Korean Culture Night, hosted Wednesday evening by the Korean student group Hanoolim, combined modern elements and cultural performances into a play titled “Jung” to express the importance and value of family and friendship.
For more than 20 years, Korean Culture Night has been held annually at UCLA to highlight the Korean community in Los Angeles. Since 2005, the event has been a cohesive production, said Jasmine Choi, production manager of the event.
“I think Korean Culture Night is a wonderful opportunity for not only Korean American students to learn about Korean culture, but the Los Angeles community,” Choi said.
The production incorporated a romantic comedy interwoven with traditional and modern Korean elements, such as Korean drumming, traditional dance and hip-hop.
“In the past, we have been covering historical things like the war. This year is more contemporary. We’re hoping the audience can relate to it,” said Lisa Kim, public relations manager of Korean Culture Night.
The script is original, written by the Korean Culture Night undergraduate staff, an extensive group of about 30 people.
The performance followed a high school student named Jung and his struggles with his family. He falls in love with a new girl in town and learns important values and life lessons through the symbolism of Korean traditional drumming, or poongmul, Choi said. The climax of the story ended with the annual Korean festival held in Los Angeles.
The event was sponsored by local businesses in Koreatown who paid for the set and costumes.
“It’s very encouraging for big businesses to care about students. We work hard to make it free for everyone and for it to be a great experience for everyone who watches it. This is the heart of Korean Culture Night,” Choi said.