Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday highlighted the growing popularity of Korean pop culture in India and announced that India and South Korea will jointly organise an India–South Korea Friendship Festival in 2028 to further strengthen cultural ties between the two nations.
The announcement was made during a joint press statement with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in New Delhi. The leaders underscored the increasing depth of people-to-people engagement between India and South Korea, particularly among younger generations who have embraced cultural exchanges through music, films, food, and digital media.
Prime Minister Modi noted that Korean cultural content, especially K-pop music and television dramas, has gained a strong following across India. He said these forms of entertainment have become particularly popular among Indian youth, reflecting a broader trend of cultural openness and global connectivity. At the same time, he acknowledged the growing appreciation of Indian cinema and cultural traditions in South Korea, mentioning that President Lee had expressed admiration for Indian films.
The Prime Minister said both countries have agreed to organise a dedicated friendship festival in 2028, which will serve as a platform to celebrate shared cultural creativity. The proposed event is expected to showcase music, cinema, cuisine, and traditional arts from both countries, further strengthening bilateral cultural cooperation.
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Over the past decade, Korean cultural influence in India has steadily expanded. From the global breakout success of Gangnam Style in 2012 to the rising popularity of K-dramas on streaming platforms, Korean entertainment has become a part of mainstream youth culture in many Indian cities. This influence is also visible in lifestyle trends, including Korean cuisine, skincare products, and themed cafés.
Cultural exchanges between the two countries have increasingly complemented their growing economic partnership. Events such as “Rang De Korea,” organised by the Korean Cultural Centre India in New Delhi, have attracted significant participation and highlighted rising public interest in Korean traditions.
According to diplomats, cultural diplomacy has become an important pillar of India–South Korea relations alongside trade and investment. The upcoming 2028 friendship festival is expected to formalise and expand these exchanges, reflecting a broader effort by both governments to deepen bilateral ties beyond strategic and economic cooperation and build stronger cultural understanding between their people.
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