In a celebration of Korean culture and the ever-evolving world of webtoons, the Korean Cultural Center in Washington, D.C. hosted the "Beyond the Scene" exhibition on Saturday, September 30. This special event featured two beloved Korean webtoons, "The Red Sleeve" and "Jeong-Nyeon," captivating the hearts of over 160 visitors who gathered at the center for a weekend filled with culture and entertainment. 

In partnership with the Korea Manhwa Contents Agency (KOMACON), Beyond the Scene highlights the new perspectives of technology-based consumers and the traditional Korean culture brought to life through the unique medium of webtoons. Through lush print and digital displays in English, the exhibition showcases the rich narratives, visual elements, and diverse themes explored in today’s webtoons, which evolved out of traditional literature, history, and print comics.

In collaboration with the Cultural Heritage Administration and the city of Namwon, the exhibition provides an opportunity to see and experience the lavish hanbok and royal culture depicted in the webtoons. Additionally, visitors can enjoy the scenic views of Namwon's Gwanghallu Garden, a filming location for K-dramas.

The exhibition is divided into three thematic sections: From History to Story: The Red Sleeve, With Memories and Records: Jeong-Nyeon, and Journey to K-Heritage, each with different stories and context to explore.

Visitors were able to freely view the exhibition held on the second floor of the Korean Cultural Center. Later in the afternoon, visitors were also able to experience various Korean cultural performance and traditional Korean crafts and coloring activities. A Pansori performance by the Washington Sorichung, Haegeum performance by Ji Seung Kim and K-pop performances by the K-Pop community dance group 4M3THYST & Konnect DMV lit up the stage. There was also a raffle for tickets to see the K-pop band "The Rose," cosmetics, merchandise and more. 

The event drew attention from not only locals, but also from webtoon enthusiasts across the United States. User @konnect2gether traveled from Denver, Colorado to Washington, D.C. and shared on social media "All of the rooms and activities they had set up were so fun and educational, it is truly a beautiful way to celebrate the 70th US-Korea alliance. Being an avid Webtoon reader I am so happy I got to travel and see it." 

For those who couldn't make it on the opening day, Beyond the Scene will remain on view until October 25, 2023 (KCCDC regular walk-in hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., excluding 12 – 1 p.m., Monday – Friday). No RSVP is required during regular walk-in hours.