By Honorary Reporter Eman Elashker from Egypt
Photos = Eman Ahmed and KCC in Egypt's official Facebook page

The Korean Culture Center (KCC) in Egypt from Sept. 23-26 held Korean Culture Week in collaboration with the Cairo Opera House to celebrate the KCC's 10th anniversary under the theme "K-sound." 

The event included a workshop on the folk song "Arirang" and exhibition of traditional instruments. The closing ceremony on Sept. 28 had students from the traditional music academy alongside their teachers.

I attended the opening ceremony to see LEENALCHI, a fusion band that combines pansori (solo lyrical opera) with modern pop. I was lucky to get a free ticket amid high demand for Korean music.

LEENALCHI performed at Korean Culture Week at the Cairo Opera House.

Egyptian interpreter Salma Hassanin started the ceremony by outlining the week's schedule including an upcoming performance featuring both artists from both countries before LEENALCHI. Ambassador to Egypt Kim Yong-hyon followed with a welcoming speech. 

The highlight of the ceremony was a stunning performance of the traditional Korean song "Longing for Geumgangsan Mountain" by sopranos Dalia Farouq from Egypt and Lee Hana from Korea. Their harmonious duet presented the cultural connection between the two sides.

On the right is Ambassador to Korea Kim Yong-hyon making his welcoming speech on the left is sopranos Dalia Farouq from Egypt and Lee Hana from Korea performing a Korean song.

The host provided a brief introduction to pansori, which combines storytelling with singing, drumming and movement. LEENALCHI performed a modern version of "Sugungga," one of the five surviving pansori works about a sick dragon king and his servants' plot to deceive a rabbit into giving its liver to cure him.

Despite the language barrier, the audience interacted with the band in enjoying the music and rhythm. The band was also pleasantly surprised by the crowd's enthusiasm and knowledge of Korean. 

These are more photos of LEENALCHI performing at Korea Culture Week.

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*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.