UCLA SPAANK’s Weblog

Hey Guys!

The concert is this coming Monday! PLEASE reserve your tickets with us ASAP if you want them for $10. The email address is UCLA.SPAANK@gmail.com.

Otherwise, the at-door price is $15!

Thanks everyone, and see you all on Monday.

-SPAANK TEAM

P.S. Thanks to all of you with your supportive emails and comments. We truly appreciate it!

Hey Beautiful People!

The date is coming so near. We can smell it. And we are utterly excited. We’ve been trying our best to get our name out there. So please continue to tell your friends! Spark conversation about NK among your roommates or apartment or classrooms. Every little thing helps.

So first, just thought I’d tell you all that we are going to be on the radio promoting SPAANK. This Sunday , May 18, afternoon on Radio Seoul 1650. So please check that out.

Another thing. I know we told you that tickets were available on Ticketmaster. But we’ve discovered that their fees make our ticket prices go up for ridiculous reasons. So we please recommend you to email us and reserve tickets at will call with us at ucla.spaank@gmail.com. Just email us your full name and how many tickets you want. You can come the day of the show and just pick it up from us and pay $10. So please remember to do that! The show is coming up! But if you are a UCLA student, please get your tickets now at CTO. Just ask for the Ignorance is Bliss tickets.

Our facebook group is also a good way to let us know how many people to expect, so please join that:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=12548947895&ref=ts

We have also been trying our best to fundraise. And we’ve also been asked by people how they could donate. If you guys are willing to help us with any donations or with the skills that you have, please email us at UCLA.SPAANK@gmail.com. We still have a good amount of things to pay for! And we are still struggling. So your help would really be appreciated.

Today, we went to Irvine to get the word out to UCI. Which was a pretty great success. The people there are so responsive and nice. So we thank the students of UCI. You guys are the best!

And as you know, we had a refugee come to UCLA campus to speak and it was EXCELLENT. Thanks for those who came out to that. I hope you guys had an eye opening experience, because I most definitely did. Thank you LiNK for letting us partner with you guys.

I believe those are all the official updates so far. Sorry it seems rushed and crammed, but we are in such a hurry about everything. Please come to our concert!!!!

Love you all,

SPAANK

Hey everyone!

SPAANK is working with LINK to bring a refugee from North Korea to UCLA. There are very few NK refugees in America so this is a VERY RARE CHANCE to hear a first-hand testimony of the conditions inside North Korea. Here are some of the event details:

US TOUR OF NORTH KOREAN DEFECTOR BORN AND RAISED IN CONCENTRATION CAMP

Washington, DC – LiNK will be hosting North Korean defector Dong-hyuk SHIN on a speaking tour entitled, “Born and Raised in a Concentration Camp,” from Wednesday, April 30 to Wednesday, May 14. Shin will recount his experiences as a North Korean who was born into slavery as a political prisoner in a North Korean concentration camp.

After some relatives defected, Shin’s father, grandparents, and uncle were deemed treasonous and sent to separate camps. His father was sent to Political Prison Camp No. 14 in Kaechon, South Pyongan province, which houses approximately 60,000 inmates and is about 50 miles north of Pyongyang. For good behavior, he was permitted to marry a fellow inmate. Dong-hyuk SHIN was born on Nov. 19, 1982 and called the camp home until 2005.

While at the camp, Shin endured daily beatings, torture, starvation-level rations, saw forced abortions and even witnessed the public execution of his mother and brother in 1996. Shin described his life of total isolation from the world: “In South Korea, although there is disappointment and sadness, there is also so much joy, happiness and comfort. In Kaechon, I did not even know such emotions existed. The only emotion I ever knew was fear: fear of beatings, fear of starvation, fear of torture and fear of death.”

The speaking tour will be held in Washington, DC (4/30-5/5); New York City (5/6-5/8); Chicago (5/9-5/10); San Francisco (5/11-5/13); Los Angeles (5/13); and Irvine, California (5/14). For more details, please visit: http://www.libertyinnorthkorea.blogspot.com/

LiNK’s Executive Director Adrian Hong and Deputy Director Hannah Song will accompany Shin on the tour and will be speaking about the broader issue of human rights in North Korea, as well as the current refugee situation and LiNK’s resettlement activities. Liberty in North Korea, or LiNK, is an international non-governmental organization devoted to human rights in North Korea and the protection of North Korean refugees.

Biographies

Dong-hyuk SHIN:
Mr. Shin was born and raised in Political Prison Camp No. 14 until his escape in 2005. Based in South Korea, he has testified before Britain’s House of Lords, and published a book in 2007 entitled “I Was a Political Prisoner at Birth in North Korea” published by the DataBase Center for North Korean Human Rights. Mr. Shin aspires to attend college and hopes to become a policeman.

Adrian Hong:
Adrian Hong currently serves as Executive Director of Liberty in North Korea, or LiNK, an international NGO devoted to human rights in North Korea, and the protection of North Korean refugees all over the world. In December of 2006, Mr. Hong was arrested along with 2 LiNK field workers and 6 North
Korean refugees in the People’s Republic of China and imprisoned before being released and deported. The PRC refuses to recognize North Koreans as refugees despite international, independent and UN findings to the contrary, and does not abide by it’s treaty obligations under the 1951 Refugee Convention, which it is a signatory to. North Koreans repatriated to the DPRK face severe interrogation and punishment, and those caught attempting to defect, converting to Christianity or meeting with foreigners face imprisonment in labor and concentration camps. The refugees were released in July of 2007 in an unprecedented move by Chinese authorities and sent to South Korea.

Hannah Song:
Hannah Song currently serves as Deputy Director of LiNK. Ms. Song speaks regularly all over the world at universities, conferences, symposiums and events. Working out of LiNK’s headquarters office in Washington, D.C., Ms. Song advocates for the North Korean people to governments, institutions and agencies worldwide, working on policy issues affecting the North Korean people, maintaining and supporting a large underground network of shelters for North Korean refugees in hiding, and focusing on refugee resettlement programs both in the U.S. and South Korea. Ms. Song also coordinates LiNK’s Liberty House initiative, a comprehensive
program dedicated to helping refugees transition to new lives in new nations

If you haven’t noticed, UCLA is the LAST stop of the tour so come check it out, it’ll definitely be an eye-opening experience.

From your faithful SPAANKers

Hey Guys!

So, as we mentioned before, we managed to get many awesome performers from a lot of different genres. And we thought that we would do a piece about them! They’ve generously offered their performances for a great cause. And I personally like to know a little bit about artists before I see them at concerts. So enjoy!

Far*East Movement

Smile ft. Ken Oak

Bio (from their website)

FM (also known as “The Far*East Movement”) was formed by emcees: Kev Nish, Prohgress and J-Splif. The three childhood friends found their love for music fresh out of high school and created recognition for the group in the Los Angeles underground scene through energetic live shows and a strong Internet presence.

Forming Catch Music Group with manager Carl Choi in 2004, the group has since developed into a rising force destined for World recognition. The group has achievements on an independent level that some major label groups could only dream to attain. FM has embarked on 2 World Tours (including the USA, South America, Canada, and Asia), signed distribution deals in Japan and Korea (Avex Network and JF Productions respectively), garnered multiple features on MTV World, and also featured music on worldwide media such as “CSI,” “Fast & Furious Tokyo Drift” and “Finishing the Game” (a featured film at Sundance 2007). FM was also the first Asian act to perform at the Sundance Film Festival’s prestigious Music Café Gala hosted by ASCAP.
Currently, FM is working on its sophomore album, entitled “ANIMAL,” slated for an early 2008 release. The album includes guest appearances by platinum selling artists Lil Rob and Baby Bash. They also continue on their rigorous touring schedule and have recently added world renowned DJ Virman from POWER 106 (the highest rated radio station in Los Angeles) as their tour DJ.

They will have CDs and other merchandise at the Concert if you all are interested in purchasing it! They are an excellent group that truly represents Asian Americans in an industry that is difficult for AAs to break into. Please support them! They have previously promoted the North Korean cause with LiNK.

Blu

Soul Amazing

Bio (sorta) with a mix of a review of his latest album Below The Heavens by Shake at hiphopdx.com

Hailing from the West Coast; emcee Blu was raised on the likes of Public Enemy and N.W.A. thanks to his father; later gravitating towards Common, Mos Def & Talib Kweli (Black Star) and Black Thought (The Roots). It’s clear that the above artists were in the 22-year-old emcee’s mental tape deck while he was perfecting his craft. Blu is an extremely talented lyricist; clever rhymes, technically sound, intensely personal and witty. Add this to the fact that the entire album is produced by Exile (one half of the slept on duo Emanon) and you are in for a rousing eargasm reminiscent of that classic 90’s sound that so many people bitch and moan about missing and saying that it’s nonexistent. It’s there (I promise) you just have to dig a bit deeper than you used to.

That was the best bio I could find online. All you truly have to know is that Blu is an excellent artist. I’ve read countless reviews and have heard a lot of his music, and its obvious that he is crazy talented. Expand your minds with meaningful underground!

Seriously

Irony

Bio (from their website)

This new up and coming Asian American band, Seriously is made up of four young men from Diamond Bar, California (Philip Park, 19; Chris Pham,19; Josh Baek, 22 and Nathan Park, 19). The four guys began playing together in a local church and came together to compete in LA’s premier Asian American talent show, Kollaboration in 2006 where they won the Grand Prize with their song, “Irony”. Since their winning performance at Kollaboration, they were signed by Woody Pak, CEO/ producer of Chaos Theory Music and artist manager, Gloria Lee, to record an EP showing off their talent for melanchology yet fresh songwriting. Seriously’s music blends hints of K-pop (aka Korean pop music), Brit-pop and American rock & roll, and their songs display a signature melancholy-hued optimism with raw honesty.

This band has gotten a lot of buzz and are also extremely talented. I know a lot of college students know them and love them. Watch out for them in the near future – they will most definitely hit the spotlight. And you can say to people, “Oh yea, I saw them at the SPAANK Benefit Concert way before they blew up. I am sooooo cool.”

Lyricks

Demon in Me

Bio (not really)

So I couldn’t find a proper bio for Rick Lee (Lyricks). All I can do is tell you what I think I know. I believe he’s from Virginia and moved here, to Los Angeles, for his art. Also, his talent is dedicated to his faith and belief in the Lord. That is all I know unfortunately. But below are the lyrics for his song Deliver Me so that y’all can get a good idea on what he is about:

i’m writing this verse for the people that need a reason to try.
teaching their seeds, they’re not feeding nor eating: season is dry.
breathing is hard, but it’s so easy to die. another sick son? kill the pain and bury him alive. it’s a barbarian life. 
hopeless fathers become thieves, and killing for money carrying knives.
he was drunk when he hit her, liquor is scaring his wife.
drunk when he hit her, now he just buries his wife.
CNN doesn’t reach this ghetto, BBC doesn’t see this ghetto. who could relieve this ghetto?? teach this fellow?? reach this fellow?? Prevent suicide before he reaches for his stiletto?

Truly represents the ignored and forgotten. Get out of your bubbles and please support!

Cherylynn Mai

I couldn’t find any videos of Cherylynn’s performances. But you can here her songs on her myspace at www.myspace.com/cherylynnmai. And you can download some of her songs at http://music.download.com. If anyone finds a video of her please email us at ucla.spaank@gmail.com

Bio:

Cherylynn Mai has been playing her music in Los Angeles since she was sixteen. Her music is a blend of rock, blues with a little bit of funk and even classical. Overall her music is very eclectic.

Cherylynn is a UCLA Alum. She majored in English (I think). She my friend’s sister and I have heard her create and perform music at her house and at local venues. To me, she has the same sound as PJ Harvey and Tori Amos. She’s extremely talented! So support your local artists!

—–

Those are the performers we have so far. But we will also have some speakers from LiNK come by to talk about the issue. And we will also be showing some informative clips about NK. And of course we will be talking more about what SPAANK is and what YOU can do to help! So make sure you do not miss this great show!

Our tickets are now on sale at Ticketmaster. Just search “Ignorance Is Bliss,” which is what our concert is titled. The prices have been changed to $10 pre-sale, $15 at the door.

Lastly, we will also be selling T-shirts! We will have a variety of designs. Currently we are having the front of our flyers and the Kim Jong Il with wings illustrations into Ts. So if you all are interested in buying those, please email us. Both images are on our previous post.

Thanks for getting through this and check often for more updates!

Jane K.

Hey Guys!

Just thought we would update you on the progress we’ve made so far.

First, we have been working really hard to make flyers for our Concert, to get the word out. And finally a good friend of ours made us an awesome one. Below is the official flyer, but the information is still tentative because we are still working out some details:

by Mako Tachibana

The concept: the astronaut represents those that are ignorant of and unfamiliar with the issues in North Korea(represented by the child). The Benefit Concert is titled: Ignorance is Bliss; which truly describes the attitude people have towards NK at present day. If you are wondering about the colors and format, the flyer actually resembles the North Korean flag. We are all really pleased with how it turned out.

All the information on the back is not totally accurate. We are actually trying to find more artists to perform, from different genres. But it is harder than we expected–especially to get bands from different genres. If you are a rock or folk band, and would like to perform, please contact us at ucla.spaank@gmail.com.

In terms of advertising, we are soon to make these flyers tangible and will soon start passing them out to the public. And also will soon make posters and plaster them all over town. When this is made, we will attach a jpeg file so that you all can print and pass them out. That would really help us get the word out!

Another anticipated advertising opportunity is a spot on a Korean radio show. Hopefully this will happen around mid-May. The station is 1650 AM Radio Seoul. We will update you all about that later as the date comes near.

One big thing that is really on our mind is fundraising. We are doing some bake sales, more specifically a PANCAKE EXTRAVAGANZA on UCLA campus. We are also going to approach many businesses in the LA area. If any of you are willing to help us fundraise or know of any good ideas, please contact us! This Saturday we will be in front of the Korean market Hannam Chain to do some fundraising and exposure. Please come out if you can! We will be there, most likely starting at 9am. The address: 2740 W. Olympic Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90006

Those are all the updates I can think of at this point. We will continue to update the site as much as we can. To end, here is another image that was made for us early on by the same friend who did the flyer. Its really interesting and has a pretty abstract message. You can judge for yourself:

Thanks for reading y’all!

Hello World!

This year we have started a new organization at UCLA called SPAANK (Students Promoting Awareness About North Korea) – don’t mind the name. We are a student run organization dedicated to, well, promoting awareness about NK.

Because we are a new organization, we are planning a BENEFIT CONCERT FOR MAY 26TH 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. to reach as many people as possible and start a large and wide network of people that are aware and passionate about DOING SOMETHING for the suffering in North Korea.

So far we have:

LYRICKS [www.myspace.com/teamlyricks]

Blu: [www.myspace.com/herfavcolor]

Far East Movement: [www.myspace.com/fareastmovement]

Cherylynn Mai: [www.myspace.com/cherylynnmai]

Our Benefit Concert will be held at Ackerman Grand Ballroom at UCLA from 6-10 p.m. Tickets will be $15 presale and $20 at the door. The proceeds will benefit North Korea Freedom Coalition [www.nkfreedom.org] and LINK’s Project: Safe Haven [www.linkglobal.org] – which consists of underground orphanages for children abandoned by their North Korean parents.

If you would like some more information about the benefit concert or our organization in general, please email us at:

ucla.spaank@gmail.com

Thank you.

Here are some quick facts:

The North Korean famine known as the “Arduous March” resulted in the deaths of between 300,000 and 800,000 North Koreans per year during the three year famine, peaking in 1997, with 2.0 million total being “the highest possible estimate. The deaths were most likely caused by famine-related illnesses such as pneumonia, tuberculosis and diarrhea rather than starvation.

In 2006, Amnesty Internation reported that a national nutrition survey conducted by the North Korean government, the World Food Program, and UNICEF found that 7 percent of children were severely malnourished; 37 percent were chronically malnourished; 23.4 percent were underweight; and one in three mothers was malnourished and anemic as the result of the lingering effect of the famine. [Asia-Pacific : North Korea. Amnesty International (2007)]

In the far north of North Korea, in remote locations not far from the borders with China and Russia, a gulag not unlike the worst labor camps built by Mao and Stalin in the last century holds some 200,000 men, women and children accused of political crimes. [NBC news: Death, terror in N.Korea Gulag by Robert Windrem (2003)]