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The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, continued his visit to Seoul today (February 20) to see for himself the city's latest developments in the cultural and creative industries.
Mr So visited an entertainment company which champions K-pop and K-culture with businesses ranging from broadcasting to movie, drama, music and games worldwide. He was briefed by its Executive Vice President/Chief Executive Officer, Mr Kim Sung-su, on the company's experiences in providing local and international television markets with quality content and its efforts in expanding businesses overseas.
He also called on the Korea Creative Content Agency, a government-funded organisation under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism that helps promote the sound growth and development of the country's cultural industries. He had a meeting with its President, Mr Hong Sang-pyo, who shared with him Korea's experiences in nurturing creative talents and promoting the development of the content industry.
In addition, Mr So took the opportunity to visit Klive, a dedicated K-pop hologram performance hall, which features a virtual performance of K-pop idols/idol groups on a 270-degree media facade. Mr So was impressed by how it combines Korea's top K-pop content with digital technologies to create an unrivalled experience for K-pop fans.
Earlier in the day, Mr So met with the Vice Minister for Trade and Energy, Mr Han Jin-hyun, to discuss the promotion of closer business links between Hong Kong and Korea. He also met the President of the Small and Medium Business Corporation, Mr Park Cheol-kyu, and they exchanged views on issues relating to supporting small and medium enterprises and start-ups.
Mr So also paid a courtesy call on the Chinese Ambassador to Korea, Mr Qiu Guohung, in the morning.
The Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Communications and Technology), Miss Susie Ho, is accompanying Mr So during the visit.
On the third and last day of his visit to Seoul tomorrow (February 21), Mr So will visit the Korea National University of Arts and a private academy for performing arts talents. He will also visit the Pangyo Techno Valley and call on the Korea Information Society Development Institute.
Ends/Thursday, February 20, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:20
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