Korea to host Korea-Indonesia cultural week in Jakarta

Relations between two of Asia’s most dynamic countries – Indonesia and South Korea – have been growing at a rapid speed in recent years. But there is a new dimension that is making relations much stronger and long-lasting, says Korean Ambassador to Indonesia Kim Young-sun.
What could be that particular dimension?
“Bali is a very popular holiday destination for young Korean couples. It’s a paradise for our honeymooners. As a result, thousands of Koreans are being made in Indonesia. This is making our relationship with Indonesia not only special but also long-lasting,” said Ambassador Kim jokingly.
Last year, 300,000 Koreans visited Indonesia, with more than 50 percent of them visiting the Island of the Gods. With more than 50,000 Koreans in the country, it is the biggest expat community in Indonesia.
Kim wants to link the people of both countries not just economically and politically but also culturally.
The Korean Embassy in Jakarta is organizing various events under the platform of “Korea-Indonesia Week” at Gandaria City mall in Jakarta from Sept. 28 to Oct. 3, 2011.
“The main purpose of this Korean cultural week is to introduce our culture to Indonesians. There is a growing interest among Indonesians to know more about Korea, its products, culture, especially the popular K-Pop,” Korean Cultural Center’s director Kim Hyun-ki told The Jakarta Post.
The main highlights of the week, Kim Hyun-ki said, will be a concert of Hallyu (Korean Wave) singers, featuring heartthrobs like Lee Sun-ho (Shinhwa Group), Lee Jun-ki. Lee Dong-Geon, Choi Jin, Park Hyo-shin, Yu Seung Chan, Cheong Jae-il and others.
Korean Wave’s energetic female percussion group Drum Cat will mesmerize fans from Jakarta with their energy, talent and beauty. For Indonesians, there will be a K-Pop contest, with the winner being sent to Seoul to participate in the global contest.
Besides music, Kim Hyun-ki said, there will be also a Korean food festival, tae kwon do competition, painting exhibition, film festival and much more. More than 100 artistes from Korea will take part in the event.