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Dignitaries witness Goddess crowningJeju-born soprano Kang Hye-myoung honored to mark International Women¡¯s Day and upcoming BPW International Congress
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¡ã Jeju-born soprano Kang Hye-myoung (center) honored to mark International Women’s Day and upcoming BPW International Congress. Photo courtesy Ginger Whitesell

It is not unusual for a performer to receive an award for their extraordinary talent. Most often, though, that award does not bestow a title that raises the recipient’s status to one of divinity. However, Jeju Island, a traditionally matriarchal society home to 18,000 gods and goddesses, does things differently.

On Friday, March 28, Jeju Island celebrated the crowning of its first live goddess as opera singer Kang Hye-myoung was named a “Living Goddess of Jeju.” The award was given in homage to Jeju’s rich religious traditions and also to promote International Women’s Day, which passed on March 8, and the upcoming 28th BPW International Congress 2014 to be held on Jeju Island, May 23 to 27.

The Jeju club of the International Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW International) hosted the celebration and opera showcase and funds raised from the event were donated to the Korean Council for Women Drafted for Military Sexual Slavery by Japan. About 2 million won will go to this Busan-based organization.

Kang, trained in Italy and Paris as a soprano, was selected for her ethereal singing talents to promote Jeju’s artistic scene and achievements. Before accepting her award, she performed to the 800-strong audience who were treated to her heavenly voice alongside several other skilled performers.

The Camellia Choir, Baritone Seung Cheol Kim, Tenor Sang Oon Lee and the adorable Sound Landscape Children’s Choir, all accompanied by the Jeju Symphony, graced the audience with their sweet voices.

The song selections encompassed a wide variety. From the Korean Cheol Ik Hwang’s ‘Flower Girl,’ to the Italian opera ‘Rigoletto,’ to American favorite ‘You Raise Me Up,’ the performances were diverse enough to please opera novices and enthusiasts alike. A particular favorite was Kang’s stylistic rendition of Arirang, the traditional Korean song made new in opera form.

Following the performances, a sand art video was shown depicting the suffering of “comfort women,” as Korean sex slaves of the Japanese military are known. Through an emotional series of hand-carved temporary sand images, the video displayed hardships endured by comfort women during the Japanese occupation in Korea.

After the video, Kang entered the stage in an elegant gown dyed naturally with persimmon, in the Jeju tradition. BPW Jeju President Im Ae Duk, BPW International President Freda Miriklis and Princess Fay Jahan Ara took the stage and crowned Kang, granting her the official title of “Living Goddess of Jeju.”

Outside of the theatre, a selection of art pieces were on display, as part of a peace art project organized by BPW Italy. Forty Jeju students between ages 11 to 19 were selected for creating art pieces encompassing the peace theme.

Other noteworthy attendees included former Mongolian President Nambariin Enkhbayar and the Iraqi Ambassador to Korea, Khalil Al Mosawi. As supporters of BPW’s efforts towards women’s rights and raising awareness for injustices against women during the Japanese occupation, they were proud to be in attendance.

Jeju Island’s Live Goddess event was a delightful evening of arts entertainment, all in the name of a good cause. When it comes to spreading awareness of women’s rights and the sad history of comfort women, there seems to be no better promotion than through elegantly showcasing the talents of the newly divine.

Click here for an interview with BPW International President Freda Miriklis about the upcoming congress.

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