Park (fifth left) and Chan exchange mementoes. At fourth left is Kuching North Datuk Bandar Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai.
KUCHING: Students from the School of Performing Arts (Sopa), Seoul will perform for the first time at the Kuching Festival, from tomorrow until Monday (July 30 to Aug 1) at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) stage.
Led by principal Park Jae-ryun, the 13 students are on a seven-day cultural exchange programme under the friendship cities agreement signed between Guro City Council and MBKS.
The students will also visit SMK Kuching High today (July 29), Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak on Sunday and Tunku Putra School on Monday.
During a courtesy call on Kuching South Mayor Datuk James Chan yesterday, Park said he hoped more Korean youths could visit Kuching on a regular basis.
“I hope to see more student exchange programmes every year, but we will have to see the arrangement between the two city councils.
“In the meantime, I also want to develop friendship with the local universities and schools here. As far as Sopa is concerned, we have friendships with many schools in Southeast Asia including Johor Bahru,” said Park, who is on his second visit here.
He said Sopa has produced several outstanding graduates over the years.
“Many idols, K-Pop stars graduated from this school. They include Kai and Sehun from EXO as well as Suzy from Miss A,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chan praised Korean authorities for their focus on unearthing and developing young talents.
“Maybe we shall also get our young ones to go to Guro next year. Kuching is all about friendliness, and I hope more young Koreans will come here for cultural and educational exchange.”