Comments for speakingkorea.com

Comment on Kim Yu Na’s split with Brian Orser poses more questions about homosexuality in Korea by Andrew (speakingkorea)

Andrew (speakingkorea) — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 04:30:11 +0000

Thanks for the comment, and fair enough, but, as I said, I wrote this from encounters with Koreans here in the country, male and female. I know forums and newspapers outside of the peninsula have reported on Brian’s homosexuality. I have known about Brian Orser for a while now, but it strikes me as very unusual that during the Olympic Games, in particular, when EVERY Korean I know was glued to the TV coverage, no-one here was aware of Orser away from the rink. The fact that many we spoke to thought they were a couple is even more bizarre.

International websites and Kim’s friends and those associated with figure skating in Korea aside , is it not possible that a country which has distubing views of homosexuality would not be fully aware? In my game, rugby, there is one openly gay referee from Wales, Nigel Owens. Everyone who plays the game, watches the game or has any sort of vested interest is well aware of this. To me, the common Korean who waved his/her flags in February appear unaware of Orser.

But, like you said, it could just be those I know.

Comment on Kim Yu Na’s split with Brian Orser poses more questions about homosexuality in Korea by um

um — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 18:06:29 +0000

can’t disagree with you more

as an avid skating fan myself who frequents many forums, not only is it common knowledge outside of korea that brian is openly and proudly gay, but her korean fans have known and embraced it for a long time. it wasn’t until their split that many of her fans turned on him and started portraying his homosexuality in a negative light

I don’t think most koreans are as shocked or in the dark about it as the ones you’ve encountered

Comment on Reports claim North Korean soccer players ‘tortured’ after World Cup exit by Goodyob of D.A.

Goodyob of D.A. — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:45:32 +0000

I used to like North Korea, but after hearing of the supposed torturing of the soccer team, I hope they fall through the floor!

Comment on Leaving Korea, and not knowing when you’ll be back by Philly Willy

Philly Willy — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 07:05:19 +0000

I remember talking with you in the first month. My God it seems like a lifetime ago now doesn’t it.

The lives we lead and the opportunities presented to us by doing these jobs are phenomenal. I know I will miss my students too, don’t know how I will cope with goodbyes.

Take solace in the fact that you have done something amazing with your life and the memories you keep. Also, realise that going to Korea and meeting those wonderful children has changed you into a better more rounded person.

Best of luck with the next step Andrew, and I hope to see you in Japan again soon.

Comment on Decided to learn Korean? Now — how much do you want to learn? by James

James — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 19:12:58 +0000

I enjoyed reading this piece. It’s optimistic, no bitter tang of envy: You’re clear, open and diligent. I feel you can apply these points to almost any language, and it’s an important point about just how good you can get at a language, and likewise, how embedded you can be in a culture. I feel that if you can convince yourself that there are no foreigners in the room, then no one will sense you either. Though, with that said I certainly do not approve of the evangelical urgency that many foreign language learners apply to their studies; throwing out your whole life and original identity in order to be accepted or brainwash yourself into becoming a “Korean” or “Japanese,” “French” or whatever all these cultural stereotypes tout to foreigners. There must be a healthy mean, and I think you can reach it either by book learning first, if that’s your strength, or by taking the plunge and rubbing shoulders with your Korean mates in the hot springs.

Comment on Little old ladies in Korea by Kaveh

Kaveh — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:42:23 +0000

I like to marry with woman of korean.

Comment on Korean food: samgyeopsal, the mother of all bacon by Andrew (speakingkorea)

Andrew (speakingkorea) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 08:13:33 +0000

Check out my sexy body in two of those photos

Comment on Korea (South) Won on xe.com by StuartSmallwood

StuartSmallwood — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 06:03:11 +0000

Or there’s the shorter link.

http://www.xe.com/ucc

Comment on Cocks in Korea by Stu

Stu — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 03:44:02 +0000

haha wicked. Cherish that brush Lorna. There’s nothing like it in Canada, surely.

Philip — it’s just a lack of awareness on their parts I guess, still they choose the naughtiest words. Thanks very much for the compliments!

Comment on Controversial conversation with a Korean man by Stu

Stu — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 03:42:37 +0000

You’re right, you and Philip both, and maybe I’m a bit too quick to apologise for the culture at times. some of these opinions border on innocence. Cartoon character opinions, really. Absolutely education is a factor, but when I think of education as a way to broaden social consciousness, I definitely don’t think the school system is the medium that I made use of, or that most of the progressive thinkers from my backwater community employed to come to their own world views.

It brings up as interesting a question — where do our values come from?