A significant cultural exchange is set to unfold in Spain as the Korean National Opera Company embarks on a special tour as part of the ongoing Korea Season program. This initiative, supported by KOFICE and the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, aims to showcase the richness of Korean arts globally.
This year’s Korea Season holds particular importance, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Spain. The artistic tour serves as a vibrant celebration of this historical bond, featuring both a Gala Concert and a performance of the contemporary Korean opera Soul Mate. These events are designed to highlight Korea’s operatic tradition and foster cultural dialogue between the two nations.
The Gala Concert, a musical celebration of the diplomatic anniversary, is scheduled to take place in Barcelona. The program will feature a selection of familiar classical opera arias alongside traditional Korean songs, offering a glimpse into Korea’s unique artistic sensibility. Featured performers include soprano Oh Ye-eun, known for her role in The Tales of Hoffmann, who will perform “My Beloved Mount Geumgang.” Mezzo-soprano Kim Sae-lin, acclaimed for her portrayal of Cherubino in The Marriage of Figaro, will present “Azalea Flower.” The lineup also includes soprano Kim Hyo-ju, tenors Kang Do-ho and Yoo Shin-hee, baritones Kim Won and Jung Je-hak, and bass Yoon Hee-saup.
The opera Soul Mate is a contemporary work that explores themes of overcoming class barriers and champions independent femininity, departing from the original story’s focus on rewarding good and punishing evil. By centering the narrative of love and marriage around a traditional Korean wedding, the opera achieves a universal resonance accessible to international audiences. This approach underscores the sustainability and global potential of contemporary Korean creative opera. A notable aspect of this production is the collaboration with the Millennium Choir and Orchestra of Spain, who have adapted parts of the musical accompaniment, incorporating Western instruments in place of some traditional Korean ones. Korean artists have also received coaching from a Korean director residing in Spain to ensure accurate pronunciation and diction in Korean.
Choi Sang-ho, General and Artistic Director of the Korean National Opera Company, expressed his honor in presenting Soul Mate, describing it as a work that celebrates the beautiful moments of love and marriage. He hopes the Spanish public will continue to show interest in their mission to share the originality and depth of Korean art with the world. Jaekwang Shin, Director of the Korean Cultural Center in Spain, emphasized that this tour is an exceptional opportunity to introduce the unique sensibility of Korean opera. He highlighted that beyond cultural representation, the goal is to build a bridge of mutual understanding and strengthen the ties between Spain and Korea.
The Gala Concert will be held at the Salón de los Espejos, Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona, starting at 7:00 PM. The performance of Soul Mate will take place at the Teatro Monumental, Madrid, beginning at 7:30 PM. Both events offer free admission until full capacity is reached.
This tour is part of the broader Korea Season project, which annually presents diverse Korean cultures and arts in strategic countries. The Korea Season in Spain will continue throughout the year, featuring a varied program encompassing music, cinema, literature, visual art, dance, and more. The full program for Korea Season will be announced soon.
Madrid, May 8, 2025.
