“Ari, Arirang…”
The lyrics of the song "Arirang" filled the Iksan Arts Center in Iksan City, Jeollabuk-do (North Jeolla Province), on Aug. 15, marking the 70th anniversary of Korean independence.

This was all part of the “Hello, Mr. K” concert, a series of performances aimed at introducing traditional and modern Korean music to non-Korean people living in Korea.

During the concert, audience members at the concert venue were able to learn more about the characteristics of the local varieties of the popular folk song “Arirang.” They also sang together some of the more well-known local versions of "Arirang," such as “Miryang Arirang,” “Jindo Arirang” and “Jajin Ari.”

The concert was also in honor of the recent decision by UNESCO to include the city’s historic Baekje Kingdom sites on its list of World Heritage locations. The concert attracted about 1,200 people, including Iksan citizens, multicultural families, international students, overseas workers and soldiers.



The concert featured music from various genres, ranging from "Arirang" by traditional singer Kim Yong-woo, who introduced the beauty of the traditional folk song, the traditional percussion and outdoor dance troupe Gwanggaeto Samulnori, the Saengdonggam Crew, an LED dance troupe, the Yoon Hee-Seok Band, actress and singer Yoon Son-ha and the Ulala Session.

Backed by their strong singing ability, the Ulala Session presented a stage full of passion and received an enthusiastic response from the crowd during their hit songs “Pretty Woman” and “Beautiful Night.” The band also performed at the pre-event for the 70th anniversary of independence a day earlier at Seoul Plaza where they also received a favorable response from the crowd.

The Saengdonggam Crew LED dance troupe also staged a radiant performance of vivid light and dynamic movements in the dark, and received a lot of plaudits. To see their video, please visit https://youtu.be/TDpyRWZDppw.

Article by Yoon Sojung
Photos: Jeon Han
Korea.net Staff Writers
arete@korea.kr