2023-2024

From Han to Heung (한에서 흥으로)

At the heart of Korean culture lie two profound emotional concepts that shape our collective experience: Han (한) and Heung (흥). While these feelings might seem contradictory, they are intrinsically woven into the fabric of Korean identity, creating a unique cultural tapestry that resonates deeply with both our heritage and contemporary lives.

Han (한) speaks to a distinctly Korean sentiment of accumulated grief and unresolved resentment—a complex emotional inheritance that many Koreans and Korean-Americans recognize as fundamental to their identity. It represents the weight of historical struggles and personal hardships that have shaped our community's resilience.

In beautiful contrast, Heung (흥) embodies the irrepressible spirit of joy and celebration that emerges spontaneously in Korean culture. Whether it manifests in festive gatherings, impromptu karaoke sessions with friends, or the electric energy of cultural celebrations, Heung represents our capacity for unbridled happiness and communal pleasure.

Our production explores these dual aspects of the Korean experience through a carefully curated series of performances and an original film. Through dance, song, and visual media, we illuminate how these seemingly opposing forces intertwine in modern Korean life. Most importantly, we reveal how Heung often emerges as a transformative response to Han—how collective joy can bloom from shared struggle, creating moments of profound celebration and connection in our contemporary world.

This journey from Han to Heung reflects not just our cultural heritage, but the universal human experience of finding light in darkness and joy in resilience.