The Kyunghyang Sinmun reports that singer Seo Hui has come up with an English song to teach foreigners that — sit for this — Dokdo is Korean territory:
Oh yeah!
If you’d like to sing along, here are the words.
According to the piece, the piece is already being sent to some 60 Korean schools in Australia.
{ 53 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh My God!!!!
I don’t even know where to begin. I almost never make negative comments on the blog so I better stop here…..
Poor seagulls
Now, there, see…that’s the worst yet. Everything has to have a limit. Too much of anything is just no good. At least when this stuff is in Korean, a small portion of the stupidity is lost on me. In horrible English though, this thing just looks bad–like ‘real nonsense.’
Everybody wants to be there hoping to ‘be seagulls,’ and see the ‘holy sights.’ Are Koreans really proud to be Korean? Geez, I never would have guessed.
Holy crap on a cracker! Politics aside, that is a truly horrible song. Those lyrics are awful – what, exactly, is ‘holy’ about Dokdo?
And, FWIW, one man’s ‘possessive’ is another man’s ‘greedy’. Just some food for thought, Mr. Seo.
youtube.com/watch?v=0CsiceroHS4
//this one is is Michael Moore like. Rich from a show that constantly copies Japan. But, it’s cool. It’s like the Bush face mosaics made of dead soldiers.
youtube.com/watch?v=CyJAj5nyE9I
//this is a better song suited for the Japanese to listen to. Might consider playing it on Japan to Korea flights on Korean owned airliners that make the trip.
Above song is entertaining. I think it gets a solid ‘C’ from me.
I don’t know Korean well enough to know, but does it make more sense in Korean? Is this just a Babblefish translation gone horribly, HORRIBLY wrong?
it’s not a shabby translation.
it has more to do with whether or not you agree with the theme.
Q: Who considers Dokdo holy?
Hint: Who are they referring to in ‘we’, and ‘I’?
-There you go.
You’ll barf unless you, too, are willing to die for Dokdo.
Calling them islets is actually hurting the Korean argument because islets have no territorial rights in the seas surrounding them.
Islands, the Koreans need to refer to them by their proper geographical terms. Dokdo Islands!
Islands, the Koreans need to refer to Dokdo by the proper geographical term. Dokdo Islands!
better is the Dokdo lover than the following fucking douche bags.
the less of these men on earth, the safer the earth is. If you suspect someone like this in your vicinity, kick his balls.
Iraqis are ungrateful.
Iranians are douche bags.
It reminds one of that ludicrous English narrative about Sejong Dae Wang written in brass letters on the marble wall in the lobby/coffee shop of the Kyobo building. It rambles on in the most hilarious English about Sejong being the most exhalted king in the history of the human race. I have often marvelled that no one bothered to have the copy proofed in English before committing thousands of dollars to the project.
Once a Senior VP at Samsung asked me to help translate a speech he was preparing to give at an international conference. Try as I could, I could not seem to tone down the bombastic rhetoric describing Samsung as the most spectacular human undertaking in hope of all humanity. The hyperbole was nothing short of astonishing, and it made him look like a complete ass. However, the more polished the grammar beacame, the more clearly the childishness of the content came across.
The problem with this kind of bombastic prose lies less in the grammar than that the quality of the thought itself.
It reminds one of that ludicrous English narrative about Sejong Dae Wang written in brass letters on the marble wall in the lobby/coffee shop of the Kyobo building. It rambles on in the most hilarious English about Sejong being the most exhalted king in the history of the human race. I have often marvelled that no one bothered to have the copy proofed in English before committing thousands of dollars to the project.
Once a Senior VP at Samsung asked me to help translate a speech he was preparing to give at an international conference. Try as I could, I could not seem to tone down the bombastic rhetoric describing Samsung as the most spectacular human undertaking and hope of all humanity. The hyperbole was nothing short of astonishing, and it made him look like a complete ass. However, the more polished the grammar beacame, the more clearly the childishness of the content came across.
The problem with this kind of bombastic prose lies less in the grammar than that the quality of the thought itself.
Iwshim:
Koreans have no territorial rights to the seas surrounding them??
Do tell……..
http://dokdo-takeshima.com/
Hi all, I just wanted to get the consensus of the expats and the foreigners living in Korea on how they feel about the territorial claims of each side (Japan and Korea). Also, in regards to this thread, are you guys belittling the awful song, or the claims Korea make to the island? I feel that many of the posters feel the latter.
BigJung, most posters here have already been to The Dokdo Show so many times that there’s little left to say; you may have to wait a bit to see if any Dokdo-fascinated folks will possibly pick it up. If you want, just chum the waters and wait for the Dokdo feeding frenzy to start.
Once again, in consideration of its musical appeal, this song sucks hugely. I like Korean music, but even music I dislike, such as Son Dambi’s song ‘Crazy’ (미쳤어) with its boringly repetitive hook, is miles better.
This is the point where someone, usually cm, steps in and (wrongly) asserts that Dokdo is an issue that animates only or mainly expats in the blogosphere. Then someone else will insist (wrongly again) that the Japanese are every bit as fixated on this issue as the Koreans.
All I see on the west side of the Sea of Japan is a dog endlessly chasing its tail.
Here is my Dokdo song, set to the music of “Is this the way to Amarillo“:
Is this the way to Dokdo Island
When the bird shit is falling
from the sunny East Sea sky
How I long to be there
with the gulls and my “Sae-u Ggang” (새우깡) there
Every poop-covered rock
I have ever seen
Ain’t half as smelly
as those in the East Sea
Is this the way to Dokdo island?
Every year I’ve been chopping my fingers
Screaming, yelling ’bout Dokdo Island
and anything else that comes to mind.
Show me the way to Dokdo Island
I’ve been acting like a goofball
Screaming, yelling ’bout Dokdo Island
and anything else that comes to mind.
Sha la la la la la la la
Sha la la la la la la la
Sha la la la la la la la
Oh, I love those sea gulls there.
There’s a megaphone blaring
hear the loud sounds of hatred it’s spewing
over Dokdo Island
and other Japanese atrocities.
Just across the street
people pump their fists
yelling slogans of hate
in the cold and rain
Is this the way to Dokdo island?
Every year I’ve been chopping my fingers
Screaming, yelling ’bout Dokdo Island
and anything else that comes to mind.
Show me the way to Dokdo Island
I’ve been acting like a goofball
Screaming, yelling ’bout Dokdo Island
and anything else that comes to mind.
Sha la la la la la la la
Sha la la la la la la la
Sha la la la la la la la
Oh, I love those sea gulls there.
Sha la la la la la la la
Sha la la la la la la la
Sha la la la la la la la
Oh, I love those sea gulls there.
i had to keep myself from laughing out loud at work! ahh, the look of “wtf” on all the korean-aussie kids…
While opinion is divided over the merits of the Korean claim, most outside observers find the Korean reaction to be so out-of-proportion as to make Koreans appear petty, irrational, blindly chauvanistic and frnakly a bit insane to the outside world.
Rational observers do not understand why Korea continues to deliberately provoke controversy with Japan over an issue that is clearly of no importance whatsoever to Japan. In fact, the Shimone Prefecture is the only area of Japan that cares anything about Dokdo, since Koreans have in the past violated their treatied fishing rights in the area. Frankly, the more Koreans protest, the more it appears to undermine Korea’s claims, which are, after all, rather tenuous, in the eyes of the outside world.
In summary, many outsiders appear to believe that since Korea currently occupies Dokdo, there is no possible rational reason to continually draw attention to such a divisive issue except to deliberatel stoke ugly nationalism and anti-Japanes prejudice that can be conveniently manipulated for political purposes by unscrupulous politicians. I other words, as the strategic importance of Dokdo is basically nill, the only possible explanation for the Korean reaction in the eyes of many foreigners is ignorance, prejudice and paranoia.
First 100+ comment posting of the new year?
Mizar how nice of you to speak on behalf of all of us from “the outside world”
But you are wrong. Japan as a nation, cares plenty about the gas and fishing grounds surrounding these. Don’t kid yerself. Nobody is fooled by their slimy soft-sell tactics.
We see Japan’s MOFA’s feverishly publishing polished (jet easilty refuted) multi-language propaganda brochures.
http://www.dokdo-takeshima.com/dokdo-mofa-2008.html
We see their false maps craftily showing the islands as part of Japan.
http://www.dokdo-takeshima.com/japanese-tricks2.jpg
http://www.dokdo-takeshima.com/japanese-tricks5.jpg
Korean repeated claims to Dokdo are no less frequent than Japanese attempts to reclaim sovereignty over the islands.
The strategic importance of Dokdo is nill? Do you have any maps in your home?
The whole underlying issue here is not Dokdo at all. It is the territorial boundaries of Japan and Korea. Whatever law is applied, (EEZ or 12 mile) Dokdo will be the point from which Korea draws the easternmost limit of her nation.
Big Jung – Personally I am more concerned with a simply AWFUL song, rather than the subject matter. The lyrics make little sense throughout the song, some of it being word choice.
For example:
“Yes, nobody is/ greedy for them/’cause of the holy Sights.”
Nobody is greedy for them??? Then why do both Korea and Japan claim them…. isnt that greed?
“cause of the holy sights”
What’s holy about a couple of rocks in the middle of nowhere? Was there a temple there? Are they the origin of the Korean people. No, it says that the became Korea’s when “King Jijung conquered Usan lands” so why then is it holy??
“But some people/ covet them/that is real/ nonsense!”
Agreed, but doesn’t support the message.
“I’m willing to die/ for the/ peace of /Korea.”
OK, I can empathize with the sentiment, but I think the choice of “the peace” instead of “a piece” makes this an oxymoron. Word choice(Yes I am nit-picking).
“Foolish men/ start to say /silly empty talks.”
HUH??? What does that mean?
Furthermore, the cadence of the lyrics rarely fit the music. Simply an awful song, and a really bad way to try to win international support.
Speaking of Dokdo seagulls, here is a picture of a one I took after coming back from Dokdo to Ulleungdo. The greedy devil just fished off my bag of sae-u-ggang straight from my hand.
http://dokdo-takeshima.com/ulleungdo-trip4.jpg
Back home they’re just shit hawks…….
So, Korean men are willing to die for those 2 rocks?
I DON’T believe it! Why should I when some have told me that if WAR breaks out with N. Korea they won’t fight but will run as far south as fast as they can?
( = ) S. Korean men aren’t willing to fight for their mainland, AND I really don’t think any of the 16 nations that fought for S. Korea in the past will defend those 2 rocks on its behalf anytime soon either.
excellent lyrics, Marmot.
#12 – “I have often marvelled that no one bothered to have the copy proofed in English before committing thousands of dollars to the project.”
I’ve been marvelling at this carelessness for the last dozen years. Airports, soccer stadiums, advertising projects, corporate presentations, restaurant menus, etc. Even if one was too cheap to pay a proofreader for a few hours of work, simply consulting a dictionary would eliminate most spelling mistakes, but alas no. Shit, I’ve seen crab spelled “clap”, “clab”, and “crap” on the same page of a restaurant menu. (And, just in the last month, a university PowerPoint presentation about, “Barac”, “Barak”, and “Barack” Obama.)
I think it was Michael Breen who observed how Korean have a “can do” and “that’ll do” approach to work. Shiny English signs can indeed be produced, but they just can’t be counted on to be of the highest quality. Which is too bad because mistakes make a stronger impression on me than the glossy paper something is printed on.
#14 – “Also, in regards to this thread, are you guys belittling the awful song, or the claims Korea make to the island?”
1) The song is truly terrible, not to mention childish.
2) As for the claims to the island, I tend to side with the Koreans rather than with the Japanese. (Though, from what I understand, the average Japanese couldn’t care less.) However, as has been pointed out already, KOREA ALREADY POSSESSES THE ISLETS/ISLANDS! Therefore, it is difficult for most people outside of Korea – and even those of us who have lived here for a long time – to understand why so many Koreans insist on making it an issue.
I’ve come to conclude that ardent Dokdo protesters fundamentally don’t even care what outsiders think. They’re pleasuring themselves through protest. It’s about their feeling more than the impression others will get.
Just watched the song with my girlfriend now. First thing she asked was, “Is this for real or is someone just taking the piss?”
God I wish they were just taking the piss, because the video above is what you’d expect if middle school students took over the old cold war propaganda factory.
“Now what have you learned about communism Billy?”
“They’re inhuman bloodless monsters Mr. Smith, out to Zombifie us all!”
“That’s right Billy. And that’s why we’re good.”
Also, check the song “Moskau” by Dschinghis Khan, (German pop) for something shockingly similar, in lyrics and tune (and the one guy has two serious dance moves) ………
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1wG9g1wjSA
Yes, the “I’m willing to die for the peace of Korea” got me too.
1. Korea lacks a prevailing sense of peace at the moment?
2. Korea and Japan are at war over this stupid f’ing issue?
3. Isn’t this a contradiction: to fight (and consequently die)
for a state of no fighting and consequential dying?
4. Would this funboy really come down off his “talentu” pedestal
to fight this unidentified/unknown enemy who threatens Korean peace?
5. Would a majority of the other K. funboys be similarly willing to wage this imaginary war and die too?
What f’ing decade of what century do dipshits like this live in?
Yes! I am willing to fight and die for the peace of late-Colonial
America!!!!! I love my country and hate those damn “Redcoats”!
I also got a bone to pick with them “Rebs” too!!!
I think the song is very catchy, it’s a brilliant and well produced work of art that will surely convince everyone that Dokdo is a holy Korean place and also has the coolest most elegant seagulls anywhere.
It will encourage many people to visit the islets, and stand in awe at their rugged beauty whilst cursing the imperialist Japanese swine.
The more Koreans bring this issue up internationally, the more it weakens their case. As they currently possess the seagull-shite-encrusted rocks, they should drink a nice, huge cup of STFU.
Utterly magnificent in its utter failure. The link to this astounding video has already been messaged to most of my facebook friends. This really kicked off the new year for me with a big barrel of wtf. Merci beaucoup.
Come on, guys. Don’t take the song so seriously. The song was produced for a Korean audience…and teens in English speaking countries. The guy is banking on it becoming a novelty hit here and on Youtube…Don’t know if he’s succeed, but it did get his face in the papers.
PS. Take his claims that it was sent to Australian schools with a grain of salt. Anyone can send unsolicited mail to a school…it doesn’t meant it won’t end up in the trash bin.
I care more about the plight of Unemployed Swedish Swimwear Models.
This is easily the most fantastic thing I’ve ever seen. Now I’m absolutely convinced… Dokdo is Korean’s, or something.
Everything about this is awesome. I haven’t laughed so hard since comedic genius Huh Gyung-young was in the news. This is comedy gold.
Even these comments are awesome. Mr. Bevers taking to song? wjk referencing Iranian suicide bombers just so Koreans seem less batshit-loony by comparison? You can’t make this stuff up, folks.
I’m guessing the producers of this video were hoping for something other than being jeered by smarmy anglophones, but hey, whaddyagonnado.
I have to believe that someone was taking a piss. This can’t possibly be for real in the year 2009. Can it?
I am sorry, but I couldn’t help myself. There were parts of my Dokdo song that I didn’t like, so I did a small rewrite. Here is the new version, which is still sung to the tune “Is this the way to Amarillo?” Hopefully, it will be recorded someday.
#37,
I was happy with the original and now you’ve made it better? What’s not to like? Good job, and I’m being serious, fwiw.
And as for the original song, I was simply incredulous.
Someone taking a non-urgent/non-important issue and losing their mind as they jabber nearly incoherently?
And making it available to the world – just think, you can always feel good about yourself not going that crazy, right?
Man, I saw some holy sights before and they involved the Liancourts in no way whatsoever.
My apologies for going off-topic…a somwhat urgent request for Googling – my Mozilla browser is automatically going to Google in Korean. How did it happen and how do I change it back?
Thank you in advance!
Thank you, Cactus. (#38).
It is nice to know one’s musical talent is appreciated.
#40,
I figured it out – please belay my request.
#41,
I don’t think your talent’s ever been in doubt, Mr, Bevers, and to think that it (might have) all started with being a Korling – well, it’s a wonderful life.
I’ve actually seen the words “silly empty talks” used many times by Koreans taking a stab at writing in English–and by “stab” I mean killing spree
Remember the “Dokdo bikers” a while back with their global tour to inform the world that Korea is the true owner of some rocks next to their country that barely stick out of the ocean? I predict this campaign will be equally successful.
I also predict the Dokdo dispute will be the biggest issue of 2009, eclipsing the global recession, Islamic terrorism and whatever new videos Paris Hilton releases.
I have recorded my Dokdo song. If you would like to hear it, just download the file, but do not expect much.
Sorry. Here is the link to the audio file. Wow, it’s terrible!
Is this the way to Dokdo Island?
Gerry, the song was bad.
However, the backward masking of you repeatedly saying “I hate my life in Korea somebody kill me, I hate my life in Korea somebody kill me…” was hauntingly reminiscent of vintage Zeppelin.
Gerry, you got the Sha-la la-la, ok, and some parts ok, but if you practiced and recorded again, it might sound better.
as it is, some parts are very hard to listen to.
The lyrics are as entertaining as the original, but obviously a contrast.
Perhaps you’d like to re-record in a Karaoke room, or buy a mp3 of the Karaoke version and use it as your background.
I might give it a shot myself, if I had my recorder.
I think Robert should give it a shot, too. I recall he started it.
It will be good fun.
whoever gets it down pretty well, will garner immortal you-tube fame. When they search for Dokdo and Amarillo, it will not be missed.
But that’s a hook if I ever heard one, Gerry! ‘Is this the way to Dokdo Island?’ is Top20 in Ulsan, of this I am convinced.
Is Dokdo Island redundant, however?
You need to get an experienced arranger (I’m thinking Quincy Jones) to polish it a bit, as wjk points out, but I’m looking forward to take #2.
Is that a CPT Porridge production?
Would Korea just go to the International Court already and spare us having to endure more crappy songs like this? I don’t doubt Korea’s legitimate claim to Dokdo ISLETS, but for God’s sake! All the bitching about them is making me kind of want to see Japan just move in and take them already.
Oh and despite what the VANKers say, it is Sea of Japan, and not East Sea in English. Funny how whenever they try to show how Dokdo is Korean with old maps, the sea in them is always called Mer du Japon, yet they don’t complain.
Youtube link, still nobody commented:
http://kr.youtube.com/watch?v=3ptr5c_yM7k
Consider this song translation from the Chinese, as <a href=”http://globalvoicesonline.org/2009/01/02/china-just-the-aftershocks-from-the-earthquake-would-destroy-francekids-yell/”per the post of Bob Chen at Globalvoicesonline.org:
This is as bad, if not worse than the Dokdo crap.
come on, Gerry, re-record with style.
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