The Korean Cultural Centers abroad have announced the launch of a comprehensive Korean Cultural Public Lecture Series as part of the Festive Korea 2025 initiative. This extensive program features a distinguished lineup of esteemed speakers who will explore various aspects of Korean culture, including K-philosophy, K-language, K-film, K-food, K-heritage, K-art, and K-Pop. The series is designed to provide attendees with direct engagement opportunities with experts, allowing participants to ask questions and gain deeper insights into the unique aspects of Korean culture.
The lecture series welcomes participants from all backgrounds, regardless of whether they are longtime enthusiasts of Korean culture or newcomers just beginning to explore Korea's rich heritage. Registration for the events is available through an online form, and interested participants can direct inquiries to the education department. The lectures will be held at multiple venues across Hong Kong, including HKU SPACE Po Leung Kuk Stanley Ho Community College, HKU SPACE Kowloon West Campus, and HKU SPACE Island East Campus.
The program opens with "Korean Wave and K-Philosophy," conducted in English by Dr. Park Sojeong, a Professor of Korean Philosophy at Sungkyunkwan University. This lecture examines how the Korean Wave, which began in the late 1990s and evolved into a global phenomenon over the past 30 years, has led scholars to delve deeper into K-Philosophy. Dr. Park will explore how universal philosophical ideas can merge with specific Korean cultural insights to enrich both fields, fostering open discussions about wisdom and contributing to Korean studies as a significant global discipline.
Another highlight includes a career-oriented Korean interpreter discussion session conducted in Cantonese by Ms. Kera Tong, a lecturer at HKU SPACE's Faculty of Arts and Law. Ms. Tong, who has extensive experience in Korean-Cantonese interpretation and translation, will share insights about the challenges and rewards of interpretation work, experiences with Korean celebrities, and job requirements in the field. Her background includes work with major Korean institutions such as KBS Television and Chosun Ilbo.
"The Origins of the South Korean Film Renaissance" will be presented in English by Dr. Lee Sangjoon, Associate Professor of Film Studies at City University of Hong Kong's School of Creative Media. This lecture traces the remarkable transformation of South Korean cinema from its low point in 1992, when Park Chan-wook's debut film was overshadowed by Hollywood, to 2004 when South Korea became the first country to reclaim its domestic market. Dr. Lee will examine the evolution during this period, including the rise of media conglomerates, the establishment of the Busan International Film Festival, advancements in film education, and the current shift to Netflix and other streaming platforms.
The series also features "Korean Food Globalization: Understanding 21st Century Korean Cuisine Through Culinary Chef," presented in Cantonese by Ms. Joyce Cheuk, who holds a Master's degree in Korean Studies from Pusan National University. With over ten years of experience in Korean cultural industries, Ms. Cheuk will explore how Korean food culture has become closely linked with popular variety shows and K-dramas. She will analyze how Korean cuisine has taken off in the 21st century through diverse approaches, becoming an important vehicle for cross-cultural exchange and examining the reconstruction of traditional versus modern, everyday versus refined dining in a global context.
Cultural heritage preservation will be addressed in "Korean Intangible Cultural Heritage: Cross-generational Transmission and Contemporary Significance," also conducted in Cantonese. This lecture will highlight Korea's impressive cultural preservation achievements, including 17 World Heritage sites, 23 World Intangible Heritage items, and 20 World Memory Heritage designations spanning culture, music, dance, rituals, and customs. The discussion will explore how Korean culture has continued to be transmitted and reshaped throughout historical and social changes while playing a crucial role in cultural tourism.
"Unveiling Minhwa: The Cultural Heritage of Joseon in K-Dramas and Films" will be presented in English by Ms. Lee Jaery, who teaches Korean language at HKU SPACE and is an accomplished Minhwa artist. She has won awards at the 17th Grand Prize Folk Painting Competition and serves as a representative for K-Artweb. This lecture will explore the historical and cultural significance of Minhwa, Korean folk paintings from the Joseon era, through the lens of popular historical dramas and films, providing insights into daily life and values of the Joseon period.
The series concludes with "The Transhumanist Turn in AI K-pop Idols," conducted in English by Dr. Park Jinhee, Associate Professor in the Department of Digital Arts and Creative Industries at Lingnan University. As a media scholar specializing in Korean cinema and visual culture, Dr. Park will examine how artificial intelligence has transformed the entertainment industry, exploring virtual idols that challenge traditional notions of identity, artistry, and fandom in the K-pop landscape.
This comprehensive lecture series represents a significant effort to promote Korean cultural understanding and appreciation globally, offering diverse perspectives on Korea's cultural evolution and contemporary influence. The program demonstrates Korea's commitment to cultural diplomacy and educational outreach through its cultural centers abroad.
