Images of President Ho Chi Minh through light sculptures in Seoul.

Photo caption — The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the opening of the exhibition.

According to the VNA correspondent in Seoul, the event was organized by the Korea-Vietnam Economic and Cultural Exchange Association (KOVECA) in coordination with the Vietnamese Embassy in South Korea and the Korea-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Group to commemorate the 135th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's birth and the 33rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and South Korea.

The exhibition presents to the public a collection of works about President Ho Chi Minh, depicting historical moments through light sculpture. The collection includes the works: “Lang Sen”, “Wandering”, “Origins”, “Aspiration”, “Following in His Footsteps”, and “Flying Flower Petals”. While “Lang Sen” and “Origins” draw inspiration from love for the homeland and unforgettable memories of President Ho Chi Minh, “Wandering” is inspired by the moment he left Nha Rong Wharf to embark on his journey to save the nation. “Aspiration” features a flying dove symbolizing the aspiration for freedom, peace , and the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people. “Following in His Footsteps” reflects the image of President Ho Chi Minh in the arduous Viet Bac war zone, leading the long-term resistance of the Vietnamese nation. The image of the great national leader, dressed simply in rubber sandals, not only honors his humble yet great nature but also evokes the resilience and approachability of our beloved leader. The artwork "Flying Petals" was created to honor the national spirit of the Republic of Korea, drawing inspiration from the Mugung flower – the national flower of Korea, symbolizing indomitable will, resilience, and longevity.

In his opening remarks, KOVECA Executive Vice President Kwon Sung Tack emphasized that President Ho Chi Minh was a great leader of the Vietnamese people. Studying his life, career, and ideology is a path to a deeper understanding of Vietnam. In 2022, KOVECA organized a seminar titled “President Ho Chi Minh’s Leadership Thought and Love for the People through His Prison Diary.” This exhibition, featuring historically significant works about President Ho Chi Minh, once again demonstrates KOVECA’s desire to connect cultures, creating opportunities for the Korean public to meet and deeply appreciate the great hero who wrote a new chapter in Vietnam’s history through the art of light. KOVECA believes that these cultural exchange activities will contribute to promoting cultural exchange and laying a solid foundation for friendship between the Korean and Vietnamese people.

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to South Korea Vu Ho emphasized that the exhibition, held on the occasion of the 135th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's birth and the 33rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and South Korea, carries profound spiritual and historical significance. The event, taking place at the South Korean National Assembly building, a symbolic location of South Korean democracy, further enhances its significance – especially with the congratulations of the Speaker of the South Korean National Assembly, Woo Won Shik, and many other parliamentarians from the host country. This demonstrates the deep interest and strong support of the South Korean National Assembly for strengthening friendly relations, parliamentary cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges between Vietnam and South Korea. With a unique combination of works by "light sculpture" artist Bui Van Tu and sculptor-art director Moon-E (Korea), the exhibition tells the story of the two nations through the "language of light," placing the Vietnam-Korea relationship within the humanistic symbolism of the Big Dipper constellation - the guiding star in the darkness, as art conveys through each artwork.

Ambassador Vu Ho highly appreciated the efforts and dedication of KOVECA in presiding over, connecting, and implementing an event with profound cultural significance for the community. The event not only contributed to honoring President Ho Chi Minh and promoting mutual understanding, but also fostered national pride among the Vietnamese community living in South Korea. Ambassador Vu Ho hoped that creative and deeply connecting activities like this exhibition would continue to be highlights spreading the spirit of cooperation, friendship, and a shared vision for peace, development, and prosperity between the people of the two countries.

Attending the exhibition, Professor Ahn Kyong Hwan – a Vietnam studies expert, Rector of Nguyen Trai University – and honorary citizen of Hanoi, stated that President Ho Chi Minh was an outstanding leader of the Vietnamese nation. Artist Bui Van Tu introduced the light sculpture exhibition about President Ho Chi Minh as the first of its kind to be held in South Korea. The National Assembly building is a symbol of South Korean politics. Organizing this exhibition and introducing Ho Chi Minh's ideology to the Korean public, and to the Vietnamese public through the artwork about President Lee Jae Myung, is an extremely significant event. Set against the backdrop of Vietnam celebrating its 80th National Day and 50th anniversary of the liberation of South Vietnam in 2025, the exhibition carries great significance in encouraging and motivating the Korean people, helping to spread the great ideology of President Ho Chi Minh to the Korean people. In 2045, Vietnam will celebrate its 100th National Day, and South Korea will also celebrate its 100th Independence Day. Given these similarities, Vietnam and South Korea need to build a strong and close relationship, like a mountain rising from a deep river. Only then, in the new era, can the two countries complement and support each other, promoting cooperation in advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, human resources, and supply chains to jointly achieve sustainable and prosperous economic and social development.

The exhibition was held in the prestigious space of the Korean National Assembly building and lasted for three days, from December 10th to 12th. The opening event attracted approximately 300 guests, including leaders from Korean ministries and agencies, associations, friendship organizations, and groups from both Vietnam and Korea. The exhibition was also attended by many leading experts and researchers on Vietnam.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/thoi-su/hinh-anh-chu-tich-ho-chi-minh-qua-dieu-khac-anh-sang-tai-thu-do-seoul-20251211101557202.htm