Seen in Jeonju

Archive for July, 2012

New Movies in Theaters August 2

31st July 2012

Normally on Tuesday, I post the trailers of new Korean movies being released in theaters. However, this week will be an extremely light post.  There are no new Korean movies opening. In fact, I don’t believe anything that is being released this week will be any threat to the top two films in the box office, Thieves and Batman Rises.

What we have coming are Pirahna 3DD (us), Magic Mike (us), Marley (us), Rock of Ages (us), Haunted Echos (us), Grave Encounter (ca), Sammy’s Adventure (be), Swan Lake (uk), Babycall (norway), AV Idol (jp) and Animal Kingdom (au).  If I had to pick one of these movies to see, I would probably go with Grave Encounter..I’m a sucker for ghosts in movies even though I am often disappointed by them.

Oh, speaking of light content.. I did not post about the new DVDs this week, not out of laziness, but because the only thing being released was a film I had already reported..Its released date had been delayed. So there was nothing new to add….

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Korean Box Office:July 27-29

30th July 2012

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K-Film Index of the 1970’s: Director Kim In-soo.. oh, and Kim Hyo-cheon

29th July 2012

Last time I had posted an entry for the Index of 1970’s Korean films, I mentioned that the next director I would cover would be Kim In-soo. However, I have been doing these in alphabetical order and next on the list should have been Kim Hyo-cheon.  I accidently overlooked him because I had previously entered 24 of his films from back when I was entering movies by year instead of by director. Because of that, his filmography from the 70s looked full. It was only upon closer examination I realized I needed two more movies, both about the historical figure Kim Du-han.  The other reason I nearly skipped over him was because Kim In-soo’s films seem so much more interesting– a mix of horror, high teen, action.. that I was anxious to get started with his. 

But in fairness, let’s start with Kim Hyo-cheon.  To start, his real name was Kim Chi-han and he was born in Daegu in 1935,  He graduated from the Korea Mercantile Marine College majoring in Navigation. For a time, he worked in that field, but he felt no love for the job and had long wished to be a movie director. He had written a handful of screenplays in the early 1960s but it was through the recommendation of a mother of a child actor that he got the chance to debut as a director in 1967.  As I previously mentioned, I uploaded plates on 24 of his 26 films made in the 1970s. To view these, click the tab marked ‘The 1970s’ at the tip of this page.  His final two films in this decade are below. Click the thumbnail to view the full-sized image.

kimhyocheon--1974truestorykimduhan, kimhyocheon--1975righteousfighterkimduhan

Kim In-soo was born Kim Beom-soo in Incheon in 1939. He graduated what was formerly called Hangwang Public High School (now Dongbook High School) and does not appear to have gone to a university. He worked as an assistant director in the late 1960s and debuted as a director in his own right in 1971 and made 13 films in the decade covered in this post. He continued to make films into the 1990s. Information on three of his films had been uploaded previously. Here are the final 10.

kiminsoo-- 1974evilspirit, kiminsoo-- 1974nasang, kiminsoo-- 1976greenfallenleaves, kiminsoo-- 1976ilikeyou, kiminsoo-- 1976shallitell,

kiminsoo-- 1976specialvictimskiminsoo-- 1978experience, kiminsoo--1977kungfukid, kiminsoo--1977specialinvestagatorbat, kiminsoo-- 1978stormboy

Next– The films of Kim Jeong-hyeon

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The Daehan Empire and Min Yeong-hwan (1959)

27th July 2012

bloodbambooThe Daehan Empire and Min Yeong-hwan is part of the recently released collection, Historical Films About the Korean Empire. The collection contains four movies focusing on the years leading up to Japanese occupation and the resistance shortly thereafter.  It also contains a very useful booklet explaining exactly why these films were made, why scenes of daily life were never depicted in these films, why they cover such a limited time period- no of these ‘Memorial Films’ ever covered the years after the March 1st Movement unless they are set outside Korea– and what relation the time period depicted on film had with the filmmakers themselves, many of them who were alive at the start of occupation.  The films I have seen from the collection so far do not require one to have  strong knowledge of history.. it is quite easy to pick up on people’s roles in the events transpiring. However, they are not documentaries either and some liberties seem to have been taken as I will explain while discussing the film pictured left. 

I chose The Daehan Empire and Min Yeong-hwan to watch first among all the films in the collection because of the time period it starts in. If you have been following my blog for a while, you undoubtedly have seen my transcriptions of Korea’s first English (and Korean for that matter)-language newspaper, The Independent. I am currently typing up news from 1896 and this film begins right about that time. In fact, Min Yeong-hwan was interviewed by The Independent and he was a member of the progressive Independent Club.  Min Yeong-hwan was the nephew of the murdered Queen Min and as such had the ear of King Gojong.  He was among the first Korean envoys to be sent to the west, visiting the courts of Europe, attending the coronation of the Russian czar and representing Korea at the White House in the United States and he was a strong supporter of the modernization of Korea.  He wanted to develop Korea along the lines of the western nations and make his country strong enough to be free of the plots of its neighbors.

The movie starts upon Min’s return from a six month journey to Europe. He immediately goes to the palace to greet the king and suggests that the Korean soldiers receive western-style drilling and uniforms to increase their effectiveness and in the next scene we see the soldiers receiving the uniforms and practicing their drills. He then goes to his home and greets his wife, mother and the members of a secret movement he is forming to block the Japanese from getting the Eulsa Treaty ratified by the Korean Government Ministers. His actions put him in direct conflict with the Japanese Foreign Minister and soon-to-be Resident General Ito Hirobumi who was residing in Korea and assassins are sent by pro-Japanese Ministers to end Min’s interference. He survives and  meets with future president of Korea Rhee Syngman, recently released from prison where he was held following a protest against Japan. All the while, Min continually pressures an increasingly weak King Gojong to nullify the actions taken by the other ministers and to dismiss them in favor of allies to Gojong. As we know from history, in the end Min’s hard work was for nothing and he committed suicide immediately following the signing of the Eulsa Treaty, a final act of protest against making Korea a protectorate of Japan.

The Eulsa Treaty was signed by the Korean Ministers in 1905 (the King Gojong refused to ratify it) and paved the way for later treaties that would lead to the annexation of Korea. The treaty consisted of five points, the two most damaging were the first, which made Korea a protecterate of Japan, and the second  which forbid Korea from entering into treaties or agreements with other nations without the approval of Japan. Knowing that the treaty was signed in 1905 and that Min returned from his last trip to Europe in 1897 led me to realize that we were getting a very condensed history. It is hard to tell that time had past at all, especially since Min’s children do not age throughout the movie. However, because of this there are a couple of historic facts that don’t quite mesh with the film. For example, according to the film, Min suggested that the army adopt western uniforms when he returned from six months in Europe. However, according to The Independent published in 1896, the army had already adopted western uniforms as an article in the June 30th edition bemoans the fact that some soldiers had taken to not wearing their new suits in favor of traditional styles. He may have been the one to have originally suggest to the King to adopt western uniforms, but it was in an earlier year than is depicted in the film.

The film script also makes an odd claim that Japan ‘denied Korea the rights to build trains for themselves’ but that is not accurate at all. The US built the first train in Korea and later France added to the tracks eventually connecting the Seoul railway through Pyeongyang and into Manchuria by 1905. In fact, issues of The Independent in the latter half of 1896 state definitely that Gojong turns down offers by both Japan and Russia to build more railways in Korea. His original plan was to let only the US build the railways and then purchase them for Korea. It is possible that, after the Eulsa Treaty was signed, Japan bought the trains from the US when the ten year lease was up, but, if that was the case (I can find no information on it at the moment), the characters in the film could not have known this as the film only goes up to the signing of the treaty.

The  brief inclusion of Rhee was simply done as a way to help legitimize the 4-term president.  His terms in office were marred by corruption but it was hoped that connecting him to patriots of independence would help ease a growing unrest and save the fledgling democracy.  It didn’t work. Although he received 90% of the vote in the final election (his opponent died right before the election), it was determined that the vice-presidential election was rigged and protests–and the government’s violent response to those protests– eventually drove Rhee from office and into exile.

The acting in the film is good although some may find the subject matter a little dry. It was interesting to see Kim Seung-Ho in the role of a villain. Normally he played the father-figures in the films of the early 60s like The Coachman or Romance Papa. Here he plays Ito Hirobumi– whom the English subtitles mistakenly call ‘Prince.’  If you are looking for more information about this movie in the KMDb, you need to look under the title Blood Bamboo. That title refers to the legend of the bamboo that sprouted from the dead wood where Min’s blood was spilled.  If you have an interest in early Korean history and the style and reasons behind the movies of the late 50s, then I strongly suggest you pick up the collection. If however, you are looking for action, romance or a lot of emotion in your films, this might not be the collection for you.

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The Independent: Saturday, July 4, 1896

26th July 2012

Continuing with my project of retyping the issues of Korea’s first English-language newspaper, The Independent, this week features the next edition, vol. 1 no. 39 from Saturday, July 4nd, 1896.<< REMINDER: The Independent was written over 100 years ago and the opinions expressed within DO NOT reflect my own . –tom >>

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Editorial

We could never tire of bringing to the notice of our readers, both native and foreign, the ways and means by which the Koreans can make the most of their opportunities, physcial as well as mental.  It has already been noted that korea ought to be an ideal place for the growth of fruit. Not fruit that perishes the day after it is picked but fruit that they could market throughout the East.  First and foremost is the apple. After all is said, the apple is the fruit par excellence. A good apple means more to an Englishman, an American, a German or a Frenchman than all the oranges, bananas and pineapples in the market.  It is the most healthful fruit there is and at the same time can be kept the longest.  The very words pippin, greening, northern spy, spitzenberg make the mouth water and carry us back to the hillsides and orchards of the home lands.

But the apple will not thrive in any climate and in any soil. The level plains of China with their heavy alluvial soil do not favor the apple.  The warm moist climate of Japan and the light winters do not offer congenial conditions. The hillsides of northern Korea, with a samnpping cold winter and plenty of snow, afford the ideal place for the culture of the apple. It is probable that the southern part of the peninsula is too warm for this fruit but from about the latitude of Seoul, right away north to the border, the apple should find a congenial home.  The few experiments that have been tried with these in Seoul seem to verify this opinion, for some splendid specimens have been grown and the flavor is equal to any we have tasted in the home land.

We are pleased to learn that a Korean company has been projected for the purpose of starting a first-class orchard in the vicinity of Seoul and in connection with it there should be a nursery from which Koreans can be supplied with trees.  One of the greatest mistakes, as it seems to us, which the Korean farmer makes is that he does not supplement his rice growing with some other from of work which would not take much time and yet would prove remunerative.  The planting of fruit trees on these bare hill sides would serve a double purpose.  Every one has noticed how the hills are being washed down into the valleys and thus the rich alluvial soil of the valleys is being covered up by sand. The planting of trees and vines on all these hill sides would help largely to withstand this process and the benefit would thus be a double one.

Besides the apple there are many other marketable fruits that grow vigorously here. See the Korean grapes, great lucious fellows, a bunch of them not infrequently weighing three and four pounds, and that withouth pruning or cultivation.  We have in the southern part of Korea an ideal grape country which would require only a little energy and capital to render highly remunerative.  Then the apricot, peach, plum and cherry all thrive here.  Korea is said to be rich in gold but the best gold is tht on the side of a good apple or peach and in the long run it will pay better, too.

Brief Notice

This is the glorious Fourth and we expect that all patriotic sons and daughters of America  will come out in full force and unite their hearts in celebrating the day.

The success of fruit growing depends largely upon successful combat with insects and fungi which are numerous in Korea.  We obtained the formula below from an American scientific bulletin and it is said to be the best ever tried in this line. The treatment given consisted in spraying the main part of the trees three times during hte season.  The first application was on April 2, before the trees had leaved out.  The Bordeaux mixture was used alone for this application. The second and third applications were made May 21 and June 23, respectively.  For use at these letter dates the Bordeaux mixture was prepared by the forty -gallon formula, that is, six pounds of sulphate of copper, four pounds of caustic lime, and forty gallons of water to which was added Paris green at the rate of one pound to each 200 gallons of mixture.  <<According to Wikipedia, Paris Green is the compound copper acetoarsenite which was used in Paris as a rat poison. It further states that around 1900, it was used in America in apple orchards but that the highly toxic mixture “burned the trees and grass around the trees.”–tom>>

Rev. Dr. Talmage stated in one of his recent sermons that he believes in dreams, which is the medium of divine messages. He gave a number of instances in support of the belief. However, he cautions people not to mistake a nightmare for a true dream.  <<Rev. Thomas De Witt Talmage was not located in Korea. He was a well-known Presbyterian minister who, at this time in his career, was based in Washington D.C.  His sermons wer published in over 3,000 journals and was estimated to have reached more than 25,000,000 readers–tom>>

The noted woman named Dyer of London who claimed to be a baby farmer has been on trial on a charge of murdering numerous infants entrusted to her care, and has been sentenced to death.  She was arrested at Reading with her son-in-law named Palmer, charged with having strangled to death a number of infants whose bodies were recovered from the Thames, weighted down with bricks. <<”A number of infants” is an understatement. It is believed that Mrs Ameila Dyer killed more than 400 children over a twenty-year period. News took a while to travel to Korea from England as Mrs Dyer was executed on June 10, 1896, nearly a month prior to this article appearing in the Independent–tom>>

Pupil, “Say Professor, do you believe in the theory that early rising tends to insanity?”  Prof: Yes, I think there is considerable truth in it.”  Pupil: But a  man to be insande must have a delusion of some sort. Now, what particular delusion have you ever known an early riser to be afflicted with?’  Prof:  “The delusion that he liked early rising.”

A few nights ago a police noticed a suspicious looking man with some money on his shoulder passing by the police station after midnight.  The man was questioned as to his name, business and where he lived, etc.  He replied that he was going to a hotel in Chong No to settle his indebtedness. The police followed him and saw him going into a house in Hio Kyeong Dari instead of the hotel in Chong No.  The police followed him into the house and questioned him how much money he had but he could not answer it.  This confirmed the suspicion of the police and they placed him under arrest.  Before he was taken to the station he escaped from the house by the help of the man living there. The police are making diligent search for him, but he has not yet been apprehended.  Yesterday fou rolls of Korean lace came to the station with the compliments of the runaway man, saying that if the police drop the matter four more rolls will be forth coming. The police arrested the man who brought the lace ard are trying to find out the place where the suspected thief is hidden.

Clean up the gutters, keep the streets free from garbage and prohibit deposition of filth in public places. Health of the nation is more important than wealth of the nation. If the Government intends to exercise economy we hope that some money will be spent on public hygiene.

Several Korean officials had a mass meeting in the new Foreign Office for the purpose of establishing a public park outside the West Gate.  The meeting was a great success in every particular.  Every body present was enthusiastic over the project and the contribution was entirely voluntary, and it amounted to $500 in one sitting.  It was a good beginning and if every official or private individual in the country possesses the same public spirit as these men there would not be any difficulty of raising several thousand dollars in a few days.  They all seem to be delighted with the idea of erecting an arch, as the mark of Korean independence, and the park will be known by the same name–Independence Park.  They elected officers to supervise the work and plan out the park. <<A list of names follows with their various titles relating to the park planning committee.  I don’t feel like typing them all— tom>>  The Executive Committee will investigate the grounds in a few days and a definite plan of laying out the grounds will be arranged.  Dr. Philip Jaisohn will act as advisor in the arrangements and general plans of the park.  It is hoped that some foreign residents will take interest in the matter and help and encourage the public spirit that has begun to move in the hearts of the more enlightened Koreans.  Of course financial aid is needed more than anything else. The foreigners will enjoy the privilege of the park probably more than the Koreans, and showin gtheir substantial help will be highly appreciated by the projectors.  Contributions will be published in the paper from time to time both in vernacular and English columns and the tresurer will keep a strict account of the receipts and expenditures. No money will be paid out unless the order is counter-signed by the members of the Executive Board.

Mr and Mrs Sill will give a recpetion this evening at the US Legation in honor of the day of American Independence. The reception will begin at 8 o’clock.

The Japanese Mail Steamship Company, Yusen Kaisha, will establish a regular line of mail steamers between Yokohama and Tacoma, beginning from the middle of July.

This afternoon at 3 o’clock the American citizens will celebrate their National Holiday in front of the Pai Chai School. The Committee extends a cordial invitation to all American and European friends to be present at the exercises.

The new battleship Oregon made 16.791 knots on her trial trip. She will be one of the swiftest ships of the world in her class. Hurrah for Uncle Sam’s Navy!

Lately, the British cruiser Spartan has been cruising about Port Hamilton. <<Port Hamilton refers to the Geomundo island group off Yeosu in the southern part of Korea. The British had a naval base there from 1885-1887. The British Navy would continue to visit the islands until abou 1910 and maintained a graveyard their for sailors. There are ten British graves there, the last dated 1903.–tom>>

It is reported that the Royal Household Dept. has ordered to repair or recontstruct the building of the Mulberry Palace. His Majesty intends to occupy the new palace as soon as it can be put in order.

The steamer Genkai was delayed on account of the sever storm that raged in Japan sea. However, she arrived safely in Fusan, and will be in port almost any day.

The tidal wave and earthquake played havoc in the Northern and Eastern parts of Japan. The total number of killed were 27,373 and 5278  houses were demolished. We extend our sympathy and sorrow for thos unfortunate families.

The Magistrate of Ye Ju reports that the insurgents in that district have been quieted and peace reigns. He suggests to the War Office the establishment of district militia which will have a wholesome influence upon the people. The Department granted permission to organize a battalion of militia in Ye Ju.

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Trailers for films opening this week: July 26

24th July 2012

There are four Korean films opening this coming week.

The first is an animation about the fish in a holding tank at a sushi restaurant.. (the comments on Youtube comparing the trailer to Finding Nemo made me laugh– this is definately NOT a petstore they are in!) The name of the film is Padak and it is directed by Lee Dae-hee and voiced by Kim Hyeon-ji and Shi Yeong-joon. It has a darker theme than Nemo and is rated for ages 12 or older.

Horror Stories is an omnibus film directed by Jeong Beom-shik, Im Dae-woong, Hong Ji-yeong, Kim Gok, Kim Seon and Min Gyu-dong. It originally screened at the Bucheon Fantastic Film Festival and is now getting a general release for those of us who didn’t go this year.

An Escalator in World Order is a documentary film by Kim Kyeong-man looking at the role of the USA in the development of Korea

And finally, we have what might be the most anticipated film of the summer in among Korean audiences, The Thieves, featuring Kim Yoon-seok, Lee Jeong-jae and many other talented actors directed bed Choi Dong-hoon. Even with Batman only in its second week in theaters, it is a pretty sure bet that this film will wind up in the number 1 spot at the end of the weekend.

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Korean Box Office: July 20-22

23rd July 2012

072007222012

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Korean films on DVD: July 22-28

22nd July 2012

spring snoweungyohand in handover my dead bodyblazing sun

There are five movies being released on DVD this coming week.  The first is Eungyo, directed by Jeong Ji-woo and starring Park Hae-il and Kim Go-eun.  Number of discs: 2 or 3 disc version available/ Subtitles: Korean and English/ Rating: for mature audiences/ Format: 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen/ Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1/ Running Time: 129 minutes plus 87 minutes of extras on the second disc, the 3- disc version contains the OST/ Recommended Retail Price: KRW 23,100 (2-disc), 25,300 (3-disc)/ Available: July 25th.

Spring, Snow is directed by Kim Tae-gyun and stars Yoon Seok-hwa and Im Ji-gyu. Number of discs: 1/ Subtitles: Korean and English/ Rating: for all ages/ Format: 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen/ Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1/ Running Time: 109 minutes plus 20 minutes of extras/ Recommended Retail Price: 22,000 KRW/ Available: July 25th.

The third movie pictured above is Hand In Hand starring Joo Hyeon and Ye Soo-jeong, directed by Choi Jong-tae.  Number of discs: 1/ Subtitles: Korean and English/ Rating: for ages 12+/ Format: 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen/ Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1/ Running Time: 113 minutes/ Recommended Retail Price: 22,000 KRW/ Available: July 25th.

Over My Dead Body features Lee Beom-soo and Ryu Seung-beom and was directed by Woo Seon-ho.  Number of discs: 1/ Subtitles: Korean and English/ Rating: for ages 15+/ Format: 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen/ Audio:Dolby Digital 5.1/ Running Time: 106 minutes/ Recommended Retail Price: 25,300 KRW/ Available: July 26th/  note: the promo material does not show the dvd cover, only the movie poster. When this has happened in the past, it usually indicated that the DVD was delayed by about a week.

Blazing Sun, a movie from 1984 directed by and starring Ha Myeong-joong and co-starring Lee Hye-yeong. Number of discs: 1/ Subtitles: None/ Rating: for mature audiences/ Format: 4:3 full screen/ Audio: Dolby Digital 2.0 mono/ Running Time: 90 minutes/ Available: July 27th

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The Independent: July 2, 1896

18th July 2012

Continuing with my project of retyping the issues of Korea’s first English-language newspaper, The Independent, this week features the next edition, vol. 1 no. 38 from Tuesday, July 2nd, 1896. << REMINDER:  The Independent was written over 100 years ago and the opinions expressed within DO NOT reflect  my own . –tom> In this issue: A park is being planned in Seoul, insurgents overthrow Chulwon, a tidal wive strikes Japan, and the Independent gets in trouble with the Seoul police!

PB260311123

Editorial

We note in our vernacular columns of this issue that an attempt is to be made at a public park for Seoul. A mass meeting is called of Korean officials at the hall of the Privy Council to discuss ways and means for carrying out the project.  The spot proposed for the park, while not an ideal one, seems to us to be a thoroughly good one both for its tipography and its situation.  There is no doubt that there is room between Mo-Hwa-Kwan and the Peking Pass for a very beautiful park and one that will be the most accessible for the largest number of people. As we look at the site today it looks stony and bare and cheerless enough; but imagine the stream confined between neat stone walls and spanned at intervals by bridges, a line of willows along either side with a fine drive beneath them where either carriages or bicycles could be used; then with the land on either side of the stream back to the hills, and perhaps part way up their sides, smoothed off, palnted here and there with decidious trees and shrubs, with walks or drives winding in and out, we should have something very like a park. The principal object of interest would of course be the arch which is to take the place of the one pulled down in 1894.  Then there must be a band which the Korean army ought to be able to furnish one of these days. If there were even one good drive in the vicinity of Seoul we should soon see carriages come in and there would be one form of recreation added to the small list from which the foreigners at present have to select.

It will be a splendid object lesson to the Koreans. To see a piece of ground set aside for purely aesthetic purposes, simply to be made beautiful and to be enjoyed as beautiful, would give them a new sensation.  It would be an oasis indeed in the bald utilitarianism of their lives.

The Japanese take to parks as ducks take to water. It is probable that this grew out of their constant attendance at the Buddhist temples which are found in every village and in connection with which there is always more or less landscape gardening, at least a shady place to sit and rest beneath wide-spreading trees.  But the Koreans have not had this in their lives and to it can be tarced in part the difference between the Japanese and Korean temperment. To be sure Korea does not lend itself so readily to the uses of landscape gardening as does Japan, but we hail as a good sign the attempt about to be made and we trust that even if the beginning is small it will be made.

Foreigners have reason to congratulate themselves that it is to be so near the foreign quarter. A real bit of civilized nature is something that has been long desired here and it will be highly appreciated.

Brief Notices

Capt. Cho Kwan Huen reports from Kang Neung that his troops have encountered a band of insurgents in Yang Yang district and defeated them. The insurgents lost 25 and two were taken prisoner. The insurgents are all gathered in Chun Chon district and they number over 3000.  They had cut off communication between his troops and Seoul. He sent messengers at three different times but they were killed by the insurgents.  He asked for reinforcements and the War Office dispatched another company with ample supply of ammunition.

The Ass’t Judge of the Supreme Court of Seoul wrote an official letter to the Chief of Police, but it ws rejected on the ground that the Ass’t Judge’s rank is not so high as the Chief of Police and he (the Chief) would not communicate with an inferior official even on public business.  The expounder of law was very much offended at the guardian of the peace and a retaliatory measure was inaugurated.  He would not receive the law cases that came from the Police Dep’t to the Supreme Court. We do not care how much these two dignitaries quarrel over their ranks and prerogatives, but we feel sorry for the public business which suffers greatly in the meantime.

Mr. Alexander Kenmure returned from his trip to Pyeng Yang a few days ago, and he left Seoul yesterday for Chefoo

Gov. Wm. McKinley was nominated as Republican Candidate for President of the United States.

A tidal wave in the North of Japan killed 30,000 people.

The students of the Royal English School invited the students of Pai Chai School last Tuesday to a picnic under the South Hill.  The students of both schools marched together in their uniforms and made a very pretty procession. After arriving at the place they made stirring speaches and sang patriotic songs which were composed by each school for the occasion.  Mr. Yang representing Pai Chai and Mr. Kwon of the Royal English School both distinguished themselves by able and partiotic address which they made to the scholars.  The hosts of the day provided beautiful drinkables and eatables for the guests, and they wre all in foreign style.  There was an exhibition of military drill by the English School boys under the direction of the English Seargent. Both the hosts and the guests enjoyed themselves immensely and a feeling of sympathy and fraternity sprang up between the two institutions.  The Pai Chai boys returned to their school grounds late in the afternoon and they seemed to be in high spirits.  They serenaded their teachers Mr Bunker and Mr Appenzeller with  songs and cheers.  They wound up the day by waving their national flang and shouty “long live the King” both in Korean and English.

The new Chief of Police took exception to the Independent’s printing an article about the change of the names of titles in the Police Department without getting permission from His Majesty and Cabinet.  He ordered the police not to admit the reporters to the Police Department.  It seems then that the Independent is not entitled to the secrets of the Department but the public documents only that are enacted by the Authorities can be had access to by the reporter. Through the medium of the press the people will know what has been done by the Goverment and it will be of mutual benefit.  The New Chief need not worry over the reporters.  We would not print anything that would cast any reflection on him as long as he does not do anything discreditable.  We advise him not to shun newspaper reporters, but conduct himself in such a way that he would rather like to have the reporters get the news and make his fair and patriotic deeds known throughout the world.

The Governor of Chung Ju reports that the band of insurgents in Che Chun and Chi Pyeng have been dispersed by the Chung Ju troops.

A mass meeting will be called by the Korean Officials at the Office of the Privy Council this afternoon for the purpose of making a public park in Mo-Wha-Kwan, outside the West gate. The park will be called 독깁 공원디 or Independent Park, in which an arch will be erected to commemberatethe Independence of Korea.  The park will be fixed up by private contributions from the citizens.  We consider this as the sign of a progressive spirit that instills into the brains of Korean Officials.  We hope the movement will meet great success as this is the first evidence of growth of public spirit in Korea.

Ex-Governor of Hai Ju, Yi Yeun Chang has been sentenced to banishment for to years in Kun San.

The Magistrate of Po Chun reports that 300 insurgents entered Chul Won district on the 27th of June and the magistrate and his subordinate officials have run away. The insurgents compel the people to offer their grain, money and clothing to the Chief of the band. If anyone resists the order he is beaten until they get what they want. The Magistrate of Yng Pyeong sent over his men to Chul Won and cut off communication between this band and another larger crowd in Yung Pyeng district by removing the ferry boats at the river. Immediate relief is required and the War Office will no doubt dispatch troops to the scene right away.

The Japanese Minister Mr Hara left Kobe last Tuesday and will arrive here in a  few days.

WC Hiller Esq. HBM Consul-General, intends to go to Japan for a vacation.  He expects to leave here within a week or so.

Next Saturday afternoon at 3 o’clock the American residents of Seoulwill celebrate thier National Holiday (the Fourth of July), in front of the Pai Chai School, Chong Dong. There will be a number of good speakers, and music.  The Committee on Invitation, through the Independent, extends a cordial invitation to all Americans and Europeans friends to be present at the exercises.– JB Busteed, MD, Chairman of Committee on Invitation.

“I don’t like his dong, ” he said, speaking of his rival. “Why, his dog once saved his life!” she exclaimed in surprise. “That is the reason I don’t like the dog,” he answered bitterly.

“This bicycle fever is a monomania isn’t it, Doctor?” “In some cases it seems to be.” “And monomania is closely allied to insanity, is it not?” “It is.” “Well then, would you call a bicycle crank a victim of a temporary insanity, recurrent insanity, or what?” “I think it would be more appropriate to call him a victim of circular insanity, don’t you?”

The total amount of the Armenian Fund recieved by the Independent is $145. This sum will be sent to US Minister Terrill in Constantinople through Minister Sill, after obtaining a London draft for the equivalent in sterling.

The committees on the celebration of the Fourth of July will meet tomorrow afternoon at 4 o’clock to report the progress that has been made by the different committees.  The meeting will take place at the Seoul Union Building. All committees are requested to be present.

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A deputation from the Associated Chambers of Commerce has aksed for the support of the British Gov’t in making trade routes to China y building or by guaranteeing the construction of railways. Lord Salisbury stated in reply that the Gov’t was unable to assist in any railway scheme outside of British territory; but that if a powerful solvent company was founded the Gov’t would do its utmost in carrying a railway to the edge of the British territory, and that done, it would no doubt be able to penetrate foreign territory whenever it should be considered necessary.

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New Korean Films Opening: July 19th, 2012

17th July 2012

There are two Korean films opening this Thursday.  The first is a comedy entitled The 5 Million Dollar Man which tells the story of a millionaire on the run. 

The second is a documentary, Ukulele Love Together

The Dark Night Rises (us), also opening, will probably land in the number one place in the coming weekend box office. Other films include: The Ceremony (us), Unstable Fables (us), Bounty Hunters (ca), Cafe de Flores (ca), Exorcismus (es), Detective Conan (jp), Honokaa Boy (jp), Rain Fall (jp), and Memories of My Melancholy Whores (mx)

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