Bags!

I would like to own one of these bags in brown or black! For ereally nice bags and this summer's fashion in Korea , click here.

Top 10 Celebrities in South Korea

Sorting out a list of top celebrities is relatively easy for ardent Korean Wave fans who keep tabs on their favorite stars. For non-experts, not many lists offer a guide into who is winning the most hearts in South Korea. Here is The Korea Herald’s list of the hottest celebrities out there.

Female
1. Bae Suzy

Bae Suzy, better known by her stage name Suzy, debuted as a member of JYP Entertainment’s girl group Miss A in the summer of 2010. The 20-year-old singer-actress is one of the most talked-about celebrities in South Korea, charming fans with her glamorous image that has won her roles in many TV commercials.

Although she debuted as a main vocal of a girl group, she nailed the country’s “first love” image with her role in the movie “Architecture 101” in which she co-starred with Lee Jae-hoon.

Other drama series such as KBS2 TV’s “Dream High” and “Big” also helped her rise to stardom.

2. Kang Min-kyung

The 23-year-old singer is a member of a K-pop girl duo Davichi, which debuted in 2008.

Even before her official debut, Kang was already going viral among Internet users with her pretty face and unique fashion sense. After extensive vocal training, she successfully made her way to professional singing. Fans say her mature and deep voice in contrast with her feminine look is one of her prominent charming points.

Aside from her vocal career, the singer also made her first small-screen appearance in 2011, playing a role on SBS’ TV series “Smile Mom.”

Davichi released a digital single “Melting” in April, an R&B-based hip-hop track featuring Verbal Jint.

3. Go Jun-hee

The career of Go Jun-hee, 28, has reached a new high this year.

After debuting in 2011 as a model for a school uniform brand, she has recently taken over the screen, doing more than 10 commercials in 2013 alone.

Go has recently taken the honor of being a poster girl for Korea’s biggest-selling liquor, “Cheoumcheorum” soju. The brand is known for recruiting the nation‘s hottest actresses.

After appearing as a supporting role in several mainstream movies such as “Architecture 101” and “Girls Scout” in 2011, she made her way to TV dramas. She performed in “Can You Hear My Heart?” in 2011 and “King of Ambition” in 2013.

Go joined the fourth season of dating reality show “We Got Married” with Jung Jin-woon, a member of the hallyu boy band 2AM.

4. Son Yeon-jae

Youngest among the enlisted celebrities, Son is a rhythmic gymnast not only winning the hearts of Korean fans, but also those around the world.

The 20-year-old gymnast is the 2010 Asian Games bronze medalist and three-time gold medalist at the Asian Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Son’s slender figure and lovely face enchanted the country’s TV commercial industry and she has made appearances in ads for various products ranging from air conditioners to sportswear brands.

Son is often compared to Kim Yu-na as she is another sports beauty who performs strongly in international competitions.


5. Park Shin-hye

Model-actress Park Shin-hye’s first appearance on TV involved Korea’s famous rocker Lee Seung-hwan’s music video “Flower.”

She debuted in the TV drama genre with the child role of Choi Ji-woo on “Stairway to Heaven” in 2003.

Park gained fame through TV drama series, notably with “Tree of Heaven” in 2005 and “You’re Beautiful” in 2009.

Park starred in the cable drama “Flower Boys Next Door” with Yoo Si-yoon and the box-office hit “Miracle in Cell No. 7” which helped her rise to stardom.

Male
1. Kim Soo-hyun

Debuting in 2007 through the MBC TV sitcom “Kimchi Cheese Smile,” the 26-year-old actor had not gotten much spotlight after that although he has appeared in more than five movies and TV series as supporting roles since then.

In 2012, Kim hit the jackpot with MBC historical drama “Moon Embracing the Sun,” where he left a strong impression on many female viewers in and outside of Korea with his role as a fictional king of the Joseon Dynasty.

Recently, the heartthrob starred in “Secretly Greatly,” a movie about a North Korean spy.

2. Lee Jin-wook

Actor Lee Jin-wook made his debut in 2003 as a model for Panasonic. Since then, he has built up his acting career through TV series such as KBS2 drama “Resurrection” in 2005, and cable TV OCN’s “Someday” in 2006.

Despite his model-like figure and handsome looks, the actor did not get much attention until he revealed his relationship with hallyu star Choi Ji-woo, whom he met through the MBC TV drama “Air City” in 2007. However, the couple broke up in 2011.

He then played the role of on-and-off boyfriend in tvN series “I Need Romance 2012,” one of the most successful cable dramas that year. Lee continued on to his latest role in fantasy melodrama “Nine,” on the same station. “Nine” was considered a turning point in his acting career since the drama has become a hit.

3. Lee Soo-hyuk

Lee Soo-hyuk, whose birth name is Lee Hyuk-soo, is a model-actor who debuted as a professional model in 2006 for designer Jung Wook-jun’s fashion show.

The 26-year-old model walked down the runway of the nation’s famous fashion brands including General Idea and Song Zio, and managed to do cover shoots with several renowned fashion magazines such as GQ, Bazaar and Elle.

Lee expanded his career into acting, doing several TV series and movies including “Deep Rooted Tree” in 2011 and “The Boy from Ipanema” in 2010.
Lee is certainly not the type that falls into the category of “handsome guy.”

However, his skinny figure and white skin have charmed the public.
His recent drama “Shark” is shedding light on his future career as a promising actor.

4. Lee Je-hoon

The actor started his career in 2007 at a relatively late age of 23 through a short film “They Live By Night.” Ever since, he has appeared in more than 18 short films including a gay romance film “Just Friends?” directed by Kim Zho, who has recently tied the knot with his boyfriend.

In 2011, he featured in an indie movie “Bleak Night” in a role that gave him the honor of sweeping the “Best New Actor” award at movie festivals including the Blue Dragon Film Awards.

Another box-office hit that cannot be left out is a 2012 movie “Architecture 101,” where he played a shy college boy pining for his first love. Gaining public fame through the film, he starred in a comedy-drama “My Paparotti” with Korea’s veteran actor Han Suk-kyu.

Lee has not appeared on-screen since October 2012, due to mandatory military service.

5. Song Joong-ki

Born in 1985, Song is known for his good educational background. He graduated from Sungkyunkwan University, majoring in business administration.

Song debuted as a supporting role in 2008 through “A Frozen Flower,” a movie starring Zo In-sung.

He appealed to his fans through SBS variety show “Running Man” and KBS2 TV drama series “Sungkyunkwan Scandal.”

Aside from his proven popularity, his acting skills began to shine through a fantasy romance thriller “A Werewolf Boy,” which premiered in 2012. The film sold more than 7 million tickets and is ranked as one of the most successful melodrama films in South Korea.

Song took on the leading role in a TV series “The Innocent Guy,” which was as successful as “A Werewolf Boy,” once again cementing his position among the fans favoring the melodrama genre.

 

Source:here

Park Ji-sung and Kim Min-ji

Kim Min-ji

Park Ji-sung, in his own words, is “in love.”

According to this newspaper, the 32-year-old football star admitted Thursday that the rumors of him dating SBS television announcer Kim Min-ji, 27, since this May were true, at a press conference in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province.

''She is my ideal type. No matter what people say, she is the most lovable person to me,” Park told reporters with a big smile. ''At first, we were just friends. But I started falling for Kim as I realized that she is a very understanding person.’’

Picture of the Day: Prince Karim Agha Khan

His Highness the Aga Khan graduated from Harvard University in 1959 with a BA Honours in Islamic History. In this portrait photo taken in 1958 on the Harvard campus, he is seen in a Harvard University blazer carrying an armful of books.

Copyright: Photo by Hank Walker/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images.

Cadet College Skardu - Website

Today, I thought that I should do some volunteer work and for that matter I tried to reach Cadet Collge Skardu (CCS). They have a website but it is not updated nor does it have basic options to reach/contact the school. The only way to contact them - a phone number. Having have a website, I guess there must be an email address or that of a webmaster address so that they can be reached.

I hope that this institution fixes the flaws in website and make it more practical.

Youth Camp for Asia's Future (Apply Now)

2013 Youth Camp for Asia’s Future to be hosted by the Republic of Korea

Ministry of Gender Equality and Family (MOGEF) of the Republic of Korea will host, in collaboration with National Council of Youth Organizations in Korea (NCYOK), “2013 Youth Camp for Asia’s Future” from 12 to 26 August 2013 in Seoul, Gyeongju,Ulsan, Jeju Islands of the Republic of Korea.

The applicants must: be between 18 and 26 years of age (born between  1989 and 1995), speak English with fluency, and have no previous experience of visiting Korea. Students who are majoring in Korea studies or Korean language, have won prizes in Korean language speaking contest or have recommendation letters from his/her own university or organization will be given priority. The successful applicants will be provided round-trip flight ticket, accommodation and meals during the event.

 Application should be made to the Korean Embassy in their respective countries. Required documents, including (A) application form, (B) a photo (or photo file) and (C) a copy of passport, must reach the Korean Embassy NO LATER THAN Thursday, 20 June 2013.

Countries of Participation:

Countries that can participate are:

Thailand

Philippines

Malaysia

Vietnam

Vietnam'Indonesia

Laos

Myanmar

Brunei

India

SriLanka

Pakistan

Bangladesh

Nepal

Afghanistan

Kazakhstan

Uzbekistan

Kyrgyzstan

Turkmenistan

Mongolia

 

For details  such as the application form and the program just CLICK HERE.

Medical Waste Used for Making Straws and Kitchen Items.

Medical waste from a hospital in Lahore, Pakistan, is being illegally sold off to rubbish collectors and ending up in a range of plastic products.

The Social Security Hospital has blamed junior staff for not ensuring waste is disposed of securely.

Syringes, vials and other plastic materials are being recycled into toys, kitchen items and drinking straws. What could be more dangerous and disgusting.

Details HERE.

Monsoons are Here in Korea!

Source

In the last couple of weeks, we faced blistering heat! Temperatures soar to 34 degrees Centigrade - which was much hotter than in Islamabad because Korea is very humid and we have dry heat back home.

It has been raining since last night and monsoons this year have arrived  much earlier. Rain boots, coats and umbrellas are found everywhere.

김민기 가을편지 Lyrics (가사,歌詞) - 1991

가을편지ga-eul-pyeon-ji-



가을엔 편지를 하겠어요
ga-eul-en pyeon-ji-leul ha-get-eo-yo-


누구라도 그대가 되어 받아주세요
nu-gu-la-do geu-dae-ga doe-eo bat-a-ju-se-yo-


낙엽이 쌓이는 날
nak-yeob-i ssa-i-neun nal-


외로운 여자가 아름다워요
oe-lo-un yeo-ja-ga a-leum-da-wo-yo-




가을엔 편지를 하겠어요
ga-eul-en pyeon-ji-leul ha-get-eo-yo-


누구라도 그대가 되어 받아주세요
nu-gu-la-do geu-dae-ga doe-eo bat-a-ju-se-yo-


낙엽이 흩어진 날
nak-yeob-i heut-eo-jin nal-


헤매인 여자가 아름다워요
he-mae-in yeo-ja-ga a-leum-da-wo-yo-





가을엔 편지를 하겠어요
ga-eul-en pyeon-ji-leul ha-get-eo-yo-


모든 것을 헤매인 마음 보내드려요
mo-deun geot-eul he-mae-in ma-eum bo-nae-deu-lyeo-yo-


낙엽이 사라진 날
nak-yeob-i sa-la-jin nal-


모르는 여자가 아름다워요
mo-leu-neun yeo-ja-ga a-leum-da-wo-yo-

An entire blog dedicated to Kim Min Gee's work  is HERE.





 

 

Ayesha Farooq - Pakistan's Only Female War-ready Fighter Pilot

This is Ayesha Farooq (26 years old) from Pakistan Air Force. She is Pakistan's only female war-ready fighter pilot.

Ayesha Farooq gives the thumb-up sign from the cockpit of a Chinese-made F-7PG fighter jet at Mushaf base in Sargodha, north Pakistan.

Ayesha is taller than all the other colleagues... ;-)
See the original post here  and enjoy some great shots!

About Rauf Khaild...

I just found out late last night that Rauf Khaild is no more and it is already a year and a half. I am in a state of shock. I could NOT sleep well. Actually, I was watching Ashir Azeem's interview and when he mentioned Rauf's name so I googled him and could not believe my eye. May his soul rest in peace and may Allah give his family strength to bear this loss. I found the news in Dawn news below:

Renowned television writer-director and actor, Abdul Rauf Khalid, was killed in a road accident when one of the tyres on Khalid’s car burst, fatally overturning his car.

Khalid, a painter, lyricist, speaker and an educationist, was best known for his television screenplays which include Guest House, Angaarwadi, Laaj, as well as a Lollywood film called Laaj.

Rauf Khalid also served as the President and Chancellor of National Institute of Cultural Studies, Lok Virsa in Islamabad.

He had received several awards recognising his work, including the prestigious Pride of Performance award.

2014 ART Major Scholarships at KNUA

Sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, & Sports, Republic of Korea

 Pakistani Student are also eligible for original  post and application form click HERE. There is already one Pakistani student who got a scholarship see here.
 
■ Selection provision
o Deadlines : July 31, 2013

o Application Form attached.

- All the necessary and required documents, personally delivered by the university, must arrive at K'Arts by the deadlines.

KNUA Campus

o Address
Korea National University of Arts (KNUA)
Office of External Affairs

Seokgwan-dong Campus, 146-37 Hwarang-ro 32-gil, Seongbuk-Gu, Seokgwan-Dong,

Seoul, South Korea

- For inquiry please contact: global@karts.ac.kr. Tel : 822 746 9073, fax : 822 746 9079
 
■ Types of Degree Program : Bachelor's and Master's degrees
 
■ Period and Amount of Scholarships
- For bachelor's: Up to four (five for architecture major)years
with an award of 18 million won each year per student
- For master's: Up to two (three for 3 year program) years
with an award of 18 million won each year per student

-AMA Scholarship offers university tuition waive, Korean language program provision,
living expenses, provision of housing and flight expenses, etc.
-For the continuation of the stipend support, the selected students should maintain the academic record of B or above for each and every semesters throughout the scholarship period
 
■Condition of AM Scholarship

- Provision of Living Expenses: 700,000won is granted every month.
- Tuition Waive: 3,000,000won per semester is waived.
- 5 Month Korean Language Tuition Waive: 3,000,000won is provided.
- Provision of Dormitory: 390,000won per semester.
*Please note that Dormitory fee is included in the provision of living expenses.
- Travel Expenses: One round trip flight tickets.
- Cultural field trips, extracurriculum programs are all provided for the student.
 
■ Qualifications for the Scholarship
- Applicants recommend by the rector (president) of the university graduated or attending. or head of government-approved organizations, companies and art related institutions, etc.
- Applicants with outstanding artistic talents, gifted skills and an excellent academic record.
- Applicants recommended by the government, or ministries, or embassies of Korea or University president or head of art and culture related organization.
** Those who speak Korean language is highly preferred.
 
■ Eligible Applicant Country
Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, Cambodia, China, Laos, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Kyrgizstan, Tibet, Turkey

Starting from 2013, Africa, Latin and South America countries are included!

 
 
Application Form Attached.
Please read some of special departments' eligibility list carefully before you apply.

Internship at Seoul Global Center - Today is the deadline for application

The 12th Seoul Global Internship

The Seoul Metropolitan Government is recruiting international students who are currently studying at Seoul-based universities for its internship program as follows:

Application

• Eligibility: foreign students who are currently enrolled at a university in Seoul for
  at least one semester (including Korean language program, undergraduate, graduate, or exchange students)
• Application Period: June 3 (Mon.) –12 (Wed.) 2013 (until 18:00 of June 12)
• Submission: email at global_intern@seoul.go.kr
  (Download the application form at http://global.seoul.go.kr)
• Required documents: application form, proof of enrolment, academic transcript
  (Transcript in TOPIK, letter of recommendation, if applicable)

Internship Information

• Internship Period: June 24 (Mon.) – August 9 (Fri.), 2013 (35 days)
• Working hours: five days a week, six hours per day (09:00 – 16:00)
  (※Interns should participate in extra group activities for
  a policy suggestion discussion by a group of 4 to 5 on weekend.)
• Stipend: 30,000won per day (transportation and lunch expenses included)
• Seat availability: 25 people
• Result announcement: June 14 (Fri.) 2013

Seoul Flea Market on June 16th. and 29th.

The Seoul Global Center’s has been hosting the Foreigners’ Flea Market to help expand exchange between foreign residents and Seoul citizens and encourage the recycling of used goods. To sell goods, there is no participation fee, but you must register in advance. Voluntary donations will be accepted and given to charity organizations.
Come and join us in this spirit of sharing!

☞ Sunday Market at Gwanghwamun Square

• Date & Time: June 16 (Sun.) 2013 from 12 to 4
• Place: between Gwanghwamun and Sejongno
• Getting there: Gwanghwamun Station, Line 5, exit #2, 3

☞ Seoul Folk Flea Market in Sinseol-dong

• Date & Time: June 29 (Sat.) 2013 from 12 to 4
• Place: Seoul Folk Flea Market
• Getting there: Sinseol-dong Station, Lines 1 & 2, exit #6, 9, 10

☞ How to Register?

• Application: Download the application form at http://global.seoul.go.kr
• Submission: by email chrismo07@sba.seoul.kr

* More detailed information: http://global.seoul.go.kr (02)2075-4180
※ Please note that the event may be cancelled in case of rain.

Pakistan Army in Images at Kalpani (Dir)!

Pakistani Army soldiers with the 20th Lancers Armored Regiment, at Kalpani Base atop an 8000-foot mountain in Pakistan's Dir province on the Pakistan-Afghan border. Conditions are terrible! They have to deal with the Talban, the hostile Afghan forces across the border and their ally - the US - who asks for do more!

These men are fighting against Taliban. Pictures were taken in feb ruary 2012 - I hope everyone is O.K!

Read more HERE.

Read more here: http://blogs.sacbee.com/photos/2012/03/pakistani-troops-feel-west-und.html#more#storylink=cpy

P.S:
Click for some great photos of Pakistan at FLICKR and a Youtube video by Azlan. He travelled through Pakistan for 8 days and took some lovely shots.

Website of CDA (Capital Development Authority)

When I was in Islamabad  - one of the main sources to get numbers and talk to the officials of CDA for complains was their website. Visit this website - you will surely like it and it is helpful in many ways. Moreover, they have upgraded and updated it in recent months.

National Institute of Health (NIH) in Chak Shehzad where my dad worked and where we grew up!

Click here and see some great pictures of Islamabad. Among them is one in which General Ayub Khan (a former dictator/president) is being briefed! Historical pictures of Islamabad chosen by CDA are amazing...almost everything is under construction since Islamabad had nothing but vast, uninhabited land and mountains. I have selected the ones - that have some meaning for me, these places have been the part of my life while growing up there.



GPO, Islamabad in Sector G-6 at Melody

The capital city of Pakistan, Islamabad is located in the northwest of the country on Potohar Plateau. This area has been significant in history for being a part of the crossroads of the Rawalpindi and the North West Frontier Province. The city was built in 1960 to replace Karachi as the Pakistani capital, which it has been since 1963. Due to Islamabad?s proximity to Rawalpindi, they are considered sister cities.

Melody Police Station in G-6

Compared to other cities of the country, Islamabad is a clean, spacious and quiet city with lots of greeneries. The site of the city has a history going back to the earliest human habitations in Asia. This area has seen the first settlement of Aryans from Central Asia, ancient caravans passing from Central Asia, and the massive armies of Tamerlane and Alexander.

Foreign Office (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) in Islamabad

To the north of the city you will find the Margalla Hills. Hot summers, monsoon rains and cold winters with sparse snowfall in the hills almost summarize the climate of this area. Islamabad also has a rich wildlife ranging from wild boars to leopards.

Islamabad Secretiat and you can see the public transport service - governemt run busus, yes! we used to have buses
 like any normal city, one upon a time,  in Islamabad

After the formation of Pakistan in 1947, it was felt that a new and permanent Capital City had to be built to reflect the diversity of the Pakistani nation. It was considered pertinent to locate the new capital where it could be isolated from the business and commercial activity of the Karachi, and yet is easily accessible from the remotest corner of the country.

Floral Shop in Sector F-6 at one of the ends of Super Market  - across from ICG, F-6/2, it is still there - I saw it in 2012.

  A commission was accordingly set in motion in 1958, entrusted with the task of selecting a suitable site for the new capital with a particular emphasis on location, climate, logistics and defense requirements, aesthetics, and scenic and natural beauty.


There are about a 100 photos , check them out.

Quaid e Azam University under Construction in Islamabad - it needs some attention now w.r.t. rennovation

Paris Jackson Attempted Suicide

 

 

A judge overseeing the guardianship of Michael Jackson's children has ordered an inquiry into Paris Jackson's wellbeing after she attempted to kill herself earlier this week.

Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff asked an investigator to look into the 15-year-old's health and welfare. Details here.

Shahzeb Khan's Killers Sentenced to Death

 An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Karachi sentenced Shahrukh Jatoi, the main accused in the Shahzeb murder case, to death in its verdict . Read the details here at DAWN.

Pictures: Summer in Bundang 2013