By Kim Minji

Despite the worsening of bilateral ties due to Japan's economic retaliation against Korea, the 15th Korea-Japan Culture Festival on Sept. 1 was held without a hitch at COEX.

The festival's performances, exhibitions and programs were held under the theme "15 Years of Festival, and a New Tomorrow" with the slogan "Exciting festival, exciting meetings, enjoying us."

Due to the bilateral trade row worsening diplomatic ties to their lowest point in a long time, it was unclear if this year's festival would be held. Both nations, however, held the event as planned as they agreed that private exchanges must proceed.

Starting things off was a performance by a joint youth choir with members from both countries, followed by performances of jazz by Korean and Japanese high school students, the indie band Padma comprised of members from both nations, the traditional dances of the two countries, and shows by K-pop and J-pop idol groups.

Attended by both Koreans and Japanese, the festival allowed visitors to try on the traditional costumes and sample the food of both countries. They also wrote messages supporting cultural exchanges and shared expressions of regret and reconciliation over deteriorating bilateral relations.

Korean Vice Foreign Minister Lee Tae-ho in a speech emphasized the festival's importance, saying Korea and Japan could wisely go beyond conflict because of their deep-rooted non-governmental cultural exchanges and mutual understanding.

Started in 2005 to mark the 40th anniversary of the treaty that normalized bilateral ties, the festival has been held in Tokyo since 2009; this year's event will run there from Sept. 28-29.

kimmj7725@korea.kr