Introducing the Aesthetics of Tradition through the Global Language of K-POP

The Korean Cultural Center in Nigeria (Director: Jooho Jeon) successfully held the opening ceremony for the exhibition ‘K-POP Meets Korean Traditional Music’ on Sunday, June 30 at its gallery in Abuja.
 
The exhibition, which runs from June 25 to August 15, is part of the “Touring K-Arts” program jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the National Gugak Center, and the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE). It represents a new attempt to introduce Korean traditional arts through the medium of K-POP.
 
Featuring more than 30 physical items such as traditional Korean instruments, attire, and masks, along with a variety of multimedia content, the exhibition demonstrates how traditional music merges with contemporary K-POP. The three themes—“Encountering Pungnyu,” “Walking through the Palace,” and “Unfolding Yeonhee”—guide visitors through an immersive experience that bridges the past and present.
 
The opening ceremony was attended by around 60 guests, including members of the diplomatic corps, local partners, and general visitors. The celebration began with a congratulatory performance by the winning team of the 2025 K-POP Festival (Dance category), followed by an engaging performance by instructors from the Center’s K-POP Academy. These performances sparked enthusiastic responses from the audience, showcasing the harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary Korean culture.
 
Guided tours and explanations offered during the event deepened visitors’ appreciation of the traditional instruments and the unique way they are incorporated into modern music. One visitor commented, “It was impressive to see and hear about traditional Korean music and instruments in person. I was amazed to learn that these instruments are also used in K-POP. It was a beautiful and captivating experience.”
 
The Center hopes this exhibition serves as an opportunity to introduce Korea’s rich traditional arts to a broader audience using the familiar appeal of K-POP, while also expanding cultural understanding and engagement with the Nigerian public.
 
For more information, please contact Director Jooho Jeon at the Korean Cultural Center in Nigeria (+234-702-482-5220).