KF뉴스레터-Introduction of Korea’s Popular Culture to German Audiences

Introduction of Korea’s Popular Culture to German Audiences

With the sun still shining, the vibrant sounds of Samulnori announced the opening of this year’s “Long Night of Science” program of the Institute of Korean Studies. Guests of every age came from all areas of Berlin to enjoy the various events organized by the various faculties of Berlin-area universities. The Korean Studies program was established at Free University of Berlin in 2005, making it the most recent East Asian program at FU Berlin. For this year, the science night event focused on a theme of “Popular Culture of Korea.”

After an opening Samulnori performance in the garden area, the crowd of visitors made their way to the institute’s seminar room. The large room was filled with guests who listened excitedly to a young violinist, Park Dong-myoung, who is only 11 years old. She was born in Berlin and had her first violin lesson when she was only three. Since 2008, she has been attending the University of Arts, in Berlin. Following this wonderful performance, even more visitors crammed themselves into the room to listen to a Korean Studies student, Ulf Eickmann, who described his contributions to the development of computer games in Korea.

The young, along with the young at heart, listened intently to the presentation, which was supplemented by video clips and examples of various games. In particular, the audience was notably intrigued by the online games that accommodate multiple ps, who can all compete at the same time from remote locations. Another impressive workshop session was conducted by Korean Studies student Rene Scheibe, on the subject of manhwa, a form of comics that is popular in Korea. Her demonstration of how she sketches manhwa characters attracted an overflowing crowd of curious onlookers.

The basement level drew a large number of visitors as well, where oil paintings by artist Choe Mi-sun were on display. Along with enjoying the impressionist-style renderings of plants and flowers, people were no doubt attracted by the scent of food. The family members of Choe Mi-sun, and a large crew of assistants, including Korean Studies students, prepared and served up dishes of bibimbab. The savory and colorful dish, which was a new food experience for practically everyone there, was hugely popular among the visitors and the event staff as well.

After the workshop sessions, the audience was introduced to a variety of performances of Korea-related song and dance. This included a dance choreography presented by a group of Korean Studies students to the accompaniment of a medley of Korean pop songs. Related to this, Song Hwasuk gave a lecture entitled “Korean Pop Music in the Course of Time,” which highlighted the social, economic, and technical aspects of Korea’s popular music industry.

Another lecture dealt with the development of Korea’s film sector and its social and political implications. Based on various films by prominent director, Park Chan-wook, the influence of popular movies on Korea’s general public and political circles was explained by a researcher of theater science. Of course, there was a showing of Korean films, which included an animation feature “Yobi the Five-tailed Fox” that was greatly enjoyed by the younger viewers. Later in the evening, “Our Happy Time” was screened, which, contrary to its title, was a somber melodrama.

Professor Lee Eun-jeong presented the final lecture of the evening about the background of the so-called “Korean Wave” (pop culture of Korea) that has seemed to arrive in Germany somewhat. Thereafter, Professor Lee joined the “Band of Korean Studies,” which performed a unique blend of Korea’s traditional songs infused with elements of popular music. The “Band of Korean Studies,” which was formed especially for the “Long Night of Science” event, included Korean Studies students and faculty members.

The primary purpose of this summertime gathering is to introduce aspects of Korea and Korean culture to the people of Germany. Based on a heightened awareness of Korea, it is hoped that this might result in greater public attention being placed on the discipline of Korean Studies in Germany. The entire evening was a resounding success, with every activity and presentation being well-attended and received with noticeable enthusiasm. This year’s event attracted an estimated 450 visitors, which again set a new attendance record.

Professor Lee, who has headed the Institute of Korean Studies since autumn 2008, was particularly pleased with the large number of volunteers and supporters whose generous contributions made possible the event’s overall success. At least 30 Korean Studies students and faculty staff were involved with the organization, food preparation, responses to visitor questions, and participation in the various program activities.

Thus far, the science night event has been an effective means to expose the culture of Korea to German audiences, who are always eager to broaden their base of knowledge and to enjoy new experiences. And while this success has been most gratifying for the still-developing Institute of Korean Studies, the standards and expectations are now at a higher level for the organization of next year’s science night program.

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Introduction of Korea’s Popular Culture to German Audiences

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Introduction of Korea’s Popular Culture to German Audiences

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