Pop of culture

KOREAN culture enthusiasts are in for a treat as Korea Movie Nights 2024 is set to be staged from November 13 to 15.

The event, organised by the Korean Embassy and Korean Film Council, is open to all and will be on a first-come-first-served basis. Four films will be screened at EPIX Cinemas in Dana Mall.

Concrete Utopia brings alive the plight of earthquake survivors in Seoul, South Korea. The 2023 post apocalypse drama is rated PG15 and will be aired on November 13 at 7pm in Cinema 5.

Little Forest, a story of going back to your roots, follows Hye-won, portrayed by Kim Tae-ri, who abandons her part-time job in Seoul to return to the small village where she was raised. The 2018 South Korean drama film is based on the namesake manga (Japanese comic) series, which was first published in 2002. It is rated PG13 and will be shown on November 14 at 7pm in Cinema 1.

The Book Of Fish (2021) is inspired by the exile of Jeong Yak-jeon, brother of renowned Joseon era scholar Jeong Yak-yong. In 1801, the former was exiled to Heuksando Islands. The movie captures this time, dramatising his meeting with an energetic young fisherman and their exchange of knowledge. The film is rated PG15 and will be screened on November 15 at 4pm in Cinema 1.

Run-Off is the tale of women from all over Korea coming together to form the South Korean women’s national ice hockey team. They overcome challenges in order to emerge victorious at major competitions. The 2016 drama is rated PG13 and will be screened on November 15 at 7pm in Cinema 1.

Korean films and TV shows are said to be growing in popularity among culture junkies in the community, with enthusiasts taking a keen interest in various aspects of the country, from food to the language.

“Korean culture and art have been flourishing in Bahrain’s local scene and resonate with people of all ages,” Bahraini software engineer Jasim Khalaf, 22, told GulfWeekly.

“From K-pop to Korean cinema, and art forms like hanbok (traditional clothing) and hoi jeon moo sool (martial art), Korea’s cultural essence brings a unique flavour. Personally, I became interested in the culture due to the incredibly delicious cuisine and the captivating, energetic music,” the Seef-resident added.

Indian expatriate from Manama Isha Sengupta, 26, is studying the Korean language where they also experience Korean cultural activities, festivals and gatherings.

“Even though I am living in Bahrain, I get to experience each event that makes me closer to South Korea, hoping to go there one day to experience the real culture,” the fitness enthusiast said.

For details, follow @koreanembassy.bahrain on Instagram.