Source:
https://scmp.com/article/1062475/second-edition-event-returns-star-studded-cast

Second edition of event returns with star-studded cast

South Korean K-Pop boy band SHINee wow fans during a concert in Incheon. They will perform in Hong Kong on October 27

Following its successful debut last year, Festive Korea has returned with more than 20 activities and runs until the middle of November.

The event is organised by the Consulate of the Republic of Korea in Hong Kong, in collaboration with Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Korea, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Korea, and the Hong Kong government.

This year's event will highlight the characteristics of past and present Korean culture through cultural and art performances and events. These include Korean dance performances, K-Pop shows, a classical music concert presented by musicians from South Korea and Hong Kong, a contemporary art exhibition, film festival, Korean cultural seminar, Korean tourism photo exhibition, Korean Hong Kong Friendship Day, Korean cuisine class, Korean food promotion, a taekwondo seminar and classes for beginners, and a cosmetic and electronics expo.

The festival started off with a 2AM Concert on September 29. Other events include Icheon Porcelain Exhibition on October 17 to 19; Hong Kong Sinfonietta's Big Nightmare Music on October 19 to 20; SHINee Asia Tour Live in Hong Kong on October 27; and the Korea Contemporary Art Exhibition "Beam" from November 7 to 11.

There is also an essay contest on South Korea's national image. Participants are invited to write an essay of less than 2,000 words in English or Korean about the positive and negative images of South Korea, and what they think the country should adopt as its national vision, value, image, brand or slogan.

This year's Festive Korea marks the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relationship between South Korea and China, says the organiser. "Apart from the economy, Hong Kong is now emerging as a very important destination for Korean pop culture. Korean cuisine, TV dramas, pop songs, films and food are now welcomed and loved by Hong Kong people."

It expects the second Festive Korea to deepen mutual understanding and encourage collaboration between the two regions because it has invited performing groups from South Korea, and features concerts jointly presented by musicians from there and Hong Kong.