AIA International supported 2023 Culture Month in South Korea.
Sinan, the host of the 2023 Culture Month event, boasts stunning natural features like tidal flats and 1,004 UNESCO World Heritage-designated islands. At the heart of the event was a 100+4 piano, symbolizing Sinan's iconic Sandai culture. The event highlighted Korea's foremost cultural artists, and of course the region’s vast islands. Presented through creative artwork was a new world-class ‘playground’ that bridged generations, traditions, and modernity, welcoming people from East and West.
Day 1: October 20, 2023
100+4 Piano Orchestra Concert
On the first day, at the special stage in Museum Park, South Korea's renowned 104 pianists including Edwin Sungpil Kim were scheduled to deliver a piano performance under the direction of Pianist and Director Lim Dong-chang. However, a powerful gust of wind, so strong that it nearly lifted the large stage, forced a cancellation of the pre-event. The organizers attempted to mitigate the wind using round bale silage, but nature proved too formidable to overcome.
In the evening, a gathering of esteemed artists and professionals from diverse fields came together for a stylish Korean dinner. Among them were the celebrated Korean performing artist Gwang Cheol Gim, renowned Egyptian artist Moataz Nasreldin (founding member of ROBO3 Demolition), renowned movie special effects supervisor Sun-il Jeong, Mori Building Senior Expert Tomoko Shinagawa, and AIA International Secretary Segene Park (International Secretary of AIA).
Segene and the event manager were in the midst of a discussion about the structure's stability during a severe wind condition.
Day 2: October 21, 2023
Seminar
On the second day, following the unfortunate cancellation of the first day of the piano event, the program commenced with a seminar led by renowned installation artist James Turrell. Turrell, who had visited Sinan, shared his deep appreciation during an engaging 'Artist Talk' that brought together participants from all corners of the globe. Turrell expressed, "The island's beauty truly captivated me, and our discussions revolved around the island, its luminance, the sun, the melodic cadence of the waves, and the enchantment of starlight."
Day 2: October 21, 2023
Official Opening Event: Sinnan Sandai
In the evening, the main event took place, resiliently facing the continuing cold and windy weather. The distinguished guest list included Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yoo In-chon, South Jeolla Province Governor Kim Young-rok, National Assembly member Seo Sam-seok, Shinan County Mayor Park Woo-ryang, notable figures like James Turrell and his wife, AIA International Secretary Segene Park, former ambassadors of Japan and the UK (currently serving as chair-professors at Korea National Defense University), such as Kentaro Ohyama, Chairman of Iris Oyama, and many other well-known individuals who actively participated in this event.
Among the highlights of the event were the enchanting melodies of 104 pianos, a captivating performance by the students of Sinan Abhae-dong Elementary School choir, which beautifully encapsulated the themes of the 'sea' and 'whales,' and an awe-inspiring tightrope walking act that unfolded amidst blustery winds. These performances seamlessly blended elements of both Eastern and Western cultures, leaving an indelible impression on over 5,000 on-site spectators, who couldn't help but break into applause.
The sound was recorded by two-time Grammy Award winner Byoung Joon Hwang.
Photo by Dukgwan Moon
Day 2: October 21, 2023
Picnic & Birthday Party
On the second day, a group of guests decided to organize a delightful beachfront picnic during lunchtime, setting the stage for a memorable gathering. The picnic preparations were orchestrated by Sun-Il Jeong and his family, with Sun-Il's daughter DN Jung, taking charge of the elegant table setting.
Sun-Il Jeong is a multi-talented individual known for his roles as a special effects supervisor, producer, entrepreneur, and financing manager. This diverse background added a unique touch to the culinary adventure that awaited the guests. To make the occasion even more special, the the renowned Korean chef Youn Whan Lee had diligently sourced and imported all ingredients directly from France, infusing an authentic and international flavor into the event.
Coincidentally, it was Tomoko Shinagawa's birthday, adding an extra layer of celebration to the gathering. With meticulous planning and a touch of love, the chef Youn Whan Lee had skillfully prepared an array of delectable foods and beverages the day prior to the picnic. Despite his initial intention to personally cook for the guests, an unexpected twist of fate required him to fulfill his duty as an examiner at a chef licensing exam.
Among the distinguished guests celebrating Tomoko's birthday were former Alibaba Vice-chairman, Chair of the Korea Hotel Association, the talented artist Moataz Nasreldin, Hongik University Visiting Professor KIA / APEC Architect Dong Hoon Kim, Segene Park, and a host of others who joined in the joyous celebration.
Day 2: October 21, 2023
After-party
On the first day, the after-party featured a performance by Tatarang, a student of pianist and composer Lim Dong Chang. On the second day, the after-party was a gathering of invited guests, including Kentaro Ohyama, Chairman of Iris Group; former minister; Dong-won Kim, Yo-Yo Ma / Cellist, Artistic Director of the Silkroad; Joohong Kim, Renowned traditional singer; Young-Gil Kim, Renowned Ajaeng player National Gugak Center, Korean Ajaeng Research Association Vice Chair; Jin Choi, Renowned Gayageum player; Young-ae Yoo, Traditional singer Living national treasure; Young Hee Shin, Traditional singer Living national treasure; other Korea's top traditional musicians and singers; Segene Park, and many other well-known individuals. The third day's after-party was held with the staff and organizers.
Day 3: October 22, 2023
Closing Ceremony: I'm a pianist
On the 22nd, the 'Purple Love Dance Festival,' held on the special stage at Museum Park in the afternoon, ignited the Cultural Month event with an electrifying dance competition, offering a total prize of 17 million won. Embodying Sinan in shades of purple (or 'love' in Korean, pronounced similarly to 'purple') while infusing it with the essence of the 'sea' ('hae' in Korean), the 'Purple Love' Dance Festival, a first-time occurrence this year, resonated with the distinctive festival culture of the island's residents known as 'Sandai.'
Also on the 22nd, a performance titled 'I'm a Pianist' was presented by both pre-registered participants and on-site performers. This stage, hosted at the special stage at Sinan 1004 Museum Park, welcomed anyone capable of playing at least one of Byel's compositions.
"Seoul Culture Today" newspaper comments by guests
Reporter Bo-yeon Jin (2023.10.26 11:57). Seoul Culture Today
James Turrell, Installation Artist, “Only those who have been part of the setup and takedown of a dome at this event can fully grasp the challenges involved. Planting grass on a once-barren land, constructing the dome, and watching the constant ebb and flow of people. Even if, one day, this space fades away, even if it all dissipates into the wind, the emotions in people's hearts will endure. Culture is a presence that resides within our hearts.”
Tomoko Shinagawa, Senior Expert at the Mori Building, who visited Tokyo, expressed, "I felt the compelling power of art, which is bound to captivate more people in the future, along with the enchanting landscapes of these islands and the warm-hearted people. From traditional arts to contemporary music, the performances felt like a journey through time. I sincerely thank the organizers, participants, and local residents and hope to meet again."
Segene Park, AIA 2023 - 2024 AIA International Secretary, who attended the performance that day, remarked,“Despite the freezing temperatures, guests from Arizona, Cairo, and Tokyo stayed until the very end to witness these heartwarming moments. Even though the first day was canceled, missing out on the piano concert, the second day more than made up for it. Watching Korea's top 104 pianists play together was an amazing experience, and the harmonious blend of their performance with Korea's traditional musicians left a lasting impact. 104 pianists and pianist Lim showcased remarkable professionalism and delivered a world-class performance that truly deserves praise.”
Jae-yoon Kim, the director of the Island Research Institute, raised an intriguing question: "Have there ever been cultural events on the island that drew crowds as massive as 5,000, especially without the presence of a Hallyu star performance? This event unquestionably marked a watershed moment in the history of South Korean islands. The willingness of 5,000 individuals to attend a cultural gathering on a small island defied the notion that the island was culturally desolate, unveiling it as a hidden cultural gem."
Woo-ryang Park, the Mayor of Sinan who witnessed the event, remarked, "It's the first time I've seen so many young friends visit Sinan all at once. We plan to increase the budget next year and consider hosting an international dance competition to make the event even grander."
Baharang (Edwin Sungpil Kim), pianist, commented, "It was an exhilarating experience to see 104 instruments that are typically used for solo performances gathered in one space, where the unique histories and skills of each instrument converged, creating a harmonious atmosphere. In particular, Master Lim Dong-chang's performance, where the piano seamlessly blended with Korean traditional music, reaffirmed that the limits of an instrument are set by the performer themselves. While there is a tinge of regret, thinking, 'If nature had been a bit more forgiving,' I believe this will become a joyful memory that is hard to replicate."
Doyoung Song, a participant from Jeonju, shared, "I was genuinely delighted to be part of the 'I'm a Pianist' stage. The moment when I played 'Arirang' together with people I had just met, using the piano as the instrument, was particularly heartwarming."
Shin Ji, UROCK CEO, added, "It was an honor to be part of the closing stage of the festival. The moment when participants played 'Arirang' together, which was created with four different arrangements, will be a lasting memory. Even in the chat rooms where participants gather, I can still feel the happiness of that moment. I'm most proud of this closing stage."
Hyeong-gi Kang, Chairman of the '2023 Cultural Month Event' Steering Committee, emphasized, "This event was aimed at promoting the cultural diversity of South Korea and declaring Sinan's identity. Although it was an event held on an island, far away from the mainland, on the island of Jeun-do, which requires crossing the sea, many people came to visit. Thanks to the wholehearted efforts of Sinan's residents and the performers, despite challenging conditions, including strong winds, we were able to successfully hold the Cultural Month event."
The video above was also captured by the two-time Grammy Award-winning sound engineer Byoung Joon Hwang. In the second video, you can observe him recording from beneath the tent.
Day 4 & 5: October 23, 2023
Following the event
After the event, Segene Park, AIA, relocated to a resort hotel, departing from his previous stay at the Ramada Encore by Wyndham Qingdao Shinan. During his stay at the resort, he had the pleasure of sharing accommodations with the renowned pianist and composer, Lim Dong Chang, as well as Lim's talented students Tatarang.
The resort was nestled close to an unspoiled beach, where nature's beauty remained untouched. It provided a serene backdrop for Segene and Mr. Lim to engage in a captivating conversation about Mr. Lim's innovative musical creation, known as "허튼가락" (Huhteun Garak). This groundbreaking musical genre transcended established norms, liberating itself from the confines of traditional classical music. It seamlessly blended Western and Eastern musical elements, all while exuding the unique spirit of Korea.
Mr. Lim, and Segene, engaged in a thoughtful discussion regarding the prospective transformation of this area into a captivating "Piano Island." Their conversation revolved around how this concept, which Mr. Lim has dubbed "허튼가락" (Huhteun Garak), could seamlessly incorporate the artistic essence of James Turrell's works.
Acknowledging that the creation of a masterplan for this ambitious endeavor will be a comprehensive undertaking, they are both mindful of the importance of a diligent allocation of time and budget resources. As the project advances, the intricate details and finer points of this visionary plan will be thoroughly explored and discussed.
