“Dreams Toward the World, United Through Art”

Seoul = LoveRock / International Rhythmic Gymnastics Association / World Council for Arts & Cultural Exchange

On Saturday, August 16, 2025, the 2025 World Children & Youth Culture & Arts Festival in Seoul was successfully held at the Seoul City Hall Multi-Purpose Hall (8th floor). Selected as part of Seoul’s Private Festival Support and Promotion Project, this international cultural and artistic exchange event brought together young artistic talents from 12 countries, sharing friendship and inspiration.
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3 PM – Korean Culture Introduction & Exchange Program

Before the main performance, at 3 PM, Dr. Ji-Yeon Kim, Chairperson of the World Council for Arts & Cultural Exchange, led a special session introducing Korean culture.

Participants learned about the cultural significance of Korea’s traditional arts, rhythmic gymnastics, children’s songs, pansori, folk games, taekwondo, traditional music, and K-POP.

Following this, certificates of merit and appreciation were awarded to national delegations, while all participants received certificates of participation, creating a meaningful moment of encouragement and recognition for their dedication.
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5 PM – Opening Declaration & Video Messages

The main performance officially began at 5 PM with video congratulatory messages from Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and Seoul Metropolitan Council Chairman Choi Ho-jung.

Mayor Oh expressed, “I hope this festival will serve as a platform showcasing Seoul’s vision for future culture, emphasizing cultural exchange and the message of ‘One World.’”

Chairman Choi added, “I wish for this festival to become a stage of emotional diplomacy, where future generations learn to respect and understand each other’s cultures.”

Following this, Chairperson Kim Ji-Yeon together with the advisory committee proclaimed the Opening Declaration of the festival.

The stage then came alive with vibrant performances.

The Korean program featured Daewoo Kim (saxophonist, former KBS Orchestra Director), Yeong-Tae Lee (Director of Gunsan Gugakwon), Joy Percussion Ensemble, Youth Samulnori Team NO.R.I, World Children’s Taekwondo Federation Demonstration Team, LoveRock Performing Arts Group, Lime Tree Friends, Sorinaru Pansori Group, and the Namwon City Youth Choir.

International teams from China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, and the Philippines also delivered inspiring performances, earning thunderous applause.

A particularly moving moment was the “Happy Plus Song” rhythmic dance, where Chairperson Kim led performers and the audience in joyful unity.

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Grand Finale – Hand in Hand

The festival concluded with all participants joining on stage for a heartfelt chorus of “Hand in Hand.” Holding hands across nationalities and languages, the performers embodied the festival’s theme, “Dreams Toward the World, United Through Art,” leaving a lasting impression of harmony and hope.

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Festival Significance

The 2025 World Children & Youth Culture & Arts Festival in Seoul was more than a performance. It became:

1. A cultural exchange learning space for Korean arts,

2. A recognition ceremony with certificates of merit, appreciation, and participation,

3. An international cultural diplomacy stage, beginning with the Seoul Mayor and City Council’s video messages, followed by the Opening Declaration and culminating in the symbolic finale.

Chairperson Ji-Yeon Kim stated:

“This festival is not just a one-time performance but a sustainable cultural and artistic exchange platform where future generations can learn, respect, and grow together. I hope the inspiration and friendships built today will continue, empowering children to dream globally and unite through art. My deepest gratitude goes to all performers, leaders, staff, advisors, cooperation committee members, the audience, and our supporters—the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Metropolitan Council.”

Sponsored by Seoul Metropolitan Government and Seoul Metropolitan Council, and hosted by LoveRock, the International Rhythmic Gymnastics Association, and the World Council for Arts & Cultural Exchange, this event successfully concluded as a stage of hope and friendship created by young artists from around the globe.

Inquiries: LoveRock / International Rhythmic Gymnastics Association / World Council for Arts & Cultural Exchange

Choi Kyuhyun reporter kh.choi@nvp.co.kr