If you are in Berlin- do not miss the opportunity to see the National Dance Company of Korea facebook.com/ColorsOfKorea/… youtube.com/watch?v=xIEzIQ…

— K Magazin(@KColorsOfKorea) May 2, 2013

Besuch im Haruharu in Berlin

Schlicht, niedlich, edel, verspielt und mädchenhaft – so lässt sich koreanische Mode in wenigen Worten beschreiben. Wer diese Art von Mode sucht, wird im „Haruharu“ in Berlin fündig werden. Der koreanische Fashionstore eröffnete im Herbst 2012 und zieht gleichermaßen Asiaten, wie auch K-Pop Fans an. Fans koreanischer Popmusik werden mit eben dieser im Geschäft empfangen und werden neben Mode, die sie aus Dramen kennen, auch die einen oder anderen Fan-Socken finden. Vor allem PSY und Girls Generation verkauften sich in den ersten Wochen gut. Doch man darf das „Haruharu“ nicht mit einem K-Pop Merchandise-Shop verwechseln, auch wenn diese Zielgruppe teilweise bedient wird. Die Idee entstand bereits vor einigen Jahren, als die Besitzerin immer wieder gebeten wurde, Freunden etwas aus Korea mitzubringen. Die Eröffnung eines eigenen Modegeschäfts war ein lang gehegter Traum der Besitzerin. „Jedes Mädchen will etwas eigenes“, sagt sie uns im Interview und da das Interesse an Korea enorm wächst, war jetzt der richtige Zeitpunkt für die Eröffnung. Die Mode wird von einem Agenten gesucht und eingekauft, doch wenn sie in Korea ist, kauft sie auch selbst Neues ein. Die Kunden werden also immer wieder Mode finden, die gleichermaßen im Alltag, auf der Arbeit, wie auch in der Freizeit tragbar ist. Kleine Details, welche bei Koreanern besonders beliebt sind, dienen als Blickfänger. Darüber hinaus findet man im „Haruharu“ auch Schmuck, Accessoires und andere Kleinigkeiten.

Der Besuch lohnt sich, im Haruharu, Pappelallee 21a, Nahe der Eberswalder Straße

Webseite: http://www.haruharu.de/index.html

Credit: www.k-magazin.com

Kimchi Princess

“The guest shall have a night to remember”

On the long wooden tables, waterglasses are waiting for the guests. Chairs with black cushions match with the red-black walls and lights in the spacious room. Steps are leading upstairs. The design, in- and outside, is very impressive in its consistency. It comes across as modern and inviting, stirring up a craving for a sociable night with friends. The owner, who runs the “Kimchi Princess” with 2 partners, explains that the long tables are not only supposed to emphasize the table grills but also to initiate the guests to get to know each other. In Europe it is very common for the people to keep to themselves and to share their food, if any, with close friends and family. In the “Kimchi Princess” it becomes apparent that food culture is togetherness. Sitting at the long tables it is impossible to shy away from moving closer to the neighbor or to see what others have ordered leading to a conversation. The people visiting are a mix of hip customers from the neighborhood, Korean tourists and international guests who round off the picture of togetherness.

Seoul Kwan

“Whoever comes, comes because of us”

The “Seoul Kwan” is the oldest Korean restaurant in Berlin. Being located in the quiet district Friedenau it rarely attracts walk-in customers but its reputation established through the 20 years of family history draws regulars in coming from every district. A white fan next to us tries to take care of the cooling on this hot and humid afternoon. At a table across from ours, a group of Korean men is seated, getting together to enjoy some barbecued pork belly and Soju. The atmosphere is vivid but the other guests which are composed of Korean and German families do not feel disturbed. The restaurant, guest- and family-friendly can be compared to a home of many years which one can notice by looking at the interior. The Seoul Kwan has been renovated a few months ago and with the remolding the Asian look has been exchanged for a pleasantly homely interior. The son of the owner takes some of his time to talk with us while we enjoy our lemon- honey tea. We learn that 50% of the regular guests are Korean families and that during the IFA (International Radio Show) employees of LG and Samsung gladly came to eat. Nonetheless German guests also find their way to the Seoul Kwan especially those who are familiar with the Korean cuisine.

Even though it is very humid outside and the heavy shower which cannot change the heat in the room we are looking forward to the Bibimbap and gladly follow the recommendation to try the Bulgogi. As is customary it is being cooked at the table. The meat is really tender and of extremely good quality. The serving is large and with the generous amount of fresh vegetables and noodles which are included the price of 12.50 Euro per person is definitely justified. The quality of the Bibimbap is on par with the Bulgogi and the egg which served in a raw state and then being combined with the rice, vegetables and meat gives the dish a flavor which is totally different compared to the previous days. We get six of the usually eight side dishes and are highly satisfied. Especially the Kimchi is exceptionally good and we let the chef know how much we enjoyed the food. At the bar the guests are able to look into the kitchen so we get to catch a glimpse of his smile because a compliment from German guests makes him just as content as the guests who are able to experience his culinary skills.

© Text: Esther Klung, Photos: Kim Dinh

(Quelle: k-magazin.com)

Juki - Korean BBQ and Soju Bar

“We also cook with water”

Our journey through the diversity of Korean restaurants in Berlin starts in Prenzlauer Berg. Not far from the Greifswalder- and Bernauer Street you will find “Juki” which is still quite young. When leaving the main streets behind and immerse yourself in the side roads you will be able to encounter Berlin showing itself from it’s most pleasant side- especially on this warm early summer day. Cafés, restaurants and bars are standing next to each other and there are tables everywhere asking you to stay. All doors and windows are wide open and on the balconies, which are arching over the lively streets filled with life of leisure, the residents are sitting, eating, drinking and laughing- as well as the people visiting the restaurants beneath them. The Juki is extending an invitation with their doors widely opened.

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Years of training. 16 hours a day. A life far away from family and friends. A new home with strangers, sharing not only a dormitory but also hopes and tears. Having to go separate ways because dreams did not come true. Maybe one day the long awaited debut stage. The tight schedule, which does not leave room for sleep. Diet plans. Makeovers. Plastic surgery. Let’s be honest. The path of a K-Pop idol is exhausting and life itself, when you made it, hard.

Every third teenager in Korean dreams of becoming an idol. Of course, the market is booming and K-Pop is one of the most important export goods of South Korea. The Hallyu Wave has also reached Europe over the last few years involving a good amount of money. With each year more and more bands are having their debut, being able to fulfill their dream. The percentage of those who are turning into stars is rather humble.

 

In a country that had a military government until 25 years ago and has grown to be an impressive industrial nation in the last decades, the matter of course young Koreans are taking this path is a different one. One that teenagers that have been raised westerly will barely be able to comprehend. South Korea’s population knows that their country would not have come so far without the well-functioning system of school and work. Diligence is a highly valued virtue and the respect towards the ones who are working hard can be shown best through more diligence. And like this the country clicks like a clockwork in which one builds on one another.

 

In a discussion with a student of Korean studies we once exchanged interesting thoughts. Idols are an important component in a smooth cycle in this country. Let’s ignore the fact that they want to boost the economy and take care of the global awareness and therefore help to sell other Korean products on the global market- leaving one thing left: The sight into the country. K-Pop stars existed long before the global market discovered them. End of the 90’s the three biggest entertainments arose - YG, SM and JYP – and short after the first groups made their debut who characterize what we now call K-Pop. They offered distraction to youngsters who have to study until late at night and the ones who have to work more than 12 hours a day and six days a week. Leaving only little time to go out and meet friends. (Of course, Koreans always find them time to meet one another and have fun -and maybe they enjoy the time more than Europeans who do not know what to do with their free time).

 

Idols are everywhere. They are colorful and cheerful. They entertain the audience at home who are sitting in front of the TV with music- and variety shows. They are smiling from posters and advertise the latest products in commercials. They can be taken home on DVDs, t-shirts and cellphone charms. At fansigns one is able to get a closer look. They offer topics of conversation aside everyday life. Their world is dazzling but- and that is particularly important- can be experienced. They are also working hard and have little free time. They like to eat, listen to music and have their own troubles.

 

K-Pop idols are open and private like no other international star- without their private family life being in the lime light, ripped apart or dragged through the mud.

 

They are the hobby that you one can afford when one barely has time. They are the scattering one needs when one is threatened to drown in responsibilities. They are role models that demonstrate that all the sweat and deprivation is worth it. Their role is important. It is responsible. When having a closer look fame and fortune, although very important and possibly the motivation for most has a subordinate role.

 

So what leads 300 European K-Pop fans in their teens (the age limit for applicants was 19) to Berlin to the YG Audition? K-Colors of Korea talked with a few of them right before they have to enter the room to showcase their singing and dancing abilities. Nicole (18) from Dortmund loves 2NE1, the girl group which is signed under YG. She has been singing and dancing since she was six years old and started because of K-Pop. What she expects from the audition is to face the staff members of YG and also she wants to get a first- hand experience of participating in an audition because there have not been any K-Pop auditions in Europe before. Yen (14) has been listening to K-Pop for three years. She loves Big Bang and 2NE1 and she is currently taking singing classes. She just wants to be part of the whole experience but she does not know if she really wants to be a trainee at an entertainment.

 

Most of the applicants came out of curiosity. They have never been that close to the Korean music business and they are willing to take this step if this brings them a little closer to their dream of a career in Korea.

 

Lee Jun Won, a staff member of YG who had been listening and seeing applicants for hours tells us how things will proceed for the applicants after the audition. Those who make it through the pre- selection in Berlin and London will be invited to a second audition in Korea. The ones who will make it will be offered a trainee-contract to sign. After that, not only singing and dancing lessons are waiting for them. The future idols are also going to learn the language and have to adapt to Korean culture. Whether they are able to make it and when it will be possible for them do debut will depend on their performance but also on the question if they will understand what it means to be an idol.

 

Sometimes when a dream comes true, you ask yourself why you were dreaming it the first place. A dream is light and carefree. In a dream you are never exhausted nor lonely. In a dream you are receiving without having to give. Some of the participants of the YG Audition in Berlin will return to their homes and dream of being successful the next time. A few will advance and some of them will wake up on the airplane heading to their home country and find new dreams. Only a handful is going to stay in Korea and hold on to theirs. Even they are going to wake up because they will understand that hard work is going ahead before one gets to experience the living dream. That there are always to sides to every coin and not only be confronted with fame, the fans and the popularity but also with stress, the missing privacy and the occasional doubts. Only those who do not delude themselves and carry enough passion and unconditionally love what they do will be able to see the door which will reveal a fascinating world. A world filled with beauty and illusion. A world filled with unexpected downs and countless possibilities.

We hope that YG was able to find such a talented and dedicated person in Europe and that we might have come across in Berlin without knowing.

 

© Esther Klung, Translation: Kim Dinh

 

Jahrelanges Training. 16 Stunden am Tag. Ein Leben weit weg von der Familie und von Freunden. Ein neues zu Hause in einer WG mit Fremden, mit denen man Hoffnungen und Tränen teilt. Wege, die auseinandergehen, weil sich die Träume nicht erfüllt haben. Vielleicht eines Tages das lang ersehnte Debütstage. Der enge Terminplan, der kaum Zeit lässt zu schlafen. Diätpläne. Makeover. Schönheitsoperationen. Sind wir ehrlich, der Weg eines K-Pop Idols ist beschwerlich und das Leben, selbst, wenn man es geschafft hat, hart.

Jeder dritte Teenager in Korea träumt davon, Idol zu werden. Natürlich, der Markt boomt und K-Pop ist eines der wichtigsten Exportgüter Südkoreas. Die Hallyu Wave hat in den letzten Jahren auch Europa erreicht und in dem Markt steckt jede Menge Geld. Jahr um Jahr debütieren mehr Bands, schaffen es mehr koreanische Teenager ihren Traum zu erfüllen. Die Prozentzahl derer, die am Ende Stars werden, ist jedoch gering.

In einem Land, das vor fast 25 Jahren noch eine Militärregierung hatte und in den letzten Jahrzehnten zu einer imposanten Industrienation heranwuchs, ist das Selbstverständnis, mit dem junge Koreaner diesen Weg einschlagen, ein anderes. Eines, das westlich erzogene Teenager kaum nachvollziehen können. Südkoreas Bevölkerung weiß, dass ihr Land nicht so weit gekommen wäre, ohne das gut funktionierende System der Schule und Arbeit. Fleiß ist eine hohe Tugend und der Respekt demjenigen gegenüber, der hart arbeitet, zeigt man am besten, durch noch größeren Fleiß. Und so funktioniert dieses Land wie ein Uhrwerk, in dem man aufeinander baut.

In einem Gespräch mit einer Berliner Koreanistikstudentin tauschten wir einmal einen interessanten Gedanken aus. Idols sind ein wichtiger Bestandteil in dem reibungslosen Ablauf dieses Landes. Lassen wir außen vor, dass sie die Wirtschaft ankurbeln und für internationale Bekanntheit sorgen - und damit helfen, andere koreanische Produkte auf dem weltweiten Markt zu verkaufen - bleibt eines übrig: Der Blick ins Land. Denn K-Pop Stars gab es schon lange bevor der internationale Markt sie entdeckte. Ende der 1990er Jahre entstanden die drei großen Entertainmentfirmen - YG, SM und JYP - und kurz darauf debütierten die ersten Gruppen, die das prägten, was wir heute K-Pop nennen. Sie gaben den Jugendlichen, die bis in die Nacht lernen und den jungen Menschen, die mehr als 12 Stunden am Tag, sechs Tage die Woche arbeiten, Zerstreuung. Denn Zeit, um auszugehen und Freunde zu treffen, bleibt weniger. (Natürlich finden Koreaner immer Zeit um sich zu treffen und Spaß zu haben, und vielleicht genießen sie diese Zeit auch mehr als Europäer, die mit ihrer Freizeit nichts anzufangen wissen)

Idols sind überall. Sie sind bunt und fröhlich. Sie unterhalten das Publikum zu Hause vor dem Fernseher in Musik- und Variety Shows. Sie lächeln von Plakaten, preisen in Werbespots die neusten Produkte an. Man kann sie sich auf DVDs, T-Shirts und Handyanhängern nach Hause holen. Bei Fansigns kommt man ihnen näher. Sie bieten Gesprächsthemen abseits des Alltags. Ihre Welt ist schillernd, aber - und das ist besonders wichtig - erfahrbar. Auch sie arbeiten hart, auch sie haben wenig Freizeit, auch sie essen gerne, hören Musik und haben Probleme.

K-Pop Idols sind so offen und privat wie kaum ein anderer internationaler Star, ohne dass dabei ihr privates Familienleben beleuchtet, auseinandergepflückt und in den Schmutz gezogen wird.

Sie sind das Hobby, das man sich leisten kann, wenn man kaum Zeit hat. Sie sind die Ablenkung, die man braucht, wenn man an Pflichten zu erstickt droht. Sie sind die Vorbilder, die zeigen, dass sich all der Schweiß und die Entbehrungen lohnen. Ihre Rolle ist wichtig. Sie ist verantwortungsvoll. Ruhm und Geld spielen, wenn man es genau betrachtet, obwohl sie wichtig sind, und wahrscheinlich der Antrieb der meisten, eine untergeordnete Rolle.

Was also führte 300 europäische K-Pop Fans im Teenageralter (Die Grenze für Bewerber lag bei 19 Jahren) nach Berlin zur YG Audition? K-Colors of Korea sprach mit einigen von ihnen kurz bevor sie in den Raum zum Vorsingen und Tanzen gerufen wurden. Nicole, 18, aus Dortmund liebt 2NE1, die Girlgroup, die bei YG unter Vertrag ist. Sie tanzt und singt seit fast sechs Jahren und hat wegen K-Pop damit angefangen. Von dem Casting erhofft sie sich zum einen einmal den Mitarbeitern von YG persönlich gegenüberzustehen und möchte zum anderen direkt erfahren, wie es ist an einer Audition teilzunehmen. Denn K-Pop Auditions gab es zuvor noch nicht in Europa. Yen ist 14 Jahre alt und hört seit 3 Jahren K-Pop. Sie liebt Big Bang und 2NE1 und nimmt mitlerweile sogar Gesangsunterricht. Sie will einfach nur dabei sein, aber sie weiß nicht, ob sie wirklich Trainee bei einem Entertainment sein möchte.

Die meisten der Bewerber sind aus Neugier gekommen. So nah wie jetzt waren sie der koreanischen Musikbranche noch nie und wenn sich für einen von ihnen der Traume einer Karriere in dem Land ihrer Träume erfüllt, werden sie den Schritt wagen.

Lee Jun Won, ein Mitarbeiter von YG, der sich die Bewerber seit einigen Stunden anhört und ansieht, verrät uns, wie es nach der Audition für die Bewerber weitergehen wird. Diejenigen, welche die Vorrunden in Berlin und London überstanden haben, werden zu einer zweiten Audition nach Korea eingeladen. Wenn sie sich bei dieser durchsetzen, wird man ihnen anbieten einen Traineevertrag zu unterschreiben. Danach wartet nicht nur Gesangs- und Tanztraining auf sie. Die zukünftigen Idols werden auch die Sprache lernen und sich der koreanischen Kultur anpassen müssen. Ob sie es schaffen und wann es ihnen möglich sein wird, zu debütieren, wird von ihrer Leistung abhängen aber auch von der Frage, ob sie werden verstehen können, was es bedeutet Idol zu sein.

Manchmal, wenn sich ein Traum erfüllt, fragt man sich, warum man ihn geträumt hat. Ein Traum ist leicht und unbeschwert. In einem Traum ist man niemals erschöpft oder einsam. In einem Traum wird man beschenkt, ohne etwas zu opfern. Einige der Teilnehmer der YG Audition in Berlin werden nach Hause zurückkehren und davon träumen, es beim nächsten Mal zu schaffen. Einige wenige werden weiterkommen und manche von ihnen werden aufwachen und im Flieger zurück in ihre Heimat neue Träume finden. Nur sehr wenige werden in Korea bleiben und an ihrem Traum festhalten. Auch sie werden irgendwie aufwachen, denn sie werden begreifen, dass jedem gelebten Traum harte Arbeit vorausgeht. Dass es immer zwei Seiten einer Medaille gibt; dass dem Ruhm, den Fans und der Beliebtheit der Stress, die fehlende Privatsphäre und die gelegentlichen Zweifel gegenüberstehen. Nur denen, die sich keine Illusionen machen, die genug Leidenschaft mitbringen und die das, was sie tun bedingungslos lieben, wird sich die Tür zu einer faszinierenden Welt öffnen. Einer Welt voller Schönheit und Schein. Einer Welt voll ungeahnter Tiefen und unzähliger Möglichkeiten.

Wir hoffen, dass YG so einen Menschen mit Talent und Hingabe in Europa gefunden hat und wir ihm, ohne es zu wissen, vielleicht sogar in Berlin gegenüber standen.

Copyright: Esther Klung (www.k-magazin.com)

Bibim

“Less is more”

 In Berlin’s very hip district Prenzlauer Berg one almost passes the restaurant without noticing it even though it is in the middle of the Danziger Street. Baked clay walls, dark wooden floors and the creative chandelier made of brass- we have to admit- seem hardly Korean. Family Kim/ Park that run the “Bibim” kept the interior of the forerunner and changed it with little details. One feels at ease, especially without the typical kitsch which can often be found in Asian restaurants.

We are invited to enter the Bibim during lunch break and enjoy the peace and familiar sounds coming from the kitchen while we taste our teas: ginger and jujube date. The menu sends you away with a nice “Auf Wiedersehen” (German: See you again”) including useful Korean phrases revolving about food on the last pages highlighting the familial warmth and friendliness which welcomes you as soon you take a seat.

We order Bibimbap in order to be able to compare and Japchae due to personal recommendation of the owner who does her own cooking while her husband gives her a hand from time to time. The sizzling, clattering and fizzling coming from the kitchen reminds you of home and therefore not surprising that we are getting more hungry with every passing minute. A bowl of soup has been served beforehand to make the short waiting time even more pleasant. Along with our food comes a small bowl with rice, 4 side dishes, which change every day depending on the choice and mood of the chef. Of course there is never a lack of Kimchi accompanied with a small bowl with the Bibimbap sauce. The food has been prepared in a traditional Korean way and most notable for body and soul. The “Bibim” sets a high value on good taste and that the food is good for your health. For each ingredient to maintain its own flavor only little use of garlic is made and spices are only applied to bring out the natural flavor without covering it.

Our Bibimbap is served with finely cut vegetables, a fried egg, thin strips of beef and sesame seeds which received a different shade of taste through roasting. The egg yolk is still fluid enough to combine itself with the rice perfectly. The Japchae persuades with the very sight: the orange-red of the carrots stands in contrast with the green of the spinach and the zucchini, the brown of the mushrooms and the dark noodles with sesame seeds make the picture perfect. With this dish you start enjoying even before tasting has started.

Before we leave the owner treats us with dessert: ricecakes filled with sweet bean paste and black sesame ice cream. While tasting we talk with the owner about her philosophy of eating and cooking. In the process we become even more aware how much food and eating in Korea is not only an important element of life but also of the Korean culture. Even though eating together becomes less common in Germany one likes to come together in Korea and this sociality also supports the healthy impact of the food. “Healthy”- often associated with bland and boring food. Whoever visits the “Bibim” will soon find out that the opposite is the case and will be assured to leave the place with a filled stomach and joy.

© Text: Esther Klung, Photos: Kim Dinh

Name: Bibim

Address: Danziger Straße 36, Berlin, Prenzlauer Berg

Web: www.bibim.de

(Quelle: k-magazin.com)

You need some inspiration? A place to rest or work? The “Victoria” in Berlin is one of the most loved places of the K-Team when it comes to work or to enjoy free time after work. “Victoria” has the best homemade cakes and patries you can find in the centre of Berlin. The small cafe founded by an artist, a diplomat and an architect is filled with love and the sweet scent of great cakes. We can´t name our favorites because every time you´re there they have new cakes to offer. Just go there as often as you can and enjoy the great tastes.

Ihr seid auf der Suche nach Inspiration? Nach einem Ort um zu arbeiten oder euch auszuruhen? Das “Victoria” hat die besten hausgemachten Torten, Kuchen und Partisserie-Angebote, die man in der Mitte von Berlin finden kann. Das kleine Cafe, das von einer Künstlerin, einem Diplomaten und einer Architektin gegründet wurde, ist gefüllt mit Liebe und den süßen Gerüchen von großartigen Kuchen. Wir können unsere Favoriten nicht benennen, denn jedes Mal, wenn man vorbeigeht, haben sie ein neues Angebot. Also, schaut einfach so oft ihr könnt vorbei und genießt die traumhaften Geschmackserlebnisse.

http://www.victoria-berlin.com/index.html

(Auguststraße 74, 10178 Berlin)

After K-Pop stars Bi/Rain and JYJ have already held their concerts in Germany in 2011 the year started with a new highlight for K-pop fans. One of the most successful idol groups from Korea - B2ST- partied with the fans on their concert on the 12th of February in Berlin. Almost 3,000 fans from all over Germany and Europe gathered in the Columbia Hall on that Sunday night. Many have already been waiting the previous night in order to receive the best spots possible. B2ST started their concert at exactly 7:30 pm with their three biggest hits- “Special”, “Shock” and “Breathe” - and brought the hall to life. Rock sounds, an extensive laser show and special effects as well as on screen presentations did not allow the fans to rest for a bit. The ones who were not busy with screaming and cheering or being escorted by the securities- the first fan collapsed even before the concert has started- were singing along. B2ST was well aware of the atmosphere and after the outstanding opening they took a few moments to introduce themselves in German which was incredibly good. The show proceeded in a calmer manner with several of their ballads, followed by special stages which were commenced by Hyunseung.

B2ST sang all their songs live which is not a matter of course in the Korean pop- business. Their choreographies were flawless although the stage was a lot smaller than what the group is used to in Korea but the boys did not let this hold back their joy over performing and adapted well to the situation. It was obvious that they were enjoying their performances and passed this feeling on to their fans by not only giving their best but also by interacting with them. They brought a girl from Finland on stage, danced and serenaded her with their song “You”. In addition to that, they took a picture together, handed her the Polaroid, a bouquet as well as a huge teddy bear. But even the fans who did not receive the opportunity to be courted had to miss out. The boys came to the barriers frequently to shake hands, smile at cameras or to hand out gifts. Even before the concert has started the entertainment - Cube- decided to distribute gifts including small souvenirs and shirts which have been signed.

The concert had to come to an end eventually and after a little over two hours the boys finished their concert with “V.I.U” as a bonus and many who have not been a fan of B2ST at the beginning of the “Beautiful Show” have been persuaded and also people new to K-Pop turned into K-Pop fans. The effort B2ST displayed on stage- they received as love in return and therefore it is not wrong to assume that they will return to Germany at another time to celebrate with their fans once again.