By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Unexpected opportunities can be a thrill, and for tango expert Kong Myung-kyu, his experience with Tango became a life-changing one.
The 49-year-old tango ``maestro'' came to Korea to stage his masterpiece ``Fever Tango'' next month in Seoul, and although he looked tired from his numerous interviews with the media, his eyes twinkled as he talked about the upcoming event with The Korea Times in southern Seoul, Tuesday.
``I visited Argentina in 1980 as a taekwondo master. Because I was an Asian, I had to mingle with others in a more active way, and that was when I finally started to learn the tango,'' he said.
Tango, among many other dances, was considered too sexy for the general public to enjoy during that time in Korea, and it was natural for Kong to have the same impression. But he quickly realized that this was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to learn the ``fascinating'' dance from professionals.
``When I first started, I practiced walking for six months, which is the most important basic. Tango is actually similar to taekwondo as you have to work with a strong body and feel the rhythm. Taekwondo just doesn't have music,'' he said.
After mastering the dance, Kong returned to Korea in 1996, but his efforts soon hit a wall as the nation was struck by the ``IMF recession.''
Everyone, including his family that still lives in Argentina, told him he was crazy and that he was wasting his time, but the strong-willed Kong was determined to share what he loved so much with fellow Koreans.
``I was devastated and I realized I had failed. But then the film `Scent of a Woman' stirred the nation, and people started talking about Al Pacino and the scene where he danced the tango. I realized I had a chance,'' he said.
From there, Kong started to promote the dance, holding a performance called ``Fever Tango'' with a cast of tango dancers from Argentina in 2007.
The show this year has been upgraded to ``Fever Tango II: Feelings,'' which Kong describes as a festival of music, emotions and dance.
With six live band members and more than 10 dancers who have proven their talent in various competitions and contests in Argentina, the performance will offer lustful and energetic movements featuring more than 500 costumes.
Compared to Japan and China, Korea still has a long way to go to enjoy and appreciate tango as an art form. As he mentioned earlier, it is a matter of education.
``Koreans tend to be conservative, but they have a very strong force when they need it.
When they are more acquainted and open to tango, it won't take long for them to understand the beauty of it,'' he said.
When asked what captivated him to change his whole career, Kong said it was the overall atmosphere the tango brings when it is present.
``In restaurants in Argentina, you can easily find people moving to the music. Some even move the chairs and tables and start dancing the tango. Although it's not professional tango, they know how to enjoy every moment and tango is a tool in that process. This comes from the rich history, the friendliness tango brings and also the laid-back and eager personality people have in Argentina,'' said Kong.
The year 2011 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Argentina and Korea, and, for Kong, this was a great event to prepare for.
``I do hope we will get the chance to exchange various cultural elements, including the tango of course. I hope I can help everyone realize that the dance is not difficult or too provocative, but a form of art. It's my love and passion, and I will spend the rest of my life sharing it with others,'' he said with a smile.
``Fever Tango II: Feelings'' will be held at the KEPCO Art Center Sept. 2-13 and at the Goyang Arts Center from Sept. 25-27. Tickets for the KEPCO show cost from 50,000 to 150,000 won, while tickets for the Goyang show are 50,000 to 110,000 won. For more information, visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call (02) 546-0454.