|
Korean Job Discussion Forums
"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Teachers from Around the World!"
|
| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
in_seoul_2003
Joined: 24 Nov 2003
|
 Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2007 4:01 am Post subject: Shopping and Hostages: Shinsegae |
 |
|
On my way to Myungdong today I saw a HUGE, maybe 10m by 10m, banner on the side of Shiinsegae Department Store which read in both Arabic and English, "We pray for the safe return of the Korean hostages in Afghanistan."
At first, I wasn't so sure what to make of it. Still not so sure. It did, however, strike me as a little unusual for a department store to so grandly brandish it emotions. Though there's nothing particularly wrong with it, any ideas about what play of national/corporate symbolism is going on here?
Are they trying to make consumers feel better about buying when 21 "flowers" are hanging on to dear life?
Why is it not in Korean? Who's the audience here?
Does this stuff happen at Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, Saks, etc.? |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
On the other hand
Joined: 19 Apr 2003
Location: I walk along the avenue
|
| Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2007 4:19 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: |
Why is it not in Korean? Who's the audience here?
|
Probably they were trying to send the message to relevant foreign governments and organizations that public opinion in Korea wants to see the hostages released.
| Quote: |
| Does this stuff happen at Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, Saks, etc.? |
I don't know. But I would guess that during the 79-80 hostage crisis in the USA, you would have seen a lot of businesses trying, in one way or another, to advertise their sympathy for the hostages' plight. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
in_seoul_2003
Joined: 24 Nov 2003
|
| Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2007 4:35 am Post subject: |
|
|
| On the other hand wrote: |
| Quote: |
| Does this stuff happen at Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, Saks, etc.? |
I don't know. But I would guess that during the 79-80 hostage crisis in the USA, you would have seen a lot of businesses trying, in one way or another, to advertise their sympathy for the hostages' plight. |
I would suspect so as well, particularly from the big media corporations. Of course, flags and yellow ribbons. I guess the lack of this stuff on other Seoul landmarks makes it that much more conspicuous.
I should also add that the banner was the exact same color font and size as the one on the other side of the building advertising the grand opening of the GAP in the department store. Sort of like a two for one sale on banners, I guess. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
