‘Charm of Korea’ mesmerises Dhaka

South Korea, which helped Bangladesh’s main export earner clothing industry to grow initially, has continued staging musical concerts in Dhaka in the spirit of camaraderie.

On Thursday, top Jazz vocalist Woong San enthralled Dhaka audience in the seventh episode of the ‘Charm of Korea’ that began in 2013 when Dhaka and Seoul celebrated 40 years of diplomatic bonhomie.

A strong development partner of Bangladesh, Korea opened its embassy in Dhaka in early 1975, more than a year after the establishment of the diplomatic ties in 1973.

The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency opened its office in Dhaka in 1978 as there was a ‘strong demand’ for the promotion of trade and investment.

In the 1970s, Korean entrepreneurs came to Bangladesh to set up garment factories, many of whom are still active in Bangladesh.

A World Bank development report said the boom of Bangladesh’s readymade garment industry that wheels its economy is because of initial training from Korean Daewoo Corporation in 1979 when Bangladesh had no modern industry.

Daewoo teamed up with Bangladesh’s Desh Ltd and trained up its 130 newly recruited and educated employees who later left Desh to start their own clothing businesses for the industry to flourish.

Outgoing Ambassador Lee Yun-young said Bangladesh was Korea’s priority partner country when it comes to the development cooperation.

Korean investments in Bangladesh range from textiles to power generation to the development of energy and natural resources, shipbuilding and ICT.

Big companies like Samsung and LG are expanding their commercial presence in Bangladesh while small and medium-sized enterprises are also coming.

Lee wished continued prosperity of Bangladesh and an everlasting friendship between the two countries.

The musical concert that drew people of different tiers including politicians and members of the diplomatic corps would serve “to enhance mutual understanding and further promote cultural exchanges between the two countries”.

It has been organised to celebrate the 42nd anniversary of diplomatic ties with Bangladesh.

Woong San is one of the top Jazz vocalists performing around South Korea and Japan.

Her deep, husky voice and brooding delivery overwhelms audiences.

The singer-songwriter has garnered a strong following in Korea and Japan since releasing her first album in 2003, according to Korea Times.

She has released six more albums since and has been one of the most diligent live performers in the Korean music scene.

The concert will be held again at Dhaka’s Shilpakala Academy on Friday and Chittagong on Saturday.