The British Are Coming!
By: Michael Duffy

1997 marks the bicentennial of relations between Britain and Korea, and to celebrate the occasion there are going to be a number of British-sponsored cultural, commercial, and educational events during the year. Naturally, they are mostly going to be in Seoul; for example, if you want to attend one of the March highlights, an Elton John-Phil Collins concert, you'll have to take a trip up to the capital. Nevertheless, there will be some interesting things going on in PUSAN. In May we will have a visit from the BBC Symphony Orchestra, one of the country's best, and in August there will be a British Film Festival. No precise dates or details are available yet, but "The Expatriate" will keep you informed.

Just as the Brits are descending on Korea, the Year of the OX will see their departure from another part of the region, Hong Kong. To mark the event, this year's Second Pusan International Film Festival will include a really special treat for discerning citizens, a retrospective of historically important and popular Hong Kong films. The festival will be held October 10-18, a month or so later than last year's magnificent inaugural event. Be prepared for some bracing evenings at Suyong Yachting Center or the boulevard cafes of Nampodong!