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President Moon Jae-in, first lady Kim Jung-sook and performers wave to the audience at the Korea-France Friendship Concert held in Paris on Oct. 14.

By Lee Hana
Photos = Cheong Wa Dae

During their state visit to France, President Moon Jae-in and first lady Kim Jung-sook attended a Korea-France Friendship Concert, held at the 13th Art Theater in Paris on Oct. 14.

The concert, organized in honor of the president’s visit, was attended by some 400 guests, including French officials, members of French art circles, and fans of Korean music.

The concert opened with performances by the National Gugak Center, with displays of the pansori style of lyrical singing accompanied by traditional percussion instruments. Next, Korean-French fusion group Moon Gogo and Black String filled the stage, followed by a medley of Korean drama soundtracks sung by Kim Nayoung. Pop group BTS performed the final number.

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BTS performs at the Korea-France Friendship Concert, held at the 13th Art Theater in Paris on Oct. 14.

BTS performed their hits “DNA” and “IDOL,” in sync with their energetic choreography. Local French fans waved from their seats, some even singing along to the hits, while French officials snapped photos of the world-renown boy group.

Following their concert, BTS’ RM addressed the audience, saying that the group felt honored to perform for important guests from Korea and France. “I hope more Korean artists, from various genres, will gain exposure in France through cultural exchanges in the future,” he said.

During a curtain call, President Moon went up on stage to shake hands with all the artists. The president and the first lady gave hugs to RM from BTS.

Back in 2015 and 2016, Korea and France brought to the stage a diverse repertoire of cultural programs, in celebration of 130 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Korean culture, and K-pop in particular, has continued to attract attention from younger French fans to this day.

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Members of the Audience cheer while snapping photos at the Korea-France Friendship Concert, held at the 13th Art Theater in Paris on Oct. 14.

 

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Blackstring, a group comprised of the geomungo (a six-string zither-like instrument), a vocalist and the saxophone, perform at the Korea-France Friendship Concert, held at the 13th Art Theater in Paris on Oct. 14.

hlee10@korea.kr