On the 15th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties
between China and the Republic of Korea, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao
arrived in Seoul on Tuesday for an official two-day visit. The
visit is sure to promote cultural dialogue between the two
countries. Already, "China-ROK Exchange Year" events are underway
to celebrate the milestone.
Culture Express takes a closer look at how the two neighboring
countries share a common bond and appreciation for each other's art
and culture. The "2007 China-ROK Exchange Year" got off to a strong
start in Seoul at the beginning of the year.
A grand ceremony ushered in a year-long series of events aimed
at enhancing communication between the two countries.
China and the ROK have a lot in common when it comes to
culture.
Television dramas in the ROK often depict ancient stories in TV
dramas. And it's easy to find Chinese characters, customs and
fashion interspersed within them. That influence remains even
today. Many ROK designers aim to mix Chinese-inspired traditional
designs with new trends to create innovations that are popular even
today. And these similarities in cultural sensibilities are
welcomed both in the ROK and China.
Meanwhile, the Korean pop culture has attracted a lot of
attention in China since early 2000. Especially among the younger
generation. Young Chinese like to imitate the hairstyles, fashion
and even lifestyles of characters on screen.
And also the lives of real-life stars in TV dramas and on the
music scene. Some Chinese media have called this phenomenon -- the
"Korean Wave".
One huge event that both young fans in South Korea and China
won't miss is the annual pop concert co-presented by KBS and China
Central Television. Initiated in 1999, the pop music extravaganza
is held both in China and South Korea, every year.
The mention of South Korean culture usually brings to mind hot
stars and popular, TV dramas. But traditional culture is also
increasingly on display. Korean artists also come to China to show
off their traditional Korean arts, some of which date back more
than a thousand years.As in China, drums are often an integral part
of an array of folk performances in South Korea. Some evidence
suggests that drums were introduced into Korea from China in the
15th century.
And now, many in the young generation in South Korea have
changed the environment for their traditional love of percussion
instruments. A popular musical comedy called Cookin' Nanta
has taken this art form to the kitchen, featuring artists who have
fun beating nearly everything in sight.
Since October, 2004, China has played host and guest to many
high-profile, culture year events, including those in France,
Russia and Italy. And now it's South Korea's turn to celebrate the
fifteenth anniversary of diplomatic ties with China. Both countries
hope that by sharing their cultural treasures and new art forms
with each other an even deeper era of friendship, cooperation and
understanding can be achieved.
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(CCTV.com April 11, 2007)