December 26, 2013

The Korean daily media headlines and humor

Tuesday, December 26, 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 

Ambassadors and families are invited to attend the Festival on

Thursday January 17, 2014. (Further details and photos are toward the end of this Headlines.)

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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 (See invitation and full details of the Concert at the end of this Article.)

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

On the way to one’s beloved, there are no hills.
- A Kenyan proverb

A man’s appearance shows the state of his domestic affairs.
- A Ghanaian proverb

If you do not carry it on black hair, you carry it on grey hair.
- A Ghanaian proverb

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Humor from Korean-language economic dailies this morning:

Seoul Kyungje

Doc to a patient.
"How did this happen?"
"My wife kicked me out."
"But it's not worth it to jump out of the second floor."
"Doc, you didn't understand me. She kicked me out, literally."

Hankuk Kyungje
Handsome Robber
Grandmother and granddaughter were in the bank when three bank robbers walked in and held it up. “All the ladies down on the floor,” one handsome robber commanded.
“My grandma too?” the little girl asked.
“Yes, your grandma too!”
“All the ladies on the floor, pull up your dresses.”
“My grandma too?”
“Yes, your grandma too! All ladies now remove their panties and spread their legs apart.”
“My grandma too?”
Now her grandma snarled, “You just keep shut up!”

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KBS (http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/)

Churches Hold Christmas Services Across Nation
Anchor: Churches and cathedrals across South Korea held services and masses on Christmas to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Our Bae Joo-yon has more.

Japan's Provision of Ammo to S. Korean Unit Causes Noise in Japan
Japan’s provision of live ammunition to South Korean peacekeeping troops in South Sudan has caused much noise in Japan.

Pres. Park: S. Korea Must Sternly, Relentlessly Respond to N. Korea Provocations
President Park Geun-hye has stressed that South Korea must sternly and relentlessly respond to protect the safety of the nation and its people if North Korea engages in provocation against the South.

Ruling Party Group Hails Passage of Revised Bill on Cross-Subsidiary Shareholding
A group of ruling Saenuri Party lawmakers has hailed the passage of a revised bill that aims to ban additional cross-subsidiary shareholdings by large business groups.
Two Mortar Shells Hit Near S. Korean Troops in South Sudan
Two mortar shells hit near the base of the South Korean troops stationed in South Sudan.

Gov't Wrote off Debts of 850,000 People This Year
The government was found to have repaid debts of 850-thousand people this year, the largest amount ever since the establishment of the nation.

No. of Passengers at Incheon Int'l Airport Tops 40 Mln in 2013
The number of passengers that used the Incheon International Airport has topped 40 million for the first time since the airport opened 13 years ago.
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Yonhap (http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr)

No more fighting near S. Korean base in South Sudan
No more fighting is taking place near a U.N. peacekeeping base in South Sudan where the South Korean contingent of military engineers is stationed, a day after two mortar rounds struck the base, officials in Seoul said Thursday.

S. Korea's consumer sentiment remains positive in Dec.
South Korean consumer sentiment in December held steady from the previous month at a 33-month high as the local economy is showing signs of improvement, the central bank said Thursday, although the sub-index remained somewhat downbeat.

Police surround temple in search of railway unionists
Hundreds of riot police surrounded Jogye Temple in downtown Seoul Wednesday in search of railway unionists taking shelter there, as their strike entered its 17th day during the year-end peak season.

Korea's manufacturers downbeat about Q1 biz: poll
A majority of South Korean manufacturers predicted bearish business conditions for the first three months of 2014 due to a bleak outlook for economic recovery, a poll showed Thursday.

Rival parties agree to pass budget, spy agency reform bills next week
The floor leaders of the rival parties agreed on Wednesday to pass key pending bills on the 2014 budget and spy agency reform next week in a move that effectively breaks the parliamentary deadlock.

Artillery strikes near S. Korean base in South Sudan
Two mortar cannons struck a United Nations camp in South Sudan where South Korean peacekeepers are serving, as conflict between government forces and rebels intensifies, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) here said Wednesday.

N. Korean leader orders military to bolster readiness
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited an Army unit and urged the military to maintain high combat readiness, its state media reported Wednesday, amid heightened tension on the peninsula following the shocking execution of the leader's uncle.

Sales at discount outlets, department stores grow in Nov.
Sales at South Korea's major discount outlet chains and department stores grew last month from a year earlier, making a sharp turnaround from significant drops in the previous month, the government said Thursday.

Europeans pick Samsung as top image for S. Korea
Samsung Group, South Korea's top conglomerate, topped the list of items that best represent South Korea's national image among Europeans, a Korean trade association said Wednesday.
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The Korea Herald (http://www.koreaherald.com)

Police surround Jogyesa Temple in rail strike row
Tensions mounted around Jogyesa Temple in Seoul on Thursday as police surrounded the headquarters of the country’s larg...

News ListN.K.’s Kim visits military, calls for greater combat capabilities
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un instructed the military to beef up its combat readiness during ...

Artillery strikes near Korean base in South Sudan
Two mortar cannons struck a U.N. peacekeeping base near a South Korean’ camp in South Sudan Tuesday as conflicts between government and rebel forces intensified, the Korean Joint ...

Up-and-coming Yeonnam-dong emerges as new hangout
Just a few minutes away from the vibrant and crowded neighborhood of Hongdae, known for its art...

Rival parties agree to pass budget, spy ...

Bomb attacks on Christians in Baghdad ki...

Russia closing most cases of Greenpeace ...

Rail strike hampers overall industrial a...

Pope's Christmas wish: hope for a better...

Progressive professor cleared of plagiar...

Korea taking initiative in global antipi...

Seoul, Beijing agree to deepen joint hig...

Korea’s largest ecological park to open...

Catholic celebration

Ukraine opposition struggles after bailo...

Middle East Christians being 'massacred'...

Turkey’s scandal-hit ministers resign

Russia closes criminal case against Gree...

Astronauts wrap up spacewalk to fix stat...
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The Korea Times (http://www.koreatimes.co.kr)

Women are taking charge
The Korea Times had three women’s photos appear on the upper half of the front page of its Tuesday edition.

Pro sports to beef up English websites
The government will have key pro sports organizations create or strengthen websites in English next year, while pushing for an online portal for all pro sports.
Samsung brothers seek reconciliation 
The eldest son of the late Samsung founder has proposed an out-of-court settlement in an inheritan... 

Korean unit attacked in S. Sudan  
Amid deepening anti-government protests in South Sudan, two mortar rounds hit a United Nations (U.... 

Gov't struggles to contain rumors 
The government is struggling to contain unconfirmed rumors about its alleged plan to privatize a s... 

NK leader orders military to keep combat readiness  
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un ordered the military to maintain high combat readiness, warning th... 

Will Gov. Kim run for third term? 
The ruling Saenuri Party is asking Gyeonggi Province Gov. Kim Moon-soo to run for reelection in th... 

4 union leaders take refuge in temple  
Four railway union leaders took refuge in Jogye Temple in downtown Seoul as the strike they instig... 

Parties to institute special investigation  
The ruling Saenuri Party and main opposition Democratic Party (DP) agreed Wednesday to introduce a... 

Ssangyong may go under court control 
Ssangyong Engineering & Construction may file for court protection soon because creditors are refu...

 

Hyundai's sales in China hit 1 mil. 
Hyundai Motor has outlined a 10-year plan to bolster its growth in China as its annual sales marke... 

Hanwha's solar biz on growth track 
Hanwha Group has seen tangible results from its aggressive investment in the solar power business ... 

Gwangyang FEZ aims to be Asia's industry hub 
Gwangyang Bay Area Free Economic Zone (GFEZ) is one of the best among the country’s eight FEZs and...
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Dong A (http://english.donga.com)

NK leader: war could break out without any prior notice
North Korea spoke of an unwarned war once again, sending signs of a possible provocation against South Korea. Rodong Sinmun reported Wednesday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited Command of Large Combined Unit...

D-100 day to Sochi
Two sisters and a brother took a commemorative photo in front of Taeneung Athletic Village in Gongneung-dong, Seoul on Oct. 30, 100 days ahead of the 2014 Sochi Olympics in Russia. From left: second daughter Park...

Behind the scene agreement fostered power of railway union
Korea Railway is known to have guaranteed its employees be promoted to senior manager rank once they meet required working years even if they make serious mistakes to harm the firm. Also, it can`t reassign employees who...

N. Korea's '3S politics' and Kim Jong Un's reign of terror

Mother drives distance of 10 circumnavigations to nurture skaters

Maestro Chung Myung-whun releases first-ever piano album
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Chosun Ilbo (http://english.chosun.com)

Box Office Turns Up the Heat Over Christmas with Stocking Full of Treats
Winter is a great time to head to the cinema due to the number of theatrical releases on offer and also to escape the cold climes outside. Below is a list of the best on offer at the silver screen over Yuletide.

S.Koreans Earn 18 Times More Than N.Koreans
South Korea's gross national income amounted to W1,279.5 trillion last year, 38.2 times more than North Korea's paltry W33.48 trillion, Statistics Korea said Monday. Per-capita GNI in South Korea was 18.7 times more than in the North, with W25.59 million to just W1.37 million.

Cars Importers to Boost Position with New Models
Foreign carmakers are gearing up to release new models in Korea early next year, but domestic firms have no new models lined up, leading to fears that their market share will erode further. Importers plan to release around 10 new models in 2014, ranging from subcompacts to multi-purpose vehicles.

Dokdo to Witness First Sunrise of 2014
Korea's first sunrise of the new year is expected to come into view at 7:26.23 a.m. over the islets of Dokdo. The Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute announced on Tuesday...

China to Ease One-Child Policy Early Next Year
Changes to China's strict one-child policy, which will allow more parents to have a second child, will begin to roll out early next year, state media said.  The policy change...

Storm Batters Southern France, Christmas Flights Cancelled
Powerful winds and torrential rain swept southern France on Wednesday, grounding flights and cutting off power to tens of thousands of homes.  About 120,000 homes across the...

Be Peacemakers All, Pope Says in First Christmas Message

Japan's Abe Close to Deal on Controversial U.S. Base on Okinawa

To remove coffee or tea stains from mugs
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Hankyoreh (http://english.hani.co.kr)

Happy holidays from the Hankyoreh English!
We are taking a break over the festive season and will next upload on December 30, 2013.

To cling to power, Park administration resorts to force
The Park Geun-hye administration, which has maintained an “uncommunicative and proud of it” approach on contentious social issues, is ramping up its use of force and rejecting dialogue. In the latest development, police stormed the offices of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) on Dec. 22, the fourteenth day of an ongoing strike against railway privatization. It was the first time authorities had been sent into the KCTU since it was legalized in 1999.

[Analysis] The point of conflict in the debate over railway privatization
As part of the government’s response to the controversy over the privatization of the railroad, various officials - including the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport; the Minister of Strategy and Finance; and the Prime Minister - have stepped forward to reiterate that the separation of the Suseo KTX Line does not represent privatization. But the Korean Railway Workers’ Union and civic groups refuse to believe the government’s claims, insisting that this is the first step toward privatization.

[Interview] New insight into how children succeed
Paul Tough, 46, has continuously emphasized that the key in helping children find success in their lives is neither their academic results nor their parents’ wealth, but the strength of their own characteristics. The former editor for the New York Times Magazine claimed he could well come to such conclusion after tracking back history of the children for long period of time and putting together the trend of those children.

Park's privatization plan
Park's privatization plan based on Neo-liberalism
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Joong Ang (conservative): (http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/)

Korail union leader takes refuge in Jogye Temple
A leader of the Korea Railroad Corporation’s labor union took shelter at Jogye Temple in central Seoul on Christmas Eve to avoid being arrested by police for his role in the longest-ever rail strike…

Handwritten appeals from the heart
Korea’s youth are hurting.And to communicate their unhappiness with a range of issues, they’ve reverted to a medium that older generations used before…

Borrowed bullets misfire on gov’t
The Park Geun-hye government was slammed for allowing its peacekeepers in Africa to accept a loan of ammunition from Japan, even though it has bitterly complained…

As tensions rise, soldiers on alert
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un warned that a war could break out “without any prior notice,” as South Korean President Park Geun-hye told her troops to…

Rodman to return to Pyongyang sans sponsor
BEIJING - Former NBA basketball star Dennis Rodman left North Korea on Monday, but he plans to return next month - even if a sponsor doesn’t accompany him…

Inflated demand reports wreaking financial havoc
Out of the 12 ski slopes at the O2 Resort in Taebaek, Gangwon, only a handful of people were spotted earlier this month on the two hills designated for beginner skiers…

Korea’s doctors show off skills on overseas trips
Seoul National University Hospital’s medical team performs a liver transplant in Kazakhstan last January. The hospital has conducted nine surgeries this year in Kazakhstan…

NH Financial gets nod to buy 3 Woori units
NH Financial Group had their wish come true on Christmas Eve when they were named preferred bidder for Woori Investment and Securities…

Hanjin Group owner’s son CEO of Hanjin
KAL HoldingsHanjin Group, the nation’s ninth-largest chaebol, is speeding up its group restructuring by giving more power to the owner’s children…

Hanwha Group sees bright future for solar business
Hanwha Group, the nation’s 10th-largest conglomerate, aims to become the world’s first company to vertically integrate its solar power business…

Hyundai Motor makes history with sales of a million in China
Hyundai Motor said yesterday annual sales from Beijing Hyundai, a joint venture with Beijing Automotive Group, have surpassed 1 million units…

Ministry announces recalls involving Toyota, Jaguar, Volvo
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said it has issued a recall order for Toyota, Jaguar and Volvo models…

Pets take bigger budget bite as families shrink
Miss Jeong, 38, spends almost a third of her monthly salary - more than 1,000,000 won ($943) - on her dog, Pongyi, and cat, Bori. She buys various products…
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Edaily (http://eng.edaily.co.kr/Stock/)

[US the closing price]The U.S. Dow Jones Index, 62.94p( 0.39%) slightly up.
The U.S. Dow Jones Index Closing (At 2013.12.24) The Dow closed at 16,357.55p, slightly up 62.94p( 0.39%)...

[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
2013.12.26 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/)

Fears over ‘housing transaction cliff’ reemerge
The fears over the so-called housing ‘transaction cliff’ are looming and jeonse crunch will likely deepen in South Korea as the government’s property-boosting measures of transfer and acquisition tax cuts are set to expire at the end of this year. Jeonse is a house rental system unique to Korea, based on a lump sum deposit paid by a tenant to a landlord at the start of a rental contract.Worse yet, the bill on abolition of double taxation for multip...

KOSPI, KOSDAQ & FX RATE [12/26 Open]
The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) opened at 2,006.01 on Thursday, up 4.42 points, from the previous close. The KOSPI is trading at 2,006.18 as of 09:04 a.m..

SK’s exports to hit $60 billion this year
South Korea’s conglomerate SK Group achieved the $60 billion yearly exports for two consecutive years.

Hyundai Motor’s sales in China cross 1 mn this year
South Korea’s top auto manufacturer Hyundai Motor achieved one million annual sales in China for the first time in 11 years after its entry into China.

Chaebol scions climb toward management
South Korea’s third-generation family members of conglomerates are coming forward to succeed the group control.


'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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November 27, 2013

Invitation to Gala Year-end Dinner and Concert

I am pleased to inform Your Excellency that Chairman Dr. and Mrs. Kang Duk-young of Korea United Pharmaceutical Co. cordially invite Your Excellency and Madam, together with other Ambassadors and Madams, to a Gala Year-end Dinner and Concert presented by the famed World Vision Children’s Choir of Korea at the Culture Foundation Building of the United Pharma in Seoul at 6:30 p.m. Thursday December 26, 2013. The repertoire includes a Christmas Carol by the famed World Vision Sunmyung-hoe Children’s Choir. The details are as follows:

Venue: Concert Hall of the Culture Foundation of the United Pharma Co., 616-12 Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 3 blocks southward from the Grand Hannam Bridge (behind Ritz Carlton Hotel).

Time/Date: 6:30 p.m. Thursday December 26, 2013

Schedule of Event:-

6:30-7:30 p.m.: Dinner hosted by Chairman and Mrs. Kang at the Banquet Hall.
7:30-7:40 p.m.: View exhibits at the Art Gallery and Handicraft Exhibition Hall
7:40-9:00 p.m.: Grand Year-end Concert

Repertoire:-Part I: ‘Han River Taryung,’ winner of 2013 Andre O. Veneration International Choral Festival (arr. Lee Hyun-Chul); ‘Surround Arirang’ (arr. Lee Sun-Taek); ‘Gagopa--Yearning for Home’ (arr. Lee Hyun-Chul).
Part II: ‘Gloriva’ (A. Vivaldi); ‘audate Dominum’ (W.A. Mozart); As dew in Aprile, this little babe’ (B. Britten).
Part III:
‘When I Sing’ (B. Henderson), ‘ Hamps-Elysees (M. Wilsh, M. Deighan); ‘OST Medely’ (arr. Shin Sang-woo); and ‘Blessing’ (arr. Lee Hyun-Chul)).
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