Korea, Canada sign MOU to expand mutual cultural exchange

Korea’s Culture Minister Yu In-chon and Canadian Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge signed a memorandum of understanding on jointly working together to expand mutual cultural exchanges.

Culture Minister Yu In-chon visits the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, Canada, on June 25. [MINISTRY OF CULTURE, SPORTS AND TOURISM]

Korea’s Culture Minister Yu In-chon and Canadian Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge signed a memorandum of understanding on jointly working together to expand mutual cultural exchanges in celebration of the “2024–2025 Korea–Canada Year of Mutual Cultural Exchange.”

According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on Wednesday, the agreement, signed on Tuesday at the National Arts Centre in Canada, aims to “enhance cooperation in various fields, including culture and arts, cultural heritage, creative industries and sports.” The two countries plan to expand exchanges and strengthen the bonds between their citizens, establishing a robust foundation for the development of bilateral relations.

Following the signing of the agreement, an opening ceremony with some 2,000 people in the auditorium was held, signaling the start of the mutual exchange. The opening ceremony featured collaborative performances by artists from both countries. These included the National Orchestra of Korea and soriggun (singer) Jang Seo-yoon, as well as Canadian violinist Timothy Chooi, who won second prize at the 2019 Queen Elisabeth Competition, and Canadian soprano Carole-Anne Roussel.

Some of the scheduled events under the “2024–2025 Korea–Canada Year of Mutual Cultural Exchange” include a special animation film exhibition by Canada's Ottawa International Animation Festival and Korea’s Bucheon International Animation Festival. The Bucheon International Animation Festival said it will showcase works, including “Window Horses” by Canadian director Ann Marie Fleming featuring Korean-Canadian actor Sandra Oh. In November, the two countries will have time for literary and publishing exchanges. Young artists in music and dance in Korea will also be able to receive mentoring sessions at the Canadian International Performing Arts Market in November, the Culture Ministry said.

"For the past 60 years, our countries have cooperated closely in various fields, including politics and economics. I hope that the 'Year of Mutual Cultural Exchange' over the next two years will be an opportunity to discover and embrace new cultural diversity,” said Minister Yu.

BY YIM SEUNG-HYE [yim.seunghye@joongang.co.kr]