New Delhi, December 20, 2025: The 70th Anniversary of Korean Settlement in India was commemorated with a Year-End Concert at the O.P. Jindal Auditorium, National Trust for the Handicapped, honoring seven decades of the Korean community and its enduring contributions to India’s cultural and social landscape.
The Korean Association in India hosted the event, with support from the Overseas Koreans Agency and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in India. They brought together members of the Korean community, Indian guests, and cultural representatives to commemorate this milestone. In addition, the gathering also reaffirmed the long-standing people-to-people ties between the two countries.
The program began at 5 p.m. with the Korean Association Ceremony. First, proceedings included national observances and opening remarks by the hosts. Following this, there was also a tribute address by the South Korean ambassador to India. Subsequently, the program featured a welcome address by Lee Kwang-il, president of the Korean Association in India. Addressing the gathering, Lee said the community’s journey in India has been shaped by mutual support and shared aspirations. The event also included congratulatory messages from Indian dignitaries. It concluded with a presentation tracing the 70-year history of Korean settlement in India, highlighting the journey of resilience, collaboration, and mutual respect.
Meanwhile, the second half of the evening featured a year-end music concert showcasing classical, contemporary, and cross-cultural performances. Violinist Baek Jin-Joo presented a performance shaped by her extensive career spanning classical and popular music. She is a Curtis School of Music and Juilliard School of Music graduate who holds a Ph.D. from UCLA. Widely recognised for her contribution to the recording of music for more than 1,000 Hollywood films, including Inception and Pirates of the Caribbean, she is a distinguished artist. Her performance reflected both technical mastery and expressive depth.
She was followed by soprano You Gyeong-Jin. She trained at Italy’s Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory and has won awards at multiple international vocal competitions. Known for her clear and transparent tone and delicate expressive skills, she has performed leading roles in major operatic works such as La Bohème and L’elisir d’amore. She remains active as a professional performer across Europe and Korea.
The programme also featured a contemporary dance performance by Im Jongkyung. A graduate of Hanyang University and its graduate school, he has established himself as a prominent figure in the contemporary dance scene through his distinctive physical expression and artistic depth.
Im has gained recognition by winning awards at leading dance competitions for his dynamic yet delicate movement vocabulary. He has also achieved this by presenting his original creative works on major stages in Korea and abroad during his career as a choreographer. During the concert, his performance highlighted both technical precision and emotional nuance. This reflected his approach to contemporary dance as a form that balances strength, control, and subtle expression.
The performances underscored the role of the performing arts in fostering cultural understanding and people-to-people engagement. They demonstrated how artistic exchange serves as a powerful bridge between two nations.
The concert also featured adult and children’s choir performances, guided by soprano You Gyeong-Jin and pianist Lee Tae-jun. It was further enhanced by supporting vocal, instrumental and cultural segments.
However, the highlight of the evening was a lucky draw, which included major prizes along with Korean cultural souvenirs. Furthermore, audience engagement activities included a Korean tea and dessert corner, a photo zone, and a commemorative message board.
The concert highlighted the enduring role of the Korean community as a cultural bridge, showing how music, dance, and shared stories continue to foster mutual understanding. At the same time, these cultural exchanges are the ones that help strengthen the evolving diplomatic partnership between India and South Korea.
Stay tuned to The World Times for more stories that celebrate the rich tapestry of community heritage.
