So long DJ!

Tens of thousands of mourners gathered Sunday for the funeral of the late former President Kim Dae-jung (1924-2009) to pay a final tribute to the iconic statesman…The former president pioneered the South’s “Sunshine Policy” of engagement with the North and he spent his life pursuing democracy and reunification. (Read rest of article here)

His life was a series of improbable escapes from assassination attempts, a death sentence, and long periods in prison and in exile, before he was recognised as one of Asia’s all-time champions of democracy.

For sure, Kim Dae-Jung was a great statesmen and a leader for Korean.  My sincere respect for not giving up his conviction for freedom and contribute on progress of inter-Korean cooperation.  However, his Sunshine policy did not help any human right issues in N. Korea at all.  And despite billions of dollars of aid and goodwill gestures, N. Korean leader Kim Jong-Il never gave up his nuclear ambition.

My condolences to all of DJ’s family and his followers.  Farewell and RIP, DJ!

Y.E.Yang Shocks Tiger Woods and the world.

It was just remarkable achievement of Y.E. Yang (Yong-Eun Yang, 양용은) PGA ranking #110, won 91st PGA Championship by defeating Tiger Woods by 3 strokes.

Yang ended the final round at 8 under par. Woods placed SECOND at 5 under par. Yang chased Woods head-to-head throughout the final round till 14th hole.

A miraculous chip on the 14th hole for eagle gave Y.E. Yang a shocking lead at Hazeltine.  It was the turning point.

And Yang’s aggresive 3 Hybrid approach on 18th Hole nails the title.

What was Yang’s winning strategy over the “King” Tiger Woods? Yang, through an interpreter, made it all seem simple: “It’s not like you’re in an octagon where you’re fighting against Tiger and he’s going to bite you, or swing at you with his 9-iron. The worst that I could do was just lose to Tiger. So I really had nothing much at stake.”

Woods wasn’t at his best, this time with his putter. Usually he can get away with something not working in his game, but not this time. Woods certainly would not be happy afterward, but he reminded us no one had ever gone 15-for-15, or even 14-for-14 for that matter, when leading after 54 holes of a major. Not this time.

In addition to the Wanamaker trophy, he picked up 600 FedExCup points; a 5-year exemption on TOUR and for THE PLAYERS, Masters, U.S. and British Opens; a trip to the 2010 SBS Championship and the World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions and a spot on the Presidents Cup team.

It was THE moment of PGA history that Yang is the first Asian-born ever to win one of the four golf majors. For sure, it will have a major impact in Korea and in Asia.  Most of all, it paid off my five hour Sunday afternoon spending on TV.

Congratulations Yong-eun Yang!!!

Images from here and hear.

So Long MJ!

‘King of Pop’ Michael Jackson has died in Los Angeles. The King was only 50.

I am deeply shocked and saddened by the news of Michael’s passing. My condolences to all of MJ’s family, friends and fans.

So long… Michael. RIP!

image from here

The Former Korean President “Roh” makes confession

The former Korean president Roh confessed.  Following the arrest of a key aide, Chung Sang-moon for accepting a bribe, former President Roh Moo-Hyun (Nom Hyun), admitted his wife Kwon Yang-sook received money from Park Yeon-cha, a Busan-based businessman whose confession to a massive network of bribery has shaken the nation over the past months.

Roh posted the statement at 3:28 p.m. April 7th, 2009 on his Web site admitting;

“I want to make public something in advance, Right now, Chung Sang-moon, former Blue House secretary, is being questioned on charges of receiving money from Park. I am concerned that Chung might have testified that he had actually done so. The accusation should be directed toward us, not Chung. My home made the request, received money and used it. We have done so because we still had outstanding debts. I will face legal action in accordance with the case. I apologize again. April 7, 2009.  Roh Moo-Hyun”

*“My home” is referring his wife, taking into account the common usage of the word in the Gyeongsang region, Korea.

So Roh Moo-hyun admitted that he and his wife Kwon Yang-sook took the money because of “outstanding debts.” Didn’t he had enough power to raise money by giving lectures to his supporters so called Roh (No) PPA?

“I will elaborate on the details to prosecutors and face legal action in accordance with the case,” he said. 

Yes, Mr. Roh, Nom-hyun, you should be punished for his bribery as he admitted that his wife “Received” money not “borrowed” money from Park. Your CLEAN legacy has officially ended!

It’s also amazing to see his supporters, Roh Ppa 노빠, react on his confession at discussion board from his website.   It’s almost like N Korean praising Kim Il sung or KJI.  Stupid Roh ppa 노빠들! 

It’s been a long time to see conservative and progressive press view this incident in almost same! Which I interpreted “Shame on you Nom Hyun!”

From the Hankyoreh -  Roh’s clean legacy launching failure

“Former President Roh Moo-hyun has failed to launch himself into a stable, post-presidency orbit because the projectile he and others are riding in was launched by Park Yun-cha. Having witnessed their own failures in leaving a legacy of a clean administration, the country’s former living presidents Kim Dae-jung, Kim Young-sam, Roh Tae-woo, and Chun Doo-hwan declare, “Sure enough, it’s a failure.” (Hankyoreh Geurimpan, 8 April 2009)

From the Chosun Ilbo - Roh started with the show, Ended with the show

Bravo Yuna Kim!

It took two years for Yuna Kim, coached by Canadian Brian Orser, becoming the first skater in history to eclipse the 200 point mark, with an overall score of 207.71 to win the gold.

Yuna Kim, who won bronze medals in 2007 and 2008, scored 131.59 in the ladies’ free skating to grab the winning title at the World Figure Skating Championships in Los Angeles on Sunday.

She came out of the competition with a combined score of 207.71, becoming the first female single skater to break a total score of 200.

The article describes her performance 

“There is so much more to her, though. Her edge quality is so high; she carves the ice like a calligrapher. All of her jumps were landed to crescendos in the music, making the music as much a part of her program as any other element. Her footwork was exquisite, and she skated with the elegance of a queen throughout her “Scheherazade” program.”

…

“The audience was on its feet for the last 15 seconds of her program, knowing it had seen something truly special for a second straight night. Her only flaws were popping a triple salchow and not getting credit for her final spin because it didn’t meet the criteria. But those were forgotten by the time her magical performance was over.”

“This is my third world championships, and the last two I was really regretful I was not able to do well”,  ”Winning the world championships was my dream and I did it,” Yuna said

“NOW, I plan to practice for the Olympics.” 

Canada’s Joannie Rochette, 23, captured the silver medal Saturday night in Los Angeles, posting a score of 123.39 in the free skate for an overall total of 191.29. Japan’s Miko Ando was third, with an overall score of 190.38.

Congratulations to Joannie Rochette and Miko Ando for their achievements! 

Yuna on short program

Yuna on free skating

Victory ceremony

Bravo Yuna Kim!

Queen Yuna Indeed!