The Korean daily media headlines and humor

The Korean daily media headlines and humor

Monday, December 9, 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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The neck does not go before the head.
- A Kenyan and Tanzanian proverb

Every case begins from the stomach.
- A Kenyan proverb
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Humor from Korean-language economic dailies this morning:

Seoul Kyungje

Kathy goes to her local bank, walks into the manager's office and says, "I want a loan; I am going to divorce my husband."
"Oh, we don't give loans for divorces," the manager says. "We offer loans only for things like real estate, automobiles, businesses, and home improvement."
Kathy interrupts, "Stop right there. This definitely falls into the category of 'Home Improvement.'"

Hankuk Kyungje
Stutterer
A man who has a stuttering problem goes to his doctor and says, “Help m-m-me… I I I have th-th-this st-st-stuttering pro….”
“Well, take off your clothes and get into this gown.”
After the check-up, the doctor is quite surprised: “I see what the problem is… your penis is so large that it’s pulling on your abdominal muscles which in turn is causing a strain on your vocal chords.”
“C-c-can you h-h-help m-m-me?”
“Sure I can but we’ll need to cut off about 8 inches.”
“P-p-please d-d-do it.”
Six months later the guy goes back to the doctor. “The operation was a great success but my sex life’s gone and I would like my operation reversed. Please put back what you took off.”
The doctor replies, “G-g-get l-l-lost!”
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KBS (http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/)
S. Korea Announces New Air Defense Identification Zone
The South Korean government declared its new Korea Air Defense Identification Zone (KADIZ) on Sunday.

Figure Skater Kim Yu-na Wins Season Debut in Croatia
South Korean figure skater Kim Yu-na won in her season debut on Saturday at the Golden Spin of Zagreb in Croatia.

N. Korea Deports Elderly American After Weeks of Detainment
North Korea says it deported an elderly American tourist who was detained there from late October.

US Appreciates Korea's Expanded Air Zone Declaration
The U.S. government has positively assessed South Korea's declaration to expand the Korea Air Defense Identification Zone (KADIZ).

Apple Wants Samsung to Pay $22 Mln in Legal Fees
A U.S. Web site devoted to analysis on information technology says Apple asked a federal judge to order Samsung to pay 23 billion won.
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Yonhap (http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr)
N. Korean leader's uncle dismissed from all posts: KCNA
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's powerful uncle has been dismissed from all posts, its state-media said Monday, due mainly as he allegedly challenged the country's leadership and infringed upon the interests of the communist state.

S. Korea announces air-zone expansion to counter Chinese claims
South Korea announced a new air defense zone on Sunday to counter China's unilateral decision to expand its own, bolstering Seoul's sovereignty over a reef and other islands off the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula.

S. Korea, U.S. to hold high-level talks on N. Korea, alliance issues
South Korea is preparing to hold high-level talks with the United States this month on major issues of mutual concern, including North Korea and tensions among regional powers, a diplomatic source said Sunday.

Opposition lawmaker openly calls for Park's resignation, re-vote
A lawmaker of the main opposition Democratic Party openly called for a re-vote Sunday to select a new president, urging President Park Geun-hye to resign over allegations that state agencies tampered with last year's presidential race.
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The Korea Herald (http://www.koreaherald.com)

Korea’s air defense zone expanded to Ieodo, Hongdo
South Korea on Sunday announced the first expansion of its air defense identification zone in 62 years in a tit-for-tat ...

Ahn Cheol-soo names committee for new party
Former presidential candidate Ahn Cheol-soo on Sunday named a preparatory committee for his new party to challenge what he calls corrupt, incompetent and antagonistic politics. The...

KORAIL privatization dispute rekindled: union threatens strike
The government’s plan to set up a corporation to operate a new high-speed KTX railway route is...

All the world’s a stage for experimental performance art
Performance artists from around the world will bring a vibrant vibe to the artistic streets of ...

Japan enacts strict state secrets law
Japan has enacted a state-secrets law toughening penalties for leaks, despite public protests and criticism that it will muzzle the media and help cover up official misdeeds.

Hagel backs NATO force in Afghanistan post-2014
US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel told American troops on Sunday that he supports a NATO force in Afghanistan after 2014, as Washington and President Hamid Karzai wrangle over a stalled security pact.

Iran's president: Nuclear deal has helped economy
Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said Sunday that last month's nuclear deal with world powers has already boosted the country's economy, as he continues a push to convince skeptics of the benefits brought by the pact's partial sanctions relief.

Bombings kill 33 in and around Iraqi capital
At least nine explosions tore through predominantly Shiite Muslim areas in and around Baghdad Sunday, hitting crowded market places, commercial districts and car repair shops in a string of bombings that killed at least 33 people, officials said.

U.N. experts inspect Iran's Arak nuclear plant

Ukraine's capital hit by mass anti-gov't protest
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The Korea Times (http://www.koreatimes.co.kr)
Bigger KADIZ will take effect Dec. 15
Korea’s new expanded air defense identification zone or KADIZ will take effect on Dec. 15. The new KADIZ, announced Sunday, covers a submerged rock, Ieodo in southern waters. China included Ieodo in the CADIZ that was announced ...

US veteran seized by NK during tour returns home
Following 42 days of captivity in North Korea, an 85-year-old American veteran returned to the United States on Saturday to a huge audience at the San Franscisco Airport, soon after the North let him go, citing his “sincere repe...
'When Park spoke, everybody cried' 
The late President Park Chung-hee’s emotional speech in the German city of Duisburg on Dec. 10, 19... 

Official sent to Kazakhstan on BCC debacle  
A senior financial regulator was sent to Kazakhstan, Saturday, to look into why KB Kookmin Bank’s ... 

US, China, Japan fully briefed 
The following are the gist of a question and answer session by the Ministry of National Defense on... 

Urine color tells state of health 
An American clinical agency has issued a helpful info-graphic about human urine. 

New KADIZ receives wide public backing  
Political parties and citizens welcomed the government’s decision Sunday to expand Korea’s air def... 

'No big row likely over new air zone'  
Korea’s expanded air defense identification zone (ADIZ) will not cause military tension or territo... 

Ahn taps ex-minister to lead committee  
Independent lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo unveiled the lineup of key members of a preparatory committee s... 

Prosecution cracks down on corruption in subsidies 
The prosecution indicted and detained 127 people Sunday for alleged involvement in corruption or f...

Court sides with dispatched worker 
The Supreme Court upheld, last week, a lower court’s ruling that an employer is responsible for in...
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Dong A (http://english.donga.com)
S. Korea readjusts air defense zone for first time in 62 years
South Korea announced a new air defense zone Sunday bolstering its sovereignty over the South-controlled reef of Ieodo and other islands around the Korean Peninsula. It was the first time that South Korea has adjusted...

Encountering innocence at Indonesian village through viewfinder
We had a time for emotional dialogue, in which we communicate through photos by overcoming the barriers of religion and language through the camera viewfinder, another perspective for us to see the world. At the "Photo...
Samsung-LG gear up to catch up Sony’s sole lead in UHD TV
While the overall TV market is expected to shrink this year, there is one product that shows rapid growth. It is the ultra-high-definition (UHD) TV whose resolution is four times higher than the existing full...

Queen Yu-na thrilled the judges
“It seems the judges were incredibly thrilled (by her performance).”
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Chosun Ilbo (http://english.chosun.com)
N. Korea Clamps Down on Dissenters
North Korea is cracking down heavily on any form of social or political dissent since the recent ouster of eminence grise Jang Song-taek. North Korean authorities are spreading word of the public executions of two of Jang's confidants.

Egyptian Telecom Halts Investment in N.Korea
Egypt's Orascom Telecom, the mobile service provider in North Korea, has invested US$200 million into the project so far but has yet to make a dime, according to website Middle East Online. Orascom chief Naguib Onsi Sawiris was quoted by the U.K.-based website as saying he would make no more investment in North

Layoff Fears in Korea as Chevrolet Gives Up on Europe
General Motors has decided to halt sales of Chevrolets in Europe from 2016 since there is no interest in the chunkily designed and unimpressively performing models. That means GM Korea, which manufactures 90 percent of the U.S. automaker’s cars sold in Europe including the Spark subcompact, Cruze compact and Orlando MPV, is expected to take a huge hit.

WTO Reaches First-Ever Global Trade Deal

South Africa Prepares for Mandela's Funeral, Mourning Continues

To prevent oil from separating from mayonnaise
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Hankyoreh (http://english.hani.co.kr)
No GM exports to Europe could mean no more GM in Korea
Workers worried that if exports to Europe are ended, GM could move its operations somewhere with lower labor costsAmid reports that GM Korea will stop exporting Chevrolet cars to Europe in 2016, the company has reportedly also decided to reduce its planned investment in research and development. With production and investment being cut, there are rumors that General Motors, GM Korea’s parent company, could end its operations in Korea altogether.
According to sources at GM Korea and Korea Development Bank, GM Korea decided on Dec. 7 to reconsider its GMK 20XX strategy, which would have invested 8 trillion won (US$7.57 billion) in design and R&D over the next five years.

Biden seeks Seoul’s support on US ‘rebalancing to Asia’ policy
US Vice President Joseph Biden emphasized a strong alliance with South Korea in a meeting with President Park Geun-hye at the Blue House on Dec. 6, saying the US will “continue to place its bet on South Korea.”
He also specifically requested Seoul’s support on the US “rebalancing to Asia” policy, which is putting Asia front and center in Washington’s diplomatic efforts in order to strengthen the country’s dominant role in Northeast Asia.

Ouster of Jang Song-thaek could have been part of widespread purge
The news of the ouster of Jang Song-thaek was followed by a number of media reports about the status of North Korean officials close to him, including claims that some of his key associates in the Administrative Department of the (North) Korean Workers’ Party (KWP) had left the country. Government officials have refused to confirm these reports, denying any knowledge about them, which makes it difficult to determine how credible the reports are.

Did prosecutors use photoshop to make spying charges stick?
The attorney for North Korean defector and alleged spy Yoo Woo-sung is accusing prosecutors of altering photographs of Chinese border records with Photoshop to manufacture court “evidence” of his frequent trips to China and North Korea for espionage.

Same-sex couple to seek marriage registration
A prominent gay couple whose marriage ceremony in September drew major national attention now plans to submit a marriage registration application to their district office.
But with the office maintaining a policy of not accepting applications for same-sex marriages, a legal battle could follow.

Private aid groups get Seoul’s permission to travel to North Korea
The Ministry of Unification announced on Dec. 6 that it has given three civic organizations that provide humanitarian aid to North Korea permission to take relief goods into the country. The civic organizations that have received the government’s permiss...
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Joong Ang (conservative): (http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/)
Korea expands its ADIZ
The zone incorporates airspace claimed by both China and Japan
The Korean government yesterday announced its plans to expand its 62-year-old air defense identification zone (ADIZ), which overlaps with remote islands declared by China and Japan under similar zones. The move, intended to counter Beijing’s unilateral declaration of a newly mapped East China Sea ADIZ on Nov. 23 that incorporates areas claimed by Korea and Japan…

Korea chosen to host 2017 FIFA U-20
Korea has won the bid to host the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup, the world’s premier youth football tournament.Korea was selected in a vote by FIFA’s Executive Committee meeting…

NIS describes clues that prove a purge of Jang
Rumors continued to fly in South Korea over the alleged purging of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s uncle and former political protector, Jang Song-thaek…

Japan to improve Haneda Airport
TOKYO - Jacque Beihar scanned a wall map on the fourth floor of the international passenger terminal. It was early in the evening on Nov. 30, and the American man…

Illegal SD cards lead to billions of won in losses
SD cards seized by investigators contain illegally downloaded songs. Provided by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and TourismOn a recent morning in Jongno District…

GM to pull Chevrolets from Europe
Concern is rising over GM Korea after General Motors decided to pull the Chevrolet brand from Europe. The United States-based automotive group Thursday…

Billing, purchase errors plague mobile gamingWhile the popularity of mobile games steadily grows in the country with the highest smartphone penetration in the world, consumer complaints regarding misspent money…

China report slams Samsung supplier
A supplier for Samsung Electronics isn’t paying some overtime to employees of its mobile-phone factory in southern China, according to a report from worker-rights…

FTA good news for automakers
Korea’s free trade agreement with Australia is expected to benefit local automakers the most, analysts say, as the deal between the two countries calls for Sydney…

KAL, Asiana raise cash on asset-based notesKorean Air Lines and Asiana Airlines are favoring notes backed by ticket sales as soaring debt levels boost the cost of traditional fund-raising.Korean Air…

Stock market staggers to the weekend
Korean stocks fell for the sixth straight day yesterday, closing 0.22 percent lower as investors remained cautious ahead of U.S. jobs data due later in the day…

A reinventing of the kindergarten
The day’s special teachers have arrived at the Roots and Buds kindergarten in Yuseong District, Daejeon, and the students are excited to see them…

Creative management schools a new option
Ryu Woo-yun, a high school student who took the College Scholastic Ability Test this year, decided in her last year of middle school that she wanted to apply…
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Edaily (http://eng.edaily.co.kr/Stock/)
[Table- Weekly Market] Weekly Fluctuation of World Index
12.02~12.06 this is the weekly fluctuation of world index. [table] Weekly fluctuation of world index ...

[US the closing price]The U.S. Dow Jones Index, 198.69p( 1.26%) up.The U.S. Dow Jones Index Closing (At 2013.12.06) The Dow closed at 16,020.20p, up 198.69p( 1.26%) from th...

[Table- Weekly Market] Weekly Fluctuation of Interest Rate
12.02~12.06 this is the weekly fluctuation of interest rate. [table] Weekly fluctuation of interest rate ...

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

[Table- Weekly Market] Weekly Fluctuation of Exchange Rate
12.02~12.06 this is the weekly fluctuation of exchange rate. [table] Weekly fluctuation of exchange rate ...

[Table]Exchange Rate Currency Crossrate
2013.12.09 08:10(Korean time), this is Currency Crossrate of major 12 countries. [table] FX Cross Currency ...
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Maeil Kyungje (neutral-oriented conservative, economic/business): (http://news.mk.co.kr/english/)
S. Korea expands air defense zone in 62 years in agreement with US
The South Korean government officially announced an expanded area of Korea Air Defense Identification Zone (KADIZ) that covers air zone above waters of Ieodo, south of Jeju island.Consequently, KADIZ has been extended for the first time in 62 years since the area was set in March 1951, when the US armed forces drew its line to defend a strike by Chinese forces.Two hours after Korea made the announcement, US State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki said..

WTO reaches deal, opening developed countries’ agricultural market
The World Trade Organization (WTO) reached a trade deal that further liberates the agricultural markets of advanced countries Saturday. The deal categorizes South Korea as a developing country, allowing the country to maintain its current level of market liberalization in the agricultural product sector, while expanding the entry to advanced countries’ agricultural markets.

Companies that move production back to S. Korea to be exempt from regional income tax for 5 years
The South Korean government will fully exempt companies that relocate their overseas production plants back to homeland from regional income tax for five years.

Tong Yang Life Insurance fully separated from Tong Yang Group
Tong Yang Life Insurance has been completely separated from Tong Yang Group, shedding itself of the group’s shadow and paving the way for future merger and acquisition (M&A) deals.

Chinese estimated to have taken up 36% of all tourists visited S. Korea this year: think tank
Increasingly more Chinese tourists are found to have stayed for a long period and spent a large sum in South Korea. 

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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.

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.

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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Elder sister of famed ROK Army Lt. Cho Chang-Ho

Late Madam Cho Chang-soo decorated with Order of Cultural Merit, Okgwan

The government of the Republic of Korea has decided to posthumously honour the late former Curator Madam Cho Chang-soo (1925-2009) of the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in the United States with an Order of Cultural Merit, Okgwan. Madam Cho dedicated her entire life to the introduction of Korean history and culture to the general public in the US, thus promoting the American people’s understanding of the Korean history and culture. The presentation ceremony will take place at the National Palace Museum on Dec. 10, 2013.

Madam Cho also made great efforts for the return of Eobo (Official Seal) of Emperor Gojong and Emperor Sunjong of the Joseon Dynasty and a total of 93 other Korean cultural treasures and properties to Korea?through fund-raising and donations.

▲The late Madam Cho Chang-soo (left) and her son, General Manager Eric Swanson of Millennium Seoul Hilton

The late Madam Cho is the mother of General Manager Eric Swanson of the Millennium Seoul Hilton. She is also the elder sister of the widely known late Lieutenant Cho Chang-Ho who succeeded in escaping North Korea and returning to Seoul after 43 years of captivity in North Korea where he got silicosis from forced labor in coal mine pits where he had been sent because of his repeated attempts of escape to the South after his captivity during the Korean.

          ▲Madam Cho at her university graduation ceremony

Madam Cho studied at the universities in Japan and the US and worked as a curator at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum for 44 years from 1965 to 2009--playing an important role in various areas, including exhibitions, research work, publication and education. In 2007, she even succeeded in establishing a Korea Hall at the Smithsonian Museum.

   ▲Madam Cho (seated at center) with fellow workers at the Smithsonian Institute

There are a number of other recipients of the Cultural Orders, who include Director Lee Kang-bak of Gangneung Institute (Order of Cultural Merit, Eungwan) and Professor Yoon Sae-young of Korea University (Order of Cultural Merit, Bogwan).

▲The late Lt. Cho Chang-Ho.

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