ISLAMABAD: In a first, Embassy of Republic of Korea (ROK) is all set to observe 2024 Korea Week featuring events to showcase Korean and Pakistani culture, heritage, history and cuisine to promote people-to-people and bilateral relations.
Addressing the media, South Korean Ambassador Mr Park Kijun said that the friendly relations between South Korea and Pakistan should go beyond friendly ties and it is about time to move from cordial ties to complementary bilateral relationship.
Mr Park Jae-lark, Deputy Head of Mission; Mr In Yong Lee, Counselor and Ms Gong Sooyun, first secretary and other senior diplomats were also present.
“In this regard we have decided to observe 2024 Korea Week this year from October 22-27 which will feature four major events: National Foundation Day and Armed Forces Day Reception; Korea-Pakistan Cultural Gala, Korea-Pakistan Movie Day and 17th Korean Ambassador’s Cup National Taekwondo Junior Championship,” said Ambassador Park.
He said Korea-Pakistan Cultural Gala would be a public event and it would provide opportunity to the people of both countries to better understand the strong historical and cultural bonds between the peoples of both the countries.
“We are trying to attract as many people as possible to the event. Our goal is that at least 10,000 people must attend the gala. We are working closely with EP Wing of the Ministry of Information of Pakistan in this regard. Cultural gala would be a grand event in Islamabad’s history. It would help cement bilateral relationship between the peoples of South Korea and Pakistan. The embassy will spare no effort to make this event a success,” he added.
Raisa Adil from Ministry of Information said that Pakistan and Korea observed 40th anniversary of bilateral relationship last year and both countries are tied in rich historical and traditional ties due to Gandhara civilization.
“Korean enterprises are a household name in Pakistan including Daewoo, Hyundai, Samsung, etc. Korean cultural is a known culture in Pakistan due to K-pop and Korean drama and film industry. Cultural and people to people exchanges are a hallmark of bilateral ties. Movies, music and other events would feature in Korea Week,” she added.
Jee Eun Seok, second secretary, briefed the media on the events of the Korea Week. He said that the National Foundation Day would be observed on October 22nd and the Korea Week would culminate on October 27, 2024. He said it will provide a good opportunity for Pakistani audiences to know the Korean culture closer.
Pakistani singer Umair Jaswal and Pop Music Band, Khumariyaan would feature at the gala while Korean B-Boy Crew FusionMC and Korean Classical vocalist Ms Hee Min Kim would also perform at the Music Gala.
The Korea Week would also feature two movies from both countries each. Pakistani movies Superstar and Nayab would be presented at the event while Korean movies Ode to my Father and The Himalays would be screened on the Movie Day.
