Koreans tell their stories through music performance at WCC assembly

Participants in the World Council of Churches (WCC) 10th Assembly witnessed a vibrant artistic performance filled with music and drama, telling the story of the national and Christian mission history of Korea.

The dramatic opera presentation was performed in three acts, sharing the story of the journey with the God of life, the quest for justice and the hope for peace.

This performance on Wednesday 30 October was a special feature of the opening plenary of the WCC assembly held at the Bexco Auditorium Hall in Busan, Republic of Korea.

The presentation began with a stirring solo flute beckoning all to the “land of the morning calm”.

This acknowledged the 5000 years of national history in Korea. Dancers and singers then filled the stage to tell of the sowing of the seeds of the gospel in Korea at the end of the 19th century.

The performance showed how the first Korean churches were planted by foreign missionaries through the work of medical and education missions. The Korean national story has also included periods of conflict and war. The performance through compelling visuals, dramatic music and stirring songs portrayed the pain and suffering of conflict, the period of colonization under imperial Japan, the 1945 national liberation celebrations, followed by the Korean War of 1950 to 1953.

The performance moved into the energetic representation of massive growth in the Korean church today, bearing witness to the love of Jesus Christ in prayer and service. The performance closed with a stirring vision in praise, song and dance looking forward to the reunification of the Korean peninsula, and expressing a commitment to peace in the region and the world.

Assembly participants rose to their feet in applause. The performance included lyrics and compositions by Lee Geon-Yong.

Official website of the WCC 10th Assembly

High resolution photos available via photos.oikoumene.org