KoreanClass101.com Blog

The Korean music industry is a strict place. While America and other Western countries seem to have few problems with the content of songs as long it isn’t incredibly offensive or full of swearing, Korea on the other hand seems to have very strict ideas about what is and is not suitable for the public. Bad language is an obvious one, but what takes me by surprise every single time is that one of the things they ban songs for - or at least demand lyric changes for - is sexually suggestive content.

비’s latest title song Rainism has recently been banned in it’s original form because the the government feels some of the lyrics are unhealthy material for young Koreans, and encourage sexual behaviour. The original song has been removed from music sites and charts, and 비 can only perform the revised version on television programs. The lyrics came under criticism in late October, but passed review at first. It seems a bit late now to suddenly ban the song, after it’s been out for well over a month.

Here’s the lyrics in question:

떨리는 네 몸 안에 돌고 있는
나의 magic stick (magic stick)
더 이상 넘어갈 수 없는
한계를 느낀 body shake (body shake)

Suggestive, sure, but it’s not that bad.

As far as I’m aware, at least one television programme also banned or wanted to ban 비 from performing You, another song from his fifth album, for more suggestive lyrics.

신화 member 전진 also had two of his solo songs censored earlier this year. The first was the MV for Wa, set in a nightclub with people getting up close and personal, which broadcast stations decided was too sexually suggestive to be aired during the usual hours and shows. The second was the song 사랑한다는 그 말, featuring 신화 bandmate Eric, for having the word “bullshit” in one of the rap lines.

And yet Western songs aren’t banned or censored in Korea, no matter how sexually suggestive they are. Is it because the lyrics in question are in English? Or is it because Korea simply has different ideas of what is and is not appropriate for their own artists?

Sexually suggestive lyrics aren’t all that get songs banned or censored. Hiphop trio Epik High have also found themselves being censored in the past for lyrics that deal with social issues such as sexual crimes, war, religion and education. Last year during an interview with The Korea Times, Tablo said “if we talk about a social issue, we get censored. I don’t understand how discussing a social issue or saying that something wrong should be made right is bad for the youth… If talking about serious issues and reality and how to make it better is wrong; If we’re living in that kind of society, things are not going to get any better.” 서태지 has also in the past found his songs being censored for the same reason, with lyrics that criticised society.

These were just a few examples, but there’s been plenty of other occurences of this happening.

What do you guys think about this? Is the censorship and bans good intentions taken too far, or something that’s necessary? Should Korea lighten up, or are the rest of us just way too liberal?

Driving a car in Korea.

Apparently, it’s the hardest thing on the planet. I know people who have traversed the planet, left their home country, diligently learnt the English language (not exactly an easy task), acculturated themselves to American culture only to be terrified of getting a driver’s license and driving to the grocery store. I mean after all they have accomplished, why is driving a car all of a sudden this insurmountable obstacle?

Not that I blame anyone for being a bit apprehensive. This chart and map isn’t exactly comforting. Not to mention that out of 29 countries researched, Korea ranked 27. In this case, the bronze medal is especially not something to be proud of. It perplexes me because Japan has a reported 0.88 deaths per 10,000 cars on the road, Germany reports 0.93 per 10,000 cars (oh and the Autobahn is in Germany for those who forgot). So why does Korea report 3.34 traffic-related deaths per 10,000 cars on the road? Not sure, but the more I look into it, the more depressed I get. The number of deaths from traffic accidents per 100,000 people in Korea amounted to 16.9 compared to 15.2 United States, and 8.2 Japan.

Perhaps even more heartbreaking is the reported 200 annual deaths of children. Sadly, this number only reflects school-zone pedestrian deaths - not including other sources. Furthermore, 25.6 of 100,000 children under the age of 15 die due from accidental causes, specifically pedestrian-related accidents such as walking alongside a road - sidewalk or not. What in the world is wrong with Korea’s traffic safety? Is this where the fear of being behind the wheel comes from? So why in the world do Americans feel so invincible while driving? We aren’t immune to these statistics.

It’s also fair to point out the higher dependence on public transportation in Korea. However, these accidents are caused by both commercial and personal drivers. It’s enough to stop and take a good look at who’s driving you home, doesn’t it? For that matter, traffic congestion opens up a whole different set of problems, right?

So what can be done? This .pdf presentation deserves to be viewed by all who travel in Korea. It’s concise and full of concrete examples and areas of improvement, namely education. For a developed country like South Korea, I know much more can be done to prevent such tragedies - especially considering that many of the problems stem from infrastructural defects such as misplacement of signs, symbols, markers, and lights.

Thoughts?

안녕하세요 ^^ 현우예요. Here’s Korean Handwriting video part 2!! I hope you’ll enjoy it!! ^^

Last week was the 10th anniversary of MNet KM Music Festival Awards, also known as MKMF. Award/performance shows like this generally aren’t my thing, I believed I watched it (or something similar) last year and ended up thoroughly annoyed at some of the choices and the balantant insider favouritism and music scene politics, so I decided to spare myself the annoyance and not sit through it. But I got all caught up on the end results, and thought it’d make a good (and long, sorry XD) blog entry for today.

The actual event took place on November 15th, but overseas viewers could cast their votes online on the MKMF 2008 website back in October.

Nominees for the Best Male Newcomer category were JYP’s two boybands 2AM (이노래) and 2PM (10점 만점에 10점), SM boyband and currently the latest craze SHINee (누난너무예뻐 REPLAY), hiphop/pop duo Mighty Mouth (사랑해) and yet another boyband U-Kiss (어리지않아). Unsuprisingly enough it was SHINee that won. No offence to SHINee fans but I really don’t see what it is about them that has all the girls going crazy. I think it’s just a current trend right now to be a “누나” fan, and get into the younger boybands.

Nominees for the Best Female Newcomer category was DSP’s female solo artist 선하 (Chantey Chantey), duo 다비치 (미워도 사랑하니까), 문지은 (여우가), 이현지 (Kiss Me Kiss Me) and JYP’s female solo artst 주 (남자 때문에). 다비치 were the ones to snag the award, and in my opinion definitely deserved it, I’m not too into the female artists but they are my favourite out of the nominees.

The Best Male Group category was filled with unsurprising nominations: SM boyband 동방신기 (주문 (MIROTIC)), YG pop/hiphop group Big Bang (하루하루), hiphop group Epik High (One), poprock boyband F.T Island (사랑후애) and R&B team SG Wannabe (라라라). What was surprising was the fact that it was Big Bang took the award, leaving 동방신기’s fans in total shock. I’m really proud of Big Bang for getting themselves that award, it’s a huge achievement especially up against 동방신기 who used to have such a monopoly over the boyband scene. I would have been happier if Epik High had won, or F.T Island, but that wasn’t gonna happen XD 동방신기 didn’t go home empty handed however, snagging for themselves Auction Netizen award, Best Style award, Mobile Popularity award, Overseas Viewers award and one that actually mattered: Album of the Year. Big Bang stepped all over the hearts of 동방신기 fans however when they got themselves the well earned Artist of the Year award.

Best Female Group had the nominees of JYP’s Wonder Girls (Nobody), SM girlgroup 소녀시대 (Kissing You), R&B group 브라운 아이드 걸스 (L.O.V.E), trio 씨야 (Hot Girl), and 쥬얼리 (One More Time). Another surprise winner, with the Wonder Girls taking the award. I had really been expecting either 브라운 아이드 걸스 or 쥬얼리 to take that one. Wonder Girls with Nobody also got Song of the Year, which also surprised me since I didn’t think it was that catchy or great but apparently so, and they also got Best Video if I’m not mistaken.

For Best Male Singer there was rocker 서태지 (모아이), Big Bang member 태양 (나만 봐라바), MC몽 (서커스), 김동률 (다시 시작해보자) and 토이 (뜨거운 안녕). As expected (or at least hoped), 서태지 took this award, though I also would have been happy if MC몽 had won it, since he’s crazy and cool.

Best Female Singer had the nominees of 거미 (미안해요), 서인영 (신데렐라), 엄정화 (D.I.S.C.O), 윤하 (텔레파시) and the sexy 이효리 (U-Go-Girl). Not a surprise at all that 이효리 won. I love that woman XD

Nominees for Best Mixed Group were 거북이 (싱랄라), 자우림 (Carnival Amour), Cherry Filter (Orange Road), 쿨 (사랑을 원해) and 클래지콰이 (Robotica). Does anyone know who won? Because I sure don’t o_O; I’ll put my money on 클래지콰이 though, everyone loves 클래지콰이 XD

Best Rock Song had the nominees of 자우림 (Carnival Amour), 문희준 (Obsession), 넬 기억을 걷는 시간), 서태지 (모아이) and 트랜스 픽션 (Radio). I know 자우림 is a rock group but that single was so painfully not rock, why was it even nominated for that?! Despite being up against 서태지, it was 넬 who took the prize.

For Best Hip-Hop Song, the nominees were Dynamic Duo (Solo), Epik High (One), 은지원 (Adios), MC몽 (서커스) and Mighty Mouth (Energy). Epik High won, which makes me a happy fangirl!

The Best Ballad/R&B Song nominees were 브라운 아이즈 (가지마 가지마), 김동률 (다시 시작해보자), 태양 (나만 봐라바), 박지헌 (보고싶은 날엔) and V.O.S (Beautiful Life). I’m a little surprised to see only male nominees in this one, as there are a couple of good female ballad/R&B artists floating around. 브라운 아이즈 took this award though!

Best Dance Song category had the nominees of SM’s 동방신기 (주문 (MIROTIC)), 소녀시대 (Kissing You) and Super Junior H (Cooking Cooking!), Wonder Girls (Nobody) and 이효리 (U-Go-Girl). I don’t know how Super Junior H got nominated for anything other than being set on fire, but thankfully for my sanity and faith in humanity, sexy 이효리 won the award.

The category of Best House and Electronica Song had Big Bang (하루하루), 브라운 아이드 걸스 (L.O.V.E), 거미 (미안해요), 엄정화 (D.I.S.C.O) and 쥬얼리 (One More Time). 쥬얼리 took this one.

The Best OST Song category had only four nominees: F.T Island (One Word (Drama: On Air)), SG Wannabe & 김종욱 (운명을 거슬러 (Drama: East of Eden)), 소녀시대 member 태연 (만약에 (Drama: Hong Gil Dong)) and 유승찬 (그대를 사랑합니다 (Drama: 엄마가 뿔났다)). SG Wannabe & 김종욱 won this category.

One thing I do like about the awards is that there are at least a couple of categories for the people behind the artists, like the song writers or the MV directors and MV screenplay writers. I’ll confess to not knowing any of their names or who has worked on what, but I think that their contribution to the process is immensely important and that a lot more value should be placed on the hard work and talent of these people. A bad song will obviously give an artist less chance of having a hit but a badly written or directed MV will also harm their chances just as badly. Think of it like a really sucky commercial. It’s not gonna make you remember the product or want to have it. MVs are an artist’s commercial to sell themselves and their song.

There was also a MKMF 10 Anniversary Commemorative Award, which was given to 문희준 on behalf of former boyband and pop scene legend H.O.T. And pop-ballad singer 신승훈 got given a MKMF Special Award - though I’m not sure what that is.

Oh yeah and Big Bang’s T.O.P kissed 이효리 for their special stage - clearly MKMF 2008 was the night to be either 이효리 or a Big Bang member. XD

 Subways in Korea.

The Seoul Metropolitan Subway is a thing of beauty. It’s quick, efficient, and cheap. The subway itself also divided into three separate but similar entities: Seoul Metro, Korail, and SMRT (Seoul Metropolitan Rapid Transit corporation). Where have I heard of SMRT before?

Our diligent 현우 has posted a nice introduction to to Seoul’s subways in this forum post. Note the loudspeaker - each stop is announced in both English and Korean. It is very foreigner friendly in that regard. The air conditioning doesn’t hurt, either

1000 원 buys you up to 6 miles worth of track and 100 원 for every additional 3 miles. Not bad. Actually that’s more than not bad - that’s a great deal. Remember the post about the size of Korea? We’re not talking more than a little more than 230 square miles for the whole city with the majority of stops located nearby each other. So we’re talking a cheap ride no doubt. Buy a 10 dollar card and call it a day.

The card that I am referring to is non other than the T money card. These nifty little guys really make you feel like you’re paying for your subway ticket electronically…wait…well that’s exactly what they do. Okay so their novelty wears off quick. But not for me. In my case, I almost was so excited by the convenience of them that I was tempted to swipe them twice.

Hey what do you want from me? Texas has a lot of limestone so it’s not like they’re going to build any subways in the Lone Star State anytime soon so just let me swipe my card twice in peace.

Oh and T Money almost begs to be scanned twice - Seoul Metro gives you a 100원 discount if you use the card instead of a paper ticket. I especially like the T Money card’s tap n’ go way of paying. Just tap your wallet or purse on the magnetic reader located on thew top of the turnstile machine, wait for the beep, read your remaining balance, and you’re goo to go. Except I always end up losing my card or have another card already in my wallet that interferes with the subway card in the first place. But that’s just me.

Speaking of which, there are ticket booths available for paper ticket purchases, card refills, and for general directions. Not that you’ll need them - all signs are in English and Korean. But fear not - you will find Seoulites sometimes even checking the subway map prior to swiping their card. I also like how the ticket booth guys will let elderly people  and those who are down on their luck through a special entrance gate for no charge from time to time (like a rain-soaked, broke American who slaughters Korean pronunciation and who also just happen to have left his T Money card on the bench at the last stop where he got lost and frustrated but not frustrated enough to not buy two rolls of 김밥 and then wonder how much it would cost to buy some fruit from that lady but he couldn’t remember the word for the specific type of fruit she was selling so he just asked 과자 얼마예요? but then later realized that 과일 is fruit and 과자 is cookie so then he felt kind of validated when the vendor giggled at him).

But unfortunately, it’s not all bells and whistles for the operators of the trains. Several news articles and TV specials will make you wonder why don’t they raise the fee so as to support these hard-working employees.

As far as being punctual, I don’t have any numbers to support this claim but here goes anyway: Seoul’s subway is the best subway in the whole universe and way better than anyone else’s subway. Bam.

Now as far as the scary aspect - let me explain. Drinking and driving isn’t as big of a concern in Korea compared to America. But don’t let that fool you into thinking that Korea has safer streets - because they don’t. But as far as traveling to and from the bar, the majority of people use public transportation be it bus, taxi, or subway. So, the scary aspect isn’t the same as someone stalking you - it’s more like a creepy drunk person within arms length of you. I mean, drunk people got to get home somehow, you know?

Although it can get cramped as all get out, there are several times when it’s also creepily empty at times. Either way, all things considered, it is clean and quite useful. Foreigners need not fear the subway - it’s well-lit, heavily used, and moderately well-maintained with minimal breakdowns.

Now, subway social culture - who should stand and who should sit - that’s a whole nother can of worms.

Thoughts?

Korea is very rude to Mozilla.

And I like me some Firefox. It’s come along way from the red-headed stepchild of Netscape Navigator (R.I.P.) but Korea still hasn’t caught the wave.

A reported 98.66% of the internet is viewed through the eyes of Internet Explorer in Korea. In fact to even view and print government or utility files online one must use I.E. due to the proprietary extension ActiveX.

Oh, and by the way, me and ActiveX got some history. We’re not cool. He stays away from me and I stay away from him.

But ActiveX is an integral part of typical South Korean web design. In fact, it’s mandatory by law for purchasing practically anything online.

For the longest time, individual Cyworld pages couldn’t even be viewed on Firefox (or any other browser for that matter - even those written off the IE shell like Maxthon). But now I can view most pages but can’t do some basic actions. Essentially, when I want to edit my Cyworld page, I switch over to IE. Gee thanks Korea. Where did you go astray?

In the dark ages of online computing (late 90s) online security was becoming an issue for American consumers, vendors, banks, and government officials. Essentially, Americans were still using very basic, low-complexity script to send and receive sensitive information over the internet. A new, and still in use (through countless modifications) high-bit form of encyption was born. The United States of America led the way in terms of internet security and there was much rejoicing.

Except in the Land of the Morning Calm.

Oh no, 빨리빨리 mode was set in full force and South Korea decided to take matters in their own hands. The Korean government developed a sort of plugin for Netscape and Internet Explorer users that gave temporary authenticity for select transactions. This plugin was clumsy, bulky, but most of all - exactly what was needed to safeguard online banking at the time. 1999 rolled around and Koreans were banking happily and relatively safely for the first time. Yea!

What say you? No longer are we in the late 90s? Surely the South Korean government has caught the Apple wave (a reported 10% of the market share in the U.S. and climbing - thanks Vista)  by now? Linux has the capabilities of being faster, slimmer, and more efficient than any operating system Microsoft has released thus far. So surely Korea has led the way, like they did in 1998, right?

Well, no other country followed Korea’s lead and instead opted to wait until a more unified system (SSL) was created. A year after Korea’s security system was in place, worldwide online banking was using the model first developed in America leaving South Korea with their own little proprietary version of SSL. With the fallout of Netscape Navigator, Internet Explorer came shipped with every new Microsoft-branded PC and guess who came along for the ride: ActiveX.

Yeah, as it turns out, that little leech of a software program really likes America and Korea’s way of doing business online - it can do both SSL and Korea’s system. With each new Microsoft operating system (like XP or Vista) comes that annoying box at the top of my browser. Well, not my browser, mind you. I live life an the safe side. It’s also the faster side. But let’s take a look at what’s going on with IE’s side.

ActiveX works like this essentially. With a click of your button (permission) it installs itself in your computer and performs a simple, isolated function with relative free reign over your computer. Sounds scary, right? Letting something take control? Well, the majority of applications that run ActiveX are harmless. Actually, many can be quite helpful. Some scan your system looking for viruses while others install a new program without stressing out a technology-challenged user. Unfortunately, a whole lotta garbage is also written using ActiveX and most parade around looking like something good for your computer when in actuality, it is tearing up your hard drive. Koreans are especially at risk due to the acute attackability of ActiveX.

Hence why I like alternative browsers like Opera, Firefox, and Chrome. Partly due to the fact that there are several security enhancements written specifically for applications such as Firefox, but also partly due to the majority of spyware, trojans, and viruses are written for a computer running Windows XP Home SP2 and using Internet Explorer 7.

In America, we can use just about any browser to do online banking (or any other function for that matter) with relative freedom. Unfortunately, Korea still demands a captive, IE monoculture. Curses! What is an aspiring computer geek to do?

Pout. and lots of it. Other than that, I’m stuck switching over when I want to do something meaningful on a Korean website. For that matter, there’s a whole nother issue of foreigners using their foreign IDs while online banking. In a nutshell? It ain’t happening.

Thoughts?

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 Teaching English as a Second Language in Korea.

UPDATE (3/2009) added a few new links

If you choose to make Korea your home for the next year as an English teacher, you will have to jump through a series of hoops to get in the system. It isn’t as easy as it used to be (prior to March 2008). First and foremost, one would generally need an E-2 visa. A common exception to this rule is holders of F-4 visas. Those who qualify for an F-4 are of Korean heritage. Otherwise, this post is geared for prospective E-2 holders from America.

To be considered for any teaching position in Korea, you must first qualify under these terms:

• Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
• Hold a valid passport from either Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, United Kingdom, or the USA
• English must be your first language
• People from India, Singapore, and the Phillipines now have hope, too.

Here’s an overview for what one can expect teaching in Korea. Another first-hand experience story can be found here. Also, Foreign/er Joy is an English teacher who has a fairly popular, well-written personal blog.

Here’s a great checklist for public school teachers made by the good people at Footprints. For that matter, ATEK just published a mammoth 350-page online guide. Check it out (Alternative link).

If there were a sort of checklist for getting ready to teach overseas, it would like a bit like this:

• Finish four year degree and obtain physical copy of diploma
• Make notarized copies of your diploma
• Research possible job positions and working conditions as they vary greatly
• Apply through a single, reputable recruiter
• Choose a job position offered to you either directly or posted online
• Go to local police station and complete a Criminal Background Check (CBC)
• Get CBC notarized
• Send notarized CBC results to secretary of state to obtain apostille on CBC
• Send apostilled CBC, notarized diploma, sealed transcripts, application to either recruiter or new employer in Korea
• Recruiter or new employer will send you visa issuance (certificate) number
• Contact local Korean consulate and setup application and interview
• New E-2 visa applicants must visit in person local consulate for short interview
• Arrive in Korea
• Move into new home
• Get acquainted with new employer
• Get set up to take a medical and drug check at local Korean hospital (within 90 days of arrival)
• Apply for Alien Registration card (ARC)
• Do a good job - you represent your country ^^

Although this list is not comprehensive, it does cover the majority of problems and/or questions one might have. If anyone can think of anything to add, please feel free to comment!

Common pitfalls:

• Don’t trust anyone who says you need anything other than a bachelor’s degree as bare minimum. AA (Associate degrees) do not qualify.
• Working conditions vary greatly and do not exactly correspond to how things are done back home
• If using multiple recruiters for a public school position (e.g. SMOE) your application will likely be thrown out. Those who hire for public teaching positions only want to see your application once
• Recruiting companies are free of charge on your end. The school that you choose pays them for their service
• Educate yourself on the common differences between 학원 (academies) 공립 학교 (public school), private, and university jobs
• Do not submit an online CBC check. Korea no longer accepts these. Get the CBC done in person. Local checks are fine. FBI checks not necessary, but also accepted (more expensive and take much longer).
• Do not get your CBC more than six (6) months ahead of hiring date as your CBC will be considered out of date. Some even recommend that it be completed as soon as 3 months prior to departure. Play it safe.
• CBC checks are a one time only deal for first time (and re-ups prior to March 2008 ) E-2 visa applicants.
• Get CBC check apostilled by secretary of state. There is an alternative method for validating CBC check from within Korea (sworn affidavit) but it is generally easier to do from home country.
• You must apply for E-2 in your home country. This cannot be done at an embassy in another country.
• Hold onto your ARC like it’s gold. This is your new traveling buddy. Take it everywhere you go and don’t lose it.
• If you quit less than six months into the job, you must leave the country. Your E-2 visa is tied to your job. Lose the job, lose your visa status.
• If you quit after six months into the job (obviously not advised) seek a new job ASAP. Apply for new visa with new job. Your ARC isn’t tied to your job, but it does reflect where you work. New job = need new visa. New visa = need new ARC.
• Do not take on private lessons. It is highly illegal and is grounds for deportation and/or heavy fines. As an E-2 holder, you can only teach at the place specified in your contract. F-2-1, F-4, and F-5-9 visa holders can teach privates lessons so long as they register with local Ministry of Education and obtain private teaching certificate
• Even if your recruiter accidentally (or intentionally) misleads you or gives you advice that conflicts with Korean Immigration, it doesn’t matter - Korean Immigration trumps anything said by anyone (other than the Labor Board which is a separate entity)
• Take your time, don’t be pressured into anything you are uncomfortable with, and ask plenty of questions. This is your decision to move to ROK, so be informed and be open to jumping through hoops.
• Have no fear - if you want to attend a Korean language school/university/학원, it doesn’t affect your visa status so study all you want
• Be prepared for a life changing experience.

For more information on living and teaching in South Korea check out Dave’s ESL Cafe forum. Topics aren’t always safe for work and validity of information varies but overall some good advice can be found here. Here’s also an ongoing page devoted to statistics on foreigners in Korea.
Otherwise, here’s a great link to get you started: E-2 Video Tutorial - quite comprehensive checklist and video with very practical advice. Make sure if you have any questions, check out this page first as it explains a lot of the nitty-gritty details often overlooked by many applicants. Furthermore, here is an excellently compiled FAQ list from ASK Now, Inc.

Thoughts?

안녕하세요. Hi, 현우 here again. Today I’m posting a video of myself writing 안녕하세요 in handwriting.

Even after I learned to speak English to a certain level, I found myself unable to read what my friend wrote in letters or on their notebooks in handwriting very easily. ^^But then I think it’s probably true for most Korean learners as well, so I’m going to try to make a few more videos like this, introducing how some of the most common expressions are written in handwriting ^_^

Please enjoy!

If you can’t watch the video, please go to http://kr.youtube.com/watch?v=y0mEUWSk32M