The SunBet Arena in Pretoria came alive on Saturday as the Ubuntu with Korean Culture Festival brought South African and South Korean artists together on one stage, ahead of South Africa’s historic hosting of the G20 Summit.

Thousands attended the one-day event, headlined by K-pop powerhouse Ailee, who became the first South Korean soloist to perform in South Africa. Visibly moved, Ailee admitted she was surprised and emotional at the love she received from the audience. South Africa’s own Ndlovu Youth Choir also shone, paying tribute to the late jazz legend Hugh Masekela.

Jaeil Lee, Senior Press & Media Officer at the Korean Cultural Centre, told SABC News that the festival was designed to build connections through creativity:

“At its core, this festival reflects the spirit of Ubuntu — that we are all connected. Through this shared experience, we hope to bring people together, across backgrounds, languages, and voices.”

The evening’s programme offered a dynamic mix

The K-Tigers, Korea’s taekwondo performance team, wowed the crowd with acrobatic skill and dance.

A Hanbok fashion show, themed ‘A hanbok as beautiful as a blooming flower,‘ mesmerised and captivated the audience as traditional Korean attire was reimagined with South African fabrics.

An electrifying K-pop and Amapiano fusion was where the Ndlovu Youth Choir transformed the record-breaking South Korean boy band BTS’s global hit Dynamite into an Amapiano performance with isiZulu lyrics, which brought the crowd to its feet.

Dancers from the Korean Cultural Centre also emerged as crowd favourites, adding their youthful energy to the line-up.

Pictures by Korean Cultural Centre SA

The festival echoed the words of South Korean Ambassador to South Africa, Dong-han Yang, who recently remarked that “bilateral cooperative ties between Korea and South Africa are closer than ever before.”

He underscored the role of cultural exchange in strengthening relations:

“The spirit of Ubuntu, which resonates with the themes of South Africa’s G20 Summit, closely aligns with Korea’s traditional spirit of community — emphasizing mutual support and flourishing together in harmony. This event seeks to illuminate the close connections between Korean and South African cultures, embracing both tradition and modernity, while sharing them joyfully with the global community.”

Audience members described the evening as unforgettable

“As a Korean expat, I brought my children so they could witness the blend of their two cultures. It was an experience we will never forget,” says an audience member.

“Hearing a famous K-pop song reimagined as Amapiano was refreshing and truly exciting,” adds a young reveler.

“Taekwando Tigers were my highlight of the show. Their performance was nice to watch. It was a unique experience,” says another audience member.

“I wish this could be an annual event, with even more K-pop stars. They should know they have real support here in Mzansi,” an elated reveler adds.

As the G20 Summit approaches, Ubuntu with K-Culture reminded the audience that harmony is more than music — it is a way forward for nations and people alike.