Seoul, April 3 (NationPress) On Friday, the Culture ministers of South Korea and France convened in Seoul to deliberate on enhancing collaboration in the fields of culture, arts, and associated industries. This meeting took place as both nations prepare to celebrate the 140th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.

During this gathering, South Korea's Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Chae Hwi-young, and France's Culture Minister, Catherine Pegard, committed to working closely together for the anniversary celebrations, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.

The French cultural programming commenced on March 7 in Bucheon, located approximately 23 kilometers southwest of Seoul, featuring a concert by the Bucheon Philharmonic Orchestra. The concert was conducted by French maestro Adrien Perruchon and showcased promising French pianist Arielle Beck as a soloist.

Throughout the year, various cultural exchange initiatives, including exhibitions, performances, and film events, are slated to occur in both countries.

During the discussions, the ministers reflected on the increasing significance of cultural heritage and contemporary creative content within lifestyle sectors such as gastronomy, beauty, fashion, and tourism.

Chae expressed his aspiration for both nations to exchange experiences and enhance communication, aiming to position cultural heritage and creative content as pivotal elements for future growth. He referenced the K-pop sensation BTS and its globally livestreamed concert at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul last month as an illustration of an expanding economic influence.

Earlier that day, in the presence of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron, the two countries exchanged letters to amend the Korea-France Agreement on Cultural and Technological Cooperation. This amendment seeks to fortify collaboration in film, music, webtoons, e-sports, and publishing, laying the groundwork for broader cooperation across creative industries.

Meanwhile, South Korea's First Lady Kim Hea Kyung and French First Lady Brigitte Macron toured the National Museum of Korea, where they explored significant exhibits that highlight cultural connections between their countries and shared insights on cultural collaboration.

The first ladies visited the exhibition dedicated to the Uigwe, which are royal protocol manuscripts from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) that have historical links to France. These manuscripts were taken by French forces during the 1866 campaign against Korea and were returned in 2011 under a long-term renewable loan agreement after 145 years.

Kim expressed appreciation for the preservation of Korea's valuable historical records by France and for allowing their display, as quoted by deputy spokesperson Ahn Gwi-ryeong.

"We are thankful that these records were well preserved in France, enabling us to showcase them," Kim stated.

Brigitte remarked on the excellent preservation of the documents, noting their potential to impart essential values to children.

The two also explored the museum's "Room of Contemplation," which houses two Pensive Bodhisattva statues—among the museum's most treasured artifacts.

As Kim elaborated that these Buddhist sculptures capture moments of profound contemplation and enlightenment, reminiscent of French sculptor Auguste Rodin's "The Thinker," Brigitte concurred, according to Ahn's report.