By Ochiaka Ugwu
The rapid expansion of Korean culture in Nigeria witnessed a quantum leap once again following the graduation ceremony of 13 students of K-POP Dance and successful hosting of third round of Hansik cooking competition in Abuja at the weekend.
The events organized by Korean Cultural Centre in Abuja (KCCN) saw many Korean cultural lovers attending, driven by growing increasing Korean cultural popularity and acceptance in Nigeria.
The event started with great performance by graduating students of the just concluded KCCN K-POP class held for eight weeks from February.
Amina Jimoh, Dupe Matti, Miracle Moses with 10 other graduating students who stunned the audience with their unique dance steps and magnificent K-POP performances got the crowd cheering in utter happiness and excitement.
The organizers announced that a new K-POP class registration is currently ongoing for those who would like to perform in a group at the upcoming KCCN K-pop concert slated for May and are requested to visit KCCN social media pages for more information and registration.
However, the Hansik contestants cooked authentic dishes and fusion options, that blend Korean cuisine with local ingredients, creating unique flavors that appeal to diverse people.
The competition featured Jang sauces, traditional Korean fermented sauces such as doenjang, gochujang, and ssamjang.
The contestants explored the heart of Korean cooking through its essential spirit which were harmony, balance, authenticity, and respect for ingredients.
The competition themed “The Soul of Hansik” which began with 20 participants who registered online were tasked to showcase and prove their skills of Korean Cuisine.
However, the contestants were reduced to eight after rigorous preliminary contests to compete for the final round.
Victor Mac-Adonai came first with his Doenjang Jjigae dish, which he described as a traditional soybean paste stew widely regarded as a symbol of Korean comfort food, that is in line the contest’s theme.
Mac-Adonai said he wanted to make history as the first male winner of the Hansik contest after the previous two contests were clinched by women.
He informed that he prepared Doenjang Jjigae, a dish often described as the soul of Korea, saying that he was convinced that it perfectly reflected the theme of the contest.
He also hints on his plans to continue with his Korean culinary vision with a fusion of local ingredients by launching a Nigerian brand of Ramyun noodles in collaboration with Korean production companies.
For winning the first prize, Mac-Adonai was presented with 340 litre LG-Made-Fridge by Director of Korean Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Jeon Ju‑ho.
The second position went to Oluwasegun Faith and was presented with a 42 Litre LG-Made-Microwave by President of Professional Chefs in Nigeria, Mario Odoh
For securing the third position, Favour Dajibesh Datilos was presented with Airfrayer & Blender by Cultural & Event Manager of KCCN, Yunjin Lee.
Director of the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria, Jeon Ju‑ho described the events as part of broader efforts to promote cultural ties between Nigeria and Korea.
He said KCCN was using food, music and other cultural platforms to build stronger people-to-people relations between the two nations.
His words, “This year’s theme, ‘The Soul of Hansik,’ encourages participants to explore the deeper meaning of Korean cuisine. Many people in Nigeria are still unfamiliar with Korean food, especially because there is currently no dedicated Korean restaurant in Abuja. Events like this help bridge that gap,” he said.
President of Professional Chefs in Nigeria, Mario Odoh who was one of the judges commended the contestants for their ingenuity and devotion, stating that many successfully blended Korean culinary techniques with locally sourced ingredients.
The audience were treated with cultural performances by Xtreme Movement and graduating students of the K-Pop Academy depicting rising acceptance of Korean music among Nigerians.
Most people noted that Korea, Nigeria cultural fusion is undergoing accelerated changes and growth, and the ties have grown in strength remarkably.
Over the past year, KCCN has actively advanced the cultural integration process, firmly deepening Korea’s culture in Nigeria, and continuously enhancing its status and influence.
KCCN no doubt, remains firmly committed to promoting, advancing, and building a Korea, Nigeria cultural community with a shared future for humanity that will surely provide new opportunities for Nigerians in international stage.