I was 15 when I first learned about ‘comfort women.’ I thought it was a fictitious story; I thought, “That’s unbelievable. How is that even possible?” Tragically, it happens and is still happening in different forms. I know there will come a day when my kids will learn about things that happened in my generation and will wonder, “Why didn’t anyone [including my parents] do anything about it?” That will be another occasion I will be tempted to hide. The issues of human rights, children’s right, women’s rights, and global peace must still be forefront in our hearts. Continue reading “comfort women | dignity walk”
seattle PI guest column on the tragedy of virginia tech
Here’s the guest column I had the privilege of writing for the Seattle Post Intelligencer [published for Tuesday, April 24, 2007]. I’ve also included some other reads I have personally found very moving and insightful. I was limited by time and a word count, but hoped that this ‘guest column’ would be a source of healing, deeper understanding, and blessing to many. I wish I did a better job, [and given them my own title], and spoken from a larger Asian perspective. One clarification I want to make – while I and other Koreans/Asians grieve and feel pain and ‘shame’ over Seung Hui Cho, we are not the victims in this tragedy. My hope was to convey that no matter who or what we are, we are all connected to one another – not just because of our ethnic identity but our larger human collective and narrative. Because of the invitation to address the larger Washington readership, I chose not to be preachy. Much of this editorial comes from some initial thoughts shared in a blog entry from last week entitled, ‘Making Sense of the Senseless.’ Continue reading “seattle PI guest column on the tragedy of virginia tech”
silent racism – there’s hope
the fact is we are all biased and prejudiced; all depraved [and beautiful] and jacked up. we’re certainly all ‘racialized’ in many ways. long story short, i’ve been following some drama with the folks at Youth Specialties (Zondervan) over a book published by YS called, skits that teach. well, one of the skits is outright racist as it parodies asians. and yes, this is supposed to be educating the youth of america. i re-posted the above video entitled, ‘silent racism’ because it is so appropriate. it was created for an assignment during our church’s 2006 faith and race class. for me, it speaks so much to the systemic racism that exists and how we’re all guilty and must seek to see the beauty and dignity God gave to each person, each tribe, and each ethnicity. Continue reading “silent racism – there’s hope”
10 best korean movies/films
What are the 10 Best Korean films?
Here is my list. Some may question the inclusion of some of these films but they fulfill my requirements –
- a compelling story
- superb acting
- captivating cinematography
- a larger societal impact and message
I make these recommendations not simply because I’m Korean-American and have a healthy level of pride in Korean art & culture but because anyone that knows anything about film can attest how the Korean film industry is making some serious waves around the world. Each year, you will see an increasing number of films being entered into international film festivals (and some that have walked away with notable prizes such as Oldboy in the 2004 Cannes film festival). With the emergence of Asian film festivals in growing urban cities around the world, you’ll be learning more and more about Korean actors, actresses, directors, and films. Continue reading “10 best korean movies/films”
EUGENE CHO 