KUWAIT: The International Women's Group (IWG) in Kuwait and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, co-organized a cultural event about Korea, which was titled 'The Beauty of Korea,' on Sunday, Oct 2, at the Crown Plaza Hotel. Ghada Shawky, president of the IWG and wife of the Ambassador of the Egypt, began her speech by expressing her happiness that the season begins with 'Korea Day', adding that the International Women's Group is fortunate to celebrate it, as one of its main goals "is to work on rapprochement and integration between cultures" and that Korea is a country with a long history dating back 7000 years. Shawky said that the Korean people are proud of their unique traditional culture and rapid economic success achieved in a short period of time.

She also added that on a social level, the Korean people show great respect for their elders, parents and family and believe in sincerity, diligence, humbleness and hard work. She said that she appreciated that they followed certain rules of behavior while meeting, eating, praying and even celebrating their festivals.

Shawky highlighted the richness of the Korean cuisine, the spread of K-drama and K-pop in the world, in addition to the high-quality Korean industries and popular skin care products manufactured in the country. She also made it clear that it is important to strive to know a country from the perspective of its people. "Without knowing the unique perspective of the Korean people, our understanding of Korean culture can become shallow at best and stereotypical at worst. That is why organizing these events is very important," she said.

Ghada Shawky presents Ambassador Chung Byung-ha and his wife with an honorary shield for hosting the event.

Shawky also congratulated, on behalf of the IWG, His Highness the Emir of the country, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, on the occasion of the second anniversary of His Highness' assumption of power in the country. She also congratulated the Kuwaiti people on the success of the democratic National Assembly elections, wishing Kuwait further progress and prosperity under the wise leadership of His Highness the Emir, may God preserve on him.

Meanwhile, Chung Byung-ha, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea delivered the welcome speech, where he extended his gratitude to the president and board members of the IWG for co-hosting the event. He also expressed his pleasure in introducing some aspects of Korean culture including the 'Hanbok'- Korea's traditional dress, which symbolizes the beauty of the past and reflects an essential part of Korea's traditional way of life. He also hoped that the special presentation of modern-day Korean beauty tips, under the umbrella term of 'K-beauty', by a Korean medical doctor would allow participants to have a chance to get a glimpse of skincare products made in Korea.

During the event, a short film about Korea titled 'Find the hidden K-DNA-5 Perspectives on Korea' was also shown.  The film focused on various aspects of life in Korea such as the city, music, food and so on. Following the video, an aesthetic plastic surgeon, Dr Junghyun Kim, who is currently practicing in Seoul Derma Clinic in Kuwait and his wife Dr Sunhee Hur, provided participants with K-beauty tips along with useful medical information about crucial daily skincare routine.

The event included a presentation of Korea's traditional dress, 'Hanbok', which features its delicate patterns in a variety of colors. Some members of the Korean-Kuwaiti Diwaniya, the Korean culture lovers' gathering in Kuwait, were also given an opportunity to try on the Hanbok. At the end of the event, Ghada Shawky presented the Korean ambassador and his wife with an honorary shield and thanked him for his speech and for organizing this special day.