Korean Wave Lights Up Africa’s First G20 Summit: ‘Ubuntu with Korean Culture’ Draws Thousands

Post Date08.09.2025
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From K-pop and K-dramas to sensational animation, South Korea's cultural wave—also known as Hallyu—continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Its global influence is undeniable: K-pop acts like BLACKPINK fill stadiums across continents, K-dramas like Squid Game break viewership records, and the most recent global obsession, KPop Demon Hunters, has even seen its fictional K-pop soundtrack top international music charts. In South Africa, this cultural phenomenon has also taken hold, drawing fans eager to experience the energy, creativity, and excitement of Korean culture firsthand.

Building on this growing enthusiasm, more than 8,000 people gathered in Pretoria on Saturday, 6 September 2025, for a unique festival celebrating the vibrancy of Korean culture alongside South Africa’s rich cultural heritage, titled “UBUNTU with KOREAN CULTURE FESTIVAL” at SunBet Arena. The one-day festival celebrated South Africa’s historic hosting of the G20 Summit—the first on African soil—while embracing the spirit of Ubuntu, “I am because you are,” a concept that resonates with Korea’s own values of community and interconnectedness, emphasizing mutual respect and support, and flourishing together in harmony. South Korea, as the first Asian country to host the G20 Summit in 2010, joined the celebration to honour South Africa as the first African host, highlighting a parallel milestone and the potential for continued cultural and cooperative exchange between the two nations.

This special celebration featured a star-studded lineup led by K-pop vocal powerhouse Ailee, the internationally acclaimed Ndlovu Youth Choir, and performances blending the creativity and energy of both countries’ cultures. The festival showcased the artistry, talent, and collaborative spirit that defined this historic evening.

Taking the stage for her long-awaited South African debut, Ailee delivered a show-stopping performance that electrified the arena. Fans erupted in cheers as she performed hits including “I Will Show You”, with the audience joining in a massive singalong despite the Korean lyrics. The explosive energy confirmed South Africa’s hunger for live K-pop and underscored the global reach of the Korean Wave.

Also featured was the globally acclaimed K-Tigers, Korea’s taekwondo performance team renowned for transforming martial arts into an electrifying visual spectacle. Blending traditional discipline with K-pop choreography and modern stagecraft, their explosive performance—choreographed by the creative force behind the global sensation KPop Demon Hunters—mesmerized the audience and underscored the dynamic possibilities of cultural crossover.

In a striking blend of tradition and modern design, the event also presented a Hanbok fashion show, reinterpreting Korea’s iconic traditional attire with South African fabrics and design elements. From ceremonial wedding robes to contemporary interpretations, the runway celebrated cross-cultural inspiration and emphasized the elegance, artistry, and shared heritage of both nations.

The evening continued with a dynamic K-pop × Amapiano collaboration, fusing Korea’s energetic pop music with South Africa’s signature rhythm. This genre-blending performance energized the crowd and celebrated a creative partnership between two of the world’s most influential contemporary music movements.

The Ndlovu Youth Choir, South Africa’s own cultural treasure, brought their signature harmonies and vibrant energy to the stage. Their set included traditional favourites, pieces from The Lion King, and a special rendition of BTS’s “Dynamite” sung in Zulu, combining local identity with global pop culture in a captivating performance.

The evening reached its emotional climax as all performers united for a collaborative finale, singing Toto’s classic “Africa” to a standing ovation. The collective performance embodied the spirit of Ubuntu and left a lasting impression of unity, connection, and shared celebration between Korea and South Africa.

The festival extended beyond the performances. Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) operated a K-Food promotional booth showcasing 27 varieties of Korean agricultural products, including gochujang (red chili paste) and Naju pears. The booth also provided Korean recipe videos on tablets, allowing local visitors to easily experience Korean cuisine. In addition, large outdoor screens featured cooking videos presented by South Africa influencers, while photo walls of Korea stars created an immersive K-Culture experience space.

Leading Korean companies also joined the event. Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, and Hyundai Motor Company showcased their latest innovations, highlighting Korea’s global leadership in technology and mobility. Afrotex, a Korean wig manufacturer, drew strong attention by distributing thousands of braided wigs as souvenirs to visitors, captivating significant attention and interest.

More than just a cultural showcase, UBUNTU with KOREAN CULTURE FESTIVAL marked a meaningful moment for South Africa on the global stage. By celebrating the G20 Summit with a festival that bridged continents, the event highlighted the country’s role as a hub for cultural connection, creativity, and collaboration. For South African audiences, it was not only an opportunity to experience the vibrancy of Korea’s cultural wave up close, but also a chance to see their own heritage celebrated in dialogue with one of the world’s most dynamic cultural movements. The evening’s spirit of Ubuntu resonated far beyond the stage.

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