Oct 14, 2008
Maestro Seikyo Kim's Interview with Korean Times
Excerpt from Korea Times English Edition
2008-05-06
Conductor Seikyo Kim Bridges Old, New
Korean-Japanese conductor Seikyo Kim, 38, is one of the most promising artists of his generation. What was most important for him? "Just believing in yourself,'' Kim told The Korea Times. "It's always about believing in yourself, having that confidence. You always have to trust your abilities. There's not one instance when I said maybe (music) is not for me,'' he smiled.
/ Courtesy of Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra
Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
This is the 10th in a series of interviews with the next generation of classical musicians ― ED
Given Seikyo Kim's well-established reputation, it is perhaps misleading to include the 38-year-old conductor in this pool of ``next generation'' artists alongside budding teenage violinists.
As Vladimir Jurowski ― another ``young, star conductor'' like Kim ― said during a recent tour here, musicality and age are indeed two different things. But like Jurowski said, music does in fact get ``more interesting as (musicians) become older.''
(omit)
2008-05-06
Conductor Seikyo Kim Bridges Old, New
Korean-Japanese conductor Seikyo Kim, 38, is one of the most promising artists of his generation. What was most important for him? "Just believing in yourself,'' Kim told The Korea Times. "It's always about believing in yourself, having that confidence. You always have to trust your abilities. There's not one instance when I said maybe (music) is not for me,'' he smiled.
/ Courtesy of Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra
Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
This is the 10th in a series of interviews with the next generation of classical musicians ― ED
Given Seikyo Kim's well-established reputation, it is perhaps misleading to include the 38-year-old conductor in this pool of ``next generation'' artists alongside budding teenage violinists.
As Vladimir Jurowski ― another ``young, star conductor'' like Kim ― said during a recent tour here, musicality and age are indeed two different things. But like Jurowski said, music does in fact get ``more interesting as (musicians) become older.''
(omit)
Born in Osaka, Japan, Kim started playing the piano at age three and the violin at seven. When he turned 14, he moved to the United States. After majoring in philosophy in college, he studied conducting at the New England Conservatory and then Musikhochschule in Vienna.
After winning the 1996 International Competition for Young Conductors in Portugal, he made a highly acclaimed conducting debut in Japan. In 1998, Kim grabbed first prize at Denmark's prestigious Nikolai-Malko International Conductor's Competition, which put him on the map of world classical music.
The conductor was recently in town to perform with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra. ``Overall they're very young, energetic. Young also means there's a drawback, because it means inexperienced too,'' he said about the ensemble.
``Right now it's time for them to find their own sound and whatnot. What I can tell is that everyone is very enthusiastic and willing to make music. As a group they have a long way to go, but it's good, because they're improving and going in a good direction under maestro Chung (Myung-whun),'' he said.
The April 23 concert marked the finale of the Seoul Arts Center's Orchestra Festival. The group gave zestful and lively yet refined renditions of Sibelius's Violin Concerto and Prokofiev's 5th Symphony. The concerto was particularly engaging, with an electric solo by 21-year-old violinist Shin Hyun-su.
It was Kim's third time in the country. ``I'm Korean, but I'm not Korean, as you know,'' said the third generation Japanese-born Korean. ``I'm quite Japanese but inside, it's very different. I feel close to (Korea) sometimes.
``I feel comfortable. Last time I came (to Korea) I felt uncomfortable being Korean-Japanese, particularly with the older generation who didn't want to relate to us,'' he said, looking relaxed in a red hooded sweater. Stripped of his black and white tuxedo, the conductor was, offstage, down to earth and spoke openly.
Much has changed for both countries. In 2005, Kim performed in a concert featuring hallyu star Bae Yong-joon, affectionately dubbed ``Yonsama'' by his Japanese fans. ``The fact that (Bae) has changed so much about the idea about Koreans in Japan, it's been quite helpful. I guess culture changes a lot of ideas in our stereotypes about each other, in our long, complicated history of Japan and Korea,'' he said.
Kim himself is a huge star and inspired the sensational comic and TV series ``Nodame Cantabile.'' ``It was a huge success (in Japan),'' Japan's premier classical guitarist Kaori Muraji said in a previous Korea Times interview. ``They say that it caused the young to go to orchestra concerts,'' she said. The TV soap version aired in Korea, garnering a considerable fan base.
Attracting Young People to Old Music
Kim chuckled when ``Nodame Cantabile'' came up, though he spoke very fondly of Muraji. ``I always say I'm a backstage guy. I should be upfront, but I'm not so much interested in who I am; I'm interested in what I'm thinking.
``It's very difficult to be a performer onstage but I've got my butt to the audience and I always try to hide my personality. I'm there, but I wouldn't get in the way of the music. Music should come out first and not the performer. The ideal is that the audience and we are immersed in it, and we feel just music and nothing else,'' he said.
``I tried to write music but it's impossible to create something so incredible out of nothing. And I'm just a normal man you see,'' he said. ``The filter (between the music and audience) is me, and naturally many of the audience are interested in what I do and that's very nice and I respect that. But my actual goal is to make those people feel more interested in music and not me,'' he said, pointing out that only 1 percent of the Japanese population is acquainted with classical music.
While it's great that ``Nodame Cantabile'' opened doors to those unfamiliar with the genre, there are problems, he warned. Many concerts related to the comic feature fractured movements from a dozen different pieces, which makes concentration difficult.
``It was more like a trend. But a trend is a trend, though some (of the fans) have stayed with us. It'd be great for them to learn how to read the music, the background and history, and classical music will become so much more enjoyable,'' he said.
Kim also expressed concern with the practicality of music education in Japan. ``They make girls play the piano and they don't become pianists and they don't even listen to classical music. It's a problem in Japan, we don't have quality audiences,'' he said.
``In 30, 40 years time, When I get really old I'd like to change the concept of classical music education,'' he said.
It's all about staying true to the original but what's the significance of reviving antiquated styles in the 21st century? ``That's a good question. I always think about what's the whole point of doing it. The point is the music should sound the way it was produced.
``It's all smart speculation. Of course I'm never going to get the right answer because (the composers) are all dead. But at least I'm looking for it, and I want to share with people and let them realize there's so much beauty in this old music,'' he said.
While he repeatedly expressed concern about whether or not he's doing the ``right'' thing as a conductor, it all stems from his most profound, unwavering
``I love music probably more than anyone else ― that's one thing I guess that makes me special from others. I want to let people know this is the great thing and not me,'' he smiled.
But such unassuming, almost self-sacrificing love for music shines through, making it hard to divert one's attention away from this maestro conductor onstage.
hyowlee@koreatimes.co.kr
Oct 12, 2008
Oct 4, 2008
A Gift of Love
4 Coma Comics by saita4
Originally posted on B.S.J. on Oct.3 2008
translated by: flowerbossa
One day, I found a scroll called "The Way to Capture a Girl's Heart" in the shelf.
(1. A gift should be something that will surprise and move her.)
With that advice in mind, I tucked my gift to Kiha in my breast pocket and hurried to the temple.Suzini: Hey, she's not going to be surprised with that gift hidden there!
Damdeok: You just wait and see ♪
Alright, accept my gift...
.... she didn't notice it.
Suzini: See, I told you so~
Sep 29, 2008
Sep 28, 2008
"26 Years Diary" in Korea
It was reported in "Chosun Ilbo" Sept. 28 edition that the film "26 Years Diary " will finally be shown in public theaters in Korea from Oct. 30. Congratulations to the cast & staff - and most of all to Lee Soo Hyun's parents.
Sep 19, 2008
Sep 17, 2008
Satovic's Birthday Message to BYJ
Posted on KOB on Sept. 18, 2008Dear Yong Joon-ssi,
Hello! Were you able to enjoy the Chuseok holidays with your family?
We, the Japanese family always feel that we are living each day with you.
Since you first came to Japan in April 2004, we as your family have been making donations to the Lee Soo Hyun (LSH) Asia Scholarship instead of sending you presents and chocolates on your birthday and Valentine’s Day. This is the ninth time we made this effort, and with the 310 of us, we were able to raise a total of １，０６９，７６９ yen. With this money, over 50 foreign students are able to continue their studies in Japan every year, feeling grateful towards you.
We, the Japanese family always feel that we are living each day with you.
Since you first came to Japan in April 2004, we as your family have been making donations to the Lee Soo Hyun (LSH) Asia Scholarship instead of sending you presents and chocolates on your birthday and Valentine’s Day. This is the ninth time we made this effort, and with the 310 of us, we were able to raise a total of １，０６９，７６９ yen. With this money, over 50 foreign students are able to continue their studies in Japan every year, feeling grateful towards you.
You may say that you are not doing anything, but it is your existence that led us to open our eyes to the countries of Asia and nurtured the urge to participate in such efforts. So, please accept the students’ and our feelings of appreciation. Like every other year, it is the birthday present we the Japanese family would like to give you.
We don’t even need to call out to our family any more when this season comes around – we all look forward to this project every year, and go to the post office voluntarily to make the transfers. It makes us happy under your name, to be able to support the students who will become bridges between the Asian countries and Japan.
We heard that BOF is currently planning a program to support students studying in Japan. What a wonderful idea! It would make us even happier if you could consider including the LSH Asia Scholarship as one of the groups under your support. As the new CEO of Keyeast Mr. Pyo Jong Roks said, “…. Hanryu cannot be created with just one hit drama or movie. Because of Mr. Lee Soo Hyun who tried to save a Japanese man who fell off the platform of a train station, the Japanese people started to pay close attention to Korea.” I think he is exactly right. That is why we are always happy to be able to unite our feelings towards you through the scholarship established by Soo Hyun-ssi’s parents.
If you will support this scholarship, we will be able to continue to do the same thing we have been doing over the years, not as individuals or small groups but under your program. Through such a program, we will be able to offer money to the students; the joy of helping others to Soo Hyun-ssi’s parents; and to you, honor and our gratitude. Needless to say, the love we send to you is everlasting.
May your year as a 36 year old be a fruitful one!
May your year as a 36 year old be a fruitful one!
B.S.J. (BYJ Supporters in Japan)
Lee Soo Hyun
Top: Cast & staff of the film "26 Year Diary"
Bottom: Cast & staff with LSH's parents in the front row (middle)
Sep 16, 2008
Reincarnation II
輪廻転生 II
Seo, stop burning up this world!
Kiha, let us end this fateful clash on Sujak...
Jaeho-ya, it looks like you are the reincarnation of the King of Jooshin...
Oh, does that mean that Sujak has reincarnated too?
Suk-Kook, so YOU were Sujak!
Would that make me Cheoro...?
Sep 7, 2008
Sep 3, 2008
Sep 1, 2008
Aug 29, 2008
생일 축하합니다
Yong Joon-ssi,
Wishing you all the best in the coming year ♪
and....
Happy First Anniversary to Satvik Inc. !
Satovic, fighting!!
Aug 27, 2008
Boys' Day Off
Created by saita4
translated by flowerbossa
translated by flowerbossa
I'm going to give you men some days off after this expedition.
What do you plan to do?
Do you have to ask? I'll go out with Dalbee of course ....he he he....
What are you up to Paeha?
Perhaps I'll go to New York to relax... oh!
Ah! I let that slip... forget about what I just said...
'Nyu, nyu-yo-ku?'
What in the world is that?
(note: 'nyuyoku' means bath in Japanese)
Aug 24, 2008
Aug 20, 2008
The Oriental Melon
Fiction by Satovic
Translated by flowerbossa
(Originally posted on JOB & BSJ in Aug. 2, 2008)
The fresh scent of oriental melon filled the hospital room.
The yellow melon ... my sweet husband peeled for me ...
But ... I could not get myself to eat it ....
Tears kept coming and would not stop ....
To think he had died....
My husband quietly left the room and let me be by myself.
I burst into tears, crying loudly.
Again ... I had made him die ....
In the state of a long long coma, she was ruminating on the images she glimpsed in the moment of the accident. They were several after images that appeared and disappeared like flashes.
I could not tell what age it was, but I saw myself wearing a heavy comb in my hair, and he, dressed in armor, appeared as the son of a prime minister. He looked far more handsome and gallant than the junior high school teacher I knew, but I could feel in my soul that inside that figure was the man who I knew so well from my college days.
That man who at one time held me tight when I was delirious with fever,
That man who at one time yelled at me furiously inside the tent in the red light,
That man who at one time watched my hands as I calmly poured tea,
I also recalled how happy he seemed to hear the words, “jujak (red phoenix) and her mate”....
I had made up my mind to fall with him to the very bottom. I was determined to become cold-blooded as the devil himself, but he was always gentle towards me.
Even when he knew that I would ditch him, he let himself be manipulated.
Making our bond in the afterlife our collateral, I used him, and fulfilled my wish.
I was supposed to be making up for what I had done to him.
I was supposed to be fulfill his wish of torturing the king, and making me entirely his ....
But again, I made him die ...
Because of my careless driving ...
Leaving only me to survive ....
Insu, you may not believe me, but this was our fate.
I owed it to him to make up for what he did for me.
And when you were Damdeok, you hurt me so much, not believing in me – that must have led me to hurt you in return.
In this life, I was supposed to fulfill my wish from my days as Kajin to stay by your side all my life ....I realized that you will never be mine no matter how many times we are reincarnated.
It must have been some kind of fate for my sister Seo -Young to become his wife ...
She is probably the only one that can comfort you.
The two of you drank together, didn't you? At that seafood restaurant where they serve blowfish.
It must have come back to you. Your past life where you two shared drinks with your arm around her shoulder.
So, you needn't feel guilty if you feel drawn to her.
It is your fate, you know.
The fate you had been waiting for for 2000 years ....
Translated by flowerbossa
(Originally posted on JOB & BSJ in Aug. 2, 2008)
The fresh scent of oriental melon filled the hospital room.
The yellow melon ... my sweet husband peeled for me ...
But ... I could not get myself to eat it ....
Tears kept coming and would not stop ....
To think he had died....
My husband quietly left the room and let me be by myself.
I burst into tears, crying loudly.
Again ... I had made him die ....
In the state of a long long coma, she was ruminating on the images she glimpsed in the moment of the accident. They were several after images that appeared and disappeared like flashes.
I could not tell what age it was, but I saw myself wearing a heavy comb in my hair, and he, dressed in armor, appeared as the son of a prime minister. He looked far more handsome and gallant than the junior high school teacher I knew, but I could feel in my soul that inside that figure was the man who I knew so well from my college days.
That man who at one time held me tight when I was delirious with fever,
That man who at one time yelled at me furiously inside the tent in the red light,
That man who at one time watched my hands as I calmly poured tea,
I also recalled how happy he seemed to hear the words, “jujak (red phoenix) and her mate”....
I had made up my mind to fall with him to the very bottom. I was determined to become cold-blooded as the devil himself, but he was always gentle towards me.
Even when he knew that I would ditch him, he let himself be manipulated.
Making our bond in the afterlife our collateral, I used him, and fulfilled my wish.
I was supposed to be making up for what I had done to him.
I was supposed to be fulfill his wish of torturing the king, and making me entirely his ....
But again, I made him die ...
Because of my careless driving ...
Leaving only me to survive ....
Insu, you may not believe me, but this was our fate.
I owed it to him to make up for what he did for me.
And when you were Damdeok, you hurt me so much, not believing in me – that must have led me to hurt you in return.
In this life, I was supposed to fulfill my wish from my days as Kajin to stay by your side all my life ....I realized that you will never be mine no matter how many times we are reincarnated.
It must have been some kind of fate for my sister Seo -Young to become his wife ...
She is probably the only one that can comfort you.
The two of you drank together, didn't you? At that seafood restaurant where they serve blowfish.
It must have come back to you. Your past life where you two shared drinks with your arm around her shoulder.
So, you needn't feel guilty if you feel drawn to her.
It is your fate, you know.
The fate you had been waiting for for 2000 years ....
Aug 18, 2008
Memories, Memories ...
Created by saita4
translated by flowerbossa
想い出いっぱい
Suzini-ya...
Everything I see, everything I do ...
Leads to the memory of you ....
Aug 11, 2008
Aug 5, 2008
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