Welcome Reception ASEAN-Korea Music Festival – 2024 ROUND in Korea
Welcoming Remarks

by Amb. KIM Gheewhan, President, The Korea Foundation
Saturday, July 6, 2024
Auditorium, KF ASEAN Culture House, Busan

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.

Welcome to the ASEAN Culture House. Thank you for coming.

I am Gheewhan Kim, president of the Korea Foundation.

I thank KBS president, Mr. PARK Min, Ambassador HONG Seok-in, Deputy Minister for Public Diplomacy, Laos Ambassador, H.E. Songkane Luangmuninthone (쏭깐 루앙무닌턴), esteemed ASEAN Ambassadors, and distinguished guests for being present today.

It is my great honor and pleasure to co-host the Korea-ASEAN Music Festival with KBS in Busan today.

I am really pleased to say that Korea Foundation is actively engaging in the Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative, or “KASI.”

Solidarity and cooperation with ASEAN member states composes one of key elements of Korea’s Indo-Pacific strategy that aims to uphold together freedom, peace and prosperity in the region.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Korea-ASEAN Dialogue Partnership, and hosting the Korea-ASEAN Music Festival today could not be more timely or more appropriate.

Music is a great promoter of mutual understanding and exchanges, connecting people and bridging minds.

The Korea Foundation will continue to work closely in order to expand opportunities for experiencing cultural diversity and richness with ASEAN member states.

I thank Korean and ASEAN artists, musicians, and all those involved with this wonderful festival for their outstanding performances and valuable contributions.

Again I thank KBS president, Mr. Park Min and his staff for co-hosting and preparing this wonderful festival in Busan today.

Thank you.