The Korean Cultural Center in Spain has announced that playwright Koo Ja Ha’s theatrical production Haribo Kimchi will be performed four times from March 5 to 9 in Valladolid and Madrid.

Koo Ja Ha, a graduate of the Korea National University of Arts' School of Drama, later obtained a master’s degree in contemporary theater directing from the Amsterdam University of the Arts in the Netherlands. She has since built her career as a theater director and playwright based in the Netherlands and Belgium. In 2017, she was awarded the Young Artfund Amsterdam (YAA) Prize for Performing Arts in the theater and music category, solidifying her presence in the European performing arts scene.

Haribo Kimchi is a new addition to Koo’s Hamartia Trilogy, which includes Rolling & Rolling, Cuckoo, and The History of Korea. The play explores themes of social absurdity through encounters with lost souls at a Korean street food stall, delivering a sharp critique of societal contradictions.

This Spanish production was made possible through collaborations with the Calderón Theater in Valladolid and the Condeduque Contemporary Culture Center in Madrid, both of which are known for presenting innovative theatrical works.

Shin Jae Kwang, Director of the Korean Cultural Center in Spain, emphasized the significance of this project, stating, “This performance is a valuable opportunity to introduce contemporary Korean theater to the Spanish audience. We will continue to create opportunities for diverse Korean works to be showcased in Spain.”

As interest in Korean culture continues to grow in Spain, this production is expected to contribute to a deeper appreciation of Korean performing arts beyond K-pop and cinema.

Sayart / Joy, nunimbos@gmail.com