Korean dancers captivate locals with colourful performances

BRUNEIANS were introduced to the wonderful and authentic Korean cultural event "Saranghaeyo (I Love) Korea Festival" last night through magnificent dance performances, from the graceful yet epic traditional dances performed by the Korea House folk dance troupe to the eye-popping dance and innovative dance performance from Korea's break dance team, B-Boy Breakout.

In his welcoming remarks, Korean Ambassador to Brunei Kim Dae Sik stated that it is a wonderful time to have a cultural event such as this in the middle of the festive Hari Raya season.

He further highlighted that the show was about friendship between Korea and Brunei. He recalled that since the two countries have established diplomatic relations 25 years ago, Korea and Brunei have fostered closer ties of friendship and cooperation in many areas.

"Last June, even stronger momentum was infused into Korea-Brunei relations with the momentous visit of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah to Korea on the occasion of the ASEAN-Korea Commemorative Summit," said the ambassador.

Minister of Health Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi Hj Osman was guest of honour at the event, which was attended by some 2,000 people.

Kicking off the event was a traditional dance performance from Brunei's very own Zapin Darussalam, who showcased Brunei's very own cultural dance to the people in attendance.

Next to take the stage were dancers from the Korea House folk dance troupe, who performed eight dance performances, namely theYeomyungeuibit or the Light of Dawn, Sarangga (Korean love story dance), Yeomyungeui Sanha (Fan Dance), Hanriangmu (Gentleman's Dance), Taepyungmu (Royal Court Dance), Salpuri (Exorcism Dance) and lastly, the Samulnori and Jindo Bukhum (Farmer's Drum and Traditional Drum Dance).

Each of the dance performance captivated the crowd, incorporating each graceful movement to tell a story, hence making the title synonymous with the meaning of the dance.

The last to preform were dancers from B-Boy Breakout, who displayed the essence of the modern dancing movement which combines gymnastics, breakdance, yoga and martial arts as well entertaining the crowd with their comical story lines which ignited a roar of laughter from the crowd.

With the "Saranghaeyo (I Love) Korea Festival", the Korean Embassy hopes that the cultural event will be of great value in improving human and cultural exchanges and deepen mutual understanding of the two countries' cultures.

The Korean Festival was held at the Rizqun International Hotel in Gadong. (MAN1) The Brunei Times