Earlier this week, we brought you a story about a traditional Korean music performance in Times Square promoting the opening of the Korea Center New York.
The center officially opened on Thursday with a grand ceremony.
Our culture correspondent, Song Yoo-jin, has the story of its journey and what this new center means.
The sixth Korea Center in the world has officially opened.
It’s in New York, adding to the branches in Los Angeles, Shanghai, Tokyo, Beijing, and Paris.
The center brings together overseas branches of government-run cultural institutions all under one roof.
The Korea Center New York will house the Korean Cultural Center, the Korea Tourism Organization, and the Korea Creative Content Agency.
Although the Korea Center New York had a soft launch three months ago, its journey began way before.
Culture Minister Yu In-chon, during his first term in 2009, decided to purchase this lot for a new branch of the Korean Cultural Center New York.
A decade and a half later, his vision has finally come to life.
“Building in Manhattan is very challenging, but now we have a beautiful space to showcase traditional Korean culture, history, and contemporary art. It will be a key space for cultural exchanges with local residents, merging Korean and other cultures to create something unique.”
The wait has been worth it.
The previous Korean Cultural Center rented the sixth floor of a 22-story building on Park Avenue.
Now, it uses most floors of this newly constructed seven-story building, wholly owned by the Korean government.
The basement houses a 190-seat theater for movies and performances ranging from traditional Korean music to classical music and K-pop.
Both the first floor, featuring a media wall, and the spacious second floor, are dedicated to visual arts.
The third floor is a library, the fourth has a kitchen for Korean food classes, and the top three floors provide office space for the three institutions.
Thursday night’s opening event brought together notable Koreans and Korean-Americans who are making their mark in New York.
“A few years ago, I participated in an event at the old Korean Cultural Center New York. I’ve been interested in the center ever since, and now, seeing it in this beautiful new space, I’m excited for the many cultural events that will take place here.”
The event started with the Mun-gut and Chukwon Binari performance by the National Gugak Center Folk Music Group, a traditional ritual wishing prosperity and good fortune.
Following this, the National Gugak Center and the New York Classical Players chamber orchestra put on individual performances, concluding with a joint performance of the Korean folk song “Arirang.”
Another highlight was the “Boundaries of Existence” exhibition by renowned costume designer Lee Jin-hee, featuring over 40 works, including stage designs, traditional Korean costumes, sculptures, paintings, and media art, showcasing her unique hand-stitching techniques.
“To better introduce Korean culture to New York, I selected and showcased works that are distinctly Korean, highlighting traditional colors and lines.”
Looking ahead, the Korea Center New York will work to bridge Korean culture with mainstream society, focusing on engaging the local Korean community.
“With the global rise of Korean culture, these generations of Korean-Americans are proudly embracing their heritage. Many are active in the arts, and we plan to build strong relationships with them by discovering new talent and providing opportunities to showcase their work.”
“Thursday’s opening ceremony marks the official launch of the Korea Center New York. The center aims to be the hub of the Korean Wave in the city, striving to spread K-culture even further.
Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News, New York.”
Source : Arirang TV, https://www.arirang.com/news/view?id=272557
Arirang TV(public institution's name)'s public work is used according to KOGL