The National Gugak Center (Director Kim Joong-hyun) held discussions with China's leading comprehensive performing arts group, the China Oriental Performing Arts Group (中国东方演艺集团有限公司), in Beijing, China, on September 5th. This meeting, following the previous day's discussions, focused on promoting mutual cultural exchanges and performances, exploring the possibilities of combining Korean traditional arts with Chinese performing arts.

The China Oriental Performing Arts Group, established in 1952 as the China Oriental Song and Dance Ensemble (中国东方歌舞团), is a state-owned performing arts group under the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism. It has grown into a comprehensive arts group with about 600 professional members in various divisions such as song and dance, dance, instrumental, and choir, and has played a role as a gateway for international cultural and arts exchanges by performing in over 100 countries and regions.

During the discussions, Zhang Lei, the Deputy General Manager and Director of the China Oriental Performing Arts Group, expressed China's strong willingness for cooperation. Zhang Lei, who also participated in the 8th Korea-China-Japan Cultural and Arts Education Forum hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism in 2023, is known for her experience in cultural and arts exchanges with the Korean cultural community.

Both sides discussed expanding opportunities for collaboration through invited performances, exchanges of directors and performers, and enhancing educational and training opportunities. They agreed to gradually broaden the scope of cooperation in the future, viewing this meeting as the starting point for substantial performance exchanges, with the potential to develop into various forms of collaboration in the long term.

Following this meeting, the National Gugak Center will continue to maintain close communication to explore practical cooperation measures. They plan to solidify performance opportunities that both institutions can participate in through future discussions.

Director Kim Joong-hyun stated, "The China Oriental Performing Arts Group is already highly regarded on the world stage, and this discussion aligns with the global trend of cultural exchanges and mutual prosperity pursued by each country." He further expressed, "South Korea is also expanding mutual understanding and cooperation through the power of culture, and through this discussion, I hope that Korea and China can enrich the culture of Asia together and promote its charm worldwide."