Event saw a crowd passionate about Korean-content, specially K-pop, K-drama; organisers now plan to host the event annually.
Korean and Hyderabad people wearing traditional Korean dress Hanbok (left), and people at the movie screening. (Ajay Tomar/South First)
The two-day Korean Film film festival in Hyderabad, which ended on Sunday 21 May — a first for the city — was an instant hit not just among youngsters but people across all age groups.
The common connection for those who thronged the venue: All were die-hard fans of K-Content — culture, lifestyle, food, entertainment and others, primarily led by K-pop and K-dramas.
Apart from the screening of six films, the festival also had several different kinds of stalls promoting Korean culture — Hanbok (traditional Korean attire), face and hand painting, Korean calligraphy, a sticker booth, photo zone and Korea Tourism Organisation.
Commemorating 50 years of India and Korea’s diplomatic relations, the festival was organised by Honorary Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in a joint effort with other stakeholders at the LV Prasad Film Labs in Banjara Hills.
A poster of day two movies at first Korean film festival in Hyderabad. (Supplied)
The six Korean movies that were played on the two days of the festival were across genres. These were Man of Men, By Quantum Physics, Secret Zoo, Secretly Greatly, Money, and Hitman.
“I am very happy that first such festival is being organised in my city. It’s a great opportunity to know more about Korean culture,” Angelina Zelah, member of the organising committee and a culture enthusiast, told South First.
The film festival saw a footfall of around 500 people on the two days, according to the organisers.
All the movie shows ran to nearly-full houses, and saw fans as young as 10 years old, accompanied by their friends, parents, and grandparents.
An excited 12-year-old, Aadhya Somisetti, accompanied by her brother Akshit and friend Shreya Nooli, has been following K-pop and K-dramas for few years now.
“Some of the shows I liked are True Beauty, Squid Games, All of a Sudden, Guardian. I am also a huge fan of (Korean pop band) BTS. I was introduced to them by my mom, who was is a fan of K-dramas, so I started watching with her,” she told South First.
People at hand and face panting stall at day one of Korean film festival in Hyderabad. (Supplied)
South African Schirleane Akula turned up at the event with her two daughters to watch the By Quantum Physics.
“Exposure like this gives a chance to know another side of the world especially when there is a massive fan following for Korean content. I would be happy if South African culture is also exhibited in Hyderabad through such an initiative,” Schirleane told South First.
Some visitors were even excitedly trying the traditional Korean attire known as Hanbok with a jeogori (jacket). Some others were busy exploring getting their hands and faces painted.
Hallyu, which means the Korean wave, is the global rise of Korea’s cultural economy exporting its pop culture, entertainment, music, online games, TV dramas, movies, and cuisine.
With the intention of becoming the world’s leading exporter of popular culture, South Korea has developed its “soft power” this way.
“In many ways, Korean culture is quite similar to Indian culture, especially cinema, food, festivals. Like us they are also family oriented. It is Korea’s soft diplomatic power that has played an important role,” Riya Agarwal, who works with Korea Tourism Organisation, told South First.
Koraean band BTS performing. (Creative Commons)
Picking up in the 1990s, the Korean wave started evolving as a global phenomenon in the 2000s and expanded rapidly in South Asia, West Asia, and Europe.
The rise of the Korean wave could be gauged from the fact that BTS star Jungkook became the first Korean to perform at the opening ceremony 2022 FIFA World Cup — perhaps the most-watched sporting event in the world.
Not forgetting the famous 2012 song Gangnam Style by Korean artist Psy, which reportedly generated approximately $8 million from YouTube revenues after its release.
Over the decades, Hallyu has majorly boosted the Korean economy by contributing in billions.
South First spoke to some of the Hyderabadis who were lined up to experience the K-content for the first time.
“I was very excited as I got to watch a K-movie in an Indian theatre for the first time. I follow K-dramas regularly. I find Korean dishes like Tteokbokki, Ramyeon and others very tasty,” rejoiced Arya, an engineering student from Gachibowli.
Her friend quipped how they bonded over K-pop and K-dramas when they first became friends.
To make visitors familiar with South Korea, the Korea Tourism Organisation had a stall providing a tourist guide, a map and several other books to deep dive into the East Asian country.
Santosh Reddy, who works at South Korean car parts manufacturer Hyundai Mobis in Mindspace Madhapur, came to see the festival’s last movie — the comedy Secret Zoo.
Film screening at day one of the first Korean film Festival in Hyderabad. (Supplied)
“I am planning to visit Korea this year. So before this I wanted to know and experience their culture. That’s why I came here,” an intrigued Reddy who is from Trimulgherry told South First.
Ritala Anupama, a teacher from Miyapur, who was at the venue with her two children and mother, hoped that such events would happen frequently in Hyderabad.
Meanwhile, legend says Korea has an extraordinary connection with India, that Princess of Ayodhya Heo Hwang-ok, also known as Suriratna married Korean King Suro.
In 2001, a memorial was inaugurated at Ram Katha Park in Ayodhya and numerous Koreans visit there every year to trace their lineage. Also, a sister city agreement was signed then between Ayodhya and Korean city Gimhae to promote cultural development.
Volunteers across stalls were trying to engage people. Among them was Hyeyoung Lee, a volunteer and at the Hanbok stall.
Hyeyoung Lee holding Buchae (traditional Korean hand fan) in her hand. (Ajay Tomar/South First)
Hanbok (Han means Korea and bok means clothing), which nowadays is mostly worn on festivals and anniversaries, is the traditional Korean outfit.
Worn since ancient times, Hanbok is commonly woven from silk and cotton fabrics. Both women and men wear jeogori (jacket) while the former wear baji (pants) and the later wear chima (skirt) beneath the waist.
Meanwhile, Lee was introducing people to Buchae (traditonal Korean hand fan) and Hanbok. Most of people were enthralled and ensure they clicked a picture or two in Korean attire at the photo zone.
Lee has been in Hyderabad with her husband Dongreem Koo since 2014.
A native of Asan-si city (over 80 km from national capital Seoul), she is also a Korean culture activist while Koo is the president of South Korean community living in the city.
Most of the members of 200-strong South Korean group in the city are employed with Korean companies, majorly Hyundai Motors and Mobis.
“I love Hyderabad. The weather is good here for us. People are very warm and kind. My friends recommended India to me as a very calm and good country to live in,” an incredibly energised Lee told South First.
Hyderabadis trying South Korean traditional dress Hanbok. (Ajay Tomar/South First)
Lee and her Korean friends are planning to open cultural classes too in Hyderabad. “We also plan to organise a film festival and other events in future,” she said.
For her daughter Sarah Koo, who was also volunteering, it was a moment of pride that Korean movies were screened in Hyderabad.
“People are enjoying the movies. I like the similarities between the two cultures. Just like us Indians too eat spicy food, listen to music and like to dance. I have made some good friends in Hyderabad,” Sarah, a Class 8 student at the Rockwell International School, told South First.
Hyderabad does not see as many Korean events as Delhi and Mumbai. But the trend seems likely to change.
“The idea behind organising this film festival is to improve the cultural ties between India and Korea. It is also about making people understand Korean culture. Along with culture, such events also build economic ties,” Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Hyderabad, Suresh Chukkapalli, told South First.
(From left) Dasari Balaiah, Kim Dooshik, Gareth Wynn Owen, Ramesh Prasad, Sandeep Kumar Sultania, Suresh Chukkapalli, Aaref Ali Altaboor Alnuaimi, Yi Geun Han, Cha Jae Oh. (Supplied)
He added that number of Korean events will be stepped up in Hyderabad — along with the film festival turning into an annual affair.
“We now plan to host the festival every year. We have been conducting music and drama festivals for the last seven years, and we will continue with them as well,” he asserted.
Chukkapalli said that the Korean Consul General has been promoting Korean tourism.
“We have sent around 10 groups to Korea in the past two months. Earlier, people used to visit China and Japan more. But now they are going to Korea. There are people of all ages among them. Group size ranges from four people to 10 at times,” he told South First.
Telangana Tourism Principal Secretary Sandeep Kumar Sultania told reporters that the government was planning to hold a cultural event for the Korean community.
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