KOTA KINABALU: Families here were left in awe after watching a group of South Korean Navy personnel conducting a taekwondo demonstration, performing an epic gun “dance” and showing off their operatic voices.
The performance, which attracted a crowd of nearly 2,000 spectators, was held after two Republic of Korea Navy warships, carrying 630 crewmen, docked at the Sepanggar naval base here on Friday.
The two warships, which are making their maiden port-of-call in Sabah, will remain here until Monday and its sailors are taking this opportunity to promote South Korea’s culture at Menara Tun Mustapha here.
Their performance is also aimed at promoting South Korea’s traditions and unique pop culture to Sabahans.
“This is my first time seeing a show combining all things Korean and then some.
“I also didn’t expect their sailors to be so talented. I guess the K-pop culture runs in their blood,” said 28-year-old Emily Lim, who viewed the performance with her family.
Lim, who works in the private sector, said she was also entertained by the sailors’ variety acts and magic show.
The performance, which lasted for almost two hours, also featured the ships’ orchestra band and b-boy dance group.
This is the South Korean navy’s 23rd visit to the country since 1964, but its first visit to the Sabah capital.