{
  "id": 18454217,
  "title": "Korean culture festival draws nearly 40,000 fans in Thailand, Vietnam",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/06/korean-culture-festival-draws-nearly-40-000-fans-in-thailand-vietnam",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-06T06:37:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/entertainment/music/20261106/korean-culture-festival-draws-nearly-40000-fans-in-thailand-vietnam"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Korean cultural events are gaining traction in Southeast Asia, with over 39,000 individuals attending or taking part in festivals held in Thailand and Vietnam this year, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The 2026 Korea Season, a collaborative effort involving the ministry, the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange, and cultural centers in both nations, has seen 39,917 participants since its May launch. The initiative seeks to expand the reach of Korean culture by showcasing traditional art in modern expressions and facilitating partnerships with local artists.\n\nThe program began with \"GAT,\" an original ballet composed by the Yoon Byeol Ballet Company, drawing inspiration from the traditional Korean horsehair hat, referred to as gat. Performances took place in Bangkok on May 23 and Hanoi on May 27, drawing a total of 1,650 attendees. These events were complemented by exhibitions and workshops designed to educate audiences about the cultural significance of the headwear.\n\nIn October, K-LIVE FESTIVAL BAND:AGE will unite, further promoting Korean culture through live music performances.",
  "summary": "Korean culture is finding new audiences in Southeast Asia through ballet, live music, classical performances and digital art, with nearly 40,000 people attending or participating in events in Thailand and Vietnam this year, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said Friday. The 2026 Korea Season, organized by the ministry, along with the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange…",
  "key_points": [
    "Nearly 40,000 individuals attended Korean cultural festivals in Thailand and Vietnam.",
    "2026 Korea Season initiative promotes Korean culture through modern expressions.",
    "GAT ballet premiered in Bangkok and Hanoi, drawing 1,650 attendees."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The expansion of collaborative cultural programs into Southeast Asia signals a strategic shift toward using traditional arts and local artist partnerships to deepen Korean soft power across the region.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}