Hallyu festivals to take place in Latin America

By Shim Jae-yun

The Korea Foundation, in collaboration with Korean embassies and cultural authorities of relevant countries, is hosting Korean cultural festivals in Venezuela, Panama and Jamaica from June 17 to 30.

The events, under the theme of “Arirang Rhapsody,” are designed to introduce diverse Korean culture in Latin America where hallyu (Korean wave) is gaining popularity, thus boosting friendly and cooperative relations between Korea and the countries of that region.

Noreummachi, Korea’s traditional music group, and Just Dance, a world-class B-boy band will perform together to showcase the harmonious combination between Korea’s traditional and contemporary music and dance.

Noreummachi has been representing a new wave of Korean music based on the nation’s unique and creative musical methods to promote traditional music. Just Dance is a dance movement group which has opened a new chapter of street dance culture with performances comprising B-boying, pop and jazz dance.

“The performances there will provide audiences with opportunities to have simultaneous experience of music, dancing and video on one stage in a cheerful atmosphere,” said a KF official in charge of cultural and art exchanges.

“They will make the performances to the tune of Korean traditional musical instruments like kkwaenggwari (gong), janggu (double-headed drum), taepyeongso (conical oboe) and sogo (hand-held drum) alongside the dancing by the B-boy band and interactive videos on the stage,” said the KF official.

The organizers will also hold workshops during the festival for students and fans to learn more about Korean culture.

State-run Korea East-West Power is sponsoring the events.

Events will take place at the Panama Technology University and Balboa Theater of Panama from June 17-18 and at the Central University of Venezuela and Teresa Carreno Theater in Caracas from June 21-22. Other events will be held at the Courtleigh Auditorium in Jamaica from June 26-27.