As a beacon of Korean culture in New Delhi, Rang De Korea, currently in its third installment, was a spectacular event marked by notable performances by NTX, Ha Minwoo, Uuheeska, Balkwang, and Pax Arari.
The festival was hosted at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Auditorium, where an array of activities and performances brought the vibrancy of Korean culture alive. Rang De Korea, since its inception in 2022, has played an integral role in strengthening the cultural bond between India and Korea, deepening the understanding and appreciation of Korean culture in India.
This year’s mega festival included an assortment of Korean cultural treats. It incorporated various genres such as K-beauty, K-food, K-fashion, K-snack, K-craft, and K-play. Notably, the 14th semi-final of the All India K-Pop Contest happened concurrently with Rang De Korea, drawing in familiar K-pop aficionados.
Chang Jae-bok, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to India, and Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary East, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, were present at the grand inauguration. The ambassador expressed his delight at the exponential growth of the festival and the increasing interest of Indians in Korean culture. He attributed the close ties between both countries to shared stories, a history of matrimonial alliances, spiritual bonds through Buddhism, and mutual respect and understanding.
Performance groups who dazzled the crowd included K-pop stars, NTX and Ha Minwoo, Fusion Concert’s Uuheeska, Balkwang, and Pax Arari. NTX, a rising K-pop star who debuted in 2021, entertained the audience with their electrifying performance and interactive ‘Fan Meet and Greet’ session. Ha Minwoo, on his third visit to India, expressed his love for the Indian audience and also presented a few unreleased songs.
Amidst the entertaining performances, there was a showcase of the vibrant ‘Ninano Concert’ by Uuheeska, a theater company. They presented a modern version of a traditional Korean play complete with dance, song, and lore of the common people. Drawing inspiration from Taekkyeon, a traditional Korean martial art, Balkwang presented an action-packed comedy. Pax Arari put forth a unique ensemble combining traditional Korean instruments and piano, creating a captivating musical landscape.
The immersive event ensured that attendees got a firsthand feel of the Korean wave, including food, beauty products, traditional clothing, crafts, K-pop, and K-drama. Well-known Korean companies and some local small businesses and communities created dedicated booths and presented a variety of products, wowing visitors with their offerings.
Hwang Il Yong, the director of the Korean Cultural Centre India, regarded the event as a demonstration of the excellence of Korean culture. He expressed his enthusiasm about the continuing growth of Korean culture in India, then noted the contribution of Indian K-pop fans in this cultural exchange. He anticipated continuous recreation and reproduction of Korean cultural content in India, demonstrating the cultural bridge that Rang De Korea has achieved.
In essence, Rang De Korea has solidified its stature as a crucial platform that encapsulates the heart of Korean culture, bringing it to the Indian audiences in a magnificent display of culture, beauty, and unity. The ripple effects of this annual cultural extravaganza continue to permeate through the Indian society, fostering an environment of mutual cultural respect and exchange.
