Area Residents Enjoy K-Drama on Embassy Row

By Yi Chen

Washington, DC – The Korean Cultural Center, also known as KORUS House, is located in the Embassy Row neighborhood along Massachusetts Ave. NW. The brick house is near Sheridan Circle, only a few blocks from the Embassy of South Korea. The building’s Dynamic Hall and Digital Culture Hall on the first floor have been temporarily converted into screening rooms for the monthly K-Cinema program.

The screening rooms hold about 100 people. Carolyn French, one of the regular guests, has been coming to the K-Cinema screening for the past five month with her friend Lana Ortiz. They met in the spring of 2013 at a Korean Cultural Center’s language class. French is going to Korea in three weeks for vacation. “I am most looking forward to the food,” French said, “definitely kimchi and bibimbap.” French’s favorite Korean restaurant in the area is Honey Pig.

While many people’s interest in Korean language and culture are inspired by Korean food, some people like Ortiz are fans of Korean drama. “I first watched Boys Before Flowers, and I like Sign and God’s Quiz,” Ortiz said. When asked what she likes about K-drama, she says, “I really like how they’re short.” Ortiz eventually got tired of reading subtitles and decided to learn Korean.

The August film was “Confession of Murder,” a 2012 award-winning action thriller directed by Jung Byoung-gil. It was a box office hit when it was released in Korea, with its classic blend of intense action, mystery, and twists. “The film is built with a Korean twist that provided more excitement in the end,” said French. “I definitely liked it,” Ortiz agreed.

In addition to the regular monthly K-Cinema, KORUS House has various programs including “Korean language and cultural classes, exhibitions, poetry readings, forums and youth programs,” center staff Adam Wojciechowicz said. Visitors can also experience Korea’s traditional tea ceremony at the center’s Sarangbang space.

For the complete schedule of its programs, please visit the Korean Cultural Center’s website http://www.koreaculturedc.org.

PHOTO CREDITS: Yi Chen

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