By Priscilla Osaje
A Korean film, “The Face Reader” which portrays the common practice that existed during Korea traditional times of Joseon era, has been screened for Korean film enthusiasts in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the movie, which was screened on Wednesday at the Korean Cultural Centre in Nigeria (KCCN), is to commemorate the 61st Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival in Korea.
The film is aimed at creating awareness for Korean enthusiasts towards the upcoming festival scheduled for Oct. 4 to 6 in Korea.
The Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival is a landmark festivity usually held in the Suwon region every October in celebration of Suwon citizens’ day.
The cultural festival displayed the city’s rich history and offered a unique opportunity to connect with Korea’s cultural heritage.
‘The Face Reader ‘ tells the story of a man who predicts people’s future by looking at their faces. It is a story of loss, ambition, greed and how small people are swallowed by powerful looking to further their goal.
Ms Chidinma Tobins, Administrative officer of KCCN, told NAN at the screening of the movie that Koreans used the festival to honour the fortress that was built over 228 years ago by king Joseon..
According to her, the event which is held annually in Korea focuses on the fortress and gives opportunities to foreigners to experience how Korea was those days.
“Currently, there is a visit to Korea programme that is on- going in Korea. It could be ‘Write a Bucket List and Win a Trip to Korea’ or something like that.
” It is part of the incentive that Korea has for all. We hope to achieve a lot because the attendees (Nigerians) are Korean enthusiasts that have been to Korea, why some have planned to go,” she said.
Tobins further said that the Korean movie has enlightened Korea film enthusiasts about the festival and the opportunities over there.
“The film simply portrays how it was in those days, seeing this movie and deciding to go to Korea could help them because a lot of traditional things will be given to them to create relationships.
“Though it is the first time, being an annual event may commemorate it every year and we have decided to do it with the movie.
” It is coming up on Oct. 4 to 6, but we have to decide to show it ahead for the sake of those that want to travel at the end of the year to Korea, ” she added.
Some of the Korean enthusiasts, who spoke with NAN commended KCCN for coming up with impactful events that expose Nigerians more to Korean culture.
They said ’The Face Reader ‘ movie had communicated concepts, ideas, and the history of Korea to them.
According to them, the film has helped to shape young Nigerians’ attitudes, and behaviours by understanding Korea more.
Joy Ossai, an attendee and enthusiast, said she was in KCCN for the movie screening because anything concerning Korea’s culture gets her attention.
Ossai, a fashion model, said anything that has to do with KCCN’ such as their K-pop, language, and food among others only interests her and l am good at investing in their culture.
“I must tell you it was a nice one because watching this movie for free was a good experience and their fans appreciate it”, she said.
Another Korea enthusiast, Seye Adekoya, said she is so much in love with Korean culture that she decided to learn their language in 2017.
Adekoya said being an influencer for the Korean government makes her feel satisfied and excited.
“They are doing a nice job by trying to engage people in their various activities, as well as bringing Nigerians to learn about Korean culture generally,” she said. (NAN)