KCCN holds poetry fiesta to mark centenary of Korean independence

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The Korean Cultural Center in Nigeria (KCCN) has organized the 9th edition of the Korea-Nigeria poetry fiesta in Abuja to mark the centenary of the Korean independence movement.
The poetry feast, also featured photo exhibition and short Korean drama by Arojah Theater, to the admiration of the audience, who are mainly students and friends of the Korean people.
In particular, there were three categories of awards for the poetry competition, ranging from the adult and student category to Ambassador’s prize.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Lee In-tae, revealed that the theme for this year’s Korea-Nigeria poetry competition was ‘Decided for Independence’.
Represented by Counselor Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the Republic of Korea, Dohwan Kim, he explained that all the talented poets were assembled to reflect and express their thoughts to full on the meaning of freedom, liberty, and self-determination, along with the noble sacrifice compatriots made to entrench these values in both Korean and Nigeria.
He added that alongside with short play, the photo exhibition will help to call to everyone’s mind, the whole timeline and stories of the March 1st 1919 movement.
“Korean people will always remember the noble sacrifice of our parents’ generation, who independent ardently wished free, peaceful and independent nation and courageously raised their voice and stood up against any unjust suppression,” he stressed.
Similarly, the KCCN Director, Lee Jin Su, recalled that the March 1st movement laid the foundation for Korea’s Independence in 1945.
He explained that a young woman named Yu Gwan-sun was notable among the characters depicted in the short drama by Arojah Theater, who was arrested while leading a demonstration but kept shouting”long live independent Korea” even in prison, and eventually died in prison from injuries caused by torture.
Highlights of the event included presentation of awards to recipients, who came first, second and third.