Wednesday, 12 March 2025

Gyeonggyojang, Activist Kim Ku's Residence In Seoul

Kim Ku is a giant figure in the history of Korean politics, liberation and independence. He led a movement of independence against the empire of Japan and was a leader of the Korean provisional government, later becoming an activist after 1945.

After 1945, Ku lived at a house he named Gyeonggyojang. In 1949, Ku was assassinated in his home office there. The residence is now a museum.

Nice digs. The house is now surrounded by a hospital.

The interior, a mix of western, clubby style and traditional tatami mat Asian.

A diorama, showing how a bunch of stately men met way back when. "What's for lunch?"

Assassination location, Ku's table by a window. He was writing poetry when he was shot. Ku's bloody clothes.

Death mask.

Monday, 10 March 2025

The National Museum of Korean Contemporary History, Part Two

What is a better exhibit for the Museum of Korean Contemporary History than a show with a pop media theme? Bring on the recreational fun junk of movies, TV shows and K-Pop, K-Pop, K-Pop!

Ooooh, the funky entrance is a good warm up.

Look, mom, a wall of your old, stale records from all those singers wearing polyester and vinyl. Sad import, American TV shows. Until South Korea got wise and produced their own bad TV shows.

Pick your musical theme and dive in.

Better American imports, old, big Hollywood movies and weird, obscure things to stock the 1980s video store.

K-Pop must-have: a plastic, microphone-looking light stick. Collect all 10 billion.