On October 11, 2025, the vibrant city of Hải Phòng played host to a remarkable convergence of art, culture, and diplomacy, as Vietnamese and South Korean communities came together for a series of cultural showcases and collaborations that underscored the strength and warmth of their growing relationship. The events, which included a reading showcase of the new music drama "Ước mơ của em" and a lively cultural exchange program, illuminated not only the creative synergy between the two countries but also the deep bonds forged through decades of partnership.
The reading showcase—an initial performance format where artists present scripts and perform key songs to help audiences grasp a work's message and spirit—has long been a staple in global performing arts. This time, it was the music drama "Ước mơ của em" ("My Dream") that took center stage, marking the first phase of a major artistic cooperation project between Vietnam's Nhà hát Tuổi trẻ (Youth Theatre), South Korea's Nhà hát SangsangMaru, and the Guri Cultural Fund. The project, spanning 2025-2026, is being developed with meticulous attention to professional standards: from script translation and adaptation to original music composition and staged reading performances in both countries.
According to Nhân Dân, the music drama is adapted from a stage play by Nguyễn Thị Thanh Thanh, who won first prize in the 2023-2024 Children's Stage Playwriting Competition in Vietnam, themed "Vietnam's story touching the world." The story follows Linh, a young girl born with birth defects caused by Agent Orange. Despite her challenges, Linh dreams of creating technology to assist vulnerable people, and her journey becomes one of overcoming adversity, affirming self-worth, and building friendship. The narrative resonates deeply with audiences, carrying a message that every dream is worthy of pursuit, regardless of one's starting point in life.
Audiences at the October 11 showcase in Vietnam were treated to the lively, heartfelt performances of Nhà hát Tuổi trẻ's actors, who brought the script to life with spirited readings and infectious musical numbers. The music, composed and directed by South Korean musician Rhim Seyoung, is bright and uplifting, intentionally crafted to "convey the most positive energy to listeners, just like the message the drama wants to express." Seyoung further explained her creative approach: "The music's main color is bright. Especially, elements of Vietnamese folk music are incorporated to further highlight Vietnamese cultural identity."
This thoughtful blending of musical traditions was evident throughout the performance, as folk melodies and contemporary arrangements danced together, giving the audience a taste of both nations' artistic richness. The reading showcase allowed viewers to sense the story's flow, the characters' emotional arcs, and the journey "Ước mơ của em" will soon undertake on the main stage. It was not just a preview, but a promise of the inspiring full production to come.
The project has already crossed borders: in April 2025, a Korean-language reading of "Ước mơ của em" was staged at the Guri City Art Theater in South Korea, introducing the work to Korean audiences and gathering valuable feedback. According to Nhà hát SangsangMaru director Um Dongyoul, "Based on the evaluations and suggestions from experts and audiences after the reading performance, the music drama will be further refined in terms of script and music, and move into full stage production for its official debut in Vietnam in 2026, followed by performances in South Korea."
Nghệ sĩ Ưu tú Sĩ Tiến, Director of Nhà hát Tuổi trẻ, emphasized the significance of the project: "'Ước mơ của em' is the first music drama project marking three-way cooperation between Nhà hát Tuổi trẻ, Nhà hát SangsangMaru, and the Guri Cultural Fund, aiming to promote the development of cultural and artistic projects, especially in musical theater for children, families, and youth." He added that the project also offers Vietnamese artists invaluable opportunities to learn and grow in a professional musical theater environment, thanks to the expertise of their Korean counterparts. This collaboration builds on the success of previous family musical productions such as "Đứa con của yêu tinh" and "Zorba-Chú mèo thám tử," further cementing Nhà hát Tuổi trẻ's commitment to innovative, cross-cultural works.
But the spirit of collaboration was not confined to the theater. On the same day, Hải Phòng's energetic economic and cultural scene was on full display as the Vietnam-Korea Business Club and the Korean community in Hải Phòng hosted a colorful cultural exchange program. As reported by Thương Hiệu & Công Luận, the event marked more than 30 years since Vietnam and South Korea established diplomatic relations—three decades that have seen the two nations become comprehensive strategic partners, achieving notable milestones in the economy, culture, and society.
Hải Phòng, a dynamic economic hub in northern Vietnam, now boasts more than 180 South Korean enterprises, providing tens of thousands of jobs and making significant contributions to the city's socio-economic development. The cultural exchange program aimed to deepen friendship, foster cultural understanding, and open new avenues for cooperation between the Vietnamese and Korean communities in the city.
The event was a feast for the senses, featuring special performances rich in Vietnamese-Korean cultural colors. Non-professional but passionate and talented artists from the Vietnam-Korea Business Club and the Korean community in Hải Phòng took to the stage, infusing the gathering with energy and warmth. Audiences enjoyed not only songs and dances but also a fashion show of traditional Vietnamese and Korean costumes, a vivid symbol of harmony and respect for each nation’s cultural heritage.
Beyond the performances, the event was a testament to the ongoing efforts by both communities to build meaningful connections. In recent years, the Vietnam-Korea Business Club and the Korean community in Hải Phòng have organized a range of activities: business visits, supply chain connection workshops, language classes for both Vietnamese and Korean learners, and environmental protection programs. These initiatives have helped foster a civilized, friendly community and have drawn the two peoples closer—"like one big family," as organizers described it.
As the music faded and the applause died down, the sense of unity and optimism remained palpable. The events of October 11, 2025, were more than cultural showcases; they were living proof of what can be achieved when nations collaborate, artists dream, and communities open their hearts to one another. In Hải Phòng, the future of Vietnam-South Korea relations looked brighter than ever, illuminated by shared creativity, mutual respect, and the simple, enduring power of human connection.
