50th anniversary
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SEOUL, South Korea — A three-hour parade of talent by South Korean Church members arrayed color, music and dance across the stage during their cultural event Saturday evening, July 30.
The opportunity to perform for President Hinckley had motivated children, youth and adults for the past year, as they prepared to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the dedication of Korea for the preaching of the gospel.
However, President Hinckley did not arrive until the next day, when he resumed his schedule.
But the show did go on, an impressive display of music, dance and theater. Neither the spirits of the approximately 1,500 performers nor the several thousand people in the audience seemed dampened by the fact that the honored guest was not there.
Representing all areas of South Korea, they gathered for the event in Olympic Gymnasium No. 1, part of the Olympic Park built for Seoul's hosting of the 1988 Summer Olympics. And when it was over, the group's enthusiasm showed that they believed the effort was well done.
"We really missed him and wanted him to see us, but we understand," said Jeong Ok Kang, one of a group of young single adults who put on a dazzling display of Latin and classical dancing.
For her group, the past 10 months of practice had its ups and downs, she said, "But we all enjoyed it. We prepared it for President Hinckley, for Heavenly Father and for ourselves. We learned how to love, be humble and overcome trials."
The entire Asia North Area presidency attended — President Yoshihiko Kikuchi and counselors Elder William R. Walker and Elder Won Yong Ko, all of the Seventy.
Elder Ko, who was sustained as a General Authority in April general conference, seemed particularly satisfied by the event that was driven primarily by him.
"If you look at the participants, you will see that every area of South Korea was represented," he said. That includes representation from 17 stakes from Seoul in the north to Pusan in the south.
"We wanted to give every stake a chance to develop its own activities," Elder Ko noted. "We don't want this to be a one-time activity. We want to keep the talent level up even after this. That's why we wanted to include the entire country."
The performances included a Primary choir, Primary children in a choreographed martial arts demonstration, young women doing traditional Korean dances in colorful traditional Korean dress, and young men putting on a drumming display. An adult choir sang, accompanied by a full orchestra with members of many ages.
A significant portion of the audience was made up of former mission presidents and missionaries who served in Korea and returned to join the anniversary celebration. Many of them were from the United States. During the week, there were several mission reunions throughout the country.
The event, which also commemorated the 200th anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Joseph Smith, told of Church history, especially in Korea during the Korean War and the dedication of the land by President Joseph Fielding Smith, then president of the Quorum of the Twelve, on Aug. 2, 1955. The historical perspective was told through video clips displayed on large screens at the front of the arena as well as music and stage presentations. There were skits and a short musical performed on a large stage while the dancers filled the arena floor. Children and youth dominated the last part of the show, focusing on future leaders of the Church in Korea.
As a token of appreciation to the performers, Elder Ko directed the preparation of a book containing the names and photos of everyone who participated. He said that 50 years from now, the youth who performed this year will be able to show their books to their families and remember the experience.
E-mail to: ghill@desnews.com
