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In Jinhae, South Korea, a place famed for its breathtaking cherry blossoms, an inspiring individual was born. A graduate of the Department of Event Management at Kyonggi University's College of Tourism, Lee Kyungnam is now passionately working for the social venture, Arirang School, which aims to spread Korean culture worldwide. Taking on the role of 'Pro,' Lee is deeply involved in planning and organizing cultural events.
During high school, Lee was captivated by videos of foreigners dancing to K-pop, sparking a dream to globalize Korean culture. Now, Lee is actively chasing this dream, with a heart brimming with aspirations, currently preparing for the "New York Project" launched in 2017. Playing the violin and acoustic guitar are hobbies, and the motto is simple: "You Only Live Once."
At Arirang School, I hold the position of ‘Pro.’ My work revolves around the question, "How can people worldwide enjoy Korean culture more joyously and delightfully?" During high school, K-pop was a sanctuary amidst the monotonous school life. Locking myself in my room and dancing to YouTube videos was my escape. There was a moment I stumbled upon foreigners dancing passionately to K-pop. Questions arose: "How did they discover K-pop, and why do they love it?" This curiosity led me to connect with them. Observing foreigners joyfully singing and dancing to Korean songs, despite the language barrier, made me realize that our culture could be a fresh stimulus to others. I wanted to contribute to this by creating platforms for cultural exchange.
After studying event management in university, I joined Arirang School, where I now plan and create diverse cultural programs focused on Korean tradition.
Three years ago, moved by the dedication of youth eager to promote 'Arirang' globally, a generous company provided significant financial support to a young entrepreneur leading a world tour program that highlights Korean sounds. Initially established by CEO Moon Hyunwoo, Arirang School emerged to create opportunities for countless traditional Korean music graduates who often struggle to find platforms to showcase their talent. Believing in making Korean culture accessible to millennials, we offer courses like “Diet Talchum Dance” and “Calligraphy Therapy” to resonate with youthful concerns and realities. With over 300 students across 30 classes, these efforts emphasize cultural connectivity through various events like Yutnori championships and Arirang talk shows.
Before joining Arirang, my goal was to introduce Korean culture to foreigners. Interestingly, through various events, I realized that many Koreans found traditional culture, such as the gayageum, outdated or boring. This revelation drove me to first engage Koreans with our cultural richness and diversity.
In 2017, we initiated the “Arirang Wandering Band New York Project,” inspired by our CEO's previous world tour. We partnered with a travel agency to recruit young individuals eager to promote Korean culture in New York. The response was overwhelming, with many applicants inspired to pursue this dream. After a thorough selection process, we organized an intensive workshop weekend focused on Korean cultural education. The dedication and excitement of participants, some of whom rarely meet like-minded peers, were palpable.
The project symbolizes the growth of my personal goals as I assist in realizing these dreams through diverse cultural lenses.
After the New York Project, I plan to spend 1-2 years abroad, expanding my perspective in cultural planning. I aim to illuminate the beauty of Korean traditions to Koreans while educating foreigners on various aspects of Korean life. Ultimately, I aspire to blend individual cultural elements positively influencing society.
Never underestimate the impact of even the smallest actions. Each step can change someone’s life. Just as we are constantly influenced, nothing is truly futile. Believe in your potential and paint your life’s canvas boldly, just as Albert Schweitzer suggested: "The most important thing is to keep your internal light from going out."
