Korean community in Gwangju remembers ancestors’ history through performance
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In Gwangju, South Korea, the “Jongal Jongal” community group hosted a history and culture performance for elderly members of the Korean diaspora, known as Koryoin.
The event, part of the 2026 Gwangsan District community support project, aimed to share the history of Koryoin migration and foster communication between local residents and the Korean diaspora.
The performance featured the musical “Same Land, Different Language, One Story,” which depicted the history of Koryoin ancestors, including their participation in the independence movement against Japanese rule and their forced relocation to Central Asia under Stalin’s regime. Song Juyeong wrote the musical, portraying the hardships and resilience of Koryoin people as they established lives in new lands while maintaining their cultural identity.
The event also included vocal performances of songs such as “Nostalgia” and “Shin Arirang,” and concluded with a choir singing “Koryo Arirang.” Afterwards, music therapist Choi Yeon-suk led the seniors in brain-healthy exercises and traditional Russian dance. The “Jongal Jongal” group plans to continue offering cultural events to promote communication between the local community and Koryoin people.
