Latest news with #Korea-France
Korea Herald
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Korea and France mark 140 years with new cultural cooperation agreement
South Korea and France are set to mark a milestone year in cultural exchanges. To celebrate the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations, Korean Culture Minister Yu In-chon and French Culture Minister Rachida Dati on Tuesday signed a Letter of Intention on Cultural Cooperation in Paris. The agreement is expected to usher in another year rich with cultural engagement, building on a landmark moment in 2015–16 when the Year of Korea-France Bilateral Exchange was held to commemorate 130 years of relations. Endorsed by both heads of state, the initiative featured a record 492 official events -- 389 in the cultural field alone -- significantly strengthening the bilateral partnership, according to the cultural ministry. Building on the foundation of the 1965 Korea-France Cultural, Technological and Scientific Agreement, the new agreement outlines more specific areas and methods of cooperation, Korea's Culture Ministry said in a statement Tuesday. It aims to deepen institutional ties between cultural, artistic, and heritage organizations in both countries, facilitate the joint production, performance, exhibition, and promotion of artistic works, and support collaboration in the film, audiovisual content and gaming industries. The agreement also reflects both nations' shared commitment to protecting and enhancing access to cultural, intangible, and natural heritage. By articulating clearer goals and responsibilities than previous frameworks, the LOI seeks to increase the effectiveness and visibility of Korea-France cultural cooperation. Celebratory events are scheduled throughout the year, beginning with a special anniversary event on June 4. Korea will also participate as Guest of Honor at the Paris Book Fair and be featured in a Korea Focus program at the upcoming Avignon Festival. These events are designed to spotlight the growing presence and influence of Korean culture in France. In addition to high-profile events in Paris and Avignon, efforts are underway to expand cultural outreach beyond the capital. The ministry is working with local governments and cultural institutions in regional cities including Tours, Nantes, Montpellier, and Toulouse to host Korean cultural festivals. These events will introduce a wide range of Korean cultural content to communities that may have fewer opportunities to engage with Korean culture. By targeting cultural hubs outside Paris, the initiative aims to create a more balanced and inclusive exchange between the two countries. Korean Culture Minister Yu In-chon emphasized the historic and ongoing importance of Korea-France relations, referring to France as a friend that has stood by Korea for over 140 years since the signing of the 1886 Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation. He also highlighted France's status as a cultural superpower and the most visited country in the world, noting its leadership in heritage preservation and the arts. At the same time, he pointed to the remarkable rise of Korean pop culture in France, citing the rapid sell-outs of K-pop concerts and the success of the Korean drama "A Shoulder to Cry On," which recently ranked No. 1 on Netflix in France. These trends, he said, underscore the growing enthusiasm in France for Korean creative content and the potential for deeper collaboration. 'The signing of this LOI marks not only a celebration of the past 140 years but a forward-looking commitment to ensuring that our citizens can continue to engage meaningfully with one another's cultures,' Yu said. 'We plan to create a rich program of cultural exchange that people in both countries can directly experience and enjoy.'
Korea Herald
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Interpreter to presidents: Choi Jung-wha becomes first Korean woman to receive Legion d'Honneur Officier
Choi Jung-wha, president of the Corea Image Communication Institute, has become the first Korean woman to be awarded the Legion d'Honneur Officier, the highest decoration in France, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to strengthening Korea-France relations and advancing cross-cultural exchange. The award was presented on Thursday during a ceremony at the French Embassy in Seoul's Seodaemun-gu. Approximately 70 distinguished guests attended the event, including Poongsan Chairman Ryu Jin, Korea Enterprises Federation Chairman Sohn Kyung-shik, JoongAng Media Network Chairman and CEO Hong Seok-hyun and French Ambassador to Korea Philippe Bertoux, who officiated the ceremony on behalf of the French president Emmanuel Macron. The Legion d'Honneur Officier is France's highest order of merit and is awarded to individuals, regardless of nationality, who have made significant contributions to the country's global reputation in fields such as culture, politics, economics, science, arts, and more. Choi's work in cultural diplomacy has been recognized for playing a pivotal role in deepening ties between Korea and France. Since 2015, she has served as the founding member and Secretary General of the Korea-France Club, a key body in bilateral relations. She also co-founded Forum, an international academic journal published in partnership with Sorbonne Nouvelle University and supported by UNESCO. Previously, she also helmed the French edition of Koreana, a cultural magazine published by the Korea Foundation. In recent years, Choi has expanded her cultural advocacy into digital platforms. Since 2020, she has run a YouTube channel spotlighting Korean and global cultures, with a special emphasis on French heritage. Her videos explore topics ranging from the legacy of Michelin to in-depth interviews with major French figures such as economist Jacques Attali and architect Jean-Louis Cohen. In 2003, Choi became the first Korean woman to receive the Legion d'Honneur Chevalier. At the awards ceremony, Choi reflected on the significance the medal holds for her, saying it holds "deep meaning" and that she will "regard this honor as encouragement to continue fostering the Korea-France relationship moving forward." "What's important is not the destination but the journey. Along that journey, I met many of you who are dear to me, experienced diverse cultures, and discovered the meaning of my life," she said. "As Antoine de Saint-Exupery wrote in 'The Little Prince,' 'One sees clearly only with the heart. What is essential is invisible to the eye.' In the same spirit, I have always aspired to be a bridge — the glue that connects hearts with hearts, cultures with cultures," said Choi, adding, "Connecting Korea and France continues to enrich my life, and it is through this connection that I am able to share meaningful relationships with all of you here today." Choi serves as Professor Emeritus at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies after serving 30 years at HUFS. She holds a bachelor's degree in French there. She also made history as the first Asian to earn a Ph.D. in Interpretation and Translation Studies from the Ecole Superieure d'Interpretes et de Traducteurs (ESIT), Paris University III. She later taught at ESIT before returning to Korea in 1987. Choi also currently serves as the president of Corea Image Communication, which hosts the annual Korea Image Awards, an event celebrating cultural figures who have significantly contributed to Korea's global standing. Honorees have included former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, pianist Cho Seong-jin, soprano Sumi Jo, actress Tang Wei, "Squid Game" star Lee Jung-jae and chef Edward Lee.
Korea Herald
06-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Korea-France cultural exchange expands ahead of 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year
Greater focus on residency programs aimed at collaboration between artists Ahead of the 140th anniversary of Korea-France diplomatic relations in 2026, the French Embassy in South Korea is offering a wide range of cultural events to deepen the two countries' cultural ties. Spanning literature, music, arts and digital entertainment, each month in 2025 will offer unique opportunities for engagement. The focus will be on exchanges among artists and creators from both countries, providing a chance to share cultural values and foster the creation of new cultural expressions, Pierre Morcos, counselor for culture, science, and education at the French Embassy in Korea, told reporters during a press conference on Thursday. This effort is highlighted by residency programs in the webtoon, K-pop, arts and literature fields. The Webtoon Academy Residency Program, running from March to April, will bring three award-winning webtoon artists to Suncheon for a two-month residency, where they will create original works in collaboration with local studios. On June 1, the Villa Busan program will announce its second cohort of resident artists. Established through a partnership between Busan and Cannes, Villa Busan serves as a space for exchange among visual artists and professionals. Also in June, selected artists will participate in a three-month residency at Hongti Art Center. From March 24 to 30, the K-pop Atelier will take place at JYP Entertainment Studio, in collaboration with the French National Music Center, JYP Publishing, Amplified and Reway Music & Media. Four French composers will participate in this K-pop songwriting camp, working together to create new K-pop hits. From March 22 to 26, the third edition of the Goncourt Prize -- Korea program will bring together 161 students learning French from 25 educational institutions across Korea. Jean-Baptiste Andrea, the 2023 Goncourt Prize winner for "Veiller sur elle (Taking Care of Her)," will visit Korea as part of the program. South Korea is the second most significant country for French literature after China, with more than 500 French books translated each year, according to Morcos. The French Embassy has also curated cultural events, designating special themes for each month. February will focus on literature, highlighted by the Night of Reading event on Friday. This event will include French dictation, children's workshops, readings, music performances and film screenings. March, dedicated to Francophonie, will see Korean-French author Chai Seh-lynn on a literary tour, engaging with audiences on topics such as identity, cultural heritage and storytelling at Alliance Francaise centers and universities in Korea. Also in March, pianist Olivier de Spiegeleir will tour Incheon, Daejeon, Busan and Hannam University, performing French-language-related piano pieces, accompanied by commentary. Additionally, university students across Korea will participate in the Francomedia Video Contest, crafting humorous short films centered on French language use in daily life. French Film Week will run April 4-13 and the French National Orchestra's Korean tour will take place April 29 to May 2. The exhibition "Oceania: Art of the Pacific," showcasing over 180 masterpieces of Pacific art from the Musee du quai Branly -- Jacques Chirac, will open at the National Museum of Korea. In June, the Orchestre de Paris will perform a series of concerts with Korean pianist Lim Yunchan. In celebration of the 150th anniversary of Maurice Ravel's birth, the orchestra will present five concerts in Seoul, featuring French musical masterpieces. French Music Festival, June 1422, meanwhile, will feature over 20 performances across the country. 'In France, there is a strong fascination with all aspects of Korean culture, along with a strong desire for cultural exchange. France is eager to learn about Korea's content creation model and hopes to expand cultural exchanges," Morcos said, adding "The popularity of France in Korea is also evident, making the cultural exchange truly mutual.' Events for the rest of 2025 will be announced later, according to the embassy.
