Korea Cultural Centre celebrates Day with poetry feast, drama

The Korean Cultural Centre, Abuja, last week, hosted Nigerians and members of the diplomatic community to an evening of arts.

The event titled, ‘Poetry Feast and Photo Exhibition’ was in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Korean Independence Movement and establishment of Korean Provisional Government.

Several activities were packaged to mark the day, including poetry performance, photo exhibitions and drama presentations.

A short drama sketch by Arojah Theatre, featuring Nigerian artistess, captured the plight of Koreans under the Japanese Colonial rule between 1910 and 1945.

The presentation reflected most vividly, the patriotic zeal of Koreans, who, in spite of the prevailing harsh socio-economic confrontations, refused to jettison their language in exchange for their masters’.

The streets demonstration organized organised by Korean students and the ordinary people in the march towards independence, and the violent suppression by Japanese soldiers brought the audience close to tears.

Among the characters was a young woman named Yu Gwan-sun. She was arrested for leading a demonstration against the Japanese.

She was very vocal in her shout of ‘Long live independent Korea’, even in chains.

The highlight of the day was presentation of prizes to winners of the 9th Korean/Nigerian Poetry Feast.

The competition comprised adults and students categories as well as Ambassador’s Prize.

Speaking earlier, Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Lee In-Tea, urged talented artists to reflect and express their thoughts on the true essence of freedom, liberty and self- determination as captured in the sacrifice of patriotic Koreans.

According to him, the overall theme for the Korean-Nigeria poetry competition for the year was Independence.

Similarly, the Ambassador, who was represented at the event by the Deputy Head of Mission, Kim Do Hwau, stated that the photo exhibition was to further carry the audience along on the journey towards Korea’s freedom.

“Once again, I value all the poets here, as your fine lines reflecting the history of the Korean and Nigerian people’s struggle towards their respective nation’s independence will inspire many of your readers all across the country and beyond.”

For the recently appointed director, Korean Cultural Centre, Lee Jin Su, the relationship between Korea and Nigeria, especially in the area of culture, will always be a priority to the Korean government.

He expressed delight that through several exchange programmes put in place by the Korean Cultural Centre, greater understanding has been fostered between both countries.