Seoul, April 3 The South Korean and French Culture ministers met Friday to discuss strengthening cooperation in culture, arts and related industries as the nations host a series of events marking the 140th anniversary of their diplomatic ties.
During the meeting in Seoul, South Korea's Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister Chae Hwi-young and French Culture Minister Catherine Pegard also vowed to closely cooperate on the anniversary celebrations, Yonhap News Agency reported.
French programming began March 7 in Bucheon, about 23 kilometres southwest of Seoul, with a concert by the Bucheon Philharmonic Orchestra. French principal conductor Adrien Perruchon led the performance, featuring rising French pianist Arielle Beck as a soloist.
Additional cultural exchange events, including exhibitions, performances and film events, are scheduled throughout the year in both countries.
The ministers, during the meeting, shared views on the growing influence of cultural heritage and contemporary creative content in lifestyle industries, including gastronomy, beauty, fashion and tourism.
Chae expressed hope that the two nations will share experiences and deepen communication to make cultural heritage and creative content key drivers of future growth. He cited the K-pop supergroup BTS and its globally livestreamed performance at Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square last month as an example of expanding economic impact.
Earlier Friday, with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron in attendance, the countries exchanged letters amending the Korea-France Agreement on Cultural and Technological Cooperation. The amendment aims to boost collaboration in film, music, webtoons, e-sports and publishing. The nations plan to use the revised agreement as a foundation to broaden cooperation across creative industries.
Meanwhile, South Korea's First lady Kim Hea Kyung and French first lady Brigitte Macron visited the National Museum of Korea on Friday to view key exhibits with cultural ties between the two countries and exchange views on cultural cooperation.
The first ladies toured the exhibition hall of the Uigwe -- royal protocol manuscripts from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) -- which have historical ties to France, as Brigitte accompanied French President Emmanuel Macron on his state visit to South Korea.
The Uigwe were taken by French troops during the 1866 French campaign against Korea and were returned to South Korea in 2011 under a long-term renewable loan arrangement after 145 years.
Kim expressed gratitude that Korea's valuable historical records were well preserved by France and its allowance to display them, according to deputy spokesperson Ahn Gwi-ryeong.
"We are grateful that they were well preserved in France, which has allowed us to display them," Kim said was quoted as saying.
Brigitte responded that the documents were well preserved and added that they could help children learn important values.
The two also toured the museum's "Room of Contemplation," where there are two Pensive Bodhisattva statues -- among the museum's most celebrated treasures.
As Kim explained that the Buddhist sculptures capture a moment of deep contemplation and enlightenment, reminiscent of French sculptor Auguste Rodin's "The Thinker," Brigitte expressed agreement, Ahn said.
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