Pyongyang North Korea

For all you night owls, the New York Phil's "historic" concert from Pyongyang, North Korea will be streamed live tonight on the WNET website, starting at 4am EST. Apparently, the North Korean government has agreed to broadcast the concert live on TV and radio within North Korea, an important concession that the Philharmonic has fought for from the beginning. As Dan Wakin points out on the Times website, this will be the first time the North Korean people will see Americans playing music... Read Full Story

New York Philharmonic in Pyongyang, North Korea (photo courtesy of the Sydney Morning Herald) In what marked a historic visit, the New York Philharmonic played in North Korea for the first time. I think this is a step in the right direction. Classical music is beautiful.  Though the respective governments are in disagreement with each other, one must never be afraid to talk to one’s enemies in the world. Even if we can’t agree on everything, one should strive to make enemies friends... Read Full Story

Looking for a way to redeem those Star Alliance member airline miles?  Does Pyongyang, North Korea, sound good?  If so, you’re in luck:  Star member Air China has launched new service from Beijing to Pyongyang, making it the only foreign carrier to serve the hermit nation.  Air China will make the trip 3x a week. Read Full Story

Japan’s foreign minister, Nobutaka Machimura, as quoted by the Tokyo financial newspaper Nikkei, says that the government is debating on whether to lift its three-year embargo on humanitarian aid to North Korea. In wake of the recent natural disaster and the call for help by UN and other humanitarian organizations, the country is considering options of resuming aid to the “rouge”(!!) country.   It may be mentioned that recent flooding in North Korea has claimed over hundred lives and... Read Full Story

After the recent discussions about what might work best to effect positive change in Zimbabwe, this story, about North Korea, seems particularly apt. The New York Philharmonic orchestra announced today, after months of debate, that it will play a concert in Pyongyang when it tours East Asia next year. The tour date has been agreed in response to an unexpected official invitation from the North Korean culture ministry that was received in August. The project is not without risk or controversy... Read Full Story