Little Angels of Korea sign Memorandums of Understanding with the Ethiopia and Kuwait

June 10: MOU Signing between The Little Angels of Korea and Ethiopia Bet June 17: MOU Signing between The Little Angels of Korea and Gwangjin Cultural Foundation

On June 10th, the Hyojeong Korean Cultural Foundation’s Little Angels of Korea signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ethiopian Association. This MOU aims to enhance cultural and educational activities and to preserve and develop traditional arts in Asia and Africa. Under this agreement, the two organizations have committed to collaboratively promoting various events that support the globalization of national arts and culture. This includes planning and implementing cultural arts programs across Asia and Africa, as well as establishing digital archives to preserve and disseminate the traditional arts of each country.

Julia Moon, Chairwoman of The Little Angels of Korea

“I am inspired by the Ethiopian Association, which has been a pioneer in civilian diplomacy since its establishment in 1968, actively engaging in creating war veterans’ monuments and fostering goodwill between our countries. This aligns closely with the civilian diplomacy efforts of the Little Angels. I am committed to further enhancing international cooperation and mutual development with Ethiopia and contributing to global peace.”

Interview with Chairman Cha David

“By partnering with The Little Angels Children’s Folk Ballet of Korea, which has showcased the beauty of our traditional culture globally for over 62 years, I anticipate more vibrant cultural and artistic exchanges between our nations. With this MOU as a starting point for Asia and Africa, I am dedicated to preserving and enriching our traditional arts.”

The Ethiopian Association is an NGO authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, established to commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. It has been at the forefront of enhancing cooperation and exchanges between the two countries in various fields such as economy, culture, education, social issues, and civilian diplomacy.

The Little Angels Children’s Folk Ballet of Korea has had a series of notable performances recently. On May 1st, they performed in front of the Cultural Director of Kuwait and Ambassador Jeong Byeong-ha.

They showcased the fan dance at the ‘Africa Day 2024 Commemoration Biz Forum’ on May 27th and also performed for the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed Ali, and his spouse during their visit to Chuncheon on June 2nd.

Additionally, on June 17th, the Gwangjin Cultural Foundation and The Little Angels Children’s Folk Ballet of Korea signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Universal Art Center. This MOU aims to enhance cultural arts and improve cultural welfare in Gwangjin District. Both organizations have committed to mutual friendship and cooperation, planning joint programs that activate local cultural arts and collaborating on community development projects.

Julia Moon, Chairwoman of The Little Angels of Korea

“I am committed to providing high-quality cultural content in partnership with the Gwangjin Cultural Foundation, aiming to inject fresh, positive energy into the region. I look forward to expanding cultural opportunities and further contributing to the development of Gwangjin’s cultural arts.”

Han Jin-sub, President of Gwangjin Cultural Foundation

“This MOU will allow The Little Angels Children’s Folk Ballet of Korea’s specialized programs to significantly enhance the cultural and artistic landscape of the area. We plan to introduce a variety of programs that local residents can enjoy together with the Little Angels.”

Since its founding in November 2015, the Gwangjin Cultural Foundation has actively engaged local residents through performances, exhibitions, and educational programs that blend artistic quality with widespread appeal. Based in the Naru Art Center and the Gwangjin Children’s Performance Hall, the foundation is driving various initiatives to become a hub of cultural production, developing new content and linking local cultural networks tailored to the unique characteristics of the region.

The Little Angels Children’s Folk Ballet of Korea, consisting of elementary and middle school children, was established on May 5, 1962. Founded under the mission “Taking the Taegukgi (Korean Flag) to the World,” the troupe aims to globally promote the exquisite culture and peace-loving spirit of the Korean people. Since their inaugural international performance for President Eisenhower in September 1965, they have acted as a civilian peace delegation, engaging leaders from over 50 countries.

The troupe has maintained an active presence on the global stage, delivering over 60 international performances, more than 7,000 shows both domestically and internationally, and appearing in over 600 TV broadcasts.

Their efforts to elevate the international recognition of traditional Korean culture and contribute to cultural and artistic development have earned them the Presidential Commendation of South Korea four times. In 2010, marking the 60th anniversary of the Korean War, they toured 22 UN participating countries from June to November 2011. This tour was aimed at expressing gratitude and comfort to war veterans and their families, reinforcing South Korea’s reputation as a nation that honors its benefactors.