Mar 13, 2015 | Writing
SEOUL, South Korea — There is a glamorous nouveau riche neighborhood in Seoul called Gangnam. You may have heard the song. Gangnam is renowned for its culture of beauty and style. And its plastic surgery. Hundreds of clinics cater to fashionistas seeking convenience...
Mar 10, 2015 | Writing
1) The food is tangy, piquant, pickled, and awesome. Just about every corner watering hole whips up dazzling barbecues, stews and pickled vegetables. It’s spicy, and that’s a good thing. 2) The locals will go out of their way for you. Even if you don’t...
Mar 5, 2015 | Writing
SEOUL, South Korea — Wearing traditional garb and wielding a 10-inch fruit knife, the assailant stood up and shouted for the unification of the two Koreas before slashing his supposed enemy: the guest of honor, US Ambassador to Seoul Mark Lippert. Ironically at a...
Feb 18, 2015 | Writing
SEOUL, South Korea — Pyongyang is drab and colorless, known mostly for its blockish, retro-Soviet architecture and socialist realism. But colorful propaganda posters stand out garishly, perhaps deliberately, in the North Korean capital. These banners and billboards...
Feb 14, 2015 | Writing
SEOUL, South Korea — Ever since the 2008 economic crisis, Americans have bemoaned the impunity and influence-peddling of Wall Street. But South Koreans have long complained that their country, nicknamed the “Republic of Samsung,” has a far more entitled corporate...
Feb 10, 2015 | Writing
SEOUL, South Korea — Is the sun setting on the brotherly bond between North Korea and its biggest patron, China? North Koreans often compare the indefatigable relationship to “lips and teeth.” China is North Korea’s biggest investor, and has long sustained the regime,...
