Latest news with #SimCheong
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
KCCI brings Korean folktales to life for underprivileged children
A live performance of the Korean folktale Sim Cheong, presented by Indian artists from Theatre I Entertainment Trust. The story, centred on a young girl's devotion to her blind father, was well received by the children. As part of its ongoing efforts to bring Korean culture closer to underprivileged children in India , the Korean Cultural Centre India (KCCI) recently hosted a special event for 50 children from Chehel, a Delhi-based NGO. The children, aged between 5 and 15, were treated to a day filled with cultural activities at the KCCI. The experience included trying traditional Korean dishes, wearing the Hanbok ( Korean traditional dress ), and enjoying Korean games like Jegi, Tuho, and the Stone Tower game. They also visited exhibitions on K-content and webtoons and enjoyed a vibrant Samulnori performance — a Korean percussion music tradition. A Taekwondo demonstration added energy to the event, with children even trying out a few moves themselves. A major highlight of the programme was a live performance of the Korean folktale Sim Cheong , presented by Indian artists from Theatre I Entertainment Trust. The story, centred on a young girl's devotion to her blind father, was well received by the children. Over the past two years, this theatre group has performed Korean folktales at 12 schools across India, reaching more than 2,600 students. They have also staged a musical based on the tale of Queen Heo. Speaking about their experience of the event, 14-year-old Aradhana said, "This is the first time I've witnessed such a cultural performance. Sim Cheong 's courage and love for her father was truly touching.' It was not only the students who enjoyed the performance, but also the volunteers of the Delhi-based NGO. Santosh Kumar, one of the volunteers said, 'It is rare for underprivileged children to have the opportunity to gain such holistic experience of a culture that is different from their own. The various activities planned over here made this entire experience very meaningful and diverse." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Hwang Il Yong, Director of the Korean Cultural Center in India, said, "Rather than offering a one-time material support, we felt our role was to enrich students' cultural and artistic literacy through education and immersive content. It was truly rewarding to see the joy on the faces of the children and volunteers. I hope this event will provide more opportunities for Indian students to experience Korean culture reimagined through their own lens."
Korea Herald
13-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Actor Chae Si-ra steps on stage as dancer in 'Pure Heart'
Jeongdong Theater to retell Korean folktale with creators of sold-out show 'One Dance' Veteran actor Chae Si-ra, celebrating her 40th year in entertainment, is making an unexpected return to the stage -- as a dancer. Chae will appear in a special role in "Pure Heart," a new traditional dance production by the National Jeongdong Theater, running May 8 to June 28 at Jeongdong Theater in central Seoul. "Pure Heart" sheds light on the classic Korean pansori folktale "Simcheong-ga," in which the heroine, Sim Cheong, sacrifices herself so her blind father can see and ventures into the underwater Dragon Palace. Chae will portray the Queen of the Dragon Palace. The acclaimed creative team of "One Dance" had said at a February press conference announcing Jeongdong Theater's lineup for the 2025 season that the production would center on Sim Cheong -- her thoughts and internal struggles -- rather than strictly following the original narrative. Fashion designer-turned-creative director Jung Ku-ho, known for his visually striking interpretations of Korean traditional dance in productions such as "The Banquet," "Scent of Ink" and "One Dance," which achieved rare sold-out success in the Korean dance scene, will collaborate once again with choreographer Jung Hye-jin. Jung, a former artistic director of the Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theater, was also one of the choreographers behind "One Dance." Chae's casting adds to anticipation for the production. The 56-year-old actress has frequently expressed her love for dance. In 1995, she earned critical acclaim for her portrayal of legendary dancer Choi Seung-hee in an MBC drama named after the dancer. More recently, she served as an ambassador for the 45th Seoul Dance Festival, performing briefly on stage. At a press event during last year's festival, Chae said, 'I always dreamed of becoming a dancer, before becoming an actress. I've lived my life believing that I carry the spirit of a dancer within me.' "Pure Heart" is the second installment in the Jeongdong Theater's K-Culture Series, a performance brand initiative dedicated to showcasing Korea's traditional arts. The series began with the interdisciplinary performance "Gwangdae," inspired by "Sochundaeyuhui," Korea's first ticketed public performance staged in 1902 by Heopyulsa Theater.
