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A Korean celebration - Jamaican K-Lovers show appreciation for culture

Published:Friday | September 13, 2013 | 12:00 AM
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KOICA alum Gary Barrow (left) and his wife, Bernadette, give their full attention to Sang Kie Cho.
Reminiscing about their trip to Korea last year and what they learnt are Aldington Smith (left) and Richard Kelly.
Korean Ambassador Kimo Lim (right) has the full attention of Kupyo Hong (centre) and Sang Kie Cho.
From left: Matthew Moo, Maelle Johnston and her mother, Christine, are all smiles for our camera with Korean Ambassador Kimo Lim. - Photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
Zari-Jane Coleman goes ethnic in a Korean traditional dress, a hanbok. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
K-Lovers Forum member Robyn Guthrie stands proudly beside her anime that she drew in under three minutes.
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It was a Jamaica-Korea link-up on Monday night, as alumni of Korea International Corporation Agency (KOICA) and members of Love Korea gathered to celebrate with one of independent Jamaica's longest diplomatic partners.

The newly opened Korean restaurant, Arirang, at 7th Avenue Plaza, was the base for the reunion and celebration.

To date, more than 100 Jamaicans have benefited from the KOICA, whose mandate is to maximise the effectiveness of Korea's grant aid programmes. Last year, 12 Jamaicans participated in the renewable energy training course, and this year, four Jamaicans went to Korea as part of the programme.

'K-Lovers' is the name given to Jamaican fans of Korean culture, and they were on hand to enjoy some scrumptious Korean dishes, until the real party began in the form of a talent competition.

Everything Korean was fair game, from Korean karaoke, to anime drawings and violin playing. The smiles and chatter among those present proved that they had a good time celebrating everything Korean.