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Global Affairs
Modi Announces India-Korea Friendship Festival for 2028
Key Takeaways
- 1.Could boost market access for Korean entertainment brands in India
- 2.May accelerate India-South Korea bilateral engagement ahead of 2028
- 3.Likely to expand opportunities in cultural tourism and media sectors
April 20, 2026 · 1 min read · By Rishabh Bhardwaj
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AI-assisted, human-reviewed · Our editorial standards
Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly acknowledged the growing cultural footprint of South Korean entertainment in India, citing K-pop music and Korean television dramas as having built a substantial following, especially among younger Indian audiences. The remarks came alongside an announcement of a dedicated India-Korea Friendship Festival scheduled for 2028, signaling an intent to institutionalize bilateral cultural ties. The festival represents a formal diplomatic gesture, elevating what has largely been an organic, consumer-driven cultural exchange into state-level engagement. For India-Korea relations, the move reflects a broader pattern of using soft power as scaffolding for deeper economic and strategic partnership. The 2028 timeline gives both governments runway to structure programming, funding, and participation frameworks. Businesses operating in Korean entertainment, consumer goods, and media distribution in India may find the official endorsement useful in deepening market access conversations ahead of the event.
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