1st Seoul-Beijing-Tokyo Children's Choir Festival draws warm reception

Children from South Korea, China and Japan delivered a message of friendship and harmony through song.

The 1st Seoul-Beijing-Tokyo Children's Choir Festival, organized by the Korea Children and Youth Culture Institute and supported by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, was held Sunday at Hall 2 of the aT Center in Yangjae-dong, Seoul.

Held under the theme "Singing Together, Growing Together," the festival brought together children from three countries with different cultures and languages, creating a platform for international cultural exchange built on music, mutual understanding and respect.

Performing groups including the Plenz Choir, the Areumdri Multicultural Choir and the Brillante Children's Choir took the stage, presenting a varied program of choral performances. The children performed in their respective countries' traditional dress, showcasing the vocal skills they had honed and moving the audience throughout.

Families who packed the venue responded with enthusiastic applause and cheers throughout the performances. The sight of children singing with one voice — across nationalities and languages — left a strong impression on the crowd.

One parent who attended with her child said she was struck by how the children came together through music despite their different backgrounds and cultures. "I hope this becomes a regular event so we can keep seeing this beautiful stage where children from Korea, China and Japan perform together," she said.

An official from the Korea Children and Youth Culture Institute said the festival had been a meaningful occasion for children to understand one another and build friendships through music. "We will continue to expand international cultural exchange and develop diverse programs to help the next generation grow into global citizens," the official said.

The festival was part of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's private international cultural exchange promotion project and was held as a side event of the 4th Korea Children's Expo.