Cultural diplomacy key to India-South Korea ties: Envoy Lee Seong-ho

South Korean Ambassador Lee Seong-ho underscores cultural diplomacy's role in India-South Korea ties. He cites the popularity of K-culture, Bollywood, yoga, and Indian cuisine as examples of a mutually beneficial, two-way cultural exchange.

As cultural exchanges between India and South Korea continue to flourish, South Korean Ambassador to India Lee Seong-ho has underscored the growing role of cultural diplomacy in strengthening bilateral ties. Speaking to ANI, Lee Seong-ho acknowledged the rising popularity of K-culture and Bollywood as a bridge connecting the people of both nations. "Cultural diplomacy, soft power diplomacy, is becoming ever more important in this era. Culture, soft power, is the main medium through which people from both countries can understand each other. I'm very glad to observe the growing interest in Korean culture in India... we are more than willing to encourage this exchange in this mutually beneficial manner, but it doesn't have to be one-way traffic," he said.

A Two-Way Cultural Exchange

The ambassador also highlighted that South Koreans are embracing Indian culture with growing interest. From yoga becoming a popular family activity to the rising appeal of Indian cuisine and Bollywood films, cultural engagement between the two countries is expanding in both directions, he explained.

"Koreans are also becoming more interested in knowing India's culture. Yoga has already become a family hobby... Indian cuisine and movies are becoming more popular... it is already two-way traffic, and it is the best way to bring our two countries very closely together," Lee continued.

Governments to Boost Cultural Ties

Emphasising the role of governments in facilitating cultural exchange, the ambassador said both India and South Korea recognise its value. "We, as countries and governments, clearly recognise the importance of further boosting this cultural exchange, and we will keep doing so," he added.

Deepening Economic and Strategic Engagement

The remarks come at a time when Ambassador Lee Seong-ho opened up about how South Korea is looking forward to deepening its economic and strategic engagement with India, with a fresh push for investments in shipbuilding, defence manufacturing and industrial collaboration. (ANI)

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