Korea Week 2024 commenced in Riyadh with Korean Traditional Cultural Day, showcasing performances from the Korea National University of Arts. The event aimed to deepen cultural understanding beyond K-pop, featuring themes of self-reflection and connection to nature. South Korean officials emphasized the importance of cultural exchange in strengthening bilateral ties and promoting shared values.
In Riyadh, South Korea highlighted its vibrant culture during Korea Week 2024, which commenced with the Korean Traditional Cultural Day at Prince Sultan University, organized by the South Korean Embassy. The event captivated audiences with cultural dances and musical performances from the Korea National University of Arts, allowing attendees to experience the depth of Korean heritage beyond the popular realm of K-pop. Junghoon Chang, a second secretary and consul from the embassy, expressed enthusiasm about the event’s potential to deepen regional cultural understanding. He remarked on the interconnectedness of K-pop and traditional culture, noting, “These K-pops are really based on our heritage” – Arab News. He emphasized the strength of Saudi-South Korean ties, acknowledging recent diplomatic visits that serve to boost bilateral relationships. The performances featured themes of introspection, nature, and human connection, with dances like “Who Are You?” inviting reflection on one’s purpose. Other pieces explored the complexities of human distance and relationships through expressive movements, culminating with “A Reversed Dawn,” which mirrored societal challenges. Audience members were then treated to the exhilarating rhythms of Samulnori, a traditional musical performance combining four percussive instruments. Kim Wonmin, a professor at the Korean National University of Arts, explained that these instruments historically relieved the burdens of labor and celebrated communal harvests. “These percussion instruments were also used when people were celebrating the gathering of crops…” – Arab News. Each dance themed around yin and yang illustrated Korean philosophy’s balance of opposing forces, with performances resonating the natural world. Wonmin noted how the instruments mimic nature, creating soundscapes reflecting elements like rain and thunder, providing a sensory experience of Korea’s richness. The evening concluded with lively Pan Gut and Lion Dance performances, filled with vibrant movements symbolizing cleansing and power. Korea Week festivities will extend until November 4, featuring additional events like taekwondo demonstrations. Chang highlighted a core value shared by both cultures: kindness towards others, recognizing its crucial role in diplomacy. He stated, “Diplomacy is all about people, and how you treat people” – Arab News.
Korea Week 2024 in Riyadh is a cultural initiative aimed at enriching local understanding of Korean heritage. Following the rise of K-pop’s popularity, the South Korean Embassy endeavors to showcase the country’s traditional art forms. Events like these are pivotal in strengthening Saudi-South Korean diplomatic relationships through cultural appreciation, offering a platform for mutual respect and understanding.
Korea Week 2024’s launch in Riyadh successfully celebrated the depth of South Korean culture through captivating performances and engaging themes. With a focus on shared cultural values and diplomacy, the week’s events promise to strengthen ties between South Korea and Saudi Arabia, fostering a deeper appreciation of each other’s heritage.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
