The Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria has recorded growing interest among Nigerian youth through its months long film and cultural screening series, which gradually evolved into a dance centred programme that resonated strongly with its audience. This pattern, officials say, was not accidental. It was shaped by the responses of young Nigerians who gravitated toward stories expressed through movement, rhythm, and visual performance.
Speaking with the External Relations, Education, and Programme Officer at the Centre, Chidinma Tobins, explained that the team noticed how dance served as a common thread between cultures. She said many of the screened films featured diverse casts and cross-cultural narratives, showing how different societies tell their stories through movement. She also noted that Nigerians have long shown a natural love for dance.
According to her, K-pop competitions hosted by the Centre regularly attract large crowds, with Nigerian participants often emerging victorious. Although the recent screenings were not K-pop themed, she said the emphasis on dance made the experience familiar and appealing to the audience. Many attendees, she said, were drawn to the emotional depth behind the performances, not just the choreography. However, she acknowledged the challenge of keeping the programme dynamic.
According to her, the films for the year had been pre-selected, but next year would feature a more balanced mix of artistic expressions based on formal requests to the Centre’s partners. Despite occasional comments from viewers who were not inclined toward ballet or classical arts, the Centre still recorded a consistent presence of returning attendees. Tobins estimated that about 70 percent of the participants each month were familiar faces, with the rest being first timers who heard about the programme through friends. She attributed the steady growth to word of mouth and the curiosity of young people who were eager to explore another culture.
A student and one of the participants, Mildred Obiebi, said the screenings have become an avenue for cultural discovery. She described the sessions as intriguing and educational, noting that each film revealed new aspects of Korean life and traditions. Over the months, she said she has learned more about the country’s values by observing how everyday experiences are expressed through dance, drama, and performance.
For her, the screenings have not only been entertaining but have also deepened her understanding of Korea’s cultural identity. She added that she plans to continue attending regardless of the format, as long as the Centre preserves the educational value of the programme.