Arab Announcer Opens Art Exhibition in Seoul
By Kim Se-jeong
Staff Reporter
Yossry Sawaby is showing a double presence this week at a Korean broadcast network: one through his voice and another through his imagination in color.
The Egyptian, 43, is an announcer and editor of the Arabic-language section of KBS World Radio, and this week presents his art works at KBS headquarters in Yeoido, Seoul.
``This (painting) is my favorite hobby,'' he said on holding his first solo exhibition as an artist in Korea.
Sawaby has worked for 15 years as an announcer, mostly in Cairo. He worked for the Egyptian state broadcaster Arab Voice, a 55-year-old company dedicated to Arabic culture and politics, before moving to Seoul last year.
Moving to Korea was the refreshing change he had longed for, he said.
``I saw an opening at KBS World Radio's Arabic-language section and applied,'' Sawaby said.
Expressing a fondness for South Korea, he said he had a positive impression of the country from the way it was represented in Egypt and the Middle East.
His affection has grown, he said, as he finds common values shared between the two countries, especially respect for old people.
Moreover, Sawaby said he is impressed with how safe Seoul is, even after midnight, and added "ajummas," or older Korean women fascinate him.
The exhibition was made possible after a colleague encouraged him to go public with his hobby. With the help of KBS, his exhibition opened Monday.
Among 24 paintings on display, most were done in Korea, he said.
``I have more free time to paint in Korea,'' he said in explaining how he produced a large quantity of work in a short period of time. Many of the displayed items were marked as sold.
The exhibition will close Saturday and is located at the lobby of the KBS main building. Admission is free.