Kim Hye-kyung: 'Arirang and Tango, Two Hearts for a Long Time'

On July 31, Kim Hye-kyung stated, "Arirang and tango are not two unfamiliar musics meeting for the first time; they are two hearts that have known each other for a long time, finally coming together in one rhythm."

Accompanying President Lee Jae-myung on an official visit to Argentina, Kim attended the concert titled 'Arirang and Tango, Two Hearts, One Rhythm' at the Usina del Arte concert hall in Buenos Aires, emphasizing the cultural empathy and friendship between the two countries.

This event was held to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Korean Cultural Center in Argentina and was attended by Maria Belen Ludueña, the spouse of the Buenos Aires mayor, Gabriela Ricardes, the city’s Minister of Culture, Seo Seung-mi, the director of the National Gugak Center, and Kim Mi-sook, the director of the Korean Cultural Center in Argentina.

In her speech, Kim expressed her joy at meeting everyone in Buenos Aires, the birthplace of tango and a city of art, greeting them in Spanish with "Buenas tardes."

She noted that Argentine tango embodies the people's feelings of nostalgia for their hometown, loneliness, love, and the sorrow of parting, as well as a passionate spirit that perseveres through life's challenges.

Kim also highlighted that Korea's Arirang has been a song that accompanies people through both joy and sorrow, expressing emotions that are hard to articulate, and serves as a song of hope in difficult times.

She mentioned that both Arirang and tango are recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and expressed her hope that this meeting would leave warm memories that strengthen the friendship between the two nations.

Minister Ricardes responded by stating, "The Korean community has now become a valuable part of Buenos Aires, and Koreatown has grown into a beloved space for citizens," adding that although Korea is far away, it always feels close.

The concert opened with a performance of 'Buenos Aires 0:00' by the Buenos Aires Tango Orchestra Ensemble, followed by tango performances. The Korean side featured the National Gugak Center's creative ensemble performing 'Monggeumpo Taryeong' and 'Sinpuri.'

Subsequently, musicians from both countries collaborated on Astor Piazzolla's 'Libertango' and 'Arirang Semachi,' merging traditional Korean music and tango on one stage. The performance of 'Libertango' included tango dancers from both Korea and Argentina.

As the powerful performance of the taepyeongso and tango continued, Kim applauded enthusiastically several times. After the final piece, 'Arirang Semachi,' all attendees, including Kim, stood and responded with applause.

Kim joined hands with Mrs. Ludueña and Minister Ricardes, cheering together before taking the stage for a commemorative photo with the musicians and dancers from both countries. After the event, she shook hands with the performers and took photos with local families who attended the concert, proudly holding the Korean flag.