Formed in 2024 through choir singing classes at the Korean Cultural Center in Brazil, the Sejong Choir began with 22 students and a repertoire of eight Korean songs and one Brazilian piece. The group gave nine performances in various venues, receiving an enthusiastic response from audiences.
In 2025, the choir grew to around 40 members and now rehearses joyfully every Friday at the Oswald de Andrade Building in Bom Retiro, expanding its repertoire with new songs. The focus this year is on improving musical skills and aiming for a dedicated concert in the second half of the year.
"It sometimes feels like the Sejong Choir is made up of true fans of Korean culture — even more passionate than many Koreans," say instructors Leandro Roverso (pianist) and Daniel Lee (vocalist). "The enthusiasm to overcome language and musical barriers makes us even more excited for what’s to come."
The group expresses deep gratitude to Director Kim Chul Hong and Coordinator Lee Dong Hyun from the Korean Cultural Center, as well as everyone involved, for making this journey possible.
Jaqueline Ribeiro, a student from the choir, gave the following testimony:
"자세히보아야 예쁘다.
오래보아야 사랑 스럽다.
너도 그렇다."
(It takes a close look to find its beauty.
It takes a long look to find its love.
The same goes for you.)
— 풀꽃 (Grass Flower) by 나태주 (Na Tae-ju)
"I read this poem at the 'Florescer' exhibition at KCC Brazil in 2023. A year later, my journey with the Sejong Choir began. As the poem says: ‘It takes a close look to find its beauty.’
I once admired Korean culture from afar, but through the choir, I was able to deepen my understanding and see its beauty through Korean music.
The warmth in the Korean community’s eyes during our performances felt like a natural and gentle bridge between our cultures — a path filled with flowers.
Music breaks language barriers and builds a connection. A bridge called friendship also unites the Sejong Choir, born from our shared love for Korean culture.
Embracing Korean culture through music has brought me much learning, as well as many smiles and hugs — just like we sing in one of our songs: ‘내 친구를 꼭 안아줄래요’ (I want to give my friend a warm hug).
I hope to keep embracing this beautiful culture through the Sejong Choir."
Current Repertoire:
• Hopeful Nation (희망의 나라로)
• Grandma Coburã (꼬부랑 할머니)
• Miryang Arirang (밀양아리랑)
• In the Name of Family (가족이라는 이름)
• Can’t Forget (못잊어)
• Will You Give Me a Hug? (꼭 안아줄래요)
• Beautiful Country (아름다운 나라)
• I’ll Wait for You (마중)
• The Bluebird (파랑새)
2024 Performances:
Clube Pinheiros, KCCB Busking, Korean Culture Festival (Tiradentes Square and Oswald Andrade), USP, Korean Catholic Church, EMMSP Conservatory Hall, event by Professor Sandra Jang, and KCCB Student Festival.