Jason Bechervaise (Founder and Editor) 
                                               제이슨 베이셔베이스

I have always been interested in different cultures and films, but it was three years ago, when I met my wife, Meeyeon, that I began to undercover what a phenomenal culture Korea has to offer. It wasn’t long before I came to discover the fascinating film industry that still bewilders me to this day. I find it almost inconceivable that fifty years after a crippling war and decades of dictatorship, South Korea has come out as one of the most exciting film industries in the world. As I am sure you can understand, this film industry has captivated me, even to the extent of launching a website.

I am currently based in London - I am just finishing off my Masters Degree titled Global Cinemas and the Transcultural at SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies), University of London. I did my undergraduate degree in Film & Video at University of East London, which was throughally enjoyable. I had an opportunity to make films as well as explore some of the more theoretical issues involved in cinema. My MA has allowed me to expand upon this in relation to national and transnational cinema. I have also been able to explore  East Asian cinema as a whole and focus on Korea. I am about to write a dissertation on Memories of Murder (my favourite contemporary Korean film) and its historical, social and political connotations - in effect exploring the film and how it documents a very significant point in modern Korean history.

As to what I do after my MA, I am not sure. I will try and get a job here in London and then the idea is to move to Korea once I have some experience. Ideally, I would like to find a job that would send me to Korea to work, but I know this is very difficult. We will have to see what happens. I am also pondering on the idea of perhaps doing a PHD at some point, but if I was to do this, I would probably do this in Korea.

I am still trying to get a grips with the language. Fortunately, as I am studying at SOAS, I have been able to take a credit in Korean, which has meant I have been able to focus on the language rather than just learning it here and there. Whilst my speaking and listening has a long way to go - it is rather limited, unfortunately - thanks to some solid teaching and excellent teaching material, I have been able to build a strong foundation in Korean grammar. It is phenomenally complexed and mathmatical, but once you get head round it, it allows you to progress, so anyone interested in learning Korean, I can't emphasise enough how important getting a grips with the Korean grammar is.

I want to thank you all for your support and readership. Like I have said on many occasions, anyway interested in contributing to this website, please let me know.

Below is a film I made in my first year with some friends, which indicates what a mad person I am.

This is Meeyeon, my wife and to the right, that is me, Jason, or Jase as I am often called.

                                       Meeyeon Ahn (Korean Editor)
                                                       안 미연

Meeyeon, my wife has graduated from University of Westmister in Journalism last year.

LIke myself, Meeyeon has a keen interest in Korean cinema - she even wrote her dissertation on the subject. She is fascinated by how Korean films have suddenly hit the British shores and is particulary interested in how British people interpret Korean films. She helps me to view Korean films from a Korean prosepective, which is sometimes quite difficult to say the least! She also assist's me with the Korean content. At present this is quite limited, but in time, we are hoping to include more Korean content.

Just to give you some history about Meeyeon. She moved to England in 2001 to study English for two years. She then began a foundation course in media at the University of Arts London (formally known as London School of Printing) before she commenced her degree at University of Westminster. She has also gained a teaching qualiifcation (TESOL accredited by Trinity College) to teach English anywhere in the world.

This is Meeyeon and I chilling out in Greenwich, London

                                        Aashish Gadhvi (Contributor)

Aashish Gadhvi is a recent graduate of Film and Television from Brunel University and a life long Asian cinephile. Having grown up on allsorts of Asian films, from Jackie Chan, to Godzilla, to Bollywood, Aashish later discovered Korean films and has become a Korean fanatic. Writing extensively about the films he is most passionate about, he has turned his hand to contributing reviews to this website. Aashish cites Memories of Murder as his favourite Korean movie. Aashish is also attached to The Cult Film Archive at Brunel University, which is a one of a kind rare video archive. You can e-mail Aashish by clicking here.

                                    Jake Davies (Forum Administrator)

Jake is the youngest member of the team, he is 18 years of age. I think we all envy him!  He currently resides in Swindon (where I am from), studying his A/AS levels. He enjoys watching a mixture of films and anime  - his favourite being Korean.

Jake may be young, but he really is a valuable assett to this site. He contacted me suggesting we should get a decent forum going and he has done just that. Hopefully lots of people will registar and we will get a nice big community here at koreanfilm.org.uk.