December 4, 2013

The Korean daily media headlines and humor

Wednesday, December 4, 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-saying:

The animal dies under the tree it likes best.
-A Ghanaian proverb

If a great tree falls, the soft pawpaw tree grows in its place..
- A Ghanaian proverb

If one dose not know, another man teaches one.
- A Ghanaian proverb
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Humor from Korean-language economic dailies this morning:

Seoul Kyungje

A man and his wife were having a big argument at breakfast.
"You aren't so good in kitchen nor in bed!" He shouted and ran to work.
By mid morning, he decided he'd better make amends and called home.
She picked up the phone in a few minutes, which made him annoying. He shouted again, "What took you so long to answer?"
She said, "I was in bed."
He asked, "What were you doing in bed this late?"
"I was getting the other's opinion and have some more," she answered.

Hankuk Kyungje
Women are Cagier
A woman and a man are involved in a car accident.
Both of their cars are totally demolished but amazingly neither of them are hurt.
After they crawl out of their cars, the woman says, “Fortunately we are unhurt. This must be a sign from God that we should be friends for the rest of our days.” “Oh, I agree with you!” the man says.
“And look at this,” the woman continued. “My car is completely demolished but this bottle of wine didn’t break. Surely God wants us to drink this wine and celebrate our good fortune.” Then she hands the bottle to the man.
He opens the bottle and drinks half the bottle and then hands it back to the woman.
She takes it and puts the cap back on, and hands it back to the man.
“Aren’t you having any?”
“I think I’ll just wait for the police….”
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KBS (
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/)
Spy Agency: N. Korean Leader's Uncle Ousted from Power
South Korea’s intelligence agency says North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s uncle Jang Song-thaek has been removed from power.

Park Holds Summit with Greek President
President Park Geun-hye held a summit with Greek President Karolos Papoulias and discussed ways to expand bilateral cooperation in various fields including trade, investment, shipbuilding, defense and tourism.

Trade Association Predicts Solid Export Growth Next Year
The Korea International Trade Association predicts South Korea's exports will continue to grow next year, despite the U.S.’ tapering off of its stimulus measures, a weak Japanese yen and a strong Korean won.

Democratic Party Says Pres. Office Behind Chae's Removal
The main opposition Democratic Party (DP) claims the presidential office accessed the personal information of young boy suspected to be the illegitimate son of South Korea’s former top prosecutor.

S. Korean Electricity Supply Uncertain with Nuke Reactors Still Down
South Korea's power situation ahead of this winter is uncertain as it remains unclear if three of its nuclear reactors will be running by the end of the year.
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Yonhap (
http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr)
North Korean leader's uncle likely removed from power: spy agency
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's uncle Jang Song-thaek has likely been removed from power, South Korea's spy agency said Tuesday, a development that can cause a shift in power and heighten uncertainty within the communist country.

Rival parties break impasse, agree to set up committee to reform spy agency
Ending a week-long parliamentary standoff that held up the budget and other key bills, rival parties finally reached a breakthrough agreement Tuesday to set up a committee to overhaul the scandal-ridden spy agency, both sides said.

S. Korea, Greece agree to deepen economic cooperation
South Korean President Park Geun-hye and Greek President Karolos Papoulias agreed Tuesday to deepen economic cooperation between the two countries, especially in the shipbuilding and infrastructure sectors, Seoul's presidential office said.

China urges U.S., neighbors not to 'overreact' to air defense zone
China's vice foreign minister on Tuesday asked South Korea, Japan, the United States and other neighbors not to "read too much into and overreact" to Beijing's newly declared air defense zone over a swath of the East China Sea.
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The Korea Herald (
http://www.koreaherald.com)
North Korean leader’s powerful uncle seen purged
Jang Song-thaek, a key guardian and uncle of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, appears to have been removed from the recl...

World Bank head calls on Korea to invest in Africa
World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim on Tuesday urged the Korean private sector to invest in...

Parties agree to normalize parliament
Rival parties on Tuesday agreed to form special parliamentary committees on reforming the state spy agency and political procedures. The ruling Saenuri Party and the opposition Dem...

Korea to allocate W11 trillion in housing loans
The government will provide mortgage loans worth 11 trillion won ($10 billion) next year to vitalize the sagging real estate market, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transp...

Biden: China air zone raises risk of accidents
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden voiced strong opposition Tuesday to China's new air defense zone above a set of disputed islands, showing a united front with an anxious Japan as tension in the region simmered.

Foreign financial firms urged to bolster internal controls

Korea tops OECD in math proficiency

'Homeless millionaire’ claims he lost wallet containing $1.8 million

Jang, N.K. leader’s guardian and reformist aide
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The Korea Times (
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr)
NK's No. 2 man sacked
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s uncle, Jang Song-thaek, the reclusive state’s No. 2 man, appears to have been ousted from power, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) said Tuesday. Two of Jang’s top lieutenants were also pub...

Parties agree to reform spy agency
Rival parties agreed Tuesday to form a special National Assembly committee to reform the National Intelligence Service (NIS).

Low-cost housing loans to quintuple  
The Park Geun-hye government is making a year-end pitch to jumpstart the moribund real estate mark... 

Korean-German recalls childhood   Martin Hyun, 34, born to a Korean coalminer-nurse couple, in Krefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, says... 

Kim Yu-na begins quest for second Olympic title  
What is left for a figure skater who has already achieved her dream of winning an Olympic gold med... 

World Bank chief tells NK to join up 
North Korea needs to join the World Bank (WB) to get economic support, said the head of the U.S.-b... 

Microsoft hires AMD Korea CEO  
U.S.-based computing giant Microsoft (MS) confirmed Tuesday that it has named former Advanced Micr... 

Presidential aide to be quizzed over removal of top prosecutor  
The prosecution plans to question a presidential administrator over allegations that he asked a se... 

Korea, Greece foster shipbuilding alliance  
President Park Geun-hye and Greek President Karolos Papoulias agreed Tuesday that Korean companies... 

S. Korea to unveil new ADIZ  
Korea will come up with its new air defense identification zone (ADIZ) this week in response to Ch... 

Korea 46th out of 177 in transparency  
South Korea ranked 46th in the 2013 global transparency index, down one notch from a year earlier ... 

Global Climate Fund launched amid skepticism 
The opening ceremony of the Global Climate Fund (GCF) secretariat in Incheon is scheduled today am...
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Dong A (
http://english.donga.com)
Gov`t mulls over expansion of Korea`s air defense zone
The government said on Tuesday that it will finalize and announce a plan to expand Korea’s Air Defense Identification Zone within this week. Countdown has thus started for the Korean government to take practical measure... 

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...
More people to have benefits of low-interest mortgage loan
The mortgage program, in which the government and a house owner share both benefits and losses from housing sale, has gained much popularity from people who do not own a house by providing a long-term loan at an annual...

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)
Korea Delays Decision on Air Defense Zone
Korea has postponed a decision to expand its Air Defense Identification Zone until after a visit to Korea by U.S. Vice President Joe Biden this week. Seoul had originally wanted to announce the new boundaries following a similar move from China.

Most Korean Firms Post Paltry Earnings
Korean business may seem to be booming on paper, but when the performance of Samsung is excluded, a markedly different picture emerges. Slow domestic consumption and a strong won caused most listed companies in Korea to see revenues and net profits drop until September this year compared to the same period of 2012.

Korea to Permit In-Flight Use of Smartphones
Air passengers will be allowed to use their smartphones during takeoff and landing starting next year. The Transportation Ministry on Monday said it is revising regulations so passengers can use electronic devices throughout their flight.

91% of Koreans Think Lawmakers Are Doing a Bad Job
Only 6.5 percent of Koreans believe their lawmakers are doing a good job, a survey by Media Research for TV Chosun suggests. More people expect the opposition to win regional elections in June next year.
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Hankyoreh (
http://english.hani.co.kr)
Seoul should consider national interest first
Analysts say South Korea should avoid choosing sides between US and China 
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.

S. Korean civilian aircraft won’t provide flight plans to China
The government decided to continue instructing South Korean civilian aircraft that are passing through China’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ) not to submit their flight plans to China. The US already advised its civilian aircraft flying through the zone to inform China of their flight plans. The Japanese government, which is preventing its civilian aircraft from submitting flight plans as South Korea is, reportedly expressed its dismay about the American measures.

Seoul prepping for TPP talks at WHO meeting in Bali
The South Korean government has been gearing up in preparation after its recent decision to enter talks toward joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). This week, Seoul is looking to use a World Trade Organization (WTO) cabinet committee meeting that starts on Dec. 3 and free trade agreement discussions with Australia as preliminary talks for joining the US-led framework.

South Korea’s role as regional facilitator
By Song Min-soon, former Foreign Minister In March 2008, Admiral Tim Keating, then commander of US Pacific Command, made a statement before the United States House Committee o...

Protestant leaders join calls for President to step down
20 Protestant pastors from the National Clergy Conference for Justice and Peace are reflected in a glass door as they hold a press conference in front of Gunsan City Hall in Nor...

Cleaning fine dust from China
Workers wash the exterior of a high rise building in Seoul’s Mapo district, Dec. 2. Fine dust from China is forecast to spread across South Korea over the next three days. (by P...

Boozing Buddhist monks
Around a dozen senior monks of the Jogye Order of Buddhism are seen drinking in a session that lasted from 10 pm till 7 am the next morning in South Chungcheong Province, Nov. 2...
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Joong Ang (conservative): (
http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/)
Jang Song-thaek was purged, claims NIS
Two aides of uncle of leader Kim Jong-un were executed in Nov.
Jang Song-thaek, the powerful uncle, political guardian and one-time protector of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, appears to have been dismissed, according to the nation’s top spy agency. The National Intelligence Service said yesterday that in late November North Korea publicly…

Bakery in Incheon has first bitcoin transaction
The first Korean transaction of the most successful virtual currency, bitcoin, was made at a Paris Baguette store in Incheon yesterday…

In Tokyo, Biden appeals for three-way solidarity
U.S. Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. emphasized the need for a strong three-way partnership among Seoul, Washington and Tokyo…

Disputed landmark plan gaining momentum
Andrew J. Clark, an American freelance archaeologist who stays at the Somerset Palace Seoul in Susong-dong, Jongno District, on a regular basis every year…

Russia signs decree, bans trade with North Korea
The Russian government formalized a new decree banning trade with North Korea and prohibiting businesses and organizations from providing financial transactions…

Paralysis talks at Assembly a bust
Chairmen and floor leaders of the ruling Saenuri Party and the opposition Democratic Party yesterday met to seek a resolution to the paralysis at the National Assembly yesterday…

Fired Jeju mayor denies pay-off deal
Han Dong-joo, the sacked mayor of Seogwipo, the city that comprises the southern half of Jeju Island, held a press conference yesterday to deny that he had a deal…

Dancer asked to lead Korean National Ballet
Internationally renowned prima ballerina Kang Sue-jin, 46, currently with the Germany’s Stuttgart Ballet, may be headed back to Korea.According to the Ministry of Culture…

Online construction bid system hacked
A group of computer hackers and builders who broke into the government’s online bidding system to win major construction projects was busted…

Cho claims texts were exchanged
Seocho District official Cho Lee-je claimed that he exchanged six text messages with a Blue House staffer, in which the presidential office worker requested…

Park meets with Greek president on state visit
President Park Geun-hye yesterday held a summit with Greek President Karolos Papoulias, in which she asked for continued cooperation in the shipbuilding…

Korean Navy conducts drill close to Ieodo
The Korean Navy yesterday launched a joint sea and air military drill near the waters surrounding Ieodo, submerged rocks in the East China Sea that Beijing recently…

Police sees a reshuffle in its leadership
The government yesterday announced a reshuffle in police leadership, selecting a presidential secretary to head the Seoul police. Kang Shin-myung…
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Edaily (
http://eng.edaily.co.kr/Stock/)
[US the closing price]The U.S. Dow Jones Index, -94.15p(-0.59%) slightly down.
The U.S. Dow Jones Index Closing (At 2013.12.03) The Dow closed at 15,914.62p, slightly down -94.15p(-0.5...

[Closed] Domestic rate of return of final bid closed. 3-year government bond up 0bp.
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 3.04%, up (0bp) from yesterday. ...
[Closed]Dollar-won 1,061.20won, slightly up 4.00won( 0.38%)
Korean won closed at 1,061.20won per dallar slightly up 4.00( 0.38%) from previous day. [table] currently market of won dollar ...

[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
2013.12.04 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/)
Fashion distributors holding a spate of sales events
The winter sale events are everywhere in South Korea which offer winter products at half a price amid a prolonged downturn. Generally, during winter sale events, winter products are sold at non-discounted prices and inventory at discounts. However, this year, fashion distributors are vying to hold sales events in response to consumers who go for inexpensive or discounted products in the midst of a severe downturn. They may inevitably have chosen to cl.....

Chief of Shinhan Financial Group awarded as S. Korea’s best financier of 2013
‘The Best Financier Prize,’ which is awarded to the best financier in South Korea in a given year, went to chairman of Shinhan Financial Group Han Dong-woo this year.

Samsung Electronics executives earn over $4.8mn annually
Samsung Electronics’ C-suite officers are paid over 5.2 billion won ($4.8 million) on average per year, while those of South Korea’s 100 largest companies are annually awarded an average of 1.0 billion won.

4-party talks between ruling, opposition parties end with no results
The four-party talks for the resumption of the National Assembly between the South Korea’s ruling and main opposition parties ended with no outcomes Tuesday following the previous day`s meeting.

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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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