How wonderful it was to see again Miss Lee MiJa, the greatest singer in
Korea.
Miss Lee is now 67 years old, and still enjoys the biggest popularity in
Korea. Next year, it will be 50 years since she started to sing on stages.
My husband Den Okochi met her 15 years ago. A Japanese writer who wanted
to interview with Miss Lee asked Den to arrange a meeting with her, because
Den had many friends in Korea.
It was not easy for Den to make an arrangement to meet Miss Lee, but somehow
he managed it. The interview article appeared in a big magazine, and Den
was proud that he helped.
Later, when Miss Lee had a performance in Osaka, Den went to see Miss Lee
again. He met Miss Lee and her husband.
This time, our new friends, Mr. Choi and his wife Ms. Kim invited us to
attend Miss Lee's dinner show.
On May 7, 2008, Den and I went to Seoul.
This is a photo journal of our happiest three days' stay in Seoul.
I hope you will enjoy too.
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On may 7, 2008, we arrived in Seoul, and we met our 'son' Kim DaeYoung
and his wife Shin YoungHi at the hotel . DaeYoung homestayed with us for
almost ten years when he studied in Japan.Then after a light snack, we
visited the Palace Changdeokgung, which is inscribed on the World Heritage
list.
20 minutes later, when we had seen only one-fifth of the Palace, rain and
thunder came on us. We had to give up the tour.
I promised myself, I will come again. |
When Japan governed Korea, the government forced a political marriage between the last crown prince of the Lee Dynasty, and the Japanese Royal family's daughter, Masako (in Korean pronunciation, Bangja)
Prince Masako lived in the Nakseonjae Area of this palace. She survived
the Crown Prince, and spent her last days here until 1989, doing charities,
or paying her attentions to the welfare of the poor. One of her children
was poisoned by some political reason, and I have always had interest in
studying her life.
The house was not open to the public now, so I must come back here at a
suitable time too.
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At our dinner place.
DaeYoung and YoungHi, and me between them.The dinner was Korean style,
which we enjoyed very much. |
Our 'daughter' Kim UnJeong brought her two sons. UnJeong homestayed with
us many years ago.
She was a quite active girl, and now her boys are so too. UnJeong's husband could not join us because of his job. |
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Next day, May 8th, was the concert day.
Miss Lee MiJa's stage was wonderful.
No body could believe she is in her late 60's.
Audience was enthusiastic too.
May 8th is The Parents' Day, a national holiday, in Korea. Sons and daughters
took their old parents to this show. Parents looked so happy.
We were happy too. |
| Miss Lee MiJa remembered Den. We talked a little, and promised her to see
her again in Japan at her next year's concert. |
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Next day, on May 9, our friend Ms Kim picked us up and took us to a street
where many antique shops gather.
It was quite interesting to see old furniture, paintings, and accessories.
Den bought an old folk art painting, but I could not afford jades or other
precious stones. I must come back.. |
We visited Gyeongbokgung Palace. This is a smaller palace, but it was also
very beautiful
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The King and the Queen walked before me.
I had seen many Korean dramas of the old time, so their costume was familiar
to me. I could tell the ranks of the followers by their clothes. It was
fun. |
Near the Gyeongbokgung Palace is the Blue-rooftile house, where the President
of Korea lives.
From here, we took the highway to the Incheon Airport, and our too short
travel came to an end.
I promised myself that I will come back to see the every detail of this beautiful and dynamic country. |
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Thank you for reading this article.
I hope you will visit again next month.
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