His Excellency Sri N. Murali, President of the Music Academy Madras

Dance Festival Committee Members, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good afternoon,

It is my great pleasure and honor to serve as the Chief Guest of the 18th Dance Festival of the Music Academy—a prestigious event showcasing the rich classical traditions of South India. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the President and the Dance Festival Committee for inviting me to this renowned celebration of culture.

While I may not be an expert in Indian culture or classical dance, I deeply admire India’s diverse and long-standing traditions. Today, I look forward to enjoying the vibrant beauty of this art form and learning more about its significance.

Since assuming office as Consul General one and a half years ago, I have come to realize how much Korea and India—especially Tamil Nadu—share across various domains.

Although our two countries are separated by over 4,500 kilometers, with diplomatic relations spanning only 50 years, we share many remarkable similarities in our histories. From the marriage of an Indian princess to a Korean king two millennia ago to the modern struggles of colonialism and independence in the 20th century, as well as India’s contribution to the Korean War in 1950 to preserve peace on the Korean peninsula, our nations are bound by shared experiences.

Furthermore, the linguistic parallels between Korean and Tamil are fascinating, with both languages sharing similar words. During my visits to local shopping centers, I am often pleasantly surprised to hear children calling out “appa” and “amma,” which sound remarkably similar to Korean words for parents.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Did you know that the Korean community is the largest expatriate community in Chennai? Indeed, we have about 5,000 Koreans here, and half of the students enrolled in the American School of Chennai (ASC) are Korean. This close connection began in 1996 when the late Chief Minister Kalaignar Karunanidhi successfully brought Hyundai Motors to Sriperumbudur. Today, Hyundai Motors India and its 150 suppliers operate factories in Chennai, significantly contributing to Tamil Nadu’s economy.

Last October, Hyundai Motors India launched its IPO on the Indian stock market, the largest in Indian history, signifying our commitment to growing alongside the Indian people.

Korea and India are already close partners in politics, economics, and more. However, our cultural ties are equally vibrant, encompassing both popular and classical domains. The rising global popularity of K-culture has been met with immense enthusiasm here in India, and I am always grateful for the warm reception Korean culture receives.

In the realm of classical arts, the INKO Centre plays a pivotal role, organizing a variety of activities, including art exhibitions, music events, cinema screenings, and literary exchanges.

I firmly believe that culture is essential for deepening bilateral relationships. While economic ties address material needs, culture touches the human spirit, fostering mutual understanding and friendship. Therefore, cultural cooperation is not only important but also inevitable for building lasting connections.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The cultural industry holds immense power in today’s world. In the past, hegemonic nations like the United States dominated global cultural industries. However, with the advent of social media, cultural influence is no longer exclusive to superpowers. Even smaller countries with creative and dynamic industries can have a global impact. Korea’s entertainment and cinema industries are prime examples of this shift, making Korea a cultural powerhouse.

India, with its slogan “Incredible India,” beautifully captures its diversity, creativity, and unpredictability. Indian culture—whether through yoga, cuisine, or cinema—is already celebrated globally for its richness and depth.

As India’s cultural industries and institutions expand their global reach, Indian culture will undoubtedly gain an even larger international audience. In this regard, the role of classical arts cannot be underestimated, as they provide the foundation upon which popular culture thrives.

In closing, I commend the Music Academy Madras for its contributions to classical fine arts through music and dance, as well as its successful hosting of the annual Margazhi Festival over the past nine decades. The Academy’s reputation as a preeminent institution of excellence is well-deserved, both domestically and internationally.

This Dance Festival has become a signature event in this cultural capital of India. Held in the Tamil month of Margazhi, as we anticipate the harvest festival of Pongal, this festival embodies new beginnings, aspirations, and the transformative power of the arts as a vehicle of hope.

As today, January 3rd, marks the start of a new year and comes just before Pongal, I would like to conclude my remarks with a New Year greeting in English, Korean, and Tamil:

Happy New Year, 새해 복 많이 받으세요, Puthandu Vaalthukkal

Thank you.