“Mr. President, you saved the best for last.”
—South Korean President Lee Myung-bak to President Barack Obama, during the latter’s visit to Seoul last month. South Korea marked the last stop of Obama’s 8-day Asian tour, designed to revive U.S. diplomacy in the region.
“Living in Korean society, it’s all about looks. So as a parent, I’m doing everything I can so that she won’t grow up to be bitter…just in case she ends up being too short.”
—Kwon Young-joo, the mother of a 12-year-old girl who attends a “growth clinic” in Seoul, aimed to boost children’s height through exercises, medical treatments, massage and hormone shots
“I know of him. I know he did a very good job in the Olympics even though Korea was occupied. I will try to be like him.”
—Yuna Kim, the reigning world ice skating champion, on runner Sohn Kee-chung, who became the first medal-winning Korean Olympian during the 1936 Berlin Games. During his medal ceremony, Sohn shed tears to see the flag of Japan raised and the Japanese national anthem played.
“She was a real artist.”
— Patrick Lemire, booking director at Marilyn Agency, on supermodel Daul Kim. The 20-year-old South Korean was found hanged in her Paris apartment last month.
“When it’s on your hip, you lead differently; your hands go to different places.”
—John Cho, to People magazine, on carrying a gun as an FBI agent in ABC’s FlashForward. Cho earned a spot on the magazine’s annual “Sexiest Men Alive” list, released last month.
“It was horrible.”
—Pop star Rain, on the vigorous training and diet required for his role in Ninja Assassin
“I try not to let it bother me.”
—Rex Lee of HBO’s Entourage, who admitted to occasionally being subject to homophobic and racial jokes and slurs on set. The show’s creator, Doug Ellin, vows to put an end to it.
