We all come from 'Seoul'

Your children are not your children from "The Profet" Khalil Gibran

2011-07-12T07:14:00.000-07:00

"Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts.
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.
You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth."

-Khalil Gibran

Veggie food in Seoul - where to go

2011-07-12T05:58:00.000-07:00

I've been to a couple of the places on this list of vegetarian restaurants in Seoul and highly recommend BARU..
Now - it's your turn to try - ENJOY :) follow this link

Great things about Seoul - in case you didn't already know

2011-07-12T01:00:00.000-07:00

CNN has a site about cities around the world and their SEOhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifUL site has a lot of cool useful info - in case you didn't know - or like my self - is about to find out :)
check it out here

Bodhisattva in metro - who do you want to meet tomorrow on your way to work?

2009-12-13T12:50:00.000-08:00

Thank you Sylvain for the link!

and a warm and loving holiday season to all of you

Tobu Korean style; simple to make - very delicious

2009-11-25T12:24:00.000-08:00

Find the receipe here at Korea Times.

Happy munching!

Lemonade for Heidi and Bo and Laurits

2009-11-14T03:35:00.000-08:00

The Lemonade is given to someone special and dear, who takes the sour and bitter in life and adds sugar - turning it into lemonade - against all odds (as Betsy has taught me).

I am passing on this blogger acknowledgement to my dear friend, H, who was pregnant - for 3 weeks..but the "door" didn't open this time.

Only 7 days ago, I celebrated the new little seed with her and her husbond, we had dinner, laughing, joking and I always just loves their company. I left their place with a warmth and happiness in me for them, yet, feeling how fragile the moment is.. seeing the joy of being pregnant in her eyes and sensing how the fear was accompanying the joy.. the short reflex of holding-the-breath out of fear of being disappointed was also there.. and then yesterday after their first scanning, she sent me a message that there were no heartbeat in the little fetus..

No matter if you loose a child before or after birth, the mother and the father and the sisters and brothers and relatives do not forget..but I can only glimpse how a birth mother in Korea must feel on the birth day of the child that she can no longer hold, no longer comfort, no longer see the face of, no longer call by name, no longer give her love to

I only realized now with the intention of giving the Lemonade blogger acknowledgment to H, how she has been supporting part of my growth and understanding of being an adoptee with a mother - and yet with an invisible mother. A mother who was there even though I cannot see her or touch her.. she was there.. and I was there with her!
It takes courage to speak up on things we cannot see..

Just as Laurits was there with H and now no longer is.. just like the second child was there..and now no longer is.. but H has always shown me the courage to speak up on things that we cannot see, but that doesn't mean that they don't exist..

A quote from my friend Lise's FB profile:

"And the people who were dancing were thought to be insane by those who couldn't hear the music"

Korean Sam-Go-Mu in Shakiras new song

2009-11-01T09:59:00.000-08:00

Live and let live... or speak up ?

2009-06-20T03:57:00.000-07:00

The reason behind my posting today is that nowadays, the Korean government and volounteer organizations have grown stronger and increased an heightened awareness and understanding of the strong and capable international adoptees society. The official Korea wishes to create network and welcoming home programs to support the large number of grown up adoptees, who travel back to Korea for the first time.

Students, who can't easily find 7.000 DKK for plane tickets and 5.000 DKK for lodging etc. are the target group for these programmes.

This chance should be informed via proper channels and handled by professionals or volounteers with some training in ethics and preferably, indiviuals who are financially independant to ensure

EQUAL possibilities for all 10.000 Danish Korean Adoptees...

Some 10 years experience of volounteering either officially or independantly within the Danish adoptee society of course has been part of my own self-search for Korea/identity and for socializing and learning more about my self and the world around me. My M.A. from University includes a BA minor in Korean, taken 15 years ago, so, Korea to me is not limited to my own individual adoptee perspective alone.

This recent development has again lifted off the lid to an issue, which lingers and I'm hoping to find an outcome, which I can consider ethical and considerate if I look back at this situation in 10 or 20 years time..

The situation revolves around one person, who under the presumably humane and unselfish intentions of protecting Danish adoptees have caused numerous misunderstandings between reunited Korean birthfamilies and adoptees as well as pushing some adoptees out and bringing other adoptees closer into the circles, which then receive the increasing amounts of fundings and support from the Korean government and volounteer associations.

During the past 15 years things have happened like e.g.

* bringing together adoptees with Korean birthfamilies, who turned out NOT to be their birthfamilies but con-people

* arranging group travels for adoptees going to Korea and getting a ticket for free several times

* earning a living from being supported by organisations in Korea to bring back adoptees to Korea

* causing the contact to be lost between adoptees and their reunited Korean birthfamilies due to "translation" - e.g. based on the individuals own oppinion that the family didn't care enough about the adoptee and as such, in one example, told the adoptee that the family didn't care about her and didn't take interest in seeing her..After 1½ years, the brother took a big step and wrote a letter asking what went wrong and said that the translator had said that she didn't want to see them anymore ever again.

* demanding to talk to birth mothers before the adoptees were allowed to meet them in order to find out if they had "proper" intentions. Some adoptees were told not to meet their birth families since they only wanted their money..? and then when they insisted, that turned out to be far from true..

* telling adoptees that this person had found their birth families but then even after being asked several times over 1 year, still wouldn't give out contact information or any evidence that this was true..

* using government supported programmes with all expenses paid to support this individual's personal language school of 20 people, thus leaving out the possibility for the remaining 9.950 Korean adoptees in Denmark to get information about this offer and to participate.. Some of the participating people from the inner circles who have been pushed through have a regular job income and have been to Korea several times.

* taking adoptees in to live and then, throwing them on the street again for ...(?) no understandable reason

These are only a small number of mistifying events taking place under the actions of this person and somehow a small number of people wish to continue give support to this under the category, "It's just the Korean way"...

I don't totally agree - and AGAIN MUST UNDERLINE that the intention behind my posting today, is to ensure that all adoptees receive equal chances of participating in the increasing programmes and fundings from the Korean government and volounteer organizations.

This chance should be informed via proper channels and handled by professionals or volounteers with some training in ethics and financially independant to ensure

EQUAL possibilities for all 10.000 Danish Korean Adoptees...

Stay tuned..

2009-06-18T14:53:00.000-07:00

And then came February, March, April, May and June... organizing, meetings, delegations, articles, World Business Summit delegation, OECD Green IT conference in Helsingoer, "Engle og Daemoner" at the cinema, Tante T visits..multiple visits :), Saturdays with nieces in Botanical Gardens, remembering my grandmother and the special key she had, being an artist/painter which allowed her to enter the gardens and paint anytime (mind you my grandmother lived to be 102 years old.. so, she was born before the turn of the last century when the Botanical Gardens weren't open to the public), birthday parties for the 'cleverest' "brain" doctor Ph.D. and for my nieces and some other beautiful people, Maja being one of the most beautiful people.. - and singing, and learning about new layers of Ayurveda and Sri Sri Ayurveda and then, learning some more.. and yet, some more about the human mind and feelings, mine and those around me, and then, suddenly out of the blue, remembering my first true love, Henrik (whom I met when I was 19 ahh.. sweet 19 and thought would be part of my life always .. but then, still we stayed together for 8 years)and the nice feeling of walks in the forrest with the 'anemoner' like a white carpet of Spring scents covering the Earth and lunches with my aging mum in the sunshine on the patio of the house she and my late father had built for themselves and Dansk-Koreansk Selskab's Summer Picnic with horseback riding and lots of fun thanks to Eva and the participants and today, icecream in the sunshine with a great person (http://www.laurtussen.blogspot.com/)and work and a short notice dinner with great Korean food and a couple of truly great friends to share and one new friend..

So, blogging (meaning talking, sharing ideas and thoughts etc.) has been going on in real-life.. however, lot's of adoptee related stuff's been going on for better and for worse.. so, stay tuned..

PS.My youngest niece and I each made a drawing of a visiting duck at the Botanical Garden.. I LOVE her duck and is amazed again at the creativity in kids - and how we adults could learn to see the world around us with more colours and more sweetness .. I mean, if you were a duck, which duck would you rather be!!?

Enjoy the Summertime!

Hwayobi - even better than Alicia Keys .. if I may say so ^^

2009-02-21T13:39:00.000-08:00

B-Boyz - this is old but.. still rocking cool entertainment

2009-02-15T12:34:00.000-08:00

Celebrating The First Full-moon of the year for Good Luck

2009-02-08T12:02:00.000-08:00

First full-moon of the year :)

Source: JoongAng Daily

Ancient Indian astrology Jyotish shows my birth place, my birth family

2009-01-29T04:54:00.000-08:00

These pictures show the Vedic Jyotish astrology and the house chart, which is different from that of Western astrology. And the other picture symbolizes the Jyotish teacher, as I understood.

I have always considered the connection between planets and stars and individuals to be a natural phenomena - just consider the Moon's effect on tide and low and the amount of water in our bodies, which is said to be 70-85 %.

Also, with one of my primary school class mate's mother being a renowed astrologer, my knowledge about and interest in astrology was nurished from childhood. Being adopted, having the dates and the year of birth, but not the time of birth - as well as not being certain if the dates and the year of birth are necessarily true - what to do then..? Trust the science of astrology and indeed the experience of the astrologer.

When I was in high school, the mother of my class mate, Birthe Kirk estimated the time of my birth as well as gave me my astrologic chart - Western style. That was nice - nice to get a "picture" a chart of possibilities in my life and it gave me peace to see that the time from my birth to childhood was somehow 'recorded' (with the planets showing a strong focus of going abroad and other aspects).

On and off, astrology has been part of my life to navigate major periods, e.g. Mercury retrograde periods etc. And during visits to India over the past 10 years, it's been inevitable to see how planets and their influence on life on this planet is part of everyday life with gems and other methods of balancing effects.

And - then time came for a Jyotish consultation.

In a few hours, I received more information on circumstances around my birth, my birth parents, my birth grand parents and more...

I already knew from books on astrology that the mother and father is present in one's birth chart and that it is possible to see, who and how many people were present during one's birth.. but to actually hear about my own birth was - as you may imagine - very special to me. Perhaps interesting to note is that I hadn't told the astrologer anything about myself - only the time of birth as retraced by the Western astrologer and date and year.

So, what now? Actually, not much :) it's not like this information is "written in stone" now and I don't have anything particular to use this information for - it could be my true story and it could be that it is someone's story.

Still, for those few moments when I heard the astrologer speak out all this information about my birth, my family in Korea and all.. something was soothed inside, which goes to show the strong universal need and comfort in receiving stories about one's origin. (The astrologers - Western or Vedic etc. - always correct the time of birth and the exact birth chart, using major events in life and other informations to make sure that the time is exact.).

So, even though adoptive parents and adoptive families may not be able to pass on these facts from birth and until they receive their new family member, then I recommend a record on all the facts from adoption approval processes and arrival to the family and all sorts of stories from childhood.

Needless to say, but just a short reminder ;)

P.S. Comment me, if you'd like the contact info for the Vedic astrologer

"N.Y. Children" - photo project uniting people

2009-01-24T11:10:00.000-08:00

Photo: copyright, Danny Goldfield, NYChildren

Since 2003, photographer, Danny Goldfield, has been photographing children from all nations, who live in N.Y. City.

The project started in 2003, when Danny stopped to tank gas in Arizona and met the sikh Rana, who has lost 2 brothers due to so-called "hate crimes" after 9-11. Rana however refused to give in to fear and started to be even more open towards others and took initiative to contact neighbours to show that they had no need to fear him or his family.

Danny Goldfield was inspired and begun his project, photographing one child from each country from all over the world, only criteria being that the children should be under 12 years of age and be living in N.Y. City.

160 nationalities have been photographed by now, and today, the exhibition reached Copenhagen, Denmark where it runs until 13th of February at the gallery, "Fedt" in Nansensgade 66, Copenhagen City.

Source: N.Y. Children

2009 year of the ox

2009-01-10T09:44:00.000-08:00

Picture source: look here
Text source: Korea.net

Once upon a time in Korea, a young nobleman was traveling through the countryside. He saw an old man plowing the land with two oxen – one yellowish brown and the other black. After watching for some time, the noble finally asked, “Old man, which ox is a better worker, the brown one or the black one?”

The old man stopped his work. He walked right into the tree shade where the nobleman was resting and whispered into his ears. “The brown one is better.”

The noble was dumbfounded by this attitude. “You didn't need to come all the way here to tell me that. And why the whispering?” he asked.

The old man got upset. “Both my oxen are hard-working. If I reveal my favorite, it will hurt the feelings of the other one. You shouldn't say such a thing out loud, even to an animal.”

The young noble returned to the court and for the rest of his life, never spoke an ill word against others for the rest of his life. Such is an anecdote concerning Hwang Hui (1363 – 1452), prime minister during the Joseon Dynasty (1392 – 1910) and right-hand man of the scholar-king Sejong the Great (1397 – 1450).

Real Gifts for Christmas

2008-12-13T14:05:00.000-08:00

Real gifts open up my heart
real gifts make something feel light inside
real gifts are friends to laugh with to listen to to celebrate with
real gifts come to those who share themselves
real gifts blossom from within
real gifts make others blossom too
real gifts have no price, no name, no country, no religion, no race, no judgement
real gifts cannot be bought, only given

Anyonghaseyo Mr. President

2008-11-10T13:47:00.000-08:00

Well, wonder when Obama, Mr. President, picked up on hangul *^-^* but after all, it's kinda wonderful if the President knows how to say hello in all the 'American' languages (Spanish, Korean, Chinese,Italian, Indian, Danish, Swedish etc.) *^.^* guess that with more than a couple of million Korean-Americans it's worth while.

Let's see what kind of a world we can build - Anyonghaseyo! Mr. President! Whaiting!

<3 Blessings for my niece and her husband <3

2008-11-07T16:10:00.000-08:00

Isn't this a beautiful couple ^^ this is my niece - we are actually family - even though I was made in Korea and then 'imported' to Denmark - and she was made in Denmark and then 'exported' to the US and..come to think of it, just in my closest family circles we represent Denmark, Norway, Korea, U.K, Italy, Holland, Iran and Poland - really is one world family.

About some agaves plants flowering and on being a vegetarian

2008-11-07T14:59:00.000-08:00

In Joongang Daily, I've just read that there's a plant, which blossoms only once every hundred years. It's called six agaves, also known as “century plants” and they are blossoming at the Shilla Hotel in Cheju Island..

It could be that this bit of news draws my attention, because nature's vast and intricate creations amaze me!! or because this is so Korean that this makes big news..

Basically, it reminds me again on the time when I became vegetarian - growing up close to the forrest and the sea, a respect for nature came naturally, along with a gradually increasing understanding about how the nature seems sooo intelligent, when learning on plants and animals - looking into the eyes of a soft-hearted cow, or hearing the cute sound of little lambs and seeing the running in flock with their ears bumping up and down.. - I just realized.. - how can I honestly support killing, devouring and just destroying such cuteness, such beauty and such.. LIFE in all it's various expressions

KOREA Magazine

2008-09-06T12:07:00.000-07:00

Click on this link to go to website Korea dot net and this Click on this link Korea Magazine to go enjoy the articles - opens in PDF :)

What makes me care ....

2008-08-26T12:52:00.000-07:00

It's not the perfect surface projection of someone that makes me care, it's not which material gifts I receive that makes me affectionate.. It is those few honest moments where the control or self judgement is down - and a person's uncontrolled 'face' shows, the weakness, the chaos, the surrender to what is - that brings up the strong impulse to care, to protect, to support, to give - and "in between days" with respect, a sense of humor and sharing time together nurishes a sense of belonging - even love or faith in eachother..

It's not the perfect image of a mother that would make me care for her, it's not the gifts, toys, clothes or education etc. that she could have given me that would make me tender towards her. It's the humanity in her, it's the soul in her, that would show me and share with me, her moments of struggle, feelings of loss, of sadness or despair, her need to forget, her thoughts of regret - and combined with her smile and the wrinkles around her eyes, that would carve it's way through invisible paths of walking alone looking for a hand, waiting, longing to be met with that deep recognition of a mother

Beyonce - dubbed by a Korean trot song.. but actually makes her look even more charismatic..

2008-08-25T13:36:00.000-07:00

Oh well - what to say.. - the YouTube-generation! but anyways, here's another clip of Beyonce's own voice

Sound of Korea - B-Boys Extreme Crew

2008-08-23T14:50:00.000-07:00

Reinvention - fusion...? - inspiring!

Life Beautiful Life

2008-08-14T13:13:00.001-07:00

A full moon is rising this Saturday evening around 9.30 pm (Danish time), a full moon which will be partially eclipsed by the Earth. It is said by astrologers, the eclipses shakes us, surprises us, opens new doors and closes others - anyway, changes seem to be inevitable if under influence by an eclipse.

I'm Leo but loves loves loves water, oceans, lakes, water falls, creeks, rain and rivers..which makes me wonder if I'm not actually a water sign or strongly influenced by water planets - however, here I am talking about my self.. that's quite Leo-ish ^^

This stream was video'ed from the same spot, but changing changing yet the same..somehow - isn't this similar to eclipses and our lives in general. We change, we meet people, we part with people, we move to places and part, we have strong opinions and change to a new set of strong opinions, we judge others or ourselves or circumstances.. and change to a set of judgments.. are all these changes in one's mind and person as beautiful as this.... ?

Brit's bibimbap - 'mixed Seoul rice' of today

2008-08-08T08:07:00.000-07:00

Today's weather hit a 32 Celcius degrees and I took the 'wrong' entrance 'n got caught on the sunny side along the Cheonggyecheon - had I been a snow woman.. I'd have melted in seconds and now be moving in cool waves in the Cheongyecheon stream.. pheeew. Heard it's rainy and cool in Copenhagen..? I'm soon on my way!

The Olympic Games opening ceremony is marked by an interactive mixed media area around C - heavily sponsored by SK - hence the red and orange colours ^^

People were writing supporting greetings to the Korean OL participants - I wrote "Go Korea" since I couldn't really think of any names of Korean sports people.

Later - after sun set I got the chance to participate in a fun e-sports tournament in Yongsan and later at the outdoor stage I found myself under this giant sparkling 'mothership'!? well - if it sparkles and glitters - you're probably in Seoul ^^

This little boy had fun running after the lighted stairs - I was too tired to join him in running up'n'down the 200 stairs at 10pm - but lifting my camera was okay (it's still very very humid and h.o.t.)

Cheonggyecheon under the sizzling hot sun

2008-08-08T06:36:00.000-07:00

Evening ambience at Cheonggechon - "den fine stroem"

2008-08-07T17:08:00.000-07:00

Impressions Insadong

2008-08-07T17:03:00.001-07:00

Impressions Apkujong

2008-08-07T17:00:00.000-07:00

Impressions 'round City Hall 2

2008-08-07T09:34:00.001-07:00

Impressions 'round Seoul City Hall

2008-08-07T09:22:00.000-07:00

Detail from the wall, which consists of a photo collage - like a digital patchwork..

Impressions

2008-08-07T09:01:00.000-07:00

They were taking pictures of this... I can explain ^^

Flowers in my lunch

2008-08-07T08:47:00.001-07:00

Herbal and flower bibimbap at Insadong-gu Jip...mmmmmmmm ^^

Bongeunsa temple for the soft at heart

2008-08-06T18:33:00.000-07:00

Digital playground in COEX

2008-08-06T18:29:00.001-07:00

A little boy and a bird

2008-08-01T19:58:00.000-07:00

A wonderful huge park, Olympic Park, is the morning view from my room at the Olympic Parktel hotel, where I'm presently staying on holiday as well as attending the G.O.A.L. 10th Annual anniversary conference.

In the sizzling hot and humid Seoul summer, it's a relief to take walks along the forresty paths and the other day a Korean grandfather and his grandchild were strolling along in front of me. The boy stopped and looked very concentrated and curious at something on the side and I stopped too.

Along the path in the bushy ground a white bird, (don't know the name, but it looked like a mini-crane) was picking the grounds for feeding and had found a worm.. the boy curiously asked out to his grandfather, "what's it doing?" and the grandfather answered "Eating". "Doesn't he eat rice?" the boy asked and the grandfather replied, "No, he doesn't eat rice. He likes something else."

After looking intensely at the bird, the little boy so cutely kind of accepting that oh, someone actually prefers worms to a warm bowl of sticky rice - with the cutest voice went "Anyong!" to the oblivious bird. (Anyong = bye-bye)

It's always cute to watch kids, right? And this incident was even cuter as it reminded me, that kids always have that sense of belonging..

And - I realised that I had actually understood their conversation ^^

Questions unanswered 'n stories untold..

2008-07-28T01:15:00.000-07:00

A part of my personal history as adoptee is to live with and accept that many questions propably will go unanswered.. -

e.g. who's that woman, holding the baby (me) and who's taking the picture...

and why didn't I see those pictures, when I was a child and why didn't my mother in Denmark tell me that she had sent a lot of pictures to the orphanage of our home in Skodsborg, of my brother and herself, of me as I grew up.. -

Today, upon visiting the orphanage, I've seen the pictures and letters, she sent to the director Fay Welter, until around 3-5 years after my adoption became final (those days the adoption parents could do the 'Jade-trick' and actually didn't legally adopt me until after approx. 1½ years after taking home to live with them).

And do my Korean parents even know that I'm alive and that I left my contact info in my file this time at the Seoul Adventist Hospital in case..

and.. does it matter, would it change a lot if I did get some answers? :) would it change a lot for me today, if I did get to hear the story behind my adoption case from the Korean side...?

Yes - it would matter. Yes, it would change a lot. I don't know why it matters, I'm content and all... I don't know exactly what would change if I got to know the answers and hear the stories.. - but I know it would change or rather put into place those thoughts and feelings which have been "paused"

but pictures.. ah, the power of pictures in this case, of my self as a baby in the time before I became "the adopted baby" - when I was a tiny Korean citizen, cared for and held by Korean hands and hearts...actually matters, matters a lot.

also, it matters a lot to know that my Danish mother did send those pictures and letters and that she looked so happy then. These small things matter - even more - with all the questions unanswered and so many stories untold..so thank you to whoever took these pictures and whoever kept them.

This sound moves my 'Seoul'

2008-07-03T05:07:00.001-07:00

Was lucky to be at a concert this Tuesday in Copenhagen with Deva Premal, Miten and Manose. 2 years ago I heard them play together for the first time, so, when they came again I had had to go ;) mainly to experience if the flute would be as beautiful as I remembered it.. how it melted all tensions away. Now a couple of days later, that feeling of that sound is continuing inside of me, like the beginning of a beautiful journey.

* * E N J O Y * *

And if you'd like to know more there is a website http://manosemusic.com/

Daniel Henney - Best Actor in 'My Father'

2008-06-30T12:52:00.000-07:00

Can't wait to watch it !

Om namoh Amithabaya - Lotus Lantern Festival

2008-04-26T16:05:00.000-07:00

Buddha's birthday lotus lantern festival - Seoul Korea

Photos copyright

12th of May this year is Buddha's birthday. I've seen pictures and been told by people, who live in Seoul, that it's a beautiful experience to walk under lit lotus lamps - and I've been wishing to go my self, so, I guess some day...

Enjoy the beautiful images from Lotus Lantern Festival!

Om namoh Amithhabaya

Students amazed by life's wonder under the sea

2008-03-27T11:25:00.000-07:00

Enthusiastic 5th grade students enjoyed today's excursion to Denmarks Aquarium and the fish..? seemed to enjoy the liveliness and company of lots of kids. Best event of the day though was the open aquarium, where they could touch crabs, mussels and seastars.

Rocking my 'Seoul'

2008-03-23T16:05:00.000-07:00

Just found out that I can put videos in the header too :) and that's the reason why you can now enjoy these West Coast 'soul ladies' - the late 70'ties and early 80'ties rocked my 'seoul'!

Korean cuisine includes a variety of vegetarian dishes or dishes which can easily be prepared vegetarian

2008-02-27T15:37:00.001-08:00

Mmmmmmm.. not much to say just enjoy and hope you have time to go cook Korean food after watching!!

My hand in my heart by Joan Rang

2008-02-26T04:43:00.001-08:00

The first updated education material on adoption/Korean adoption is finally here! (in Danish) and it even offers perspective on how Korean history influences Korean adoptees today. Perfect for high school and the older pupils of secondary school classes.

This material has been developed in connection with Joan Rang's play "My hand in my heart" which is currently playing at Opus X theatre, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Here's Joan Rang's blog about the play

I look forward to watching the play tonight.

"Trails of Crumbs: Hunger, Love and the Search for Home" by Kim Sunee

2008-02-26T02:02:00.000-08:00

Just fell over this review by Chosun digital news of the memoirs of a Korean American adoptee.

I like the fact that this is portrayed as a story with a "happy ending", yet with the real touch of the adoptee's search for love, for a home. But I like that the photo of her shows a happy, strong woman.

P.s. As for this particular Korean adoptee, I'm a 'work in progress' in regards to life.. which keeps challenging and changing my plans :)

Letting go of an illusion

2008-02-24T05:56:00.000-08:00

I've had one of those moments, which call for inner reflection - and I have chosen to post these reflections, because ‘we’ as adoptées in some ways are depending on single persons of Korean heritage in various aspects of our journey.

What seemed to me to be a quaint and endearing quality in my Korean ‘aunt’ blew up in my face last week in full-flaming outbursts of the not so elegant kind, supposedly due to the so-called Korean etiquette, but I’m not sure if this is the core of the matter.

So what is "Korean etiquette" ??

Sometimes it is when 50 beautiful pieces of Korean ceramics are to be smashed as an act to show her disregard towards a monk. Sometimes it is when a young Korean Danish girl is talked down to in harsh words by her, because the girl didn’t wear clothes to this person’s liking. The young girl is in the beginning of her 20’ties, wearing very nice and young people’s clothing - and has been reconnected with her Korean family, who apparently hasn’t commented on her clothing.

I've cut this post a little shorter - my point is that I've been able to use this situation as a time for renewal. A chance to continue my personal journey towards understanding and caring for my Korean heritage and a chance to remember that being Korean adopted and being Korean is a relation that is 'same-same, but different'. As in all other relations, it's good to be concious of the generation differences, culture differences, etiquette and personal beliefs.

Obvious!? but to an adoptée like me, I have been reminded that I am vulnarable and eager to please and fit-in with Korean-Korean persons, because I am mirroring and looking to see and understand more about myself. And I don't think I am alone in this :)

I’ll continue to enjoy meeting Korean-Koreans in Denmark and work for bringing Korean culture experiences to Denmark and Europe.

:::::::::::::::::::: NB :::::::::::::::::::::::

As I stated in the beginning of this post, I have chosen to post this to bring it out in the open - and as in all personal private blogs, any posts express only my individual opinion.

Happiness is... a hundred balloons flying to the sky

2008-02-07T13:19:00.000-08:00

Just "another day at work" - I was attending the opening of Copenhagen Festival for Children which will house hundreds of events and workshops for kids during the upcoming winter holidays. The invited kids were waiting around for 20 minutes for the mayor of culture but then she came and on a count down from 10 - 9 - 8.. 1 - 0 ... the balloons were sent off

Happiness is a funny thing..blue sky, kids, balloons - well, sometimes you don't really need a reason to be happy - do you?

Heureka !! - Korean Flower Power is now part of this adult adoptée's inner patch-work identity

2008-02-02T14:52:00.000-08:00

I found this clip of a song from 1967, the year of my birth. This clip, the music, the singer and how she moves all together tells me that Korea wasn't left untouched by influences from the Western (U.S.) "Swinging 60-ties" and "Flower-Power 70'ties".

To me, these quaint clips (long live YouTube!) convey a somewhat different image of Korea, than my inner "patchwork image" I've been constructing of the country, which I left behind 39 years ago!

My inner patchwork image is carefully stitched together by images I've seen during my years of growing up and mainly consists of constructed images of traditional Korea (tourist or business related) or war images or pictures of political content (documentary, history books etc.) styled for the press.

In the process of my life and the ongoing and ever growing patch work of (re)creating my past, present and future story and identity - these videos are a great reminder to me, that Korea offers so much more to me as an adult adoptée than the 'welcoming home'-package of samulnori (which I luuv!), my first hanbok, kimchi tasting and learning social manners, which date back to the Korean Confucianism.

Anyways - take a moment to enjoy these Korean interpretations of flower-power and pop culture from the late 60'ties and early 70'ties!

B-Boyz's video - young generation's response on how to improve communication between North and South Korea - or...??

2008-01-29T11:55:00.001-08:00

Warning! Here's from a hippie-softie heart. Does dance have the power to bring us all together across nations, politics, religions ..if even just for a moment?

Seen from the intellectual point of view, of course it takes more than one dance to bridge years of hurt and suffering - but then again, seeing similarities and creating a sense of unity in any way possible is the best of beginnings...

Visual culture - Seoul-based website nativegaze.com

2008-01-29T10:29:00.000-08:00

Just got word that fellow Korean European adoptee has launched a website Native Gaze for Korean contemporary artists - bilangual Korean/English. This is gooood news!

It reminded me of the exhibition in Copenhagen at Art Hall Charlottenborg, "Seoul: Until NOW!" in the summer of 2005 which represented 26 contemporary Seoul artist.

Several artists caught my attention - but especially two presented works that still linger in my memory:

One is the artist group YOUNG-HAE CHANG HEAVY INDUSTRIES who uses Flash animations with cool Parisian Saint Germain inspired jazzy tunes to give rythm and drive to their rather controversial statements of critique, which challenge and provoke the Korean society.

Here's a 'taster' "Samsung means to come".

The other art work The Swing (2000) by Kim Youngjin still resonates in my mind as one of the strongest women's portrait and arts documentaries of Korean culture, that I have experienced.

Here's a short interview with Kim Young-Jin on the theme of The Swing from Fukuoka Asian Art Museum.

Since the art work hasn't been easy to find on the internet .. I'll just give a description..

As a viewer I entered the room and found my self amidst four projections on each wall of a video take of a girl, a young woman, a mother and a grand mother, all women sitting on a similar looking swing. They smile, speak out and sing at the same time and the video projector is placed on a swing which is empty and placed in the middle of the room thus making the video images of the women move up and down, like a swing, on each four walls. Mesmerizing.

I still recall the grandmother singing in a voice, conveying ageless wisdom and a face marked by life in all it's wildness and beauty.

(I just found a picture I have from the exhibition)

Other great artists represented were:
Chang Jia
Cho Duck Hyun
Choi Jeong-Hwa
Chung Seoyoung
FlyingCity
Gimhongsok
Emil Goh
Gwon O-Sang
Ham Kyungah
Jung Yeondoo
Kim Beom
Kim Sora
Kim Youngjin
Lee SooKyung
Nam Zie
Noh Sang-Kyoon
Oh Inhwan
Park Chan-Kyong
Park June Bum
Park MeeNa
Park Yong-Seok
Rhii Jewyo
Jin Mi-Hyun
Kan Sung-Eun
Thisisnotaloveletter cur. Choi Binna
Yoo Hyunmi

Fashion art.. - or 'artsy' visual representation of "The Korean"?

2008-01-24T12:01:00.000-08:00

Admitted, I marvel at these photo compositions for Vogue Korea Oct 07 - but.. eerhh, what's with the hair cut and eeerhh.. why do these young women lift up their hanbok skirts with all the connotations implied?

Well, it's probabably part of the cultural heritage trend among the Hallyu produced TV-dramas and movies build on historical events, thus reconstructing and romanticizing the Korean heritage. It's rubbed off on the fashion photos.

P.S. I think these hanboks look similar to the ones I adored in Insadong (the shopping mall with the open yard in the middle and the inside "snail-walk" at the beginning of Insadong street (metro Apkujong). You can find the shop about 2/3 way on the way up - but be warned it's filled with highly expensive and very pastel hanboks of nature silk etc.

P.P.S. The hair cut however, I haven't got a clue where to get that! Paris perhaps! ;)

Beauty ideals in US and Europe leaning towards Asia - the rising of a New Orientalisme?

2008-01-21T14:02:00.000-08:00

According to this article in Chosun Ilbo - Ford Supermodels chose a Korean winner for their World model, a title that comes along with US$250,000 plus a contract with Ford Supermodel for the coming 3 years.

First, congratulations to Kang Seung-hyun! who as the virtous Korean daughter hands over all the prize money to her parents.

However, the choice of this years Supermodel just makes me consider 2 issues:

1. It's all about the money, honey!
Is this to be seen as a sign that Europe and US, i.e. Western beauty ideals, are starting to acknowledge Asian features as beautiful ? (or is it rather that this new supermodel will be able to sell products to the growing segment of Asian power shoppers around the world..?)

2. Plastic fantastic!
Koreans' extended use of and acceptance of plastic surgery as a 'natural' means to attain European features = the 'right' kind of beauty - clashes against the tendency in Europe to find a 'new look', a new edgy and exotic yet stereotyped beauty ideal to stir the market.. thus now looking towards Asia and South Korea.

US media even call her "the pearl of the Orient" - need a glass of water to go with that..?!

Well, like I said, just something to consider ;)

Presenting the famous kimchi á lá Mee Rim

2008-01-17T14:46:00.000-08:00

After lots of blog posts with food for the mind - here comes one with food for the stomach ^-^ another post about kimchi.

Making the Korean national dish of kimchi and on top of that, making it at Mee Rim's place is a delightful experience for the senses.

As we chit-chat and prepare the raddish, the cabbage, the garlic and ginger etc. aromas fill the room with a gush of freshly salted and washed cabbages, which blend with the pungent aroma of garlic and ginger - and when chilli is added to the mix and the shredded radishes are tossed and turned with this paste, magic takes place and turns the ingredients into a delicious and perfect red filling to put into the cabbages.

mmmm... kimchi's the perfect sidedish in winter time, because of the chilli and ginger that warms you up - and it's perfect in the summer time, because it provides a delicious spark of freshness amongst the humidity of Seoul - whenever is kimchi not a perfect sidedish :) even had it with the traditional Danish (veggie) Christmas dinner, where it proved as a fantastic company to the red cabbage and the sugar brown potatoes.

And here is.. the secret of Mee Rim's kimchi - for your eyes only :) (and for those who read hangul only ^_^)

Leave a comment and a mailadress and I'll translate!

Eloquently spoken! Harlow's Monkey

2008-01-02T14:29:00.001-08:00

Just read Harlow's Monkey's post on Kimchi Mama's - 'n I have to share part of her post since she has a way with words!

quote
(...)"Some of the best adoptive parents I've met have very, very modest means. They don't have the cleanest houses, the wooden play set in the back yard, or a nice minivan with sliding side doors. Their living quarters are cramped, cluttered and chaotic. And they're perfect for parenting kids whose lives have been messy emotionally and mentally. They don't expect their adopted children to be some perfect living doll up on a shelf. They know their kids will be messy for years to come. And instead of being upset that these kids don't live up to their expectations, they'll be right there in the mess with them.

There is just no way to predict how prospective adoptive parents are going to be as real-time parents after the finalization occurs. Just as there's no way to really predict how the children are going to be. We've all heard the horror stories of the children who seem like quiet little angels and once home turn into abusive, antisocial, reactive-attachment-disordered hellions. This is why prospective adoptive families must do their homework. It's just not going to be excusable to be naive any more. Too many people are getting hurt.

So what does an adoptive parent do if they feel they were wronged by adoption and their child turned out not to be the lovely little doll promised by the agency? Good thing there's this guy. He'll help you get your justice - even after 40 years, it's not too late to take action against a wrongful adoption.

Of course, what recourse does the child have, if she was unlucky enough to have parents who misled her into believing that they would be her "forever family?" Ah, she'll just get relegated as a "bitter" adoptee."

Happy 2008 New Year of the Rat

2008-01-02T11:17:00.000-08:00

Chosun Ilbo welcomes the year of the Rat with a short article.

It seems that 2008 will be a good year for new beginnings, since - according to Chinese and Korean astrology - the Rat is the first animal of the Zodiac and thus represent new beginnings, clever thinking and an ability to overcome even difficult situations.

I've personally experienced that 2007 made room for new insights that were not always pleasant but always necessary.

Some very special experiences from the past year, include: IKAA Gathering, Korean adoptees network, socializing and being part of Koreaklubben, continuing learning Korean traditional music, being on KBS and almost finding my father, being part of Edison Theater's integration project, C:ntact, that recieved the Integration Prize from the Danish Government and meeting and teaching kids from a Muslim background and singing with long time friends.

Summing up on some of the earlier years include:
- 8 years of working with deaf children, sign language, children with difficulties in learning, socially challenged

- 10 years of working with holistic and creative learning methods with children in Denmark and other countries within Europe

- working in the media field at governmental level

- working in network and knowledge hubs under EU Safer Internet Programme with people from 23 countries, coordinating and establishing projects for kids and schools, teachers and parents

- working in NGO's with humanitarian projects

- travelled Slovenia, Holland, France, the Tzech republic, Korea, India, Italy - and lots of other places

- re-discovered the adoption issues - personally and at international level, becoming and expanding the identity of being part of an international network society of Korean adoptees

- working on a project at a national theater with integration and communication

- working with teaching and culture projects at schools with Muslim children

As I look at my brief summing up of my activities the past 8-10 years, I am happy and have learned from all the people and experiences I've had, but I also wonder - and here's where it's hopefully becoming interesting!

'cause I'm wondering why there are things and people missing from the list! where are the people and the experiences that I wish for to be in my life.. so 2008 will be a time to expand the list with people and places and personal goals that I have nurtured all my life (actually - yes)

So, my personal wish is that I'll find the clarity and courage to "go get what I really want" this year - or to take steps towards making it happen :)

wouv - this year of the Rat seems to be working already even though it's not really new year 2008 until February ^_^

May you all be happy!

Link to blogger - Ethnically Incorrect Daughter - in depth info on Jade

2007-12-27T17:10:00.000-08:00

Ethnically Incorrect Daughter posted this in depth posting on Jade, the now 8 year old Korean girl, who was adopted, when she was a 4-months old infant and 7 years later was handed over to the Hong Kong social welfare by her adoptive parents.

Art project by Kim Soo Ja reminds me of the alienation of walking the streets

2007-12-27T14:31:00.000-08:00

The work of this Korean media artist, Kimsooja (as she likes her artist's name to be spelled)intrigues me and reminds me of the feeling of alienation, growing up in a country and culture, where I represented something foreign and different - like a blunt object sticking out. Kimsooja calls her video art project "Needle woman".

Needle woman in Havana, Cuba

Needle woman in Sana', Yemen

Needle woman - in Jerusalem, Israel

Heart beat lights up hundreds of flashing bulbs - art project by Lozano-Hemmer

2007-12-26T15:29:00.000-08:00

This post has nothing in specific to do with adoption or Korea.. except for the fact that the artist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer is represented by Bitforms.com, which used to have a sister gallery in Seoul (but don't see the adress on the website any longer?)

I just find this art project intriguing..

Quoting "Bitforms.com - Rafael Lozano-Hemmer:
Pulse Room consists of 100 to 300 incandescent light bulbs that flash according to the heart rate of visitors, which is measured with an interface. The resulting effect is not unlike those complex patterns found in minimalist music like Steve Reich or Glenn Branca, where similar but not identical sequences go in and out of phase to give synchronicities, arrhythmias, syncopes, etc. The theory of Cybernetics was first formulated in the National Institute of Cardiology in Mexico City to explain self-regulation in the heart. Here, biometrics provide feedback parameters to create a turbulent light matrix. The piece is inspired by Roberto Gavaldón's movie "Macario" from 1960, where the protagonist has a hunger-induced hallucination where each person is represented by a faint candle in a cave."

...must be pretty awesome to stand there.. and feel and see the wonder of one's own heart beat!

Adoption Quilt Pattern - Korean Child

2007-12-21T15:24:00.000-08:00

Just found this site.. Adoptshoppe.com, and at first I was amused, thinking it to be a prank, but it seems to be earnest in it's effort to offer ideas on how adoptive parents can enjoy knitting, broidering or making a quilt as a welcome gift to their adoptive child.

It's mainly the wording that struck me as somewhat odd!

Need something to do to occupy the long days awaiting word that your child or grandchild is approved to travel (or will soon be on his or her way?)

Quilt your own "Welcome Home" heritage wallhanging!

Approximate finished size: 14" x 30"
- Skill level - Intermediate

Each pattern includes the child design and general instructions on putting the quilt together plus a bonus opening greeting card page. The embroidered panel will contain your child's name, birthdate, birth province/country, and homecoming date.
Fabric/Color - this is your personal choice. But we recommend you try to use color schemes and/or fabric native to your child's country. Please note that we sell patterns only. We do not sell fabric or complete, ready-made quilts."

I don't like Christmas, I love Christmas, I don't like Christmas, I love..

2007-12-21T01:11:00.000-08:00

Warning - here comes a Christmas spoiler!

I can't be angry at my mother for not being my Korean mother!

This realization just came to me as lightening strike after once again having emotional outbursts and miscommunication with my mother - as often it turns especially intense around Christmas evening coming up with all it's 'traditions' of hurt feelings(more or less succesfully surpressed, words from a love gone sour, guilt and other emotional debris. Christmas has for as long as comes to my memory been like walking the thin ice, i.e. it looks beautiful from outside and intentions may be glorious, but after 1 or 2 hours in the same room, cracks in the ice appear and accusations begin and wronged emotions take the better of us.

One Christmas evening, when I was in my early 20'ties, I was thrown out of the house by my late father, because I spoke my free oppinion on employing young women and their rights to take leave of pregnancy before birth. My father founded an international business empire, which btw was inherited solely by their biological son, my 'brother'. I was told that if I couldn't "behave" (i.e. spoke against my father's statement) then I could leave..which I did.

Other beautiful memories include, one Christmas, again in my twenties, where I wanted to sing a few Christmas carols (I can't remember ever having sung together with my family) and my mother said, "Well, that didn't exactly sound nice!". I got hurt and wondered why a mother would say this and was reminded again how I have never felt 100 % acknowledged as a child, a young woman, nor as an adult..and probably shed a few tears to which my mother would respond, "You're always spoiling a nice evening".

I know that someone might think, it probably wasn't this bad..

But my point with sharing this is, that I have this childish anger pattern that only my family can ignite! where I start saying things that I'd never say in a calm state of mind, when I act out of pure anger - actually not related to what they might have said.

And I suddenly see that this anger may arise from a surpressed anger from when I was a little baby or little girl - I'm angry at them for not being my Korean family! (no matter the issue that started it off).

I've spent Christmas evening alone one time, been celebrating it in an ashram (nicest ever, singing Christmas carols from all over the world), been inviting friends home (one of the second nicest Christmas evenings ever).. but most evenings have been shared with my 'family' - and 1½ week ago, I was invited by my brother for Christmas evening with my mother.

And I said yes - And this year - maybe due to the many years of trying so hard to figure it all out - and realizing this funny bit of mind-stuff! - it turned out as one of the Christmas evenings, that I love. Seeing my aging mother joyful and my little nieces being so spunky and sweet (and spoiled), well, how couldn't I love it. Being reminded of my brother's struggle with a disease that is making it difficult for him to run, to play, to be a father to his children and a strong husband to his wife - compassion and best wishes for his life lit up in my heart.

And thought it may sound like a clichée, I am again reminded that it is compassion and love among people, that connect and create family ties.. as well as blood relations, I guess..

South Korean lawmaker pushes for stricter regulation of international adoption - Korean response to the case of "Jade"

2007-12-21T00:56:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Made in Korea blogger for the link!

By Kim Young-gyo
SEOUL, Dec. 14 (Yonhap) -- A recent incident, in which a Dutch diplomat in Hong Kong drew public fire for abandoning a South Korean-born girl whom he adopted seven years ago, was yet another indication to a South Korean lawmaker that the international adoption program from South Korea must eventually be banned.

Ko Kyung-hwa, a first-time lawmaker with the main opposition Grand National Party (GNP), has been working in defense of potential adoptees, and pushing for stricter laws on the international adoption of South Korean children since she started her career in parliament in 2004.

혻혻 "The incident shows only a part of the unfavorable side effects that can be caused by international adoption," she said in an interview with Yonhap News Agency on Friday, claiming that a child is best cared for by the biological parent, or at least within the birth community.

혻혻 A Dutch diplomat couple found themselves earlier this week at the center of an international controversy for giving up their seven-year-old ethnic Korean daughter, whom they adopted at the age of four months.

혻혻 Raymond Poeteray, 55, who has worked as a Dutch diplomat for more than 20 years, and his wife, Meta, adopted the girl they named "Jade" while stationed in South Korea. In May 2007, they put her into a foster care in Hong Kong, where they are now stationed.

혻혻 "We need to earnestly study international adoption. Yes, we do hear a lot of success stories of adoptees, but what about those who failed to adjust to their new environment? Do we ever hear from them?" said Ko. "The government does not even have any follow-up documents or reports on what happens to the children after they were adopted."
South Korea, the world's 11th-largest economy, has been criticized both at home and abroad for its low rate of domestic adoption. Government figures show that there have been about 87,500 domestic adoptions versus 158,000 international adoptions since the Korean War ended in 1953.

혻혻 It was after the Korean War that Christian organizations first founded international adoption agencies in Korea, motivated by the poverty of many Korean children whose families were devastated by the war.

혻혻 International adoption rates from South Korea grew in the 1970s as the country industrialized, and peaked in the 1980s. From the 1990s until the present, unwed mothers have been under intense pressure to relinquish their children.

혻혻 "This case, though rare, could have happened at any time. Why are we still sending our own children to foreign countries, when we are capable of taking care of them ourselves?" she said.

혻혻 She also urged her colleagues to pay more attention to the adoption issue, saying a revision bill that she and some other lawmakers submitted in November is pending, but is not likely to pass during the regular parliamentary session, which is to end in December.

혻 혻 "The bill is first aimed at limiting the number of international adoptions to the minimum, by allowing it, for example, only when a child needs special medical care (only available) in foreign countries."
More practically, however, the reform bill is aimed at preserving biological families, rather than just stopping international adoption at once, she said.

혻혻 "The most important thing is to keep those families together: the bill, when passed, would enable single moms to have a four-week period to give deep thought to whether she really needs to give up her child. Many women I met had second thoughts after they let their children go abroad," said the lawmaker.

혻혻 Stressing the need for financial support for single moms who want to raise their children themselves, the biological fathers must be held legally liable for their children, she said.

혻혻 "It would also allow internationally adopted children to go back to their biological family and regain their relationship, if, and only if, the adoption was irrevocably dissolved," she said.

혻혻 Under current South Korean law, the adoption of Jade cannot be formally dissolved by the Dutch couple, as the child is still a South Korean citizen. Moreover, the status of her residency is uncertain; she was never naturalized as a Dutch citizen, nor did she officially become a resident of Hong Kong. She goes to school in Hong Kong and speaks Cantonese and English, but not Korean.

혻혻 ygkim@yna.co.kr
(END)

Couple adopted 4-months old girl while in Korea : 7 years later they left her with the social welfare in Hong Kong

2007-12-12T03:56:00.000-08:00

Upon recent media coverage this story has caught the attention of lots and lots of adoptees within the international adoptee community. In short, it concerns a Dutch diplomat couple, who turned over their now 7-year old adoptive daughter of Korean bloodline to the Hong Kong social welfare, where the couple is presently stationed.

G.O.A.L. has issued this press release on behalf of the international adoptee community.

"LEGALITY OF ADOPTEE RELINQUISHMENT CASE QUESTIONED
Adoptee community condemns relinquishment, demands accountability from Korean, Dutch governments

December 12, 2007 – The global adoptee community condemns the disruption of an adoption by a Dutch diplomat couple. The couple adopted their Korean daughter as an infant in 2000 while stationed in South Korea.

In 2004 they were transferred to Hong Kong, and in May 2007 they relinquished the daughter to Hong Kong social welfare. The girl’s residency is now in question, as her parents failed to give her Dutch citizenship.

Many adoptees in Korea, the Netherlands and worldwide condemn not only the abandonment, but also the laws and practices –- or lack thereof – that resulted in such a tragedy.

A child is not a returnable product: Adoption is a lifelong commitment.

G.O.A.’L demands a thorough investigation by the Korean and the Dutch governments into this case. Many details of the case are still unclear, leading G.O.A.’L to suspect that standard legal procedures may have been ignored in this adoption. If it is found that this adoption was indeed illegal, the Korean government must pursue all possible measures to punish the wrongdoers without regard to “diplomatic immunity.” The results of the investigations must be made public and reflected as changes in Korean, Dutch and international laws."

About G.O.A.L.:
Global Overseas Adoptees’ Link (G.O.A.’L) is an adoptee-run organization located in Seoul, Korea. G.O.A.’L has been working for Korean adoptees and their rights since its establishment in March 1998, and is a registered NGO under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, registered non-profit organization with Seoul Metropolitan Government and also receives support from the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

For more information, contact Dae-won Wenger +(82) 2-325-6585 or sg@goal.or.kr.

**********************************************

First of all, I'd like to ask the Dutch couple:

1. What actually happened?

2. What happened since you've decided to leave your daugther in a foreign country?
and without a citizenship?

3. What were your thoughts on how she'd adjust to the loss of her family, the people she'd been growing up with and attached herself to as her parents?

4. What is your understanding of the term, "adoption"?

5. What were/are your experiences with children and the prerequisites on adopting a child?

6. Would you like to stand up and share your side of the story to the international press? Or should we wait and get the story from the girl, whom you named - Jade?

**************

And I thought "Jade" associates with something very precious...

Imagine - that the World shrunk to a Village of 100 people

2007-11-27T11:11:00.000-08:00

Note: if it doesn't open go here;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drSDhlnm0e0

To all the beautiful people who inhabit this planet - may our lives be filled with wonders! Wonders of love, fun, harmony and respect for our diversities.

So, I wish to us all a merry Christmas or Hannuka or Eid or Diwali and all the many other holy spaces in time!

The seed that sprouted

2007-11-19T10:37:00.000-08:00

2 months after I participated in the KBS broadcast "Person I'm missing", I've been informed that the DNA-test didn't match up. So, the man, who called in during the show was not 'my' father.

A disappointment; a relief - or ..?

During the seconds, of the show, when I was online via web-cam and sat here in Cph, listening to this surreal flow of information from this man, who'd called in and was 'spilling out' details about his lifestory all kinds of emotions fluttered through my body and mind..

In the days after, I kept making a mental 'play-back' of the few words of translation I'd been given during the show and metriciously searched his explanation for details to evaluate the chances of him being my father. He had called in he said, "because I looked like a woman he'd been dating while in the army, and she became pregnant. But when he finished duty and came back to the town to find her - she'd disappeared." Other info was given as well and it seemed likely that he could be my father.

Already in the days after I was careful not to put my hopes up, probably to protect myself from being disappointed, and perhaps, 'cause sth about the dates for when the child would have been born didn't quite match with my birth info..but I told myself, it may have been a mistake in the translation - 'cause during those days, I discovered that I really would like this man to be my father!
At the same time, I had all kinds of reflections towards this man, thoughts concerning my birth mother, e.g. why did she leave the city, perhaps there was a reason for this woman not to wish to meet again with my 'assumed' father and should I then meet him now? I arrested my thoughts from going too far - and still felt like my inner connection to Korea and to the people who got together and gave birth to me suddenly became more intense, because it had become personalized.

In the months after, I was waiting for the result of the DNA-test. If felt 'safe' to know that I wouldn't be thrown into meetings with someone without certainty that this was my father. Strange that 5 straws of hair can suddenly become that important.

Now,
I'm relieved that I got the result, even though it was 'negative'. I'd been running various possible scenarios in my mind of what it'd be like had it turned out that he was my father. Besides the happy reunion scenario, I had thoughts that e.g. included the possibility of him feeling sorrow or other emotions towards this woman who left him without a trace. And how could I ever live up to being 'the Korean daughter'..
Experience shows that with flexibility from both sides and a mutual wish to be reconnected, finding one's birth family can obviously be a happy event for everyone. I know many who have positive stories and keep contact with their Korean families.

Of course, I'm disappointed, that he wasn't my dad - or rather, that someone out there who's my birth dad didn't find me this time, 'cause this experience has made a seed sprout! A seed of wishing to meet the woman, whom I can call mother and the man whom I can call father, must have been nurtured inside me along the years - a wish more or less hidden to myself.

All in all, I'm relieved that I'm still 'safe' and not being pushed into rewriting my life story - I'm also vulnarable - I may be or may never be reconnected - but I'm an experience richer and this seed has sprouted and stirred something inside to surface..

Korea seeking free trade with EU

2007-11-19T09:12:00.000-08:00

Besides cars like Kia, Hyundai and mobiles like LG and Samsung Korean goods are not overflowing the European market, but - this may be changing.

Korea is working towards bringing EU and Korea closer - in terms of trade

After shopping around in Seoul this summer, I gotta admit this would be good news for me personally. Overall, it would also improve Europeans understanding of Korea, and perhaps inspire Korean adoptees, especially in the younger kid years, to see Korean products in clothing stores, arts, design, paper ware, etc.

But for now, Seoul is still the place to get notebooks with a cuteness factor beyond Disney and comic-cool design :)

Julia's World: a Jewish American Korean adoptee

2007-10-27T13:34:00.000-07:00

“Finding her would be like

Giving birth a second time.”

- A Vietnamese mom,

looking for the daughter she gave for adoption.

She found her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a quote that touched me which is from the blog of Julia - an adoptee like me - raised by Jewish Americans - and she's got such a clear, sharp pen!

I recommend her blog

About a mother... not a fairy tale story

2007-10-22T10:06:00.000-07:00

Welcome to a dear friend who started her blog "Laurits". Amongst all the many facets of her life and personality, her life includes the story of her child, Laurits and a 'motherhood' of a difficult kind.

In her own words,

"Part of my blogging profile is being Laurits' mother, which is quite a large part of my profile! Unfortunately, part of Laurits' profile is that he is dead. But he is also much more than that and this is what I need to show the world - with this blog about Laurits".

Since university I have followed my friend and her wonderful husband, how they create such a good atmosphere around them, how they seem to have the perfect relationship and how they make it - the perfect relationship. I've seen them marry and move to Japan for one year abroad and so wishing them blessings and happiness. I was among some of the first to know about and congratulate her on her pregnancy!

And then ...suddenly she was no longer pregnant and ... no longer a mother. At least not in the sense that most of us use the term, mother.

They got to keep their son only in what counts in hours - precious time and I've seen pictures of him, seen the love shine painfully strong in the eyes of my friend as she speaks of him, Laurtussen as they fondly nick-named him.

And it's not to understand how painful it was and is for a mother and a father to let go of their newly born child.

But they continue to talk about him, they have and continue to create a space in their lives for him and he has to be there - with them not physically but in their minds and memories and actively taking part of life with his parents.

And - it's heartbreaking to know - that out there are many mothers and fathers, not only those of adoptees - who go through one of the biggest loves of all - parent to child - only to loose it too soon by the stroke of some forced upon circumstance..

My friend is courageously finding ways of living life with her son - not erasing him from their hearts - he was there in her arms. Any mother is probably without a choice whether or not to allow her love for her child to burn freely.

How fragile, yet wonderous love is, like a flower growing in the midst of our basic human need to make some sense out of chaos without judging one self or falling under the judgement of others. And I am reminded that something more can unfold in one's life - and I am reminded that no one .. no one walks alone

Empty spaces of the family tree

2007-10-17T11:32:00.001-07:00

Seoul of my soul-blogger reminded me of the amazing arts project postsecret! with this postsecret 'Shhh'.

The empty spaces of the family tree stand out without any explanations - just white empty spaces.

If I were at a dinner party and spoke to a person who didn't know anything - and I mean anything at all - about the past 1 or 2 years of his/her life - and didn't really care to find out.. that would definitely call for a reaction on my behalf.

But when the 'missing years' or empty spaces happened at the beginning of your life then sometimes adoptees are met - from outside as well as from within - with an attitude of - starting over again and somehow cutting off the first months or years of one's life.

"Why do you want to know about Korea? You're Danish!" or even remarks like "Don't be too self-conscious"

Would you pass on similar remarks at a dinner party to someone who lost 1 or 2 years of their adult lives? Would you say "well, so what if you don't know where you were and who was with you for the past 2 years"

The Danish Queen HRM shows her artistic talents in ceramics painting

2007-10-07T03:44:00.000-07:00

Photo copyright Politiken.dk

Her Royal Majesty of Denmark Queen Margrethe and His Royal Consort visiting Korea - the first official visit since 1959

2007-10-06T13:22:00.000-07:00

photo copyright Chosun Newspaper

The official visit of the Danish Queen and the Prince Consort to Korea aims at reviving diplomatic relations as well as enliving the business relations between Denmark and Korea. Of course, mobile technology is one of the areas where Danish researchers are looking to tap in to the advanced experience of South Korea - one of the most sci-fi-hi-tech countries at present. Seoul National University and Aalborg University have now officially entered a cooperation agreement. Wonder where the Copenhagen IT-University
was 'hiding'..?

Similar to earlier Danish royal visits to e.g. Japan in 2005 raised bothsided awareness on eachothers business cultures, this current visit could also help raise understanding among Danes about the variety of Korean culture and people.

Am I putting my hopes up too high?

"Dynamic Korea" - "Wonderful Copenhagen" :: branding of nations

2007-09-20T12:28:00.000-07:00

Online Videos by Veoh.com

Branding is about creating values and transferring those values to the consumer via the product. The tranferring of values are often more alluring and of greater sales value than the actual product. And with globalisation and an ongoing emphasis on the theory of the experience economy, we buy not only values but an experience where the item is the entrance fee.

When I buy ecological vegetables, I buy the value of an environmentally friendly farmer, who grows vegetables without exploiting the soil as opposed to the non-ecological discount substitute salad leaf, which has been grown artificially without sunlight in a non-natural environment.

When I choose to go to Korea or start business in Korea - I get..let's see the video again, 'fascinating people, thousands of years of arts tradition, technological innovation, martial arts, beautiful and servile women(?).. anyway, the point is, we are living in a world where nations have to actively brand themselves. And - when branding - of course no need to show off the other side of the coin.

In Denmark the industry as well as several right-winged politicians have worked on branding Copenhagen and Denmark in various ways, some via Danish design for increased export (right now the Danish crown prince and princess is in N.Y. in the name of branding), some via music to get MTV Awards in Copenhagen and then again some to get OL in Copenhagen..to give some examples.

But this short tv-commercial for Korea - oh no, "Dynamic Korea!" is still light-years ahead. I can only wonder which branding Denmark would go for...last time branding of Denmark was succesful was "Wonderful Copenhagen", which (for those who remember) portrayed a police officer stopping traffic to give space for a mother duck to pass the street with her ducklings.

In my point of view, the nostalgia of this poster is somewhat similar to the effects used in some of the North Korean art works, which of course cannot really be compared since those belong to a rather different category of "branding" of a nation..

If in London - still time to see North Korean arts exhibition at La Gallaria Pall Mall

2007-09-20T12:05:00.001-07:00

(all pics copyright the artists and La Galleria Pall Mall London

"Dad" called in during my web-cam participation on KBS live tv show - "Missing person"

2007-09-14T15:13:00.000-07:00

2 weeks ago I participated via webcam at KBS live tv-show "Ku Saram pogo shipoyo/Person I'm missing" where adoptees (international and national) in their search for relatives get to go on national tv.

I haven't been interested in using this media in looking for my Korean relatives, but strange how things happen - while in Korea this summer, some messages got mixed up and I ended up with a message laaate in the night telling me to meet at 7.00 am next morning aarrghh..where I had to join in as audience/backgroundfilling for a KBS special show on international adoption..and honest to say I'd rather have joined some of the other IKAA Gathering meetings. But since the organiser from G.O.A.L. was in trouble if I didn't show up because the KBS people had already made my name sign??!.. well, being the nice girl I am, I eventually went there - and I'm glad I did..it may turn out to be a lucky thing *

Because I got to participate on a later live-show via webcam from Cph - 2 weeks ago.

On a Monday evening after 2 short hours of sleep - I got up at 1.00 am in the night and was on webcam until 3.00 am in the morning, practising with the Korean translator, running through questions etc. while feeling quite..zzZZZ tired ^^

and then around 3.00 am. - the show was running live - I wathced the other participating persons in the studio - one woman got reunited with her mum and they cried and cried for minutes while the tv-hostess tried to get them to face the cameras for a close-up shot, but all they did was hug and cry.

Watching that scenario, I started thinking.. "is that how I'd like my possible first meeting with Korean mum or dad to happen??" ... - and then I listened to an American Korean adoptee, who'd been searching for her family for years.. living in Korea but now she was close to giving up and going back to U.S. I wondered.. what made her decide to stay in Korea for years, searching - or maybe it just "happened"

.. and then it was my turn.. (as I remember from 3 previous participations live on Danish national tv with interviews on national news and (yes..) a game-quiz - it all goes much faster live and it's important to stay really fast if you want time to say what's important for oneself) It was over in a few minutes which felt like seconds.

I'm proud to say, I managed to:

1. stay awake
2. smile
3. avoid tilting the webcam

and then.. I just sat and had to sit out the program and felt zzzZZZZ until

.. a strange surge hit my stomach and I thought.. something happened (it's true) and then the person from G.O.A.L. who was at the KBS studios and online with me chatted "Are you ready to go on tv"

eh.. yes why?

"A man called in - he says, he's your father"

I just reacted logically and clicked the right buttons and listened to a man's voice, who spoke really fast and sounded very excited, looked at the very Korean polite expressions of the 2 tv-hosts and their "Nae, nae" - and then they asked out to me "So this could be your father calling in - how do you feel?"

I don't know why I said "Happy, Excited"

and then the man wanted to say more but was politely being cut off with the end-tune of the show.

and I.... was left hanging

1. no one translated what he had said

2. I typed on the online chat "what now?" and the answer was "Have to speak to KBS writer"

3. I waited but also felt the need to know so I typed "What did he say?" "pls I'd really like to know"

4. "have to speak to KBS writer first"

5. ? ?.....???

suddenly I didn't feel so sleepy anymore...think I only felt numb at that time!^^

6. I got a few info on what the man, who believed to be my father said and then I was told I'd get a mail with further info.. and that was it! Apparently the KBS staff wanted the G.O.A.L. person out so they could work.

So - me being really sleepy and having to get to work in 1½ hour, well, I just ended the online chat with "thanks and will check my mail later today"

and then ...

I waited 4 days before I heard anything again!

Okay.. it gave me time to stay relaxed and just be open-minded - but it also gave me the chance to listen to my own run-wild thoughts on "why did my mother..perhaps she .. or maybe he.. or they...and why..and ..what if.."

Update for now - I've sent some hairs for a DNA-test to see whether it's a match with the man's, who called in.. but that was one week ago :) and guess what ? no news, no mails..

I did get more detailed translation (after 4 days) of what he had said during the show when he called in and as I understand it - for me to be his daughter - (if it's exact) I would have to be born a little later than what I was told that I am....
so for now - I'll just take it as it comes

*********************************************************

Whatever the outcome of this will be - it has already made a big difference to me.

I didn't have that much of an interest/courage earlier to search for my Korean relatives - but now something has opened up inside even though I can't yet see all the answers

If YOU*RE out there - wanting to go on KBS or other national tv-media to search for family - Do it! But prepare yourself by talking to someone who's tried it, look at other shows and ask yourself e.g. "Can I accept being part of a tv-show like this" and just remember that even though tv wishes to help out.. then - bottom-line is viewers' numbers, making tv that sells. Not to be cynical, but realistic..it's a help to navigate with the media :) don't expect them to carry you through - you've got to reherse and prepare yourself and - then, just enjoy it!

You're welcome to leave a comment with email adress - if you'd like some advice from my point of view on +/- on family search via participating in tv.

*********************************************************

Just for fun ... birthdatequiz

2007-09-12T14:40:00.000-07:00

Still wondering how all of a sudden I got to be - 40 years old .. and still enjoy these quiz-stuff: is it a program who knows something 'bout my personality or are my friends and family just to busy to see, too sweet and soft on me for not saying the revealing stuff out in the open ?? ^^ let me see what the test says:

Your Birthdate: August 6
(yeah.. I just typed that one..)

You tend to be a the rock in relationships - people depend on you.

(have heard this yes and it often surprises me.. but actually I am the kind of.. if I have committed once then - you gotta be pretty scary before you get rid of me - okay next..)

Thoughtful and caring, you often put others needs first.
(upzs.. that one got in my face*&! but I've taught myself to remember from experience - that if I don't take care of my self first.. I can't do much good for others)

You aren't content to help those you know... you want to give to the world.
(upZ! this program really sees right through me..I remember one period of shifting values and perspectives..(called development I guess) when I couldn't take all the misery and suffering in the world and having it brought to my attention from every newspaper cover or tv-news and actually felt like crying.. and I still see my self in jobs and volountering activities where I come from the attitude of "if this will make a change for even only ONE person or ONE child - then it makes sense"..after 40 years of being idealist.. I am beginning to see that it also works well to develope a pragmatic understanding of people in order to become a matured and more focused idealist ^^ - no end to BIGGER BETTER MORE BEAUTIFUL..)

An idealist, you strive for positive change and dream about how much better things could be.
(Of course - just said it!! LET's MAKE THIS WORLD FULL OF LOVE HAPPINESS AND JOY for all people what else truly matters when all come to all..eh :)

Your strength: Your intuition
(is that the feeling I've had since childhood that all is well and feel safe?)

Your weakness: You put yourself last
(but I can wait, it's okay, as long as others are comfortable.. I just.. HALLOOO - but I just feel so loooud! when I stand up and assert myself..look out for the sheep that becomes the lion )

Your power color: Rose

likes to watch sunrises, lotus flowers, roses and it's a colour of purity so.. why not

Your power symbol: Cloud
..oh?.. okay will look into this.. ohoo - actually have been painting some of the clouds from Korean Buddhism arts on my wall - cause.. well, it's my power symbol..??

Your power month: June
hey..but what about July, August, September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April and May?!

... - wonder if this is really my birthday - let me try another and see how that one fits :) Now - You try!

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Copenhagen Korean Links...?

2007-09-11T15:34:00.000-07:00

Seeing this flyer for Chusok celebrations at the British Museum in London makes me wanna jump on a plane headed for London in a forth-night :) just to infuse and intoxicate myself with the invigourating rythm and sound of the Korean drum-drum-drum-drum!! plus all the personal associations and recent impressions from travelling in Korea that would go with it ^^

So - I'm lucky that we have our own "Copenhagen Korean Link" with the Koreaklubben.dk and the Autumn Camp coming up soon where international Korean adoptees are also invited for a weekend of fun and drum!

Wishing upon a star...for all of us ^^

2007-08-20T13:54:00.000-07:00

Surprise-parties are more fun for the ones, who're arranging it - ha ha..someone better watch out! Thank you again to all of you for making this birthday really special !!

This pic is from around my 1-year birthday - after arriving in Denmark in August 1968. I'm in my grandmother's garden with my mum, holding me.

This picture of my 1-year 'birthday party' could have, should have, would have.. been different, if life's patterns had been, would have, might have... - but then again - what can I do? Though it causes an unconcious sense of belongingness and familiarity for me to physically be present among Koreans in Korea, I still wonder - should I meet Korean relatives one day (soon?) - whether I would feel a similar bond and feelings of love which I can see exists in my mother when she sits with little me in my grandmother's garden..

Now - after 4 weeks of Korea - in my breath, my sight, my ears, my senses and my heart - temples, cultural sights, mountains, precious haegum and kayagum lessons, Korean planning-schedules-changing-letting-go-go-with-the-flow, IKAA Gathering and colourful moments, the look in someone's eyes in Korea for the first time, while on the bus driving through landscapes of Korea or the feeling in the Seoul Race Park hall when the first-lady speaks words of wisdom and inspiration straight to all of us as adoptees..or when the 'boys' smile flappergasted at the whirling violin-Bellatrixes - well, my heart just becomes like a soft, happy *puppy* - grateful to be part this international network, to be sharing these moments with so many great people.

I look at pictures of myself from these past weeks in Korea and though hours of sleep were less and veggie food was less and the emotional body got more than enough exercise ; ) However - I look really happy and free from within - and - then I realize..this goes for all of us!!! just look at pictures of yourself from at home and from when in Korea ^^ I'm sure you're your shining best in the Korea pics!

One of my friends just wrote about the urge for a regular 'shot of Koreaness' :) Agree - Don't underestimate the freedom one feels after even a few days on kimchi and socializing with adoptees from around the world, learning hangul, making ricepaper boxes, whatever.. as long as it's personal experiences of Korea in Korea with Koreans.

I guess there are lots of issues, personal or within the international adoptee community, we need to grow to accept - one of them being the many taboos and lack of understanding about 'adoptees' in our adoptive countries and in Korea as well!

But after this IKAA Gathering - I am assured that with every Gathering to come, we'll find new ways to keep developing our growing international community and the resources we all represent!

I'm wishing upon a star..for all of us ^^

Seoul moments

2007-08-14T13:59:00.000-07:00

From Seoul to Gangwon-do for music lessons

2007-08-12T08:24:00.000-07:00

In this beautiful scenery the yearly music summer camp was held by Jeonggaakhoe and I was invited to join for lessons in haegum and kayagum. Needless to say - I loved it!

To Chun sonsengnim, Sung Hee sonsengnim, Hyang Hee sonsengnim, Sung Ah sonsengnim and to "birthday nori namcha superman" and to daegum sonsengnim, who taught me to play Korean cards - Thank you for your dedication to keeping Korean traditional music alive - and thank you for making me feel at home with you. Looking forward to see you all in Denmark sometime soon.

And this picture shows the dreams and goals of 23 music students, whom I wish all the best.

Celebrating Liselotte Haejin - 10 years of volounteering as chair-woman of Koreaklubben and IKAA vicepresident since 2004

2007-08-04T20:51:00.001-07:00

It's always lovely to celebrate the work and life of someone dear and respected and today the IKAA Gathering held the official ending speeches and... surprised Liselotte Haejin with a video greeting put together by the innovative and ever caring Charlotte Yong San. Standing ovations were in place as we all recognised this 'little big woman'.

and the post as chairman of the Koreaklubben is passed on to the successor, Lars Munsu :)also known as captain of the soccer team - Go Denmark Go!

Art Gathing Kyung Hee University, Seoul

2007-08-03T06:32:00.000-07:00

Active artists among the international Korean adoptees network were represented at the Art Gathering at Kyung Hee University, Seoul. Many expressions seemed to me to be born out the life long process of (re)constructing one's own personal history - without being reduced to the works of art of adoptees. The represented works included the insights and transformations of the artists, making this Art Gathering a resourceful art expression with represented works of video artists, painters, photographers and architects.

Ender Gelgec, Turkey made this piece and to me it was an emotional and thought provoking experience to sit in front of all these papers - which had the connotation to me as adoptee of being files, cases with numbers on orphans. Paper still carries the past to those reading it in the present. Paper is still one of the strongest medias, because it occupies physical space and thus represents bodies in time and place. So many children, so many mothers and fathers.. the work offered a chair into which one could sit and be confronted with this wall of papers, files, notes...

PICT0060
Sendt af kimchi-dk

Another was a mesmerizing video work by Unn Fahlstrøm, Norway, which stirred the need to see more, to know more, to find out the bigger picture that is thought to be present behind..the tiny window view of something recognisable yet unknown keeps the mind occupied, looking for meaning for the bigger picture.. just like adoptees growing up looking for answers and a place for our roots to grow strong..seeing small glimpses of one self in the mirror and a face of Korean descent yet not knowing the whole picture..

Birthday surprise party

2007-08-03T06:08:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Charlotte Yong San for arranging a surprise birthday party de luxe in the ball room at Sofitel - with cake and fun! Thank you to long time friends, new found friends and also to musicians of Jeonggaakhoe and Mee Rim and Ko for celebrating with me.

Strange how the mind works..I was lured into thinking there was an important meeting regarding a crisis situation so I was not in my socializing mood when I was literally pushed through the door to the ball room...

and I noticed that when the mind is surprised with circumstances so very different from what is expected

the mind reacts with denial and confusion :)
and then the mind starts trying to make sense
and then it just goes empty.

"No No - my birthday isn't until Monday" and then on to thinking others had gotten something mixed up (it was another participant's birthday today).

But after some long long minutes I could feel my legs again ( hahaha ) and I am thankful that everyone came and celebrated with me!!

ps. reminded again that thinking I was turning 40 does not apply when in Korea - my Korean age is 41... greeeaat I am now officially grown up - ...

First Lady of South Korea speech at opening ceremony IKAA Gathering Seoul

2007-08-03T05:29:00.000-07:00

Last IKAA gathering in 2004, which was held in Seoul, South Korea, was the first official international event held by adoptees in this country which is where we were born. At the opening in 2004 the first lady of South Korea came in person and held a speeech and this year she had sent a video speech and the viceminister of Social Health and Welfare gave a speech in person. Other presidents of organisations e.g. Overseas Koreans Foundation also held opening speeches which witnessed of a strong emotional, rational and open hearted understanding of the lives of us, the international Korean adoptees. I have a video clip of the video clip and will upload asap.

I do have a picture of the participants from 15 countries though I don't think my camera was able to fit us all in.

more shapes from Korea

2007-07-24T06:09:00.000-07:00

shapes of Korea

2007-07-23T08:05:00.000-07:00

Inside Korea

2007-07-17T03:51:00.000-07:00

It's warm, it's rice and spicy dishes, it's 'Anyonghaseyo' - it's Korea! it's good. We're in the mountains at the main temple of the Chontae order settling in after a fun time at the Boryrang mud festival and lots of other experiences. Pics comming soon - so stay tuned!

Korean Health Food

2007-07-04T01:19:00.000-07:00

Last week I enjoyed the most delicious food at Mee Rim's home - a salad with more than 20 various leaves and herbs - was amongst the dishes. Some were healthy for women's hormone balance, some good for digestion - and then I also found these leaves which looked like something I'd normally use for decoration rather than eating! In Danish it's called Tree of Paradise and it's a sukkulent. Asking Mee Rim about the name, she answered "ton namul" (money herb) and since Tree of Paradise is often believed to bring lots of money and wealth to the owner - I lingered a few second before eating it.

Luckily I found out that "ton namul" is actually a herb for eating and in Denmark it's called "portulak".

But that's the beauty of Korean cuisine - it makes use of natures resources. And it seems only natural in a country with temples in mountain settings and villagers tradition for outings to collect herbs and plants as sources of vitamins and minerals.

Interesting to see in a currently airing Danish tv-show - Frilandshaven (The Outdoor Garden)- this herb is also mentioned and known from literature since the 15th century.

Adoption as part of a theatre performance "3 x 3 women" Edison C:ntact Copenhagen

2007-07-01T12:58:00.000-07:00

Here's a clip from a theatre performance “3 x 3 Women”, performing last week at the Edison C:ntact annex scene in Copenhagen, Denmark. 9 women, living in Denmark, with roots in various countries e.g. Denmark, Indonesia, Marocco, Norway, and South Korea shared personal stories on issues e.g. roots and identity, relationships with parents, dealing with prejudism and stereotypes, lost loves and newfound loves..

3x3 Kvinder Edison C:ntact
Sendt af kimchi-dk

As one of the participants, I shared how my journey out of Korea, 38 years ago, has shaped my identity and how over the years, my sense of cultural and emotional roots have grown to rediscover and to fully embrace my Korean heritage - without translating any political adoptee agenda or intellectual identity issues into this statement ;) - just the basic instinct that inside I feel "Korean". And moreover, this journey has led me not only to rediscover Korea but towards a deep understanding that we all have to increase our sense of humanity first.. I’ve been living without fully identifying as a Danish or Korean person – so I had to go to the basic and that is - just being a human being.

Like Amtul, one of the first women to wear a burka on the streets of Copenhagen some 30 years ago, said, "We are like a beautiful bouquet of flowers."

nothing to do with Korea or adoption...except Harry Potter actually was adopted - hmmm...

2007-06-29T15:13:00.001-07:00

found this on my friend's daugther's myspace and I find it kinda weird but crazy - it seems my sense of humour has taken a turn lately towards non-comprehensive - stop-making-sense, hope this is just a phase

The village idiot - and the adopted child

2007-06-09T15:24:00.001-07:00

Try replacing "the village idiot" with "adopted" in Monty Phyton's sketch - The Village Idiot!

I just happened to find this sketch and I find that it unintendingly has some lucid comments on the struggle that some adopted children go through to find it's role in the new family and new country - enjoy!!

So what ! * ,- )

2007-06-07T14:04:00.000-07:00

On that day in August, 1968, being on the Japan Air flight from Seoul to Copenhagen - at what longitude or latitude - at what exact hour and second - when exactly did I loose my personal right to claim my Korean heritage?

So far, I've gradually become (re) acquainted with the culture of my birth country via friendships, Korean people, 2 years of studying for my minor BA in Korean language, travelling in Korea and taking active part of the network of adoptees..

And from where I stand now - I am reclaiming my Korean cultural heritage :)

So what -
if I am not Korean by nationality

So what -
if people have said and still say "But you're just like us! You're Danish!"

So what -
if I didn't grow up in Korea and didn't become an inherent part of the culture, language, religion and tradition from childhood.

So what -
if I grew up in the West in Denmark and became established in this mindset.

So what -
if I feel that I am a riddle without an answer.

So what -
if my adoptive mother and brother (biological son of adoptive parents) don't support this.

So what -
if Korean society's norms immediately will mark me and my fellow international adoptees - as somewhat 'weird', unpredictable and unreliable alien creatures.. and definitely not see us as Koreans :)

So what!
whether this term may be sending mixed signals requiring further explanation - I am Korean.

The freeing power of role models

2007-06-07T13:34:00.000-07:00

Growing up as international adoptee in Denmark in the 70'ties and 80'ties, I remember the lack of actual living representatives of Asian people and all the stuff that teen-agers walk, talk and breathe for i.e. FASHION - except Yoko Ono and the inuits in Copenhagen. Today, I can't help but thinking - and hoping! - that some Asian adoptee kids will kick their heels towards some of the myths and stereotypes on how a "sweet well-adapted adoptee" 'should' dress and look.

........................

If you're interested further - here's a link to Michael Najjar - a digital artist, whose works I got aquainted with during my years at Copenhagen University and research for final thesis on mobile digital visual culture. Najjar presents a somewhat dystopian digital mindset - which is also to a certain extent disturbingly interesting.. The ones I like you'll see if you click on "artwork" and chose "Japanese Style" for pics from Shibuya and Harajuku kids. Also I am intrigued by the concept behind "No Memory Access".

Adoption in Danish national media

2007-06-06T14:00:00.000-07:00

Danish national media TV2 Lorry aired this interview today on adoptees from Korea and the representatives, Jette Hye Jin Mortensen and Charlotte Yong San Gullach gave an eloquent well-spoken interview! Applause for sharing their personal experiences.

But still the headline presenting this interview is "Korea-children with problems" - Aigoo ;) However, Charlotte managed to skilfully adjust this during the interview.. stating that adoption is a life process (and 'progress') and that personal issues and dealings with adoption often surface later in life and thus requires post-adoption services.

Just another double eyelid surgery...

2007-06-03T06:28:00.000-07:00

Hwanhee aka Fany - member of the K-pop duo, Fly to the Sky used to be quoted for his deep, mellow voice. However, he has now confirmed the rumors that he too had 'fallen victim' for the double eyelid surgery.

Hwanhee before surgery - he's the one, wearing a white hat

Online Videos by Veoh.com

Though I understand the pressure of having to look the part as a pop-star.. I have to say it's beginning to be somewhat eerie to me.. earlier stories on breast enhancement surgery on teengirls can't really beat the stated fact that Korean women get surgery that cuts of and eventually kills their nerves in the legs - thus giving them slim legs. And to get back to the face surgery - also hearing that double eyelid surgery is payed for by parents as a graduation gift in order to improve their kids' chance of a better job later on cannot just be regarded as a passing craze.

What's going on in the name of beauty? How about that glow in the eyes, the warmth of a smile, the sweetness of someone's charisma? A lot of fuzz and frenzy about the surface! which inevitably changes and is lost in the end! If everybody values only surface values - then what kind of 'happiness' are we teaching our kids..

About eyelid surgery on Tyra Banks:

When will North Korea "switch the lights on" ?

2007-04-07T15:03:00.000-07:00

a satelite photo by night of North and South Korea

When I visited Korea for the first time as an adult in 1998 - I kept within my comfort zone and stayed away from visiting the DMZ - and thus stored away the issues of North and South Korea in my subconciousness. But lately - North Korea has been increasingly in my awareness.

Back in my university days as a minor-student in Korean language and culture I was introduced to a beautiful narration of the once so powerful hermit kingdom - including the mythichal status of the Diamond Mountains - which are situated in the northern part of the then united Korea - upon which the founder of Korea is believed to have descended from the heavenly abodes.. the second fact I learned is that the DMZ is a tourist attraction - and one of the last reminences of The Cold War. But what I seem to remember lately - are pictures and videos of children dying of hunger in the streets.. I don't know who to ask to validate these pictures and videos.. I don't know much about North Korea first hand - only via media, tv and Youtube videos..but even if 90 % of the information/propaganda is manipulated - then the remaining 10 % of 'truth' would be sufficient to say.. North Korea - please switch on the lights and let the night come to an end..

I welcome comments from anyone online that may help me find more information on North Koreans and bring me to understand how children, love, freedom and happiness can be violated in the name of -- politics, ideologies, manifests.. but then again - what do I know?

Daniel Henney plays Korean-American Adoptee - a reference to Toby Dawson ?

2007-04-06T15:40:00.000-07:00

Toby Dawson and his Korean dad, Kim Jae-su

Daniel Henney, Korean-American model/actor

Will Daniel Henney spread 'stardust' to the issue of the returning of Korea's many adoptees who are now grown up and to some extent wish to (re)connect with their lost birth family and birth culture? Or is it rather a poorly hidden parallel to the 'glamour story' of Toby Dawson, the Korean-American adoptee and OL-winner, who recently was reconnected with his Korean dad - with the "assistance" of the Korean media!?

Daniel Henney, being a Korean-American posses a physical beauty and a cool charisma, which I guess has been the driving force behind his rising fame as a model/actor in the Korean entertainment business, is now filming a new movie, called "My Father".

He plays an adoptee - Korean-American - who returns to Korea to find his father. (Toby Dawson wasn't actively looking for his father, according to the media story). I've seen my fair share of k-dramas and also DH's acting skills - and to be honest.. well, he's not that great an actor (yet). There's also the language issue.. but what I find interesting is that Daniel's mother is a Korean-American adoptee. I guess he has experienced situations throughout his life so far that could give input to his acting role.

Still, what surprised me the most upon finding this piece of news on the online Chosun was that to my knowledge, this is the first time for the Korean entertainment industry to have a star-actor playing the tragic and non-sympathetic part of 'the adoptee'? So far adoptees in movies and tv-dramas have been portrayed as poorly educated, lowlife individuals with a tragic fate, e.g. Sorry I love you

Is the clock turning? Is the issue of adoption and the returning of the now grown-up adoptees becoming less taboo? And as such, is media portraying of adoptees becoming less stereotyped and more diversified? However, the current media 'appetite' goes towards promoting 'half-Koreans' as Koreans if they have excelled as e.g. models or sports men.

That's how business is.. - so, I guess if 'we' (using ' ' since I don't wanna make statements on behalf of all adoptees) the returning adoptees have excelled in life and thus can be used to show off in the international arena in order to promote Korea - well - once again 'we' are on the task of pleasing and succeeding in order to be accepted. *SIGH*

SAS hires Chinese stewardesses at 1/5th of the salery of Danish stewardesses

2007-03-30T15:26:00.000-07:00

SAS has hired 35 Chinese stewardesses to cater passengers on flights from Copenhagen to Beijing - at 1/5th of the salery that a Danish stewardess would recieve. This in itself stands as expression of the many 'innovative' ways of exploitation taking place in the name of globalization.. so why does this bit of news 'hit' my blog?

Well, as many little girls - I too dreamed of a future 'high in the sky' - I had hot flashes and shining eyes whenever I went to the airport and could almost smell the excitement of people going on vacation or business trips - and most of all the sense of adventure which seemed to be connected to the job of - being a stewardesse.

So - yes I dreamt of becoming a stewardesse - and sometime around the 5th or 6th grade - in the late 1970'ties somewhere in a rich surburban town north of Copenhagen Denmark - I was looking through the 'What to become' - catalogue that my teacher had presented us with - and as I looked up the magic job - ** Stewardesse ** here's what it read (as I remember) and at that time SAS was the only option.

Requirements:
blue eyes, blond hair and height above 1.70 m

I remember 'freezing' and got that later to be well-known feeling of - surprise, wonder and then the feeling of being excluded from society... ever so subtle and ever so discrete - but still - excluded.

Later though, while flying to Bangalore.. I discovered the hard realities of a life as stewardesse with no or little time to rest even at long distance flights, jet lag, heavy trolleys etc. and well - I wouldn't wanna be a stewardesse today.. even though it seems that SAS is now accepting stewardesses of other races and other faces than the 70'ties/80'ties Scandinavian 'brand'...

however - I wonder if SAS will start hiring Dutch stewardesses for destinations to Holland or Surinam.. perhaps - if they come to 1/5th of the salery?

"III Crossing" by June Bum Park

2007-03-19T12:55:00.000-07:00

I first got acquainted with June Bum Park at the exhibition Seoul Until Now at Charlottenborg Exhibition Hall in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2005. And now one of the leading digital arts galleries Bitforms, N.Y. + Seoul-based is curating works from this South Korean digital artist in the N.Y. branch!

So >> click here and find yourself at Bitforms, N.Y. :) and enjoy the video of JBP.

Ps. Bitforms Gallery is - in my humble opinion - one of the most innovative and inspiring platforms of contemporary digital artwork. BG was founded by Steve Sacks and is heralded as the King of digital arts by Wired.

Succesfully mixing old and new? The world's no. 1 digital nation holds memorial service for fish that died in experiments..

2007-03-07T14:13:00.000-08:00

Well - it seems that Korea show the way of bridging old and new. Researchers at the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute in Gijang County, Busan, held a memorial service for fish that died in various experiments. Fruit, pork and other food that the subject fish enjoyed were laid out as offerings.

Today's generation of Koreans can go online via the mobile and check in on his or her minihomepi at Cyworld while on the metro on the way to a memorial service for fish that payed their lives in the name of science.

I think this is a beautiful tradition and not at all to be amuzed by .. this shows a respect for Mother Nature. But I guess this is just one among many examples of why Europeans can benefit from hiring a cultural interpreter/consultant upon starting up business ventures in Korea.

Resonance :: bridging the past and the present

2007-02-27T14:57:00.000-08:00

Chun Jae Hyun, gomungo

When you strike one string of a citar, the vibrations will set the other strings vibrating too...

This fact can be seen in life too - certain events, certain people or places can 'strike a tune', thus creating a resonance within...

This month I participated in a 10-day workshop of Korean traditional music and folklore singing and dancing, which was given by very talented classically examinated musicians from Jeong Ga Ak Hoe, Seoul, Korea. The workshop was held in Copenhagen and organized by the Korean Language and Culture School for Adoptees.

The essence of resonance is that it can create a bridge not only between one string and other strings, but also between one person and other people - and between past and present.

Somehow, I experienced a 'feeling' of resonance - it was ignited by outside events, but started connecting with something, a feeling, a mindset, an atmosphere which surfaced from within.

As an ardent lover of arts and beauty - and a free-time singer and musician, I already cancelled any other appointments to be able to concentrate on this music workshop with Jeong Ga Ak Hoe. Besides the music - the workshop was lots of fun, nice atmosphere, tasty Korean food and meeting new and known friends.

The schedule was ambitious - and during these days, Korean sounds, rythms, guteral vocals, lots and lots of Korean words - some of which were in Hancha - were absorbed and ignited a learning proces. In some ways, the music resonated within me without having any "intentions, oppinions or memories"- but each day, layers from past and present were made conscious.

Like fire sparks jumping through air, like waves of sound moving through space - rythms (hui mo ri) and sound vibrations from the hour-glass shaped drum, 'janggu', the pure feeling of the bamboo flute, 'danso' and the almost eerie strength of vocals combined with the ancient beauty of the Korean culture of folklore song tradition - started resonating within my mind, body and spirit.

Korean traditional music is a rare combination of a refined arts expression and a deep understanding of Nature's sounds and rythms, which is portrayed in the various instruments. Some instruments are compared to the sound and rythm of rain, some to the sound and rythm of wind etc. I've had a glimpse - and believe that a lot of wisdom about life, mind and soul can be discovered by going deeper into this tradition and by practising.

No matter whether I'll ever learn to play the janggu or sing the kangkangsule perfectly or even remotely well enough for others to listen to and honestly enjoy it - or not .... my personal experience of these sounds and rythms moving within every cell, resonating within - has given new insight.