Korea’s ‘Jongmyo Jeryeak’ to Be Performed in Singapore to Mark 50 Years of Diplomatic Ties

Korea’s ‘Jongmyo Jeryeak’ to Be Performed in Singapore to Mark 50 Years of Diplomatic Ties: Travel / 연합뉴스 / 2025-04-04 10:03:10

▲ This poster of "Jongmyo Jeryeak" is provided by South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST). (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Apr. 4 (Yonhap) — South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) announced on Friday that Jongmyo Jeryeak, the royal ancestral ritual music of the Joseon Dynasty, will be performed at the World Sacred Music Festival in Singapore on April 4-5.

The performance will take place at the Esplanade Theatre to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Singapore.

The World Sacred Music Festival is one of Singapore’s most prominent cultural events, showcasing traditional music from diverse religious backgrounds worldwide. This marks the first official invitation for Jongmyo Jeryeak to the festival.

During the event, the MCST will also host a variety of cultural activities, including an exhibition of Korean traditional music, a hands-on experience with digital instruments, and a chance to try on traditional Korean attire. A special commemorative reception will be held on April 4, attended by key figures such as Singapore’s Speaker of Parliament Seah Kian Peng and South Korean Ambassador to Singapore Hong Jin-wook.

Cultural exchanges celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties will continue throughout the year. In May, the Asian Festival of Children's Content will take place at Singapore’s Central Library, while July will feature jazz performances by young artists from both countries at the Esplanade Theatre.

The program will also include a joint performance by renowned pianist Paik Kun-woo and the Singapore Symphony Orchestra in October, followed by a staging of Anton Chekhov’s play The Cherry Orchard at the Esplanade Theatre in November.

"K-Culture serves as an important bridge connecting South Korea and Singapore," said Kim Hyun-jun, director-general of international cultural policy at the MCST. "We hope this event will further strengthen bilateral exchanges and enhance our friendly relations."