Juan David Latorre
The Korean ambassador in Madrid, Bahk Sahnghoon, yesterday inaugurated the Korean Cultural Week in Spain, which will last until next Saturday and will include “various events to show Spaniards the beauty and charm of Korean culture”, in the words of the ambassador himself.
“There will be Korean films,” he continued, a performance by a Korean opera singer, talks about Korea, a hanbok (traditional Korean costume) fashion show, as well as a hanbok exhibition for children. Finally, they will be able to enjoy a concert with the Chamber Orchestra and the vocal group Milenium next Saturday.”
“As for cinema, 4 films will be shown at the Verdi cinemas, including the award-winning Hunt and Minari, story of my family. Today and tomorrow, Thursday, four experts from Spain and Korea with in-depth knowledge of Korea will give lectures on Korean economy, society and culture. On the last day, the 27th, there will be a fashion show of traditional Korean clothing, followed by a concert by the above-mentioned orchestra and band, which will present the harmony of friendship between the two countries through music”.
Ambassador Bahk Sahnghoon concluded by saying that the “Busan Expo will showcase Korea’s vision of contributing to the development of humanity and the international community, and will provide an opportunity to showcase the beauty of Korean culture to the world.”
Next to speak was Ángeles Moreno Bau, State Secretary for Foreign and Global Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who indicated that this Korean Cultural Week will subsequently be replicated with a Spanish Cultural Week in Korea, in addition to the desire to open a Cervantes Institute in Seoul. “This proves,” said the State Secretary, “to what extent our cultural relations are at a moment of excellence and, in the end, the public diplomacy that they involve, the rapprochement that they imply for our civil societies, are key to our diplomatic relations.”.
“We are countries that share values, we share a position in the international sphere and, in particular, at this time of Russian aggression against Ukraine, it is important that we strengthen ties with countries whose leitmotiv is the defence of international order. For this reason, Spain and Korea are very united, and we are also united in the defence of multilateral interests”, she said.
Ángeles Moreno Bau referred to the fight against climate change and the correct implementation of the 2030 Agenda as common interests. Everything can be done through collaboration. “We value Korean culture very much in Spain,” concluded the State Secretary, “we are getting closer and closer and that is very important in our societies, which are fighting against disinformation, cybercrime and against all this aggressive climate that we have against our international agenda and global governance.”
The presentation of the Korean Cultural Week was also attended by the ambassadors’ introducer, María Sebastián de Erice; the head of the Cabinet of the Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs, Javier Isturiz; and numerous European and Asian ambassadors. Also present were the Director of the Teatro Real, Ignacio García-Belenguer, and former Spanish Ambassadors to Seoul Antonio Cosano and Gonzalo Ortiz, among other personalities.
