As the Korean Wave of popular culture known as Hallyu becomes a worldwide phenomenon, local fans of Korean pop music, or K-Pop, joined forces in New York to call for more K-Pop performances with a dancing flash mob in Central Park on June 6.
The performance may not have been a shock to bystanders, situated in the open grassy space of the 843-acre park, but more than 130 fans of diverse nationalities and backgrounds gathered to have their voices heard.
Their campaign, initiated as a Facebook group, aims to encourage Korean artists to venture into the American market and hold more concerts there.
"Come to New York, Shinee!" and "Tae Min, I'm here" read a sign in Korean held by Cris Segara, 20, who says she studies Korean by reading the subtitles on the K-Pop star's videos.
The performers prepared for more than a month, combining the choreography of some of K-Pop's most popular groups, such as Super Junior, Girl's Generation, Shiny, and Dong Bang Shin Ki.
Mary Stelloui, 17, of Delaware, expressed her excitement by dancing to her favorite K-Pop music together with others who share the same dream of meeting their Korean idols one day.
Miranda Ditmore, 14, of Bronx Riverdale, said she learned about K-Pop three years ago from her older sister and was immediately fascinated with the music and the artists. She also practiced the group's dance moves for weeks in order to participate in the event.
The rising interest in K-Pop worldwide is serving as a new medium of public diplomacy for Korea, and is especially fitting for younger generation.
After the flash mob performance, the participants all moved to a local Korean restaurant on 32 Street in New York's Korea Town for some Korean cuisine.
By Jihee Kim
