Jason Bae is the first South Korean-born New Zealander to lead the APO when they perform at the Sounds of Friendship concert. Photo / Michael Craig
Jason Bae wasn't born until more than 30 years after the Korean War, but growing up he heard many stories about how New Zealand helped in the establishment of his motherland.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of Korea-NZ diplomatic relations - and 72 years since the start of the Korean War.
About 3800 New Zealanders served in the K-Force and 1300 in Royal New Zealand Navy deployment. More than 30 lost their lives, 79 were wounded and one was taken prisoner.
The Korean Consulate in Auckland is holding a special concert celebrating the special diamond anniversary milestone on July 28 at Parnell's Trinity Cathedral.
Bae, 30, will be the first Korean-New Zealander to conduct the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.
Of the 5000 soldiers who returned after the war in Korea ended in 1953, just eight are still around and mobile enough to attend next Thursday.
Bae, who came to New Zealand when he was nine, said he was honoured to be performing in front of the war veterans at what could possibly be their last attendance at a public event of this nature.
"My grandfather was a Korean war vet and my grandmother a war survivor, so growing up I hear many war stories and the contributions of so many countries. It shaped me as a person," Bae said.
"I've had the privilege to play for many New Zealand Korean war veterans, the K-Force, and I remember when there were 19 of them in 2008, and a few years ago 13...they have such a distinctive aura in them."
An estimated 100 surviving Korean War veterans remain, although the exact number is not known.
"I feel a deeper sense with them than my own grandfather, they are the reminder of why my motherland, the Republic of Korea, even exists today," Bae said.
"Without their sacrifices, [South] Korea wouldn't be where we are today and I might not even be around...to be standing and performing in front of them is such an honour and a reminder to be always grateful of where my roots are."
The Sounds of Friendship Concert will feature the world premiere of the Korean folk song Arirang Fantasy and a special rendition of Pokarekare Ana - which was brought to Korea by the NZ soldiers and adopted by many Koreans as their own.
Maori opera singer Te Ohorere Williams will be singing both songs in the Korean language to music by APO.
"In Korea we even have a name for Pokarekare Ana, and that's Yeon-ga," Bae said.
"NZ soldiers taught the children this song during the war and for this concert, I have asked Seoul University to make a special arrangement just for this concert. This event is more than just a music concert...it is really a reflection of who are, both New Zealand and Korea."
Bae, a Steinway artist who moved from Daejeon to Auckland in 2002 as a 9-year-old, said he identified as being both "fully Korean and fully Kiwi".
Consul-General In-Taek Kim said the special concert where "Arirang meets Pokarekare Ana" was to mark a significant milestone of diplomatic relations.
"We carefully planned this concert to reflect the unity, harmony and friendship of those 60 years with New Zealand by adding both Korean and Kiwi components."
Kim said the depth and breadth of friendship is clearly visible and growing even in people-to-people relationship in the community.
Korean food and culture was included as an event for the first time at Auckland's main winter festival celebrating culture, cuisine and creativity of the city, Elemental AKL.
"Korean food has been gaining mainstream popularity in New Zealand, so it is quite timely for Elemental AKL to be including it in its Feasts of Legends series," Kim said.
He said being included in the city's main events would help foster better understanding of Korean culture among Kiwis.
Kim urged New Zealanders to come celebrate the 60th anniversary of friendship by attending the free concert.
The concert will kick off with the world premiere of Arirang Fantasy composed by Sunghwan Choi, which has been transcribed into an overture for soprano and strings by Junhyuk Park. Pokarekare Ana will be on the list of encore songs.
Also featuring will be acclaimed musicians from the Korean diaspora, violinist Esther Nayeon Kim and pianist Hanul Kim.
Sounds of Friendship: Arirang meets Pokarekare Ana will be held on Thursday, July 28 at the Trinity Cathedral. Free tickets are available on www.eventfinda.co.nz