

[Table]Exchange Rate Currency Crossrate
2013.12.05 08:10(Korean time), this is Currency Crossrate of major 12 countries. [table] FX Cross Currency ...

[Closed] Domestic rate of return of final bid closed. 3-year government bond down -1bp.
This is the rate of return of final bid. Quoted by Korea Financial Investment Association, domestic rate of return of final bid of 3-year government bond recorded at 3.03%, down (-1bp) from yesterday. ...
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Maeil Kyungje (neutral-oriented conservative, economic/business): (
http://news.mk.co.kr/english/)
Price war of foreign brand carmakers in full swing
Foreign brand carmakers have jumped into the price cutting competition on vehicles in South Korea amid year-end season. European auto manufacturers including German ones took quick steps to provide discounts ahead of next year`s all-out elimination of import tariffs under the South Korea-EU free trade agreement (FTA). Japanese counterparts cut the prices of their vehicles sharply on the yen’s slide. Their discounts, in turn, narrowed or overturned th..

S. Korea to declare new air defense zone this weekend
South Korea’s senior government official Wednesday suggested that Seoul and Washington already discussed South Korea’s new air defense zone expanding southward, citing there is no problem with the US.

Labor, management gearing up for post-retirement
“Employees who retired will also be offered education on seeking re-employment.”

Hyundai Motor to offer up to $1,885 discount for second time buyers
Hyundai Motor announced its marketing strategy to provide up to three percent discount for Hyundai’s second-time buyers. The move is the South Korean auto giant’s efforts to maintain its market share in the face of stiff competition with foreign rivals.

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'One of Seven Wonders of Winter' for a 22-day run

Hwacheon Mountain Trout Ice Festival opens Jan. 4

Named one of the 'even Wonders of Winter' by CNN and Lonely Planet, the Hwacheon Sancheoneo (Mountain Trout) Ice Festival is probably the most famous winter event in Korea. During the month of January every year, more than 1,000,000 people swarm Hwacheon in Gangwon province hoping to catch mountain trout bare-hand or ice fishing.(Mayor Chung Gap-cheol invites the ambassadors and families to attend the Festival on Friday 17, 2014.)

1.4 million persons reportedly visited Hwacheon Mountain Trout Festival last year having their fill of the joys of the winter--ice-fishing mountain trouts and treating their eyes to the colorful lanterns of the angels at the Seondeung Candle Light Festival that takes place in the night.

Who said Hwacheon offers only ice-fishing? You can land mountain trouts also from the water standing on the river bank (top left). Koreans, expats, young and old, all enjoy various events of the Festival.

Left: Visitors pass through the colorfully lit ice tunnel. Right: You can also enjoy a 'sky ride' down the river.

Nestled between the town of Hwacheon and the mountains, the Hwacheon River is not only covered by a thick layer of ice, but also by thousands of festival participants.

The Hwacheon Mountain Trout Ice Festival will be taking place in Hwacheon County in Gangwon-do province on Jan. 4-26, 2014. This virtually untouched region is known as the first area in Korea that freezes over in winter, and the river is covered with a thick layer of ice.

Visitors can try out ice fishing, and those who are feeling brave can try to catch mountain trout with their bare hands. Along with fun activities and performances, there is also an exhibition of ice sculptures that usually take 20 weeks to prepare. Visitors can sample raw and grilled mountain trout, both of which are delicious.

A foreign visitor said: “Unlike some Korean festivals I have been to, there is a lot to do at this festival. You can ride an ATV or go kart on the ice, go sledding, ice skating, push a metal cart on the ice, or do some regular reel fishing.”

The events that are most popular are ice fishing and bare-handed fishing. For the ice fishing, you are provided with a hole in the ice and a bag for putting your catch for 10,000 won of which you get 10,000-won Love Gift, money you can spend around the festival grounds on food and souvenirs. “If you aren’t Korean, make sure to head to the foreigner only section. It is not only less crowded, but there is English-speaking help and you are given a free fishing pole,” said the foreign visitor.

When you get on the ice, pick a hole, let out enough line to get your lure to the bottom of the river. Then, quickly flick your wrist upwards and let it float back to the bottom. Some persistence is required, he stressed.

Hwacheon is considered a “clean region” where mountain trouts and otters live. Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is opened in every January under the slogan of “Unfrozen Hearts, Unforgettable Memories” at Hwacheon that has geographical features of the fastest ice freezing in the country because of cold valley wind and clean water.

This is a unique theme experience festival full with good shows and 40 or about various experience programs, such as ice sledding, snow sledding, snow sculpture and ice soccer, Sancheoneo experience programs combined with the image of Hwacheon that has clean natural environment with the first grade clean water in Bukhangang (river) for catching Sancheoneo by hand, Sancheoneo fishing on the ice to catch the fish easily and enjoy the fishing by everybody, breaking the ice with 40cm thickness and above and looking at Sancheoneo in the deep water for your exciting play available for experiencing at Hwacheon only and heart-warm memory in winter.

Winter Sancheoneo! Sancheoneo Fishing! To mention about ice fishing, you need to catch at least one Sancheoneo. It is an elegant fish underneath ice out of comparison to the other fishes due to moderate size and beautiful shape.

Sancheoneo is hard to catch as it is rare but everyone can catch one or two Sancheoneo at Hwacheon with somewhat good luck and knack since 32 or 3 tons of fresh Sancheoneo are being put just under the fishing place every day for visitors for Sancheoneo festival. It is just the reason why a child or young girl without fishing experience is indulged in Sancheoneo ice fishing. K
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At the KUK Cultural Foundation Building behind Ritz Carlton Hotel

KUP hosts Year-end Concert with famed World Vision Children’s Choir of Korea

The Korea United Pharmaceutical Co. (KUP), hosts a Gala Year-end Dinner and Concert at the Cultural Foundation Building of the Company in Seoul (located behind the Ritz Carlton Hotel) on Dec. 26, 2013. It is presented by the famed World Vision of Korea Children’s Choir. Chairman Kang Duk-yung of the KUP invites the ambassadors and madams to the prestigious concert.

The repertoire consists of three parts, which include:

Part I:

Han-River Taryung (arr. Lee, Hyun Chul)
This is an arrangement of Korean folk song 'Han River Taryung' and winner of '2013 Andrea O. Veneracion International Choral Festival' in Folk song category. Using Korean traditional musical techniques and colors, it demonstrates the beauty and prosperity of Han river. Also fan dance emphasizes its beauty.

Surround A-Ri-Rang (arr. Lee, Sun Taek)
One of most famous Korean folk song in Korea would be 'Arirang', and this piece is an arrangement with this song in unique way. Divided into three groups, it starts with echoes and developed more dramatically. The final climax with Arirang is a breathtaking moment in this piece.

Gagopa (arr. Lee, Hyun Chul)
Originally composed by Kim Dong Jin, this famous Korean Art Song is re-arranged to emphasize its beauty. Longing for homeland and old friends, lyrical melody line shows the emotion of sadness and also happiness.

Part II:

Gloria (A. Vivaldi)
This is the first piece from 'Gloria' by baroque composer A. Vivaldi.

Laudate Dominum (W. A. Mozart)
This solemn and holy with full of beauty piece is composed by one of the most famous composer W.A. Mozart. Pure melody line and beautiful harmony fills the air as the song of angels.

As dew in Aprile, This little (B. Britten)
(from 'A Ceremony of Carols')
This two songs are from 'A Ceremony of Carols' by British composer B. Britten. It sings that Jesus was born in mother's womb and came to earth to win a battle with Satan. Rhythmic variety and repetitive pattern emphases the meaning of this carol.

Part III:

When I Sing (B. Henderson)
"When you feel blue or depressed, sing a song, then you will feel much better and be happy"
Bright melody and joyful rhythm makes our face smile.

Champs-Elys?es (M. Wilsh, M. Deighan)
Composed by Mike Wilsh and Mike Deighan, this chanson sings the beauty and free-and-easiness of Champ-elysees avenue in Paris. Many pop singers have sung this chansons and it is arranged for choral to sing in choir.
Blessing

OST Medley (arr. Shin, Sang Woo)
Moon River / Over the Rainbow / Under the Sea / Sing / I Have a Dream
Moon River, Over the Rainbow, Under the Sea, Sing, I have a dream. These are most famous O.S.T. to all. Pianist and composer Shin Sang Woo, who perform in various fields, arrange this piece and he will play piano today.

Blessing (arr. Lee, Hyun Chul)
Famous CCM Artist Twila Paris composed this blessing based on Moses final blessing in Numbers 6 in the bible. Simple, but sincere melody fills with love and blessing.

About the World Vision Korea Children’s Choir
Throughout its 53-year history, various professional musicians in Korea and around the world compliment the Children’s Choir, praising the Choir as “Echoes of the Heaven.” The Choir’s achievement and quality have been proven by thousands of successful worldwide concerts.

World Vision Children’s Choir of Korea (led by Artistic Director Kim Hee-Churl) has been bringing messages of hope and love to children around the world since 1960.

After the Korean War (1950-3), the World Vision Children’s Choir brought aid from foreign sponsors to the orphans and war widows of Korea. Founded by Rev. Dr. Bob Pierce, the Children’s Choir was formed by those helped by the World Vision.

Their mission was to sing on hope and love through God, and to seek more sponsorship. After winning the highest award at the prestigious 'Let the Peoples Sing' competition organized by the BBC of the United Kingdom in 1978, the World Vision Children’s Choir of Korea has gained international fame.

For the past 53 years, the Choir has sun to give hope and love to the helpless and voiceless children in Korea and around the world.

The Choir also performed for combined traditions and fresh ideas to create the best choral music that the Choir is proud as it plays a role model in sharing peace, hope, and love.

About the Artistic Director Kim Hee-Churl
Hee Churl Kim studied choral conducting under worldly renowned conductor Hak Won Yoon in Chung-Ang University. In Georgia State University, he studied with Dr. John Heberlen, who was the president of ACDA. In 1993, Mr. Kim conducted Vancouver Chamber Choir in Eric Ericson Master Class as a representative of Asia in World Choral Symposium held in Canada. From 1995 to 1997, he joined Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus to sing with Robert Show, who was one of the best choral conductors in the world. He conducted Atlanta Korean Children's Choir and Atlanta Master Chorale, and he served as a president of Atlanta Korean Musician Association. From 1994 to 1997, while he was a visiting professor of Georgia Theological Seminary, he had served as a coordinator in 'Music and Worship Conference’ held by PCUSA. After returning to Korea in 1997, he had conducted many choirs, such as, World Vision Korea Children's Choir, Gwang-Myung City Women's Chorale, and Sung-Nam City Teacher's Choir. He also taught in Chung-Ang University. He also served as a board member of the Korean Church Music Association. Currently, he is the conductor of Gwacheon City Women's Choir, which is the only professional women's choir in Korea, had concert tours in Manila, Philippine by invitation of Philippine Madrigal Singers in 2004. Also, the choir was invited from Vancouver to celebrate the Winter Olympic Games in 2009. In 2004, he became an Artistic Director and Administrative Director of World Vision Korea Children's Choir. In 2009, he made a film called 'You and You' with World Vision Korea Children's Choir under director Je Hyun Park, who is one of the famous movie directors in Korea. As an artistic director, he has been hosting International Children's Choir Festival every three years by inviting the most prestige choirs from all around the world to help poor and devastated children in the world. As an opening concert of 2007 ICCF, he conducted a contemporary piece 'Gana and Dara' composed by In Sun Cho, worldly renown contemporary composer who served as a professor in Chung-Ang University. Mr. Kim made several CDs and DVDs, such as, 'Blessings', Songs of Love', 'Winter Sonata', and etc.
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