In this swinging, musical drama set during the Korean War, the soldiers at a POW camp plan a tap show to distract both themselves and the prisoners from the hardships of war. Led by a former Broadway dancer and a rebellious North Korean soldier, the band of prisoners find a new sense of freedom in dancing.   The unique style and energy of Swing Kids (2018) earned filmmaker Kang Hyeong-cheol the Best Director prize at the prestigious BaekSang Arts Awards, among other plaudits for the film.   Free with an RSVP! Complimentary snacks. In Korean with English subtitles. Not rated. 133 minutes.   Swing Kids (스윙키즈) Tuesday, April 22 at 6:00 PM (seating opens at 5:30 PM) Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (2370 Massachusetts Ave. NW) RSVP FOR THIS EVENT!

Immature Dae-soo and foul-mouthed Mi-ra are young, reckless, and in love. At age 17, they must rely on one another as they anxiously welcome an unexpected child without family support. Ah-reum is a beautiful boy but afflicted by progeria, a rare genetic disorder that results in rapid aging. Later, at age 17 but physically in his 80s, Ah-reum tries to recount the love story of his parents as his final gift to them.   Director E J-Yong’s unique and moving 2014 drama My Brilliant Life was based on the 2011 novel "Doogeundoogeun Nae Insaeng" by Kim Ae-Ran screen internationally at the Hawaii International Film Festival and the Udine Far East Film, among others.   Free with an RSVP! Complimentary snacks. In Korean with English subtitles. Not rated. 110 minutes.   My Brilliant Life (두근두근 내인생) Wednesday, April 9 at 6:00 PM (seating opens at 5:30 PM) Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (2370 Massachusetts Ave. NW) RSVP FOR THIS EVENT!

Join us at the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) for our latest K-Culture Talk, An Evening of Korean Poetry and Art Songs, in collaboration with the talented members and performs of the Asian American Music Society (AAMS)!   Art Songs, also known as Lied music in parts of Europe, are a traditional form of sung poetry. Known in Korean as Gagok, the popular classical genre adapts a European concept with Korean aesthetics, lyrics, expression, and musicality. This event aims to introduce the beauty of Korean culture through its poetry and art songs, offering a unique opportunity to explore the genre’s deep emotional and cultural significance. With growing interest in Korean culture now exploring subtleties of storytelling, creative expression, and language, this workshop offers a chance to experience firsthand a fusion of Korean poetry and music, delving into the Gagok genre’s emotional and artistic depth.   The program will feature AAMS guest artists Dr. Mira Yang (soprano), Dr. Min Jin (tenor), Dr. Kwon Kee Sun (soprano), Dr. Hong Eunyoung (soprano), and Dr. Lee Seung Yun (pianist), as well as special guest performers Nancy McLean, Kelly Cooper, Michaela Marin, David Meng, Doha Tawfiq, and Kim Seung-kyo, and talented student artists from George Mason University.    Featured performances will include “Song of Farewell” (poem by Park Mok-wol), “A Thousand Winds” (poem by Kim Seong-gyu), “There Lives a Child in My Heart” (poem by Yun Dong-ju), “Dream of Love” (poem by Lee Baek-su), “Though Life Deceives You” (poem by Lee Tae-baek), “First Love” (poem by Kim So-wol), “On a Happy Morning” (poem by Han Yong-un), “Snow” (poem by Jang Deok-su), and “Longing, Longing” (from the classical Korean pansori Chunhyang with music by Ahn Ik-tae).   The workshop portion of the event will introduce famous Korean poems and their musical adaptations, each revealing the harmonious interplay of two art forms. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the meaning behind each art song through live performances and discussion before meeting the artists and speakers over a light Korean reception after the program.   Founded in 1989, AAMS is dedicated to promoting Asian music in the United States through concerts, workshops, and cultural events. AAMS has worked with prestigious venues including the Kennedy Center and Washington, D.C. embassies and diplomatic missions, playing a key role in cultural exchange and public engagement.   An Evening of Korean Poetry and Art Songs Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 6:30 PM Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C.  Free with an RSVP (below).  RSVP FOR THIS EVENT! (coming soon)   About the Asian American Music Society   The Asian American Music Society (AAMS) was founded in 1989 to promote an appreciation of all forms of music and to celebrate the unique contributions of different cultures to the world of music. AAMS achieves this through concerts, workshops, galas, and various events throughout the Washington, D.C. region. Officially formed in 1993 and incorporated in 1996, AAMS comprises performing members, regular members, an executive committee, and a board of directors representing diverse Asian American communities. AAMS supports diverse cultural functions and has collaborated with prominent organizations including the Kennedy Center and Washington, D.C. embassies. AAMS produced the world premiere of the Chinese contemporary opera Lan-Ying, and has hosted the Asian Song Festival and Asian Chamber Music Festival. The organization also regularly supports the Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration at the Kennedy Center and has presented artists at U.S. government functions, including in partnerships with NASA and the FBI. AAMS hosts annual music competitions for K-12 students and college students and organizes special events including the Bethesda Summer Music Festival and the AAMS Emerging Artist Workshop.   About the Musicians   Dr. Mira Yang (Soprano) Dr. Mira Yang earned her Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Catholic University of America, a Master of Music degree from the Peabody Conservatory, and a Bachelor of Music from Ewha Womans University. She studied at the Hochschule Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria, and in Italy with Iris Adami Coradetti and the Società dei Concerti. Dr. Yang also attended AIMS in Graz, Austria, the Altenburg Academy in Germany, and the Minnesota Opera Center with Wesley Balk. Additionally, she participated in the Dicapo Opera summer program and the Shaker Mountain Festival. She served as a Maryland State Arts Council Panelist and has lectured on Vocal Science and Health at various international conventions, including those in China, Finland, and Korea. Dr. Yang is the president of the Asian American Music Society (AAMS), serves as the Chair for the Students Voice Competition for the Friday Morning Music Club in Washington, D.C., and is the Artistic Director for the AAMS Winter Workshop at the REACH at the Kennedy Center, the AAMS International Summer Music Institute across Europe and Southeast Asia, and the Bethesda Summer Music Festival. She has also been an Adjunct Professor at American University and the Catholic University of America. Currently, she is a voice professor at George Mason University and a Community Advisory Board member at the Kennedy Center.   Dr. Min Jin (Tenor) Dr. Min Jin has performed with numerous opera companies in both America and Korea. As an oratorio soloist, he has sung in notable works such as Messiah, Elijah, Missa Solemnis, The Creation, and The Seasons, with renowned orchestras including the Rochester Philharmonic, New Jersey Philharmonic, and Russian National Symphony. Dr. Jin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Music from the Department of Religious Music at Chongshin University, a Master of Music from Mannes College of Music, and a DMA from the Eastman School of Music. He previously taught at Michigan Grand Valley State University and is currently an Associate Professor of Voice at Towson University in Maryland. Additionally, he serves as the music director of the Washington Korean Ensemble and is the President of the Korean American Music Association.   Dr. Kee Sun Kwon (Soprano) Soprano Kee Sun Kwon, a faculty member at the Catholic University of America, performed as a soloist in the “Songs of the Forgotten War” concert on the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage and with the Hines-Lee Opera Ensemble during the Opera Gala also at the Kennedy Center. She made her New York debut at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall and is a prizewinner of the Gerda Lissner Foundation in New York. Ms. Kwon also received the Peabody Career Development Grant.   Dr. Eunyoung Hong (Soprano) Dr. Eunyoung Hong graduated with a Bachelor of Music from Ewha Womans University, a Master of Music from Indiana University Bloomington (Jacobs School of Music), and a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree from The Catholic University of America. She has performed in several operas, including Le nozze di Figaro, Un ballo in Maschera, The Merry Widow, Hänsel und Gretel, and Nolbuya, and has appeared in numerous solo recitals and duo concerts with orchestras. Dr. Hong has served as a part-time faculty member at Myongji University, Chugye University for the Arts, and Chonnam National University. Currently, she teaches at Sunhwa Arts High School and is the representative of Shine Arts Company.   Dr. Seung Yun Lee (Pianist) Dr. Seung Yun Lee graduated from Yonsei University with a degree in Piano Performance and earned a Master of Music and Professional Studies Certificate from the Manhattan School of Music in New York. She received her Doctorate in Collaborative Piano from the Graduate School of Sungshin Women’s University. Dr. Lee has also completed courses at the Nice International Music Academy and the Icicle Creek Chamber Music Institute. She has performed at notable events such as Songfest and the Granada Spanish Song Festival. A former lecturer at Seoul National University, Gachon University, Sungshin Women’s University, Dongduk Women’s University, Hansei University, and Seoul Jangsin University, Dr. Lee is a member of the Korean Accompanists Association.

Calling all travelers to Korea!   The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) is hosting a 2025 K-Tourism Talk Show this spring to help experienced Korea travelers share tips and insights with future visitors!   Whether you’re an urban explorer, K-food adventurer, backpacker, nature tourist, or K-Pop concert chaser, we want to hear about your experiences in Korea. Guest presenters will have a chance to share their valuable knowledge during our live show event, including travel planning tips, favorite destinations, getting around in Korea, and memorable moments. Sharing your insights will help inspire others to plan their own trips with confidence and excitement. The event will be open to the public for the benefit of everyone itching to travel to Korea.   Those interested in being a guest presenter can apply now, and a separate RSVP to attend the event and listen in will be announced later. For more on how to apply, see the details below.   Overview   Event Dates: April and May, 2025 (two dates will be determined based on applications) Presenter Application Deadline: March 24, 2025 Announcement of Results: March 31 Guest Presenter Compensation: $200   Requirements   Those applying to be a guest presenter should: ●have been to Korea within the past three years as a tourist or for primarily personal reasons (excluding travel primarily for business or study) ●be willing to share their Korea travel experiences at the event in a brief presentation utilizing their personal pictures, video, social media content, or other multimedia for about 10 minutes, and to engage in Q&A with the audience ●be able to attend the event in-person in Washington, D.C. in April or May, 2025 ●submit sample multimedia content as part of their application and presentation materials if selected (powerpoint preferred)   How to Apply   To apply to be a guest presenter, please complete the online application form below. Be sure to either include links to samples of your multimedia content in the form or else send your sample multimedia files in a followup email to Dongkyu Kim at dongkyu.kim@mofa.or.kr after completing the form. Be sure to include your name and information in any followup email to match it with your application! Those who are selected to be featured at the event will be contacted directly by email and compensation will be provided after the event. APPLY TO BE A GUEST PRESENTER!   Questions?   For assistance or any questions, please contact Dongkyu Kim at dongkyu.kim@mofa.or.kr.  

We are excited to introduce the newly established traditional market display in the Media Room on the first floor of the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. The wall features scenes from Seoul's Gwangjang Market and Bupyeong Kkangtong Market, along with iconic Korean street foods such as tteokbokki and various Korean side dishes. Additionally, there is a space where visitors can experience Korean food models like kimchi and tteokguk (rice cake soup) alongside traditional Korean tableware, including chopsticks and spoons, on a traditional low table. Visitors are also welcome to freely try on a hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) during their visit to the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C..