INTERVIEW: Quebec envoy seeks to deepen ties with South Korea through cultural collaboration

Damien Pereira, the chief representative of the Quebec government office in Seoul, poses for a photo during an interview with AJP on Feb. 26, 2025. AJP Han Jun-gu

SEOUL, February 28 (AJP) - As South Korea continues to expand its economic and cultural exchanges with Quebec, the French-speaking province in eastern Canada is also establishing a more independent presence here across various fields. Separate from the Canadian Embassy, it seeks to establish direct relations with Seoul to strengthen its presence and foster deeper collaboration.

In an interview with AJP earlier this week, Damien Pereira, the chief representative of the Quebec government office in Seoul, emphasized the unique cultural bond between the two and the growing opportunities for mutual cooperation.

"Korea and Quebec have experienced cultural attacks in the past, which have strengthened the bond between our people," Pereira said. "In both our histories, dominant cultures have tried to suppress and replicate our language, culture, and history. However, this has only brought our people closer together."
 

Damien Pereira, the chief representative of the Quebec government office in Seoul, poses for a photo during an interview with AJP on Feb. 26, 2025. AJP Han Jun-gu

The envoy said that the minority Quebecers, surrounded by a vast number of English speakers, have worked to preserve their language and culture, and this struggle has ultimately strengthened their unity, making cultural preservation a key part of Quebec's identity and society. Likewise, during Japan's colonial rule, Koreans were forced at one point to abandon their names and adopt Japanese ones, threatening their cultural identity

Quebec, which operates diplomatic missions separate from the Canadian federal government, has been steadily expanding its footprint in South Korea. The province is already a dominant force in Canada-Korea cultural exchanges, with nearly two-thirds of all Canadian cultural engagements in South Korea originating from Quebec. "You see many programmers and artistic directors from South Korea visiting Quebec to bring shows and performances to Korea."

Performing arts and digital media have been central to this partnership, and the upcoming International Symposium on Electronic Arts (ISEA) in Seoul is expected to feature 30 Quebecers, including artists.

During the interview, he recalled that the 2016 hit South Korean soap "Guardian: The Lonely and Great God" was filmed in Quebec, with its stunning landscapes providing a magical backdrop to the romantic drama. He emphasized that attracting a Korean drama production was significant, as the creators saw Quebec as the perfect setting. This became a remarkable opportunity to introduce Quebec to South Korean audiences.
 

Damien Pereira, the chief representative of the Quebec government office in Seoul, poses for a photo during an interview with AJP on Feb. 26, 2025. AJP Han Jun-gu

Economic collaboration is also on the rise, particularly in the battery industry. "South Korean firms such as EcoPro and POSCO Future M have been ramping up investments in Quebec, drawn by the province's rich deposits of critical minerals essential for battery production," Pereira said. Quebec, in turn, is not just exporting raw materials but developing local processing facilities to move further up the value chain.

"We see South Korean companies establishing a strong foothold in Quebec as a gateway to the North American market," Pereira said. "Our economic structures are complementary, making this an ideal partnership."

Beyond batteries, Quebec's cooperation with South Korea spans other multiple sectors including aerospace, IT, and agriculture. CAE, a Quebec-based flight simulator manufacturer, operates a major training center near Gimpo International Airport in western Seoul.

The cultural connection remains a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship. Quebec artists are regular participants in the annal Jarasum International Jazz Festival in Gapyeong on the outskirts of Seoul, and Quebecois cuisine and traditions have found a niche among South Korean audiences. Pereira expressed optimism about expanding these exchanges, emphasizing Quebec's commitment to fostering deeper engagement in education, arts, and technology.

As Quebec positions itself as a key economic and cultural partner to South Korea, the province's proactive approach signals a broader ambition: to solidify its influence in global markets while expanding its presence here. "Our relationship with South Korea is built on mutual respect and shared values," Pereira said. "As global challenges evolve, our collaboration will only become more critical."