This Saturday it was the K-Pop Academy graduation ceremony. Boohoo~. Can't believe it's going to be over even though it feels like just yesterday that it started. But as usual, the Korean Cultural Centre (KCC) prepared a wonderful ceremony for us.
Pictures of the students
To start the ceremony, Ambassador Choo said a few words about how successful he felt the K-Pop Academy scheme had been in helping us get a better understanding of Korean culture. His speech was followed by the KA students singing the KA song which was composed by my fellow classmate Katerina, a talented singer and composer.
K-Pop Academy students singing the KA song
A group of student performed a hilarious skit of what would happen if there was a K-Pop Academy reunion in 40 years. Pictures of popular idol groups were ingeniously edited and some of the funniest groups were 'Girls Generation' which was changed to 'Granny Generation' and '2NE1' was changed to '6NE1'.
Students performing their skit
Source: KCC
After this we each gave a little speech about our experience at the K-Pop Academy and how our views of Korea have changed as a result of our involvement in the K-Pop Academy. From my own personal experience I said how I felt that before the K-Pop Academy I thought I well-rounded understanding of Korean culture, but I realised how little I knew about the history and traditional aspects. It was great hearing what others thought and how we all had the same view.
Giving a speech about my experience
After a short break, guest speakers gave their thoughts on how successful they felt the scheme was. It was amazing hearing the positive feedback the guests said.
Brigadier Brian Parrit talking about how great he felt the K-Pop Academy was
Then it was time for our certificates to be given out. I was presented with the 'Best Director Award' which I found pretty funny. There'll be no reason for my to make dorky YouTube videos anymore. *Sigh* Haha.
Ambassador Choo and Directon Won presenting me with my award
The Director then announced the winner of the best performing student: Amy Moorfield. Congratulation Amy~! =)
As if the day wasn't filled with enough surprises and activities, it was revealed that Big Bang has a video message for us! Oh my gosh~! BIG BANG!!
After a long day, the KCC provided us with a wonderful buffet~. Definitely a great way to end the day.
Source: KCCUK
Source: KCCUK
Although we made a video showing our appreciation for all the time and effort the KCC took into organising everything for the K-Pop Academy, we felt that it wasn't enough so we brought a cake with 'Thank You KCC' written on it.
Students giving the cake to Directon Won
Overall it was a brilliant day~! I can honestly say I've enjoyed every minute of the K-Pop Academy and I can't express my gratitude to the KCC for giving us a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Seeing as we visited the British Museum this week, our homework was based about the National Treasures of Korea. There are so many beautiful historical sites I would love to visit in Korea but I focused on Korea's intangible heritage of humanity instead.
During my visit to Korea, I saw a spectacular Taekwondo performance. From then onwards I have been in awe with Korean martial arts which is why for this weeks homework I chose to do a promotional video for Taekkyeon (택견), a form of traditional Korean martial arts.
Here is a video of Taekkyeon:
I tried to the mimic the style of the Infinity Chanllenge's Bibimbap promotional video too:
Although I attempted to imitate various moves from videos of Taekkyeon, I added my own moves which is why I called it 'Tam-kwondo'. Check out my video below:
Mandatory Homework
In addition to the video, this week we also had another piece of homework. We visited the British Museum for this weeks class and were told there were some errors in some of the description in the Korean room.
After class, a group of us K-Pop Academy students visited the Korean room again searching like crazy for the errors. We even attempted to speak Korean to Korean visitors to ask if they had realised any errors and they attempted to help us but had no luck too.
Therefore I decided to us my best friend Google. =)
It turns out that the birthplace of the Buddha was incorrectly noted to be in India, however, the British Museum have now corrected this information.
An iron statue of a Buddha in Korean room in the British Museum
Source: KCCUK
So how could the Korean room in the British Museum improve to promote Korea's cultural heritage more effectively?
1. More about Korean traditional music
Having learnt about how Korean music has evolved, it would have been nice to see artefacts of the early instruments used in Korea. The techniques used to make the instuments in the past and now may differ a lot. Therefore it would have been great if there was more information about traditional Korean music now that Korean music, especially K-Pop, is becoming more popular.
2. More about Korean art
Although there were numerous traditional Korean ceramics in the museum, personally I would have liked to see more traditional paintings and drawings. I am aware that there are some marvellous Korean folk paintings, such as the ones below, so I would have loved to see more in the Korean room.
Painting of Taekwondo
3. More about the Korean language
Having gained a better understanding of the birth of the Korean writing system, Hanguel, through the K-Pop Academy, it would be truly amazing if there were pieces of early documents written in Hanguel.
Overall, although there were many beautiful artefacts in the Korean room, in my opinions the room would better promote Korean culture if it provided more information on traditional Korean music, art and Hanguel.
This week us K-Pop Academy students took a field trip to the British Museum. Exciting~.. I've only visited the museum once even though it's so close to my university, so it was lovely going with the KA class.
First we were taken around the Korean room in the museum. The room was filled with beautiful artifacts and sculptures. We were kindly shown around the room and given information about the various artifacts.
Source: KCCUK
Not only did we see fascinating artifacts but we gained a better understanding of the Korean history: from understanding how Buddhism became more popular in Korea to the armour worn by solders in Korea.
Korean pottery was just amazing. They had a slight wonky-ness to them which showed that the pots had their own 'personality'. Rather than being perfectly designed, the imperfect nature of the vase made them unique.
Almost, one of the most spectacular pieces in the room was the Sarangbang (사랑방), typically used as a scholar's work room in the past. At first I thought SarangBang meant 'Love Room' *awkward* so I was surprised to hear about the actually use of this house. Scholars would often sit outside the room and greet guests while the women in the family would stay indoors.
Sarangbang
KA students with the exhibitor in front of the Sarangbang Source: KCCUK
After having a look around the Korean room, we had a quick look at the Samsung room. I had no idea there was a Samsung room in the British Museum so it was great to know that the Korean brand had grown so much
Then we carried out group tasks. One of them was to see who could complete a jigsaw with the Korean map the fastest. Then we had to draw a campaign poster of a Korean historical building or activity. My group designed a poster about Taekkeyon, a traditional form of martial art.
My groups poster about Taekkeyon
Overall, it was a lot of fun learning more about the Korean history through the artifacts. I'll definitely be visiting the Korean room more often to see the new pieces~..
To find out more about the Korea room in the British Museum click here or even better, visit it yourself if you get the chance. ^^
KA in front of the British Museum Source: KCCUK
Check out the video of this weeks class:
Our next class will be the K-Pop Academy graduation ceremony. Oh my goodness, I can't believe all these weeks have passed by so fast~.. I don't want it to end! T___T
The focus of this weeks class was the Future of K-Pop. I wasn't actually able to attend this week class (because of protests in my town). Boohoo~! It felt strange staying at home staying at home on a Saturday. But the focus of this weeks class was the future of K-Pop.
So for the homework I chose to do a comic strip of what kind of K-Pop star I would choose if I was a CEO. CEO Sidika, it's got a nice ring to it. Haha. =P
The comic strip tells the story of what happens during the auditions and what the judges look for when selecting contestants.
Here's a closer look at the story:
Contestants are practicng hard in the waiting room
The judges are waiting patiently for the next act. (There's me in the pink top). Haha
The door opens and in walks..
..a contestant who is really pretty..
..but her singing is awful. So regardless of the fact that she is attractive,
which is often a must for K-Pop idols, she gets buzzed off.
The next contestant is doesn't look like a typical, doll-like K-Pop idols..
..however, she has the voice of an angel so you goes through. =)
A geeky boy walks in next. Surprisingly he has amazing b-boying skills and
since I am always amazing by b-boying he easily goes through to the next round.
The last contestant is dressed from top to toe in Indian attire. The judges don't know what to
expect but she has some amazing Bollywood moves..
..so she also goes through.
All in all, my comic strip illustrates that although I understand that beauty is seen as a must in K-Pop, there are other more important factors such as true talent~.. =) Plus, I barely see any ethnic minorities in K-Pop which is understandable since it's such a homogeneous country but a little of colour would be nice. Haha~.. =)
As this week class was focused on noraebang, I decided to do a video of my singing Korean songs. For those who have witnessed my singing during noraebang, you know how terrible my singing is. But I made this video to illustrate how I bug my family with by constantly singing along to K-Pop songs. Here's my video:
Thanks to my family for getting involved and not bring afraid to make themselves look crazy like me. Haha.
Also since I love noraebang so much, I compared my experiences of noraeabang in England to Korea.
England
Korea
All in all, wherever you go, whoever you go with, noraebang is always a blast~! After going the first time, I realised why it was so popuar in Korea. It lets you release stress and sing at the top of your lungs without being afriad that you can't sing.
If you guys haven't been noraebang yet, I really recommend you to try go!
First off, apologies for the last post. Amidst exam stress, I almost forgot to write this review. Oops~.
The focus of this weeks class was British Pop vs K-Pop. Honestly I haven't listened to Brit-Pop much lately because I've been so absorbed in K-Pop, actually Korean music in general. But as a child I loved British Pop music from Spice Girls to 5ive.
The first half of the class started where we left off last week. We listened to different variations of Arirang. I had heard a few beforehand but I didn't know there were so many different types. We then sang the chorus of Arirang in groups. I am by no means the best singer but I gave it my best shot and it was a lot of fun.
Then we heard the difference between Brit-Pop and K-Pop over time. When it came to the current music, we all got excited and started singing along.
Lyrics to Arirang
Before the break we were split into groups for the MulChoong Noraebang game for the second half of the class. Each team was given a song. My team was group B so our song was Gee, a catchy energetic hit song by SNSD. The other teams were Bad Girl Good Girl, Black and White and I Need A Girl.
The aim of the game was that each member of the team was given a small section of the lyrics to memorize and then if they made a mistake when singing it, the whole team got wet. It was fun shoting water at the other teams but it wasn't great when I was on the receiving end~.. o__O Haha.
Overall I had an awesome day, as usual~! Thanks KCCUK! ^0^
Here's a short video of what us KA students got up to this week:
The focus of this weeks class was traditional Korean music. Since I've heard Arirang (아리랑) a couple of times before, I decided to research about it for this weeks homework.
When I first read the lyrics, I thought it was a simply sad song about a woman losing her love but the more I researched about it, understood the true meaning of the song. This song is used to express the feeling of Korean sorrow and oppression (한) as well as bringing people together and trying to lift the spirits of the nation.
Therefore, I attempted to do a storyboard about Arirang. It was pretty big so it took a while to stick up but here's the finished product. (It's surprising how much time I spent on this when I'm meant to studying for my last year uni exams. Yikes~!)
Story board about Arirang
Posing with the big storyboard
Additionally, I was fascinated by the Korean fusion songs I heard in class so I attempted to make one myself by combining the traditional Arirang song with Poison Gas (독기) by LeeSsang (리쌍). As the lyrics of Poison Gas also express the feeling of hardship and trying to overcome difficult obstacles in life, I thought it would go well with the meaning of Arirang.
The English translation of the song is:
Arirang, Arirang, Arariyo
Arirang over the hill we go
(from Arirang)
I get up from this life that is like a ditch
I live by achieving what I want
I go up more more more, go up
(from Poison Gas)
I used the storyboard in the video to illustrate the story told in the Arirang song. This is my first ever attempt at mixing a song so I hope you guys like it~! ^^
The topic for this weeks class was traditional Korean music. Since we all love K-Pop, learning about the roots of Korean music gives us an insight into how K-Pop might have came about.
As we entered the lecture room there was a traditional Korean instrument in the middle of the room so I was intrigued to find out more.
First, we were given a lecture by Dr Keith Howard, a lecturer at SOAS university. He talked us through the change in Korean music over time. The oldest piece of Korean music was made in 1116 so listening to how the music evolved was great. Some of the instruments played in the earlier pieces actually reminded me of the Bangladeshi music.
After hearing samples of Korean music, we had the chance to hear it being played live by Jung JiEun. She played us 5 pieces: Sanjo, Shimhyangmu, Daraji variations, Arirang and Amazing Arace. She played the Gayageum so effortlessly and beautifully. It made me want to learn, even though I am awful at playing instruments.
During the second half of the lesson, we had the chance to play Korean instruments ourselves. Yay!
We were taught to play Sameulnori which is played using 4 different instruments: the Kkwanggwai, Ching, Changgo and the Puk. All these instruments together create a wonderful fusion of sounds. So the K-Pop Academy became the K-Pop orchestra as we were taught by Nami Morrisght how to play the instruments.
The Changgo
We were each asked which instrument we want to play and then shown how to play it properly. Initially I was playing the Kkwaengari which was pretty simple to play. But I thought I'd be creative and switch to the Changgo. Then we had to play a simple song. Well I say simple, but I started to get a little confused with the rhythm after a while but I had a lot of fun.
K-Pop Academy students eager to play the instruments
Overall, it was another awesome day. I learnt a lot about Korean music and it was nice to hear someone play it live as well as learn a bit myself.
I complied bits of footage from this weeks class to give you guys a taster of what we get up to in class and during our breaks so check it out. ^^
As I'm sure you all know, from my numerous posts about Korean Cultural Centre UK events, the KCCUK hard to make people aware of Korean culture. Saturday's All Eyes On Korea event is a prime example of this. The focus for this weeks lesson was Korean culture and events so as part of this weeks homework I made a video about another 5 possible events the KCCUK could hold to promote Korea further.
If there are any aspects of Korean culture that you would like to learn more about, feel free to leave a comment. ^^
On the 17th April, the Korean Cultural Centre (KCC) organised the 'All Eyes on Korea' to mark 100 days till the Olympics. This event involved various flashmobs, a funky double decker bus and a K-Pop night. I was lucky enough to be a supporter for the event and get involved in all the epic madness.
As there were flashmobs scheduled, the day started at 9am with a dance rehersal. Although I had practiced most of the dances previously, there were a few I didn't know well so this ensured I knew the dances well.
We then got on a eye-catching double decker bus that was decorated especially for the event. For an hour the bus drove around central London while we were on the top deck singing and dancing to K-Pop songs like true diehard K-Pop fans.
The bus we rode to promote the event and show our support for Korea
Us supported on the bus
The bus driving past Oxford Street
Here's a video Korean Class Massive recorded of the bus passing through Haymarket:
The atmosphere was lively with the bus attracted a lot of attention with many people stopping to take picture and waving. Some people were even dancing as we sang. After screaming till I almost lost my voice, we had a break before heading to our next location, the OXO tower. As we walked to the OXO tower, passers by were intrigued to know about what we were promoting.
Supporter and our fury mascot near the Millenium Bridge
When we arrive at the OXO tower we performed a brief flashmob which consisted of the Sunny and Victory Korea dance. It was the first time we had all performed together in front of large crowd but everyone tried their best.
Dancing near the OXO tower
After the flashmob we were all feeling full of energy so we headed to out next location, the London Eye. When we got there we handed out baloons and leaflets about the upcoming Korea events that will take place during the Olympic. People seemed keen to know more about the events. Even street performers were asking what we were promoting and dancing along as we sang 2NE1's I Am The Best.
Then made our way to Trafalger Square. Before we even started performing, a crowd had formed eager to see what we had in store. I would too if I saw a large group of people dressed in yellow T-Shirts and waving Korean flag. Haha.
We then performed the full routine in front of the crowd and this time it was longer than the previous one as we also had to perform the K-Pop dance too. I was excited to see the crowds reactions.
Us supporters performing the full routine in front of the National Gallery in Trafalge Square
Source: KCCUK
In Trafalger Square
Source: KCCUK
Source: KCCUK
It felt food to see the crowd clapping and cheering us on. They took a lot of interest in the event and several people requested to take pictures with our adorable mascot.
In front of the Olympic clock
We headed back to the KCC for a brief break and then headed back onto the funkiest bus ever enroute to Picadilly Circus where we were supposted to perfrom another flashmob.
Source: KCCUK
However, unfortunately the weather wasn't on our side and it raining like crazy so we were unable to perform. We tried to keep our spirits up, singing along to the songs despite the awful weather and made our way back to the KCC.
Because it was raining too much we had to stay in the KCC so we watched a video of the Dream Concert . The perfect way to keep K-Pop fans occupied.
Supporters watching the Dream Concert
A good way to kill time: take pictures =P
At 6.30pm before the K-Pop Night was under way, we had to perform our last flashmob of the day infront of the KCC where there were lots of people waiting and several passersby.Seeing as it was our last performance, I put in 110%. There is a video of the flashmob:
You'd think that after only 3 hours of sleep and constantly dancing, cheering and singing throughout the day, that I'd be tired but I felt the opposite. The KCC was almost unrecognisable with amazing disco balls and chandeliers which completely transformed the place into the perfect dancing environment.
Source:KCCUK
With all my favourite songs playing, I couldn't help but dance. I met a lot of my friends that I hadn't seen in a long time so it was really nice being about to hang out with them. As well as this, lots of K-Pop Academy students were also present which made the atmosphere electric. When we heard Fantastic Baby, we formed a big circle and performed the routine we learn.
Group picture of the supporters
All in all, I had such a wicked day. From start to finish the day was so fun with so much going on and making great memories along the way. I felt so proud representing Korea and expressing my passion to others.
I think I speak on behalf of all the support when i say, thank you KCC UK for allowing us to have thsi experience! ^^
Media coverage of the event
Well, if having an awesome day wasn't enough, it appears the event received a lot of media coverage in Korea. To read new reports of the event and watch news coverage click on the following links:
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