Reuters of the U.K. on Nov. 2 carried a story on a cultural campaign to mark the 70th year of the Korea-U.S. alliance under the headline "South Korea, U.S. mark alliance with rap song, fashion, and beer." (Screen capture from Reuters' website)

By Choi Jin-woo
Video = Republic of Korea Government's official YouTube channel

A British media outlet has covered cultural events marking the 70th anniversary of Korea's bilateral alliance with the U.S.

In the article headlined "South Korea, U.S. mark alliance with rap song, fashion and beer," Reuters on Nov. 2 said, "Korea is marking the 70th anniversary of its U.S. alliance with much fanfare, including a public information campaign featuring a K-pop-inspired rap song, with the partners extolling closer ties as global tensions rise." 

"The government's information campaign for the anniversary features a video, broadcast on social media and in cinemas, that includes a clip of that sing-song, along with images of the two countries' flags and the rap song," it added. 

One of the song's lyrics said, "A perfect chemistry protecting freedom and solidarity, mutually advantageous for industry and the economy." 

"The conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol hailed the importance of the alliance on a visit to the White House this year, where he sang the hit 'American Pie' for President Joe Biden," the article said.

Reuters said the Korean Embassy in Washington last month hosted a Hanbok (traditional clothing) fashion show last month to mark the 70th anniversary of the alliance featuring outfits sporting the designs of the Korean national flag Taegeukgi and that of the U.S., the Stars and Stripes. 

The story also mentioned that the U.S. Embassy in Seoul is observing the milestone with the limited edition Alliance Pale Ale made by a Korean brewery with ingredients from both countries. The can displays the Korean tiger and the American eagle.

Reuters also mentioned a public perception survey on ties with the U.S. conducted this year, saying, "Overall, about one in two South Koreans believe the alliance should be strengthened, according to a Gallup Korea poll commissioned by the government in September."

paramt@korea.kr