Korean Heritage: Columbus’s Hope: The Continuing Journey of Korea on Stage

In American society, Korean culture is no longer a temporary trend but a lasting cultural presence. A wide range of content—including K-pop, K-dramas, games, and webtoons—has spread widely and gained global recognition. More recently, new works such as K-pop Demon Hunters have emerged, further illustrating the expanding influence of Korean culture. As a result, Korean culture has established itself as a significant pillar of global popular culture. This transformation demonstrates that Korean culture is no longer simply an object of consumption. Rather, it is continuously received, interpreted, and reproduced within American society and across the world. In other words, Korean culture has moved beyond temporary popularity and is now forming a stable and meaningful position in the global cultural landscape. At the same time, efforts to deepen its cultural significance by connecting contemporary cultural expressions with Korea’s heritage and traditional arts are steadily increasing.

In this context, the Korean Heritage Visit Campaign, Korea on Stage in New York, stands as a symbolic example of the global expansion of Korean culture. Korea on Stage is an international cultural platform that has been presented in countries such as the United Kingdom, Japan, and the United States. Following the 2026 New York project, the program is expected to continue its global expansion and will also be connected to the upcoming special event commemorating the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France. The New York project was particularly significant because it reinterpreted Korea’s heritage—the foundation of Korean culture—through a contemporary perspective and presented it at the center of the global cultural stage. It also connected Korea’s heritage with the global interest generated by popular culture, such as K-pop. Through this effort, the project sought to convey both the depth and historical continuity of Korean culture. This initiative represents an important example of the qualitative expansion of Korean culture.

The event was organized under the leadership of the Korea Heritage Service (KHS), in collaboration with the Korea Heritage Agency (KHA) and the Korean Cultural Center New York (KCCNY). Beginning with the opening ceremony, a diverse range of programs were presented. Exhibitions and media art showcased the symbolism and aesthetic beauty of Korea’s heritage through contemporary interpretation. Street performances and media displays were held in Times Square, reaching a broad public audience. Special lectures on Korean cuisine were offered at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA). Traditional performing arts performances and traditional craft exhibitions were also presented. In addition, interactive programs such as the Korea Heritage Visitor Passport and temple food experiences were offered. Through these programs, audiences were able to directly experience and gain a deeper understanding of Korea’s heritage.

Korea on Stage in New York was held with great success and demonstrated that Korean culture can play a significant role at the center of the global cultural landscape. At the same time, this experience raises an important question: can this cultural momentum extend beyond global cities like New York and continue in local communities such as Columbus? This is not simply a matter of expanding the locations of cultural events. Rather, it raises a fundamental question about how Korean culture can be sustainably established and integrated into local communities around the world. 

In Columbus, The Ohio State University (OSU) serves as a central hub for scholars and students with a strong interest in Korean culture. A local community has also formed around this shared cultural interest. Many are already connected to Korean culture through K-pop and a wide range of contemporary content. They seek to deepen their understanding and to experience Korean culture more directly. This cultural foundation, shaped through the collaboration between the university and the local community, is highly significant. It has the potential to expand further through education and academic research. It can also continue to develop through everyday cultural exchange. This environment demonstrates the strong potential for Korean culture to become sustainably established within the local community.

The highlight of the opening ceremony of Korea on Stage in New York was the Korean performing arts performance. When the performance concluded, the audience erupted in enthusiastic cheers and rose to their feet in a standing ovation. The final presentation of Arirang, as is often the case on international stages, deeply touched the audience and delivered a profound emotional experience. Through these shared moments and emotional connections, Korea on Stage serves as a living platform that continues to foster and sustain the global expansion of Korean culture. It is my sincere hope that the wave of inspiration that began in New York will resonate here in Columbus and take root within this community.