SOUTH Korea, in celebration of 50 years of diplomatic ties with Jamaica, held a National Day reception at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in St Andrew, Monday evening.

Attended by diplomats, government representatives and business persons, the event also launched South Korea's first

film festival.

Kimo Lim, charge d'affaires at the South Korean Embassy, drew parallels between his country and Jamaica.

"South Korea established diplomatic ties with Jamaica two months after its independence and [South] Korea was still suffering from the aftermath of colonialism and the Korean War. Fifty years later, Korea's economic developments and other various aspects have been called a miracle in the international community,"

Lim said.

He added: "Jamaica's athletic heroes are the products of the people and culture... homegrown talents. Jamaica and Korea did not make the poverty-stricken past overcome our bright future. We

have proven that we likkle but we tallawah."

Arnaldo Brown, state minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, congratulated the Asian country on the hosting of its

first film fest.

Ambassador Lim said he expects the festival to contribute greatly to enhancing the

bilateral friendship and exposing Jamaicans to South

Korea's culture.

The South Korean Film Festival began on Monday and ends its Kingston run tomorrow at the Palace Cineplex

in St Andrew.

It then moves to the tourist capital of Montego Bay October 8-9 at the Palace Multiplex.

Four Korean movies, ranging from sports to comedy, are being shown. These are: Scandal Maker; Detective K — Secret of a Virtuous Widow; Take Off and Forever the Moment.