The Korea – Japan Youth Concert 2025 was held for the first time at the Korean Cultural Center Osaka. The performance took place in the newly built Nuri Hall, located in the center’s new building which opened in 2024, and was well received.
We spoke with Director Kim Hyesue of the Korean Cultural Center Osaka, who kindly supported this event, to hear her thoughts on the concert and on the value of cultural exchange.
- Full Concert Video: Korea – Japan Youth Concert 2025
Min-On: Thank you very much for giving us this invaluable opportunity to interview you. We would be delighted to hear your impressions of this special collaboration, especially since it was the first time to hold a concert in Osaka.
Ms. Kim Hyesue: First, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone at Min-On for organizing such a wonderful performance. I understand this was your seventh time holding this event in Tokyo, but since it was the first in Osaka, I truly felt that building a hall in our new center was worthwhile.
I heard that in the Tokyo performances, artists collaborated not only in traditional music but in various genres as well. It would be a great joy for us if young artists from both countries who are working hard in diverse fields can be given more opportunities to come back to Osaka again.
Min-On: This year marks the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan. In particular, cultural and people-to-people exchange between Korea and Japan, and particularly Osaka, seems to be growing more active than ever, deepening the friendship between our countries. Based on your work at the Cultural Center, could you share your thoughts on the power and significance of music and cultural exchange?
Ms. Kim Hyesue: Personally, although I had been in charge of cultural policy and matters related to that arena, it wasn’t until I came to the Cultural Center that I got involved in organizing performances and exhibitions.
After the concerts, I quietly listened to the audience as they joyfully shared their impressions on the way out, and saw the proud expressions of the artists after completing a perfectly synchronized performance. Moments such as these make me truly feel the power of culture.
Especially in performances like this one, where the instruments and rhythms are so similar, and where artists are able to harmonize through music even without speaking a common language—it gives the audience a strong sense of how culturally close our two countries are.
I hope we can continue to create many such opportunities for exchange and maintain a lasting partnership with Min-On. Thank you again, and I look forward to our continued collaboration.
- Full Concert Video: Korea – Japan Youth Concert 2025
◆ Min-On Music Journey: South Korea Edition
The Korea Edition of the Min-On Music Journey beautifully showcases the charm of Korean culture and music.
Embark on this cultural journey through the following link:
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Min-On Concert Association
–Music Binds Our Hearts–
