By Honorary Reporter Choi King Chiu from Hong Kong
Photos = Choi King Chiu

Banners advertising the concert hang at the KCC in Hong Kong.

The Korean Cultural Centre in Hong Kong on Nov. 18 held "Festive Korea 2023: K-Drama OST Live Concert" at its Concert Hall. I attended the afternoon edition, which featured classic drama scenes and live performances by Korean and Hong Kong artists and Korea's MOST Orchestra conducted by Park In-young.

The performance uses a huge screen to display scenes from classic K-dramas to accompany the music.

The concert commenced with a breathtaking performance by the orchestra of music from four hit K-dramas and a medley from six iconic series spanning the past two decades, from the historical drama "Jewel in the Palace" (2003) to the global smash "Squid Game" (2021).

Seeing scenes from "Jewel in the Palace," I was instantly transported back in time and overwhelmed with nostalgia, as this drama was my initiation into the K-drama realm through its beautiful aesthetics.

The second part of the concert featured performances by Korean artists Sam Kim and Kim Na-young. Their renditions of poignant drama music intertwined with the love stories of the series' leading characters created an emotional resonance. The combination of live performances and drama scenes added a layer of intimacy, rekindling the emotions associated with each narrative.

The third segment aimed to foster cultural exchange between Korea and Hong Kong. Hong Kong artists Gigi Yim and Barry Ip played the Cantonese versions of K-drama music as well as that from the famous Hong Kong movies "Days of Being Wild" (1990) and "Chungking Express" (1994). These performances stimulated nostalgia, bringing the audience back to the golden era of Hong Kong cinema, a period also fondly remembered by Koreans.

Musicians greet the audience after their performance.

The conclusion was led by Korean artist Gaho, filling the hall with uplifting and rhythmic melodies. Tracks like "Yellow Light" from "King the Land" (2023) and "Running" from "Start-Up" (2020) prompted enthusiastic clapping and grooving. The last piece, "Start Over" from "Itaewon Class" (2020), used its lively melody and addictive chorus to bring the concert to a climactic end. 

The audience sang the chorus together, gave thunderous applause and shouted for an encore, so the concert saw music from the classic Hong Kong movie "A Better Tomorrow" (1986) accompanied by scenes from the film. The male Korean and Hong Kong artists also wore sunglasses to playfully impersonate the beloved character Brother Mark.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.