Talk About Unusual (In A Good Way, I Think)

Well just found out this morning that I've been quoted (in Korean) here from this earlier post. Needless to say I don't know what to think about it. The cartoon doesn't help the matter too. I suppose that's making fun of the several bloggers quoted but that certainly won't earn them brownie points with the NAACP.

Thanks to the Marmot for the heads up. Oh and does anyone know what the whole of this article is talking about? Jae? Haemi? Thanks!

Comments

[Jae]

This article talks about how foreigners feel about President Roh impeachment. It says that a British (online) paper "Guardian" has some discussions of reasons for impeaching President Roh.

It says, "Christopher Delude, a college student in California says in his blog (californiansojourn.blogs.com) 'I tell you that we are certainly looking at an interesting few years for the Korean peninsula here. I wonder what the Norks are currently thinking about the whole deal.'"

And the article also refers to blogs written by foreigners in Korea, such as "kamelianxrays.blogs.com", "marmot.blogs.com", and "gopkorea.blogs.com/flyingyangban".

And no, the cartoon isn't to make fun of you or other bloggers, but it just implies how foreign people have a hard time understanding the reasoning behind Roh impeachment (and some being sort of bitter or opposing). I suppose it's a good thing to be quoted! Anyway, congrats! :)

[Christopher]

Ah, many thanks Jae...

I just wonder how they came across my blog...

Even better is the fact I used the phrase Norks....wonder if that ruffles some feathers?

[Jae]

You're very welcome, Chris.

Hmm, I'm not sure how they came across your blog either... Maybe, through other people's blogs (Marmot, Flying Yangban, and so on)...

I dunno, but really, you and your blog sure got famous!? ;)

[Haemi]

Well, there is no translation of the word "Norks." It just says North Koreans on the quote, so you're in the clear. Do you know how many hits you got since that article? As you know, most of Koreans have a significant on-line presence -- the term "netizens" are frequently used. Netizens have so much power too -- they can even change the ending to a Korean soaps (drama), as they did in a few already!

I'm not sure what you actually said in English, but the way they translated it, is pretty much what Jae said. Except for the word "interesting" they used a word that connotates interesting in an entertaining sort of way. It does sound a bit condescending -- as though you are an outsider who is watching this whole charade and being entertained, when it is such a grave matter. But perhaps I am looking too hard into it.

They obviously did not do a very good research on the topic, because all the blog references were from blogs.com, and the only other source was the English Guardian. As a former journalism student, I know that's bad, bad, bad! A lot of times the Korean news (especially that appears on-line) are very shady information. But Hangyoreh is pretty big! They should know better.

But hey. You were mentioned first among the blogs! That should be enough reason to give my word of congratulations to you!

[Christopher]

Jae: I think you came across my site via the Haloscan comments on Shawn's blog. I think I made a comment and noticed a comment from you here not too long after.

Haemi: Well either way I don't think being quoted with the Norks phrase would be too bad. As for my hits...I actually didn't get a significant amount for some reason. They did jump for a day or two but after that...nothing really. Bummer.

As for the interesting part...I certainly didn't mean it with the connotation they gave it. My use of interesting meant more along the lines of "I will be watching with piqued interest" or something. Not in an interetaining way. Thanks for giving me a better heads up on that.

Fianlly thanks for the congratulations. It is pretty incredible for me to be quoted in a foreign country. I like it.