(bright upbeat music) - [Narrator] Funding For this "Maryland State of Mind Special" is provided by the  13 institutions of the university  system of Maryland.
(bright upbeat music) Coming up next, travel around the  world to the far east with the Coppin  State College choir, as they sing their way  across South Korea.
Visit a palace  over 500 years old, and then shop till you drop in the consumer's  paradise of Seoul.
Join a choir member in  our own Korean wedding before sitting  down to a hot meal of kimchi and grasshoppers.
Then, relax and enjoy  the beautiful sounds of the Coppin State  College choir.
All coming up on this "Maryland State of Mind Special; Music for the Seoul."
(bright upbeat music) (dramatic music) (gentle music) Welcome to Korea.
A proud country with  a turbulent past its very existence is a testimony to its people.
Located between mainland China and the island country of Japan, it is thought to defend itself for centuries.
Many Americans, remember the  United States involvement in the Korean conflict as communist forces  from the north sought to exert their influence over their neighbors  from the south.
The result was a country divided, but molding itself into a  modern economic powerhouse, South Korea rebounded and grew to become an Asian success story.
(indistinct chatters) A decade after that war many  Koreans immigrated to America.
Like millions before them, they pursued employment, freedom, and the American dream.
Joining the so-called  melting pot, they not only met with success, but suffered the indignities  of racism and conflict that have plagued other minorities in our nation's past.
While many people may  have tasted their kimchi, few know much about their  culture, customs, or history.
Deciding to reach out to the local  African-American community, Reverend Chun Chong You of  Hanover, Maryland had an idea.
- I'd been a minister  for a long time in Korea, and then I came to  the United States.
I had a chance to visit  an African-American church and hear their music, it was quite different  than I was used to hearing and I was deeply moved  by the experience.
I then started to think that I should introduce this African-American style of music to the Korean people  and their churches.
So, I began planning  a musical tour.
- Reverend You, then went  to Coppin State College and there he became their Korean and  African-American liaison.
(phone rings) with president Calvin Burnett.
A plan was made for the Coppin  choir to travel to Korea.
- Dr. You, who came  to us with the idea of forming a closer relationship with the Korean community  within Baltimore.
And looking into that, we decided would be a good idea to consider the possibility of establishing an African-American Korea initiative.
And in that regard, our choir would be  our very best group that we could send to  Korea because of the music, and they're pretty  a wonderful group.
(bright upbeat music) - [Narrator] The 15  hour non-stop flight to the other side of the world  is not to be taken lightly.
Enjoying their last few moments with their feet on the ground, the choir prepares for  the grueling journey.
Watching movies, reading books, and getting to know  their fellow travelers helps pass the time.
(slow music) The city of Seoul is the heart of South Korea with a population of  almost 20 million, it's pulse can be  felt for miles.
(slow music) Eager audiences  throughout the city gather in anticipation  as a new beat begins, the sound of a Coppin  State College Choir.
* When you're down  and in despair * * Don't feel uneasy because he'll be there * * Say, don't you worry * Nor don't you fret * The Lord has never, never failed you yet, * * So hold on * Hold on * He's on his way * Help is on the way * He told me to tell you * Hold on * He's coming soon * Help is on the way * Eh, Hold on * Hold on * He's on his way * Help is on the way * Eh, hold on * Hold on * He's coming soon * Help is on the way * Pray, he'll be there * Hold on * He's coming soon * Help is on the way * Help is on the way y'all * Hold on * He's coming soon * Help is on the way * He'll make (indistinct) * And he'll be right  there one more time, so * * Help is on the way * Help is on the way y'all * Help is on the way * Help is on the way y'all * Help is on the way * Help is on the way y'all * Help is on the way * Help is on the way y'all * Help * Come on just say * Help * Come on just say * Help * Come on just say * Help is on the way (audience applauds) - The music, I believe,  really reaches the people.
I see their expressions, their expressions are  so receptive, so open.
And even though I believe that the language  barrier is a problem, I think when you're singing, you pay attention to the more  the music, the expression, and the lyrics really  don't mean a lot.
(slow gentle music) - Now, the one thing I want to say about this, is that I have you sing  (indistinct) that the words... Well, first of all, I was very, very  excited about coming because I had told the choir a semester before that when you become very  proficient in the choral art, you will begin to get  invitations to do things.
Had no idea that we would  get an invitation to Korea within two months  of my statement.
(slow gentle music) The adage music as a universal  language is very true and the beauty of the music, and the phrasing  and the expression, is what makes music beautiful.
I wanna go to in that  (indistinct) in the morning.
(humming) Everybody sing  that pitch, please.
(humming) On our campus, we have a  variety of ages of people.
It being a state institution or just any institution has a mix of people, and the college choir is open  to anyone who loves to sing.
If you like to sing and like to perform and want to do that, anyone can join.
So, that explains the age mix.
It's very exciting to have  these people varying ages because it gives people a chance to learn to work with each other.
Well, one of the things that I know is that contemporary audiences are used to television, and they're used to  going to theater, and they're used to  being entertained.
And in order for us to  be successful performers, we have to give a bit of all of that, and so I also choose people  for their sermonship.
(all clapping) * Lord, keeps so busy - The song that I do in the concert, it's a Negro spiritual, "Ain't Got Time To Die."
Lord, I keeps so busy  praising my Jesus cause I ain't got time to die.
And when singing these  type of Negro spirituals, one must interact  with the audience because if you don't interact, then the song is dead, it's boring, and I tend to get the audience involved and the people will  see that the Koreans really love an uptempo type of song.
* Lord I keep so busy  praising my Jesus * * Keep so busy  praising my Jesus * * Keep so busy  praising my Jesus * * Ain't got time to die * 'Cause when I'm healing the  sick, I'm praising my Jesus * * When I'm healing the sick,  I'm praising my Jesus * * When I'm healing the sick,  I'm praising my Jesus * * Ain't got time to die * 'Cause it takes  all of my time, * * To praise my Jesus * All of my time * To praise my Lord * If I don't praise Him the  rocks are gonna cry out * * Glory and honor,  glory and honor * * Ain't got time to die * Lord I keep so busy  working for the kingdom * * Keep so busy working  for the kingdom * * Keep so busy working  for the kingdom * * Ain't got time to die * 'Cause when I'm  giving my all * * I'm serving my Jesus * When I'm giving my all * I'm serving Jesus * When I'm giving my all * I'm serving my Jesus * Ain't got time to die * 'Cause it takes  all of my time * * To praise my Jesus * All of my time to  praise the Lord * * If I don't praise Him the  rocks are gonna cry out * * Glory and honor,  glory and honor * * Ain't got time to die * Lord I keep so busy  serving my master * * Keep so busy  serving my master * * Keep so busy  serving my master * * Ain't got time to die * 'Cause when I'm  giving my all * * I'm serving my master * When I'm giving my all * I'm serving my master * When I'm giving my all * I'm serving my master * Ain't got time to die * Cause it takes all of my time * * To praise my Jesus * All of my time  to praise my Lord * * If I don't praise Him the  rocks are gonna cry out * * Glory and honor,  glory and honor * * Ain't got time to die * Now won't you  get out of my way * * Let me praise my Jesus * Get out of my way * Let me praise my Lord * If I don't praise Him the  rocks are gonna cry out * * Glory and honor,  glory and honor * * Ain't got time to die (audience applauding) - [Narrator] After  days of concerts, the choir is finally able  to take in some sights.
On a beautiful autumn day, the group samples, some  history of this ancient land.
Visiting one of Seoul's many historical and Royal locations,  Changdeok Palace.
Originally built  nearly 600 years ago, many of the structures were  burned in times of war.
Rebuilt over the centuries, and the last of Seoul's palaces to actually house  a Royal family.
The architecture and  design brings to mind a different time and  a different world.
Located in back of the  palace grounds is the Biwon otherwise known to Westerners  as the secret garden.
More than 100 acres in size, the enchanting  combination of trees, ponds, and pavilions is an excellent example of Korea's traditional  naturalistic landscape design, and a welcome respite from  the crowded city streets.
- The secret garden  was what we had seen in a history book at school.
But then when you  actually see it, and you kinda wish that you  could have been part of it.
- The secret garden is vast.
There's a story  everywhere you go.
So, you really  get to see exactly what royalty actually live like.
(bright upbeat music) - [Narrator] One of the biggest culture shocks for travelers from the States is  the Korean food.
While most Americans have tried Chinese takeout back home, the spicy cabbage, kimchi and  the self prepared bibimbap, require a somewhat  adventurous palette, and the variety of entrees  sampled by the group receives many comments.
- Korean food takes a little getting used to, but it is good.
It's not something that  I would eat all the time, but it's something that I can get used to.
It is very tasteful.
- One of my advantages  and being with this group is that I've lived in the Orient specifically in Hokkaido Japan, and, so it's been very  pleasant to me to eat the food and taste different taste than I would normally  be eating at home.
- The food I absolutely love.
And so having the experience  in eating new kinds of foods has been great for me.
- I did like the bulgogi and I like rice, and that's about it.
- [Narrator] While dishes  like bulgogi or fire beef were enjoyed, the grasshoppers did not always go down easily.
- [Male Choir] Is it good?
- [Female Choir] What is it?
- [Male Choir] Was is it good?
- [Female Choir] What is it?
- [Narrator] And after dinner, it was time to  return to the stage.
(bright piano music) * Hallelujah * Hallelujah * Hallelujah * Hallelujah * Unto God's a mighty son * Hallelujah unto  Gods almighty son * * Praise the lord you bright angelic choirs * * In holy songs of joy * In holy songs of joy * In holy songs of joy * In holy songs of joy * In holy songs of joy * In holy songs of joy * In holy songs of joy * In holy songs of joy * In holy songs of joy * Praise the lord you bright angelic choirs * * In holy songs of joy * Praise the lord you bright angelic choirs * * Praise the Lord  in holy songs * * In holy songs of Joy * Man proclaim his grace and glory hallelujah * * Man proclaim his grace and glory hallelujah * * Hallelujah * Hallelujah * Hallelujah * Hallelujah * Hallelujah unto  God's almighty son * * Praise * The Lord in holy  songs of joy * * Praise * The Lord in songs of joy * Praise * The Lord in holy  songs of joy * * Man proclaim his grace and glory, hallelujah, * * Man proclaim his grace and glory, hallelujah * * Hallelujah * Hallelujah * Unto God's almighty son * Unto God's almighty  son hallelujah * * Hallelujah unto  God's almighty son * * Praise the Lord * Praise the Lord * Praise the Lord * In holy songs of joy * In holy songs of joy * Praise the Lord * Praise the Lord * Praise the Lord * In holy songs of joy * In holy songs of joy * Praise the Lord  in holy songs * * In holy songs * In holy songs of joy * Praise the Lord * Praise the Lord * In holy songs of joy * In holy songs of joy (audience applauds) - [Narrator] The Coppin choir also knows how to make friends in high places.
Today, they made their  way to the Korean Congress for a breakfast with respected  Congressman Kim Young Gin.
(indistinct chatters) A proponent of bridging the cultural divide, Congressman Kim gives them a  tour of the Capital building and then joins them in song.
* We shall overcome * We shall overcome * Someday - We do not approach this from  the standpoint of a conflict between the Korean community and African-American community.
Isolated incidents  within Baltimore city, within the metropolitan area, that it may be involved in  African-American and the Korea that cannot be used to spread  to the entire relationship, those are isolated incidents.
Our purpose is to  strengthen the relationship as well as to give  the Korean people a little bit understanding of the African-American here in Korea.
There is a connection between  the African-American community and the Korean people based upon mutual  suffering and suppression.
I have talked with the  members of the Korean Congress and other people, they brought that subject  without me even bringing it up saying that the Korean people and the African-American people have this connection  because out of that, they both have suffered greatly so that they understand what it means to treat people fairly and how important it  is to be sensitive to the way people are treated.
* Someday * Oh, deep in my heart * I do believe * We shall overcome someday (applauding) (bright upbeat music) - [Narrator] Coming up next, hop on the bus and tour more of South Korea with a Coppin State  College choir, as they sing, shop,  and get married.
All this and more in part two of this "Maryland State of Mind Special; Music for the Seoul."
(bright upbeat music) - [Narrator] The Coppin State College choir continues their hectic  pace touring around Seoul and other cities in South Korea.
The audiences grow as  does their interest in meeting these strangers  from a strange land.
- They received us very well.
Especially the kids make you  feel like you're a rock star off course, want the autographs and just come running up to you, they're just so friendly.
(camera shutter clicking) - The people here  are very cordial.
They're warm, considerate, nice.
They accept us with open arms, which we can appreciate - Great reactions.
The people love it, I go up and shake their hands.
One little boy in the audience of one concert, I put my hand over his  head and brushed his hair.
- Yes, I was really impressed and the songs.
- It's just overwhelming.
I mean, some of them, you wish  you could take home with you.
They have just been  outwardly loving, you can go up and hug  them and give them a kiss.
- Very exciting.
- "Laudate Dominum" is  a piece that I love.
And, when I heard  Izegbe singing, I said, "Oh, this  is a person for it."
- It took me a long time  to get "Laudate Dominum", because they gave us  the Latin words only and not the English translation.
So, when I actually, you know,  got the words and it's really a praise song, it's beautiful and you know, and it really coincides with  the music and the words, and that's all it is.
It's like the Lord be praised and you know, and he's wonderful, and you know...majestic, and you're beautiful.
And, it's inspiring.
* Laudate Dominum * Omnes gentes * Laudate eum, omnes * Omnes populi * Quoniam confirmata est * Super nos * Misericordia eius * Et veritas, * Veritas Domini * Manet, manet in aeternum * Gloria * Patri et Filio * Et Spiritui Sancto * Sicut erat in principio * Et nunc, et semper Et in saecula saeculorum * * Amen * Amen * Amen * Amen * Amen (audience applauding) - [Narrator] Korea is also home to a number of thriving theaters.
Taking a break from their tight schedule, the Coppin group, is treated to a number of theatrical experiences ranging from the traditional to the magical.
(lively upbeat music) Dr. Yangsoon Song is a  Korean American professor at Coppin State College.
Offering his skills of interpretation during the trip, his unique perspective of the choir experience helps with the challenge of bringing these two  cultures together.
- The genuine American  Korean is on another country, for the genuine Korean,  America is on another country, but for me it is both my country.
So, understanding each other  is extremely important.
It is understanding  myself in both ways, okay.
And then also, if the Korean  and the African-American, and (indistinct) can  understand the world, I got the most benefit.
- Korea is a beautiful, beautiful place, there are a lot  of mountains here.
There's this one place  we went to called Itewan, where it's wonderful shopping.
The shopping is phenomenal.
(bright upbeat music) - [Narrator] The city of Seoul has been called the super bowl of shopping, an unbelievable operation  open 24 hours a day in every building and on every street corner.
And the Coppin Choir  does their part in contributing to  the local economy.
- A day of fun for  Coppin States Choir.
The most fun I think, we've all had is going to Itaewon  market place.
Itaewon is haven  basically of alleys and backstreets with shopping.
Anything that you wanna purchase, they have.
- Chucky loves Seoul Korea!
(laughs) - [Narrator] Drawn by  the sights and sounds, some of the group taken a trip to a Korean folk village.
Much like colonial  Williamsburg in Virginia, the modern park provides the feel, scenery, and traditions of ages past.
(bright upbeat music) - Well, I, myself was  privileged to participate in one of the  traditional weddings, which I thought was  very interesting.
The costuming, the whole process was so different and unique.
All right (laughs) - The local media takes an  interest in the visit as well, wanting to know more about  the students' impressions and experiences.
- Well, I haven't seen a lot.
I feel very honored to be  a part of this venture.
I think that this is one  of the most important step and I look forward to others and the more we're  able to come together and to learn to  understand each other, I think the better we'd be able to function as a community and as a nation.
(indistinct chatters) * Ooh * I wanna be ready * I wanna be ready * I wanna be ready, Lord * Ready to put on  my long white robe * * I wanna be ready * I wanna be ready * I wanna be ready, Lord * Ready, to put on  my long white robe * * I would not be a sinner * I'll tell you the reason why * 'Cause if my Lord  should call on me, Lord * * I wouldn't ready to die * I wanna be ready * I wanna be ready * I wanna be ready, Lord * Ready, to put on  my long white robe * * I wanna be ready * I wanna be ready * I wanna be ready, Lord * Ready, to put on  my long white robe * * I would not be a gambler * I'll tell you the reason why * 'Cause if my Lord  should call on me, Lord * * I wouldn't be ready to die * I wanna be ready * I wanna be ready * I wanna be ready, Lord * Ready, to put on  my long white robe * * Be ready to put on  my long white robe * * Just ready to put on  my long white robe * (audience applauding) - [Narrator] Joining the choir on their trip is an administrative contingent from Coppin State College, along with representatives  from the Coppin alumni, President Burnett  and Dean Ron Collins, visit Korean universities to discuss future  student exchanges.
- I have this vision for Coppin and Korean universities.
I see in the next  year and a half or so, at least two students per year  leaving Coppin going to Korea learning the language,  the Korean language, pursuing their  academic discipline, whether it's history  or mathematics at the Korean institution.
- [Burnnet] We're building a relationship because we want to develop  an exchange program for students, faculty, speakers from various  seminars that will help us with our international  dimension.
- I see Koreans students coming to Coppin state, coming to us to  learn the language, learning about  African-American culture, about African-American  peoples and the like, that's exciting for us.
What we're doing in Korea is  really building bridges too.
I'm leaving very pleased.
(audience applauding) (slow gentle music) - [Narrator] With standing  room only at many concerts, the Coppin trip was  a fabulous success and touched thousands of lives.
Traveling to the other  side of the world has already begun to  reap benefits for Coppin, the experiences,  relationships, and goodwill, will not only last a lifetime,  but spread to others as well.
(slow gentle music) - For many of them, this is their first opportunity out country, and the arts are  responsible for that.
So, I'm giving a plug for what the arts can do in people's lives.
It can make great differences.
(slow gentle music) - When we stop learning, it's time to die.
And so, it's keeping me young just to be here.
It's a struggle  sometimes to keep up, but when you learn new things  and you see exciting things, it just gives you more hope that you just want to  live longer and longer so we can see more.
(slow gentle music) - Well, music is a very universal language and listening to them do  their praise and worship, we pick up a melody of  what they're singing and they pick the melody of what we're singing.
With their two songs that we do, "It Is Well" and "Amazing Grace" that we do part in Korean and they join in with us.
So, music is a  universal language that we all can understand.
(slow gentle music) - [Narrator] As the crowd  joins in with the Coppin Choir Korean rendition  of "Amazing Grace", the music that fills the ears of both the choir and the Korean people  brings them together as one.
The visitors come not  only from another country, but are representatives of a college, a city, and a culture.
Their message is clear, our skin may have many colors and our mouth may  speak many tongues, but the power of music  and the human spirit will help unite us all.
(slow gentle music) * Lord, I keep so busy  praising my Jesus * * Keep so busy  praising my Jesus * * Keep so busy  praising my Jesus * * Ain't got time to die * ' Cause when I'm healing the  sick I'm praising my Jesus * * When I'm healing the sick  I'm praising my Jesus * * When I'm healing the sick  I'm praising my Jesus * * Ain't got time to die * 'Cause it takes all of my  time, to praise my Jesus * * All of my time  to praise my Lord * * If I don't praise him, the  rocks are gonna cry out * * Glory and honor * Glory and honor * Ain't got time to die * Now, I want you to  get out of my way * * Let me praise my Jesus * Get out of my way let me praise my Lord * * If I don't praise him the  rocks are gonna cry out * * Glory and honor * Glory and honor * Ain't got time to die