Locks of Love at The Korea Society

There was more to the antique locks from the Choson dynasty on display at the Korea Society than their practical functions and intricate designs. Delving further into the significance of locks in Korean popular culture, novelist Adrienne Leslie presented a compelling talk Thursday evening. Adrienne drew parallels between "CSI" and popular Korean drama, "Iljimae" (“The Phantom Thief”) with that of love. Two separate scenes from “CSI” and “Iljimae” were shown, where the inner workings of the locks were explained in detail. Adrienne likened the complexity of key on lock, to that of finding true love and unlocking someone’s heart. She also touched upon a newer tradition involving locks and love where lovers would affix locks to the fences at the N Seoul Tower and throw away the key in a symbol of their everlasting love.

Talismans of Protection from Choson Korea: Antique Locks, Latches and Key Charms, on display at the Korea Society through January 29, 2010

Korea Society, www.koreasociety.org

Author Adrienne Leslie and Christina Seid, owner of the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory