Korean Lawmaker Jaewon Kim Performs Vande Mataram at 19th WAVES Film Bazaar Opening Ceremony

South Korean lawmaker Jaewon Kim delivered a stirring rendition of Vande Mataram during the opening ceremony of the 19th WAVES Film Bazaar, receiving a standing ovation from the audience.

The event, held in Panaji, Goa, witnessed this remarkable cultural exchange as Kim, a Member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea and Guest of Honour, surprised attendees with her performance of India's national song.

Kim expressed admiration for the organizers' "commitment and consistency since the first edition" and voiced optimism for strengthened India-Korea collaboration in the creative industries. Her performance was especially significant as it coincided with the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram.

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan inaugurated the ceremony alongside Ministry Secretary Sanjay Jaju, celebrated actors Nandamuri Balakrishna and Anupam Kher, festival director Shekhar Kapur, and other distinguished guests.

Secretary Jaju characterized the WAVES Film Bazaar as a "complete ecosystem" for the film industry, integrating screenings, masterclasses, and technology showcases. He highlighted how the rebranded WAVES identity aligns with the Prime Minister's vision of "converting art into commerce."

L. Murugan elaborated on the Prime Minister's ambition to establish India as a global film production hub. He described the Bazaar as a vital "bridge between creators and producers" that empowers emerging talents and new storytellers, noting the participation of 124 new creators this year.

The WAVES Film Bazaar, conducted annually in conjunction with the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), has evolved into a significant platform connecting global filmmakers, producers, sales agents, and festival programmers. This year's edition features over 300 film projects with delegations from more than seven countries.

Organizers anticipate more than 40,000 visitors during the five-day event hosted at the Marriott Resort in Panjim. Since its establishment in 2007, the Film Bazaar has grown to become South Asia's premier film market, offering opportunities for creative discovery, co-production, and industry networking.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India and the Republic of Korea established diplomatic relations on December 10, 1973, with consular relations dating back to 1962. The countries formed a "Strategic Partnership" in 2010, which was elevated to a "Special Strategic Partnership" in 2015 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to Seoul. Both nations celebrated 50 years of diplomatic ties in 2023.