Light Art: A new bridge in Vietnam– Republic of Korea cultural diplomacy
WVR - The light art exhibition about President Ho Chi Minh recently held in Republic of Korea is a clear testament to the increasingly prominent role of cultural diplomacy in the relationship between the two countries.
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On December 10, a special exhibition titled “Friendship Connected by Light – The Story of Two Nations under the Big Dipper” took place at the Korean National Assembly in Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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| Delegates cut the ribbon to inaugurate the exhibition. (Photo: Organising Committee) |
The event was jointly organised by the Korea–Vietnam Cultural and Economic Exchange Association (KOVECA), the Embassy of Vietnam in the Republic of Korea, and the Korea–Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group, on the occasion of the 135th anniversary of the birth of President Ho Chi Minh and the 33rd anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam–Korea diplomatic relations.
An open space for cultural dialogue
Beyond introducing the image of President Ho Chi Minh – the great leader of the Vietnamese nation – to the Republic of Korea, the exhibition conveyed his ideological, historical and humanistic values through the language of contemporary art.
The choice of light art as a medium of expression reflected a creative approach aligned with current trends in cultural diplomacy. Instead of direct political discourse, messages were delivered through aesthetic experience and emotional engagement. This very subtlety enabled the exhibition to become an open space for cultural dialogue, where historical values could be received in a natural and lasting manner.
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| The choice of light art as a medium of expression demonstrates a creative approach aligned with the current cultural diplomacy trends. (Photo: Organizing Committee) |
Speaking at the event, Moon Jin-seok, Chairman of the Korea-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group, emphasized that Vietnam- Republic of Korea relations should not only be measured by trade or investment figures but also nurtured by cultural empathy and connection between the peoples of the two countries.
Moon Jin-seok noted that over the past three decades, bilateral trade turnover has surged from about 500 million USD when the two countries established diplomatic relations to over 83 billion USD in 2024. Both sides are also aiming to reach 150 billion USD by 2030.
However, according to Moon Jin-seok, this development will only be truly sustainable if it is based on mutual understanding and respect for each other's culture and history.
From this perspective, the light art exhibition about President Ho Chi Minh is seen as an effective form of “people’s diplomacy”. The event contributes to deepening bilateral relations.
The exhibition not only attracted the attention of political and diplomatic circles. It also provided an opportunity for the South Korean public to engage with the image of Vietnam through a historical symbol of international stature.
This is the strength of cultural diplomacy, where messages of peace, cooperation, and development are spread through empathy rather than formal appeals.
A meaningful highlight of the exhibition is the Big Dipper symbol, an image that runs through the artworks. In many Eastern cultures, the Big Dipper is seen as a guiding star.
This symbol is associated with direction, faith, and guidance in difficult times. Through the Big Dipper, the exhibition conveys a message of guidance and companionship between two nations that have experienced many historical upheavals but are now moving towards a future of peace and prosperity.
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| The exhibition shows how two countries can use culture as a bridge to enhance understanding. (Photo: Courtesy by Author) |
The Big Dipper can also be understood as a metaphor for President Ho Chi Minh’s role in Vietnamese history. He is the torchbearer, guiding the nation through arduous challenges to achieve independence and reunification.
When this symbol is placed in the context of Vietnam-Republic of Korea relations, it opens up a new layer of meaning. Despite historical and cultural differences, the two countries can find common ground in their aspirations for peace, development, and mutually beneficial cooperation.
Thus, the exhibition is not just a standalone cultural activity. It reflects the core spirit of Vietnam-South Korea relations in the new phase: sharing a vision, looking towards the future, and building a solid social foundation for bilateral cooperation.
In the context of the two countries having upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, enhancing cultural exchange activities, especially those with depth and high creativity, becomes increasingly necessary.
Culture promotes diplomatic relations
From the exhibition’s practice, it is evident that cultural diplomacy is increasingly affirming its important supportive role for political and economic diplomacy. When historical and ideological values are conveyed through art, the ability to spread becomes more profound.
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| Vietnamese Ambassador to South Korea Vu Ho speaks at the event. (Photo: Courtesy by Author) |
This is particularly meaningful for the younger public and social classes outside the policy-making circles. It is also an effective path to building long-term trust and sustainable bonds between nations in a multipolar and volatile world.
In the overall picture of Vietnam-South Korea relations, the light art exhibition about President Ho Chi Minh in Republic of Korea can be seen as a significant highlight of cultural diplomacy.
At the exhibition, Vietnamese Ambassador to Republic of Korea Vu Ho stated: “I highly appreciate the efforts and dedication of KOVECA in organizing, connecting, and implementing an event with cultural depth and significance for the community.
The event contributes to honouring President Ho Chi Minh, promoting mutual understanding, and fostering national pride for the Vietnamese community living in Republic of Korea.”
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| A large audience attends the exhibition space. (Photo: Courtesy by Author) |
Not only does it contribute to promoting Vietnam’s image and spreading Ho Chi Minh’s ideology to international friends, the exhibition shows how two countries can use culture as a bridge to enhance understanding, share common values, and work towards a peaceful, stable, and prosperous future.
When light art becomes a common language, cultural diplomacy no longer remains symbolic but truly becomes a driving force for deep and sustainable development of bilateral relations in the future.
