<목욜정모> October 1st, 2009. Thursday meeting's topic

[Serena]

REINCARNATION

Reincarnation: It's Background
Reincarnation comes from the Hindu-buddhist philosophy of soul transmigration. This is the "religious" concept of the eternal birth-death-birth cycle, where a soul moves from body to body. The status of each successive body, whether human or animal, is the direct result of the quality of the life the soul led in the previous body. Thus, a "good" life results in rebirth to a higher quality form, and a "bad" life results in rebirth to a lower quality form. This forward and backward progression is based on the Law of Karma, a central foundation of Hinduism and other Eastern-based philosophies. As most of us know, Karma teaches that good deeds are rewarded and bad deeds are punished. The ultimate goal in this Karma cycle is for the soul to progress to the highest level of existence and become one with the universe. Reincarnation is taught side-by-side with pantheism, the belief that everything is God and God is in everything. Reincarnation and pantheism are the central doctrines of Hinduism and occultism, variations of which have grown popular in the Western world in recent decades.

Reincarnation: It's Impact on Western Thought
Reincarnation appeals to Western "religious" thinking, such as the New Age philosophies, because the life cycle concept provides people with unlimited chances to get life right. With reincarnation, we have no imminent or compelling reason to figure out the meaning of life with respect to God and fellow man. We can feel our way through existence, and, if need be, "get it right in the next life." Remarkably, recent surveys reveal that nearly 60% of Americans believe reincarnation is possible. Not only has reincarnation entered Western thought through various New Age teachings, reincarnation has surfaced in the Christian church and certain "Christian" variants. Actually, the Bible is sometimes cited to support a belief in reincarnation, or at least the possibility that reincarnation can coexist with Christianity.

1.      Do you believe in reincarnation? What is reincarnation in your thought?

2.      According to the article above, your reincarnation can be decided by the virtue you cultivate in your current life. If this assumption is true, what kind of being do you think you will rebirth as?

3.      What kind of being do you want to rebirth if you can reincarnate?

4.      Have you ever watched a Korean movie titled ‘Bungee jumping of their own’ (2000, Korean title : 번지 점프를 하다)? If there’s anyone who doesn’t know its story, please share the story with your table members. If someone you meet for the first time does many similar things to the ones your dead lover did when he/she was alive, will you regard him/her as the reincarnated one of your passed away lover?

5.      Have you ever heard about reincarnation story from your friends or neighborhoods? If yes, please share your story with your table members.

6.      Let’s share our ideas on the life after death.

Actor Jang Dong-kun Returns as 'President'

By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter

Jang Dong-kun makes a comeback onscreen as a character not unlike himself ― an eligible bachelor ― in ``Good Morning President.''

The film's press event in southern Seoul Tuesday morning buzzed with reporters, particularly since it is slated to open the 13th Pusan (Busan) International Film Festival, Oct. 8. The latest comedy by prolific director Jang Jin is about three fictional South Korean presidents.

Jang returns to the local silver screen four years after ``Typhoon'' as the youngest ever head-of-state who's equipped with not only charismatic diplomatic skills but also handsome looks.

The 37-year-old indeed appeared suave in a clean cut suit and tie. Reporters mischievously asked about his screen persona being dubbed ``pretty-boy president'' like his actual moniker, ``the original pretty-boy actor.''

``I feel sort of guilty to hear that title at this age, but I have to admit it's not a bad feeling,'' he said, chuckling. ``But I do wish I would be remembered with a different adjective,'' he added, probably implying one regarding his acting skills rather than appearance.

Han Chae-young, who plays the role of Jang's love interest, said she initially felt nervous acting opposite someone she had always admired.

``At first he seemed so perfect and hard to approach but he was very down to earth and made others feel at ease, like an older brother,'' said the screen beauty. The two exchanged some jokes about Han calling Jang ``adjeosshi'' or uncle.

``For my role I was more worried with not the role of president but having to do comedy. But I was able to enjoy the filmmaking process thanks to the director. It was also fresh and fun to speak in standard Korean,'' said the actor, who had taken on tough North Korean and Busan dialects, respectively, in ``Typhoon'' and ``Friend.''

Veteran actor Lee Soon-jae, who stars as a well respected elderly president that agonizes over winning the lottery, also said it was not hard to personify a president.

``At first I was very impressed with how times have changed,'' Lee said. ``Before it would have been impossible to parody the president. The movie has just one main issue, which is how heads of state are only human, like you and I. My character is a broad-minded leader but in his personal life he could be goofy and stingy. The movie shows the human side of people who are sometimes placed on a pedestal.''

The director (``Guns and Talks''), who also wrote the script, said he had the story in mind for a while, and said that it would be free of political ideologies, and would instead be a "fun, mainstream film everyone can enjoy."

Meanwhile, the quintessential mother figure Go Doo-shim plays the role of the nation's first female president.

``It was a nice break from at-home wear to play an executive. When director Jang approached me, offering me the role of female president, I accepted without even looking at the script,'' she said. ``I didn't have a particular role model in mind, but just imagined that someone in such a position would require soft power, someone who could be warm but also have a tough side. I believe it's possible and about time that a woman can take leadership,'' she said.

Comedian Im Ha-ryong, who plays Go's spouse as the ``first husband,'' said it was an honor to star opposite someone who is as beautiful as Go.

Meanwhile, tickets to the film's screening at the Pusan Festival soldout in less than two minutes Monday after its online ticket sales opened.

The movie will hit theaters nationwide Oct. 22 after premiering at Pusan. Distributed by CJ Entertainment.

hyowlee@koreatimes.co.kr

1.      Do you think we can have young and handsome president in Korea in the future?

2.      Do you think if there’s any correlation between the looking of president and his/her political power?

3.      Have you ever dreamed of being president when you were little?

4.      If you can be a president of Korea just for one day, what do you want to do?

5.      What’s your recent movie you watched in the theater? How about suggesting some recent good movies to your table members?

[Gunner]

명절때문에 모임 혹시 안하나 걱정했더니... 괜한 걱정이었군 ^-^

[vivian lee]

흥미진진한 주제군요..^^

[Mark]

장동건이 대통령이면...우리나라는 많은 인적자원이 생기겠군요~ 다들 이민오겠어..ㅋㅋ여자들만

[vivian lee]

조아^^?