During his official visit to Rome, the Minister of Culture, Sport and Tourism of the Republic of Korea, In Chon Yu, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Maria Tripodi, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Italian Republic. This agreement, which has been signed on the occasion of the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, will sanction the “Year of Cultural Exchange between Italy and Korea 2024-2025”. The signing of the Memorandum is a significant step towards cultural cooperation between Italy and Korea.
In Italy, the celebrations for the “Year of Cultural Exchange” began on 4 May with a performance of traditional Korean music and dance “The Prince's Dream”, at the prestigious Teatro Argentina, in Rome. The performance was organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism of the Republic of Korea, the Korean Cultural Institute in Italy, and the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE). The Minister of Culture, Sport and Tourism of the Republic of Korea, In Chon Yu, Seong-ho Lee, the representative of Korea in Italy, and Ye Jin Chun, who heads the Korean Cultural Institute, were present.
"The Prince's Dream" is a fascinating theatrical masterpiece that delves into the cultural heritage of Korea. The story revolves around a young prince who, after completing his coming-of-age ceremony, decides to embark on “a journey” to learn about the lives of ordinary people to become a just ruler, as per his father's wishes. This journey represents an essential rite of passage for the young man, who leaves the royal palace to join the people, living and sharing their joys and sorrows.
The opera is a tribute to traditional Korean music and lavish royal attire, providing a full sensory experience for the audience. The plot is rich in moral and educational values, highlighting the importance of empathy and understanding for a future ruler. The play explores timeless themes of sacrifice, patriotism, and the responsibility that comes with power through the prince's experiences. It is more than just a theatrical production; it is a journey back in time to an era when Korean princes were taught to understand the daily struggles of their subjects. An important and long-standing custom in Korea is the coming-of-age ceremony, which marks a young person's transition into adulthood and heightened duties in society.
Additionally, the show features stunning replicas of the royal wardrobe. These costumes accurately depict the fashion of the Joseon dynasty and showcase the ornate hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) that reflects the social order and artistic style of the royal court. The audience could appreciate the intricate designs and vibrant hues that were common among the Korean nobility.
The Year of Cultural Exchange Italy and Korea 2024-2025 kicked off with an exceptional debut, selling out tickets in record time.
Social media played a vital role in promoting the event and engaging the public. In particular, the Instagram page @ko_it_culturalyear is the go-to source for updates on related events and initiatives. After consulting it, one notices the chosen and unique logo (designed by Andrea Vecera) that symbolizes the bilateral cultural connection between Italy and Korea, emphasizing the shared value of art and history. The logo features the profile of Dante Alighieri, the father of the Italian language, donning the Gat, the traditional Korean male hat of nobility. The hope is that this is just the beginning of many successful events that will mark the period of this extraordinary initiative.
So, the overwhelming response from the public highlights a growing fascination with Korean culture and sets a positive tone for future joint cultural celebrations.
The bond between Korea and Italy is one of enduring amity and friendship, founded on broad-based collaboration across a variety of sectors.
The official establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations took two centuries, culminating in the signing of the “Treaty of Friendship and Trade between Italy and Korea” on June 26, 1884, in Hanyang, present-day Seoul. This treaty was signed by the then Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mancini, and the Minister of Agriculture, Industry, and Trade, Grimaldi.
Cultural interactions between the two nations have grown stronger since the Cultural Agreement came into effect in March 1970, and have been reinforced over the years by frequent official visits and diplomatic missions. Cultural exchange is one of the most important pillars of bilateral relations, exemplified by the recent Memorandum of Understanding for the Italy-Korea Cultural Exchange Year 2024-2025, which demonstrates the shared commitment of both nations.
Photo credits belong to Official Photographer Heo Manjin. Korea.net- Flickr. The two images are particularly significant as they establish the Korean-Italian link and portray on the left Culture Minister Yu In-chon shaking hands with Maria Tripodi, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, after signing a Memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 3 May in Rome, on the right.
Undersecretary Maria Tripodi, the representative of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani, expressed great enthusiasm for this initiative, as cultural diplomacy will animate relations between Italy and Korea for a year, with numerous events organized in both countries. The Memorandum, therefore, is part of a context of growing interest for Italian cultural diplomacy in Korea and outlines various areas of collaboration, including music, theatre, visual arts, cinema, and the promotion of national literature. The ultimate goal is to enhance and share the rich cultural heritage of both nations, fostering mutual understanding and artistic experiences.
This partnership demonstrates the shared commitment of Italy and Korea to strengthen ties and expand opportunities for collaboration among artists, cultural institutions, and citizens. Both countries are confident that the public will be interested and actively participate in the planned events, which will occur in both Italy and Korea, providing a unique opportunity for all to engage in cultural exchange.
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