Innovative approaches to developing cultural exchanges between different nations are increasingly important as anti-globalization sentiment rises across the world, Roh Jae-hun, President of the East Asia Culture Center in Seoul, said in an interview on Tuesday with China Global Television Network (CGTN).
Roh noted that China, Japan and South Korea were celebrating Cultural Exchange Years in 2025 and 2026, and called on East Asian nations to strengthen cultural exchanges and unite around shared values at a time of global division.
"I'd like to emphasize the importance of cultural innovation that incorporates the spirit of optimism and integration, in Chinese word 'rong he'. iI is an integration of tradition and modernity, east and west, and technology and culture. As we know, now the world is falling apart with anti-globalization sentiment and policies. That is why the integration of different cultures is all the more important. And I think China and Korea can take the lead together on this front," Roh said.
Roh said diversity, openness and humanity are core to shared values that should be cherished by South Korea, China and Japan.
"I think it's now time to create Asian common culture based on shared value. I call it One Asia Value, a culture which is universally-accepted Asian culture based on Asian values that are diversity, openness and humanity. Our three countries have their own tremendous national pride, especially in culture field. Let's take the national pride to Asian pride and we can create Asian charm together," Roh said.
Expert calls on East Asia to unite around shared values
