Music video celebrates friendship between Mexico and Korea

“’Arirang y Cielito Lindo’

is Korea’s gift to Mexico as a gesture of appreciation for both countries’ close relationship and affection. The video shows a mashup of both songs, paying homage to the brotherly relations between Mexico and Korea,” stated the ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Mexico, Kim Sang-II , during the world launch of the music video, which is meant to be a symbol of humanity’s kindness and love, and how it can endure through life’s hardships.

The presentation was held at the Korean Cultural Center , in presence of: Kijing Song , the director of the premises; the secretary of tourism of the state of Oaxaca, Juan Carlos Rivera Castellanos; the musicians Horacio Franco (flutist), KL Joon (pianist), Guillermo Alzúa (music director); and the filmmaker Carlos Santos .

The video was shot at several iconic locations in the state of Oaxaca , and it’s meant to exalt the natural beauty of the region.

The Korean ambassador thanked the government of Oaxaca for helping the team. “In spite of the many hardships they faced after last year’s earthquakes, the local government showed its full support during the shooting of this musical video.”

The pianist KL Joon came up with the original idea. He decided to carry out a cultural fusion between Corea and Mexico . The Korean artist, along with the other musicians, decided that it was necessary to include both countries’ most iconic songs: “Arirang” (often deemed Korea’s unofficial anthem), and “Cielito Lindo,” the world-famous Mexican song.

“I wanted to create something magical that could serve as an anthem for both countries and represent us as friends. We wanted to make a majestic song, and I hope that we have achieved that,” stated the musical director Guillermo Alzúa.

A taste of Korea in Mexico City

Horacio Franco pointed out the importance of projects such as this amidst Mexico’s transition period following Andrés Manuel López Obrador ’s victory on July 1 , which has brought hope to the Mexican people. “To have worked hand-in-hand with these talented Koreans has given us hope for the future of our country in terms of culture,” added Horacio Franco.

KL Joon stated that he had always dreamed of working in Mexico and that now, his dream had finally come true. Ever since he was a child, he sang Mexican songs such as “La Cucaracha,” and “Cielito Lindo,” though he didn’t know the songs were Mexican until he first visited the country.

During the video launch, audiences were reminded of the call for proposals of the first arrangement contest of “Arirang, Mexico 2018,” which will close on O ctober 19 . The contest consists of choosing a version of “Arirang” published in the Cultural Center’s website and making a musical arrangement or adaptation to any music genre. The first three places will be awarded with a monetary prize of between 20,000 and 50,000 pesos .

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