The musical “R;Link,” a joint effort by young Korean and Canadian artists, comes to Canada after its debut in Seoul.

The cultural exchange broadens to include street arts, music, and film, spanning various genres and regions.

MONTRÉAL, TORONTO, VANCOUVER, British Columbia, and CANMORE, Alberta, July 28, 2025 — As a highlight of the 2024–2025 KOREA–CANADA Year of Cultural Exchanges, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea, the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE), and Hanyang University are proud to present “R;Link,” a new musical collaboratively created by up-and-coming artists from both Korea and Canada. Drawing inspiration from the 1951 Battle of Kapyong, a significant event in the Korean War where Canadian forces played a crucial role, the musical was developed through the combined efforts of students from Hanyang University, Capilano University, the University of Saskatchewan, and the First Nations University of Canada. Following its successful premiere at Seoul’s CKL Stage in July, “R;Link” will be showcased at the BlueShore Financial Centre for the Performing Arts at Capilano University in North Vancouver on August 15 and 16, coinciding with National Liberation Day of Korea. Korean War veterans and their families living in Canada have received official invitations to attend.

This collaborative production embodies the spirit of the bilateral initiative, using a shared narrative of sacrifice and reconciliation, told through the eyes of a new generation, to build mutual understanding across borders and generations.

AI and Contemporary Art: “Spectrum of Humanity” in Montreal

As part of its commitment to fostering international dialogue through the arts, KOFICE and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea (MMCA) will present a multidisciplinary program entitled “Spectrum of Humanity” in Montreal from August 18 to 23.
With a focus on the theme “Art in the Age of AI,” the program features three core components: an academic conference, an artist–curator exchange program, and curated screenings of contemporary and experimental works.
Events will take place at the National Film Board of Canada and Cinéma du Musée.

The conference will delve into the ways artificial intelligence is transforming artistic creation, with speakers like Professor Taekyung Yoo of Chung-Ang University and Artist Haru Ji joining Canadian participants in discussions about the evolving roles of authorship, narrative, and ethics within the creative sphere.

Additionally, Korean visual artists Heungsoon Im, Jihye Yeom, Ayoung Kim, and PARKing CHANce (Chan-wook Park and Chan-kyong Park) will participate in screenings, sharing their perspectives on their artistic practices. Ayoung Kim’s video work, “Delivery Dancer’s Sphere,” will be screened in Canada for the first time and is anticipated to be a central visual highlight of the program.

This initiative is designed to promote meaningful exchange between Korean and Canadian creative communities. KOFICE hopes it will connect emerging artistic voices and spark conversations about technology’s role in shaping contemporary culture.

Cultural Exchanges Continue into the Second Year

Now in its second year, the 2024–2025 KOREA–CANADA Year of Cultural Exchanges is furthering cultural collaboration between the two nations. Since its inception, programs have included film events for youth and children in Montreal, collaborative screenings at the Jeonju International Film Festival, and a music showcase in Toronto, all fostering an ongoing exchange of ideas and artistic dialogue.

One of the most significant achievements to date is the international debut of the Korean alternative electronic band 64ksana, selected through the Young Artist Development Initiative. Following their participation in the OFF-CINARS Showcase at the CINARS Biennale 2024, the group received invitations to major Canadian festivals, including Pique in June and Sunfest in July.

Several additional initiatives are planned for the coming months. A KOREA X CANADA Cultural Program: Disability Arts and Culture will be held from September to December. A street arts collaboration project will take place across both countries in September and October. In October, Korean artists will participate in the Vancouver International Film Festival, while the Jarasum Jazz Festival in Korea will feature programming developed in partnership with Canadian collaborators.

These initiatives demonstrate a long-term vision for cultural partnership between Korea and Canada, emphasizing creativity, mutual respect, and the shared objective of creating enduring artistic relationships.

KOFICE Canada Responder

Ryan.lee@jbcom.ca

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