K-culture enthusiasts in Nigeria are divided in their interests in what part of the culture they’d like to see more of next year @ the Korea Culture Centre Nigeria (KCCN’s) ‘SAC On Screen’ programme.
Beyond the average K-pop fan, K-Culture enthusiasts include those whose love for Korean culture extends beyond its contemporary music scenes and trends to other areas, such as food, arts, crafts, and theatre. They are eager to learn more about the non-mainstream culture of the people and their daily realities.
Via the Seoul Arts Centre (SAC) on Screen cinematic recording of its theatrical productions, which aims to bring Koreans closer to the arts, the KCCN transposes the medium to educate Nigerians about Korean culture, people, and living, thus enabling them to appreciate their differences while highlighting their similarities. The monthly programme’s screening of ‘The Story of an Old Couple’ highlights the dwindling care for the elderly in both societies. ‘Dance Speaks’ takes viewers behind the glitz and glamour of six dancers in varied genres, diving into their fears, insecurities, and passion for their craft. It addressed themes anyone desirous of being proficient in their craft understands. At the same time, ‘Long Live Women’, which highlights the generational impact of a patriarchal society on Korean women, reflects the experience of Nigerian women.
It’s not all serious, though – SAC On Screen also tackles the subjects of love, betrayal, forgiveness, passion and adventure with popular and classical literature texts like Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel ‘Treasure Island’, and ballets like Sergei Khudekov’s ‘La Bayadere’, and Adolphe-Adams ‘Giselle’ – the latter of which ended the 2025 edition.
Appreciative of the programme so far, some participants expressed an interest in more collaborative productions.
Drawn by the rich visual storytelling, message, creativity and capacity to unite cultural perspectives, Emilia Solomon said she’d prefer to see both cultures united on screen.
“We have seen more of their movies and K-drama, I think they should be a collaboration between Nigeria and Korea that shows our shared cultures, diversity and experience.”
Others, like Mildred Obiebi, another dedicated participant, didn’t mind either way, owing to their love of the storytelling platforms – theatre and the screen.
“I love these classic theatrical forms like opera, ballet, etc. I love the way they connect the different aspects of life with the Korean culture. I think Nigerians are looking for something more drama-inclined, but I like what I have seen so far. They convey the daily realities of the Korean people, including their traditions. I am open to learning new cultures, whether it’s something I love or not.”
KCCN External Relations, Education, and Programmes Officer Chidimma Tobins said the centre’s successive screening of dance films over the past three months was based on participants’ demand, which highlights Nigerians’ love for dance.
She noted that the centre will provide a different list with a wide variety of filmic offerings for next year.
She, however, added that some participants’ non-artistic inclination could be the reason for the demand for variety.
Overall, the event has achieved its primary purpose of simultaneously educating, entertaining Nigerians, and promoting Korean culture through film, as evidenced by the growing audience at the screenings.
“Seventy percent of the faces I see are returning participants, and then someone tells someone, because then, I see a face I have never seen before, and those are genuinely interested. I think it’s a case of tell one to tell another person,” concluded Tobins.
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