Regina Otokpa 
Ahead of the 61st Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival, the Korean Cultural Centre in Nigeria (KCCN), has screened a Korean film,”The Face Reader,” for film enthusiasts in Abuja.
The Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival is a traditionally enriched festival held in Suwon, South Korea with ties to the Joseon era every October, in celebration of Suwon Citizens’ Day.
It showcases the city’s rich history and offers foreigners a unique opportunity to connect with Korea’s cultural heritage.
Released in 2013, “The Face Reader” tells the story of a man, Nae-gyeong, who predicts people’s future by looking at their faces. Due to his skills, he soon gets embroiled in a power struggle between two prominent figures with dire consequences. It is a story of loss, ambition, greed.
Administrative office, KCCN, Chidinma Tobins, noted that the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival coming up in October, was an annual tourist event held in Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, which was built to commemorate King Jeongjo’s filial piety and dream of national prosperity and military power
According to her, the festival provides an opportunity for Nigerians interested in knowing more about Korean history and culture, as would show how Korea was centuries ago, highlighting her traditional music, martial arts performances and other activities.
She said: “The film simply portrays how it was in those days. Seeing this movie and deciding to go to Korea could help them (Nigerians), because a lot of traditional things will be given to them to create relationships.”
Expressing excitement over the movie and an insight into the history of Korea, some Nigerians who were at the movie screening noted that it could help in shaping attitudes and behaviours of not just the common man, but the elite as well.
Seye Adekoya, a Korean culture enthusiast, noted that her love for the Korean culture spurred her into learning the Korean language in 2017. As an influencer for Korean culture,she said, “I have always cherished the approach the Koreans deploy in their events and this was not an exception.”
Commenting on the movie, she noted that it was an eye opener into the carefully calculated decisions, plans of those thirsty or drunk for power.
Joy Ossai who says Korean events always gets her full attention, said she has no regrets investing in the Korea culture. Appreciating the various events consistently organised by the KCCN to showcase their culture, she said, “It was a nice outing. We watched this movie for free as always and we the fans appreciate it a lot. Thank you KCCN for this experience.”
Winner of the 2024 Korea Writing and Speech contest,.Jane Elo Ossai, appreciated KCCN for organising the movie screening to further expose Nigerians to understanding the Korean way of life.
