From “Gangnam Style” to Galleries

[성김 대사]

Wow, what a week of culture for me!  From music to museums, it felt like my schedule was packed with creativity and inspiration.

It all started with quite a surprise when Psy stopped by to say hello when he visited the Embassy on a visa matter.  With so many accolades pouring his way over “Gangnam Style,” which has drawn more than 350 million views on YouTube, Psy keeps getting asked to perform in the U.S.  The wonderful side effect is that we occasionally get to see him at the U.S. Embassy. 

With Psy of “Gangnam Style!”

At this moment, it feels like Psy is the most famous person on earth.  But as I talked to him, what stood out to me was how humble and genuine he was.  He is also very articulate, smart and pleasant.    

Psy told me that wherever he goes in the U.S., people from all walks of life come up to him, congratulate him, and start talking about “Gangnam Style.”  They often tell him how excited they are about his success, especially in promoting Korea’s image overseas and the positive impact he is having on Korean Americans.   I agree.  In fact, I think Psy is a perfect example of the growing ties between the U.S. and Korea, and that his activities and success in the U.S. will enhance people-to-people ties between our two countries.   

Wish you all the best!

Speaking of U.S.-Korea ties, my week also included a meeting with high school students from both countries who were participating in the State Department’s “Museums Connect” arts exchange program.  Through “Museums Connect,” the Gyeonggi Museum of Modern Art and the Sonoma County Museum were able to link up high school students to work on an art project called the “Peace Tree.”

The theme of this Sonoma-Gyeonggi exchange was “North-South: Art as a Tool to Mediate Political and Social Conflict.”  You see, in both Sonoma, California, and Gyeonggi Province, Korea, there are difficult issues and challenges that often require mediation. 

Through “Museums Connect,” curators and high school students from Sonoma spent 10 days in Gyeonggi Province collaborating on the “Peace Tree,” an impressive art installation that illustrates the division between South and North Korea.  Together, the participants toured the Demilitarized Zone between the two Koreas and collected artifacts to incorporate into the “Peace Tree.”  Later, the same students will meet up in Sonoma to work on issues in that community.

This is the Peace Tree where the students will install their artwork!

“Museums Connect” is another fantastic two-way exchange between the U.S. and Korea that emphasizes our growing people-to-people ties.   

I enjoyed meeting the students who worked on the “Peace Tree” project!

Usually when I go to events, I am the one answering questions.  But this time, I was the one asking the questions.  These students -- both Korean and American -- had all the answers.  And I know they will be ready to contribute to their communities’ efforts to address changes and challenges.

[늘 푸른산]

ㅎㅎ Good ~!~
God bless U ~ ^^*