Meaux turns into a stage for Korean culture with “Jardin de Corée”

Exactly one week before the scheduled opening, the Jardin de Corée becomes a reality in Meaux in more ways than just as an event that celebrates the Korean culture. This occasion takes on a deeper significance through its connection to the Franco-Korean relations that have continued for a long time. Celebrating the 140th anniversary of the diplomatic and cultural relationship between France and South Korea, the occasion symbolizes the changed attitudes towards Korean culture in the European continent, which is no longer considered as exotic interest but as part of regular cultural celebrations and interactions.

This event, which will be held on Saturday, June 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., will take place in Jardin des Trinitaires, 1 rue des Trinitaires, 77100 Meaux. Admission to the event is free of charge, a decision that underlines the open nature of the celebration and makes the event available to a wide audience. The venue has also been chosen bearing in mind the inclusive nature of the event with full PMR access. The schedule of the event has been organized in such a way that it forms a seamless experience of performance, education, shopping, and cultural interactions.

The first parts commence at 11:30 with the introduction of the event and its core vision, followed by a performance by Dorys Crew at 11:50. Right from the start, the atmosphere is established through motion and ensemble performance as opposed to rhetoric. Next up in the schedule comes the K-pop blind test by Claire Chave from 12:00 to 12:30, a creator famous for her work on bridging Asian popular culture, skincare philosophy, and fan communities in an educational but approachable manner. At 12:50, it is time for Stormy Shot who performs till 13:10 with an intense dance cover style she has proved to be very successful both in conventions and South Korea.

The late morning intensifies the layering of different cultural expressions. Between 13:20 and 13:30, Helios Lei presents a solo dance performance based on his individual experience of many years spent in the cultural and choreographic context of Korea. This performance is succeeded directly at 13:30 by the Taekwondo demonstration by Hwarang Dojang Nanteuil-Les-Meaux at 13:50, showcasing the martial art that brings the traditional practice into the day's events. Another class dance performance provided by the MSGP association is showcased between 13:50 and 14:00.

Yezi

Starting from 14:00, the show moves towards the culture of beauty with a K-beauty masterclass conducted by Yezi in collaboration with Round Lab. This section lasts for 14:00-14:30 and is then succeeded by a discussion about Korean culture and K-pop from 14:30-15:10. Hosted by Aude and Sheya, the discussion aims at putting K-pop into its larger cultural context instead of focusing on it as an isolated case. In fact, as a professional journalist with many experiences interviewing Korean artists, including the Squid Game actress Kim Joo Ryoung, members of OMEGA X, BIG OCEAN, and actor Hajun, Aude is able to conduct a more organized discussion.

However, the program includes another substantial amount of participatory culture activities during this period. Starting at 15:00, fans of STARSEED’Z have an opportunity to meet their idols until 16:00. This French girl group, whose members are Kalee, Kanya, Nana, and Lea, can be considered the first representatives of the French music scene who were inspired by K-pop performance techniques. It should also be noted that only people with tickets can attend this part of the program. Moreover, short performances take place in this part of the program.

Nexa

The Dorys Crew gives one more performance at 15:10, and Nexa at 15:30. This Paris based dance group is famous for their organized group identity and numerous performances on large events, such as Japan Expo and Paris Manga. At 15:40, DJ programming begins; it continues till 16:40. One can enjoy the music created by DJ Hugo and DJ Crack. Additionally, at 15:50, DJ Crack, who is the first South Korean DJ, gives his own version of mix together with Yugo. Their mix includes transitions that remind of K-pop songs and global pop music.

The two elements are interwoven within the same period of time. At the event, there will be an AsianTanShop booth with products such as albums and light sticks of ILLIT, NCT WISH, BABYMONSTER, BLACKPINK, and BOYNEXTDOOR. These choices reflect the presence of physical products in the fan communities in Europe today.

Round Lab, a beauty product manufacturer that creates skincare lines focused on hydration and sensitivity, will hand out free Birch Juice samples in the form of a travel kit during two periods, namely from 11:30 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 17:00. The promotion activity will go along with a master class about skincare techniques.

KPSUL offers an idea of photobooths, based on Korean self photo studios where visitors can produce their photographs and print out the images immediately. Such memory production appears to be stylized, fast, and immediate. Kick Café, which represents an idea of concept store focusing on K-pop and culture in general, operates in Paris and offers a range of food, drinks, merchandise, karaoke, and even screenings of K-dramas being another addition to this ecosystem that operates as a cultural space of Paris and now comes to the region with this event.

Starseed'Z

The afternoon continues with the high point of it when STARSEED’Z is going back onstage from 17:15 until 18:15 to perform a concert. The act itself symbolizes the main point of the whole day as it combines all previous stages into one performance act.STARSEED'Z serves as a cultural symbol of the French interpretation of K-pop music and is also becoming artists themselves.

The final part opens up from 18:20 onwards with a K-pop random playlist dancing party ending at 19:30. Such a format, popular among global fan networks, facilitates active participation rather than mere observation and reaction to music selected randomly. The idea of prioritizing participation above all else is the final manifestation of the philosophy guiding the entire event, as well as the notion of cultural fluency over mere consumption.

The host for the whole day's MC segment is Aude, who makes sure that there is no disconnection between the different segments presented and provides a journalistic context to everything going on. Among other creators, there is Claire Chave, who has a broad experience in online content creation and specializes in discussing Asian pop culture, beauty tips, and fandom interactions. Noura, alias La Corée Pour Les Boomers, presents an alternative perspective gained firsthand during interactions with Korean artists and culture through comedy and accessibility.

Jardin de Corée therefore embodies an example of cultural architecture through its integration of performance, trade, education, and fandom in digital space into one temporality. This represents the current development of K-pop and Korean culture in France in terms of its production rather than merely importation and exportation. In each of these moments throughout the day, we see a greater ecology created in which the audience members are no longer spectators of culture but active participants within it.