The Korean Cultural Center in Brussels has unveiled a new promotional video titled 'KORdinary Day,' a heartwarming short film that demonstrates how Korean culture has seamlessly integrated into everyday life in the Belgian capital. The video tells the story of two young people who discover their shared passion for Korean culture while potentially finding something more meaningful in their connection.
The narrative begins at Brussels' iconic Grand Place, where a young man reading a webtoon encounters a young woman by chance. Webtoons, which are digital comics specifically designed for mobile scrolling, represent one of Korea's most popular contemporary art forms, enjoyed by millions of readers worldwide and frequently adapted into successful K-dramas such as 'True Beauty' and 'All of Us Are Dead.' During their brief encounter, the woman carries a handbag decorated with a norigae, a traditional Korean ornament believed to bring happiness, protection, and sometimes love to its bearer.
The video explores the Korean concept of 'inyeon,' which refers to the invisible thread of fate that connects two souls across lifetimes. This philosophical element suggests that the fleeting meeting at Grand Place may have been destined, setting the stage for their intertwined journey through Brussels' Korean cultural landscape.
Throughout their separate daily routines, both characters engage with various aspects of Korean culture that have become commonplace in Brussels. The woman visits a Korean restaurant to enjoy Korean fried chicken, known for its crispy texture and sweet-and-spicy coating, traditionally paired with beer in the popular Korean custom called 'chimaek.' Meanwhile, the man explores the Korean Cultural Center, where he discovers an exhibition focusing on Korea's independence movement, highlighting the nation's historical resilience and cultural pride beyond its contemporary pop culture phenomena.
The video showcases additional elements of Korean youth culture as their paths continue to intersect. The woman enjoys a photobooth session, a beloved staple of Korean entertainment culture, while the man visits the Korean Cultural Center's library to browse manhwa, Korean comics celebrated for their expressive artwork and compelling storytelling techniques. She experiences the joy of noraebang, Korean-style singing rooms where people can perform their favorite songs, while he catches another glimpse of her on the street as she carries a sunshade featuring traditional Korean patterns.
Their cultural journey culminates in a shop filled with popular Korean products that have gained international recognition, including K-beauty items such as sheet masks and serums, as well as Korean snacks like instant ramen and triangle kimbap. These everyday items have become global favorites, demonstrating the widespread appeal and accessibility of Korean consumer culture.
The promotional video concludes with a serendipitous moment as both characters board the same train for their journey home. Sitting across from each other, their eyes meet and they share a knowing smile, transforming an ordinary moment into something extraordinary. The Korean Cultural Center suggests this ending embodies both the concept of inyeon and the transformative power of Korean culture, which can turn everyday scenes into something truly 'KORdinary' – a clever play on words combining 'Korean' and 'ordinary' to illustrate how Korean cultural elements have become naturally integrated into daily life in Brussels.
