NORFOLK, Va., (WVEC) -- The familiar pipes and drums of the Virginia International Tattoo return to the Norfolk Scope this weekend.
Among the hundreds of performers from eight countries, the Traditional Army Band of the Republic of South Korea is back for the first time since 2015.
The band's conductor, Captain Kim, is honored to show the traditional Korean culture to the world.
"We'll show our traditional dancers, beauty of the clothes, special Korean dancing, and Taekwondo highlighted actions," Kim said through a fellow band member and impromptu translator, Jihun.
Martial arts, dance and drums take center stage during the Korean performance, that includes a beautiful rendition of "Amazing Grace."
"It's the 65th year of friendship between America and Korea. It's a meaningful place to congratulate our friendship," Kim said.
That friendship will be on full display beginning with the Thursday night performance, kicking off the event that is uniquely Hampton Roads.
"Thank you for inviting us for the Tattoo, and we will show our country's beauty in this show," Kim said.
The Korean Band consists of 73 members, including 12 dancers from the Yepuri dance team.
The 2018 Virginia International Tattoo will remember and celebrate those who have been awarded the Nation’s highest honor – The Congressional Medal of Honor.
For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.vafest.org/tattoo/