PROJECT 1004

Author: Jessica

  • Big Ocean Kicks Off Their First US Tour with a Cafe Fan Event at Niko Niko Boba Cafe

    Big Ocean Kicks Off Their First US Tour with a Cafe Fan Event at Niko Niko Boba Cafe

    Big Ocean (빅오션) is an up and coming boyband produced by Parastar Entertainment. The band debuted in 2024 with a remake of the famous SMTOWN ending song, “Hope (빛)”, by H.O.T. The band consists of members PJ, Jiseok, and Chanyeon. They are the first K-Pop boyband that was produced with all the members being hard of hearing. They have gone through vigorous training and utilize technology and AI in their performances / music production.

    Despite only debuting last year, the group has already amassed almost 100,000 followers on instagram. Many fans feel inspired by their hard work and dedication to pursue music despite their hearing loss.

    On their first full day in the U.S., the boys held a café-themed event at Niko Niko Boba Cafe in St. Paul. Despite the sweltering heat, many fans waited patiently for their chance to meet the idols. Big Ocean served drinks, chatted briefly with attendees, and expressed their gratitude for the support. Following the café event, Big Ocean stepped outdoors to take a group photo with all attendees then returned back into the cafe for a short break and to prepare for the fan events.

    After a few minutes, fans returned back into the cafe to begin the fan events. Big Ocean took selfies and Polaroids with fans and held a fan sign session for those who purchased additional add-ons. After the fan events ended, fans gathered at the front for send off to say goodbye to Big Ocean as they loaded into their van.

    ** A special thank you to Parastar Entertainment, KorUS Entertainment, and mnkpopconnect for inviting me and letting me cover the fun events of the day!**

    July 26th, 2025.

  • ONEWE Brings Alternative Rock to St. Paul, Minnesota.

    ONEWE Brings Alternative Rock to St. Paul, Minnesota.

    On Thursday, Korean alternative rock band ONEWE stopped in St. Paul as part of their first World Tour, ‘O! NEW E!volution Ⅳ’. The band consists of lead vocalist Yonghoon, vocalist and pianist Dongmyeong, rapper and bassist Giuk, guitarist Kanghyun, and drummer Harin. They performed at Amsterdam Bar & Hall and brought in a large crowd of concert goers.

    The band began as a small “neighborhood band” that formed because of their love of music. They did busking on the streets of Korea then later signed with their current company, RBW, and appeared on globally popular variety shows like “Produce 101 Season 2” and “The Unit“. Previously known as M.A.S 0094 or M.A.S, they re-debut under the name “ONEWE” in 2018. Since their re-debut, they have been focusing on their musical skills and has found their unique color in the industry.

    Paving their own path.

    Breaking away from the typical K-POP norm, ONEWE has been forging their own unique path. As a non-dance band, they’ve prioritized live music—continuing with busking, outdoor performances, and appearances at festivals. By focusing on authentic engagement, ONEWE has been steadily building their fanbase. Many fans look forward to see them perform at festivals like the PEAK Festival and Grand Mint Festival in Korea.

    Meeting U.S. Fans

    Many U.S. fans at the concert shared that they had been longtime fans and were thrilled to finally see ONEWE perform live in Minnesota.

    During the soundcheck, Yong Hoon noticed a fan in tears and called out to her from the stage. The moment turned to humor and brought out laughter as Yonghoon serenaded her with a playful, “Don’t cry”. Dongmyeong brought even more laughter as he started serenading her as well.

    After the show, many fans expressed that it was the best concert they have ever attended and voiced their hopes for ONEWE to return. Many fans even bought tickets and traveled to another state to see Onewe perform again.

    Guitarist Kang Hyun playing the guitar.

    Looking ahead, youngest member Giuk shared his hope to perform at the biggest stage in the Minnesota. Or if possible, he would like to perform at K-CON USA.

    Minnesota marked the halfway mark of their 20-stop North American tour. The tour offers special opportunities to get close to the artists such as fan signs, sound check, high touch, and taking selfies with the members. Outside of the concert and events, attendees can also purchase their signed album, light sticks, and souvenirs. ONEWE will finish their tour in Vancouver on May 9th.

    April 25th, 2025

  • Loossemble Brings Fans to Uptown Theater for Their 2024 Up_Link US Tour

    Loossemble Brings Fans to Uptown Theater for Their 2024 Up_Link US Tour

    Hundreds of fans lined up at Uptown Theater in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to see K-pop girl group Loossemble (루셈블) perform for their Up_Link Station Tour. The band consists of members Hyunjin, ViVi, Go Won, Hyeju, and Yeojin. Yeojin is currently on a health hiatus and did not attend the US Tour. They debuted in 2023 with the song, “Sensitive”. The members are former members of girl group LOONA. After leaving their previous agency, they signed with CTDENM to form Loossemble. “Loossemble” stands for “LOONA Assemble.” Throughout the concert, you could hear long time fans cheering “LOONA” in the crowd.

    Last month, Loossemble released their 3rd mini album “TTYL” (short for “Talk to You Later”). It features their title song “TTYL”. This is one of their most popular songs as many fans have performed dance covers/dance challenges to this song. Throughout the tour, the girls could be seen making short videos and performing the songs at local landmarks. In Minnesota, Loossemble member Hyeju filmed a dance challenge for “TTYL” at the Spoonbridge and Cherry. Hyeju also taught the choreography to concert goers and filmed a short video for their social media pages.


    Some other popular songs that the girls performed include fan favorite “Cotton Candy” and “Confessions”. The girls ended the concert with a high wave event / group photos with VIP, VVIP, and VVIP Wonder ticket holders.

    October 25Th, 2024

  • Katseye Takes Over Mall of America for their first U.S. Meet & Greet

    Katseye Takes Over Mall of America for their first U.S. Meet & Greet

    Thousands flocked to Mall of America (MOA) to see international girl group Katseye perform at Huntington Bank Rotunda. The band consists of members Sophia Laforteza, Manon Bannerman, Lara Raj, Yoonchae Jeong, Megan Meiyok Skiendiel, and Daniela Avanzini. Formed through a collaboration between HYBE and Geffen Records on the popular music survival show “The Debut: Dream Academy,” Katseye was formed utilizing the K-POP training system and promotional style. Since their debut on June 28th, they have already released two hit songs: “Debut” and “Touch.” Thousands of fans have featured their songs in videos and shared dance covers on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and more. MPR estimates that around 8,000 fans attended the performance at MOA on Saturday.

    MOA held special events to celebrate Katseye’s special performance. The events included selling Katseye merchandise, cup sleeve events, and purchasing Katseye’s album from Barnes and Noble. However, to get and hold a good spot, the viewer would have to arrive early and remain in their spots. The first floor was only for the lucky few who were able to purchase an album and got the chance to participate in the meet and greet or the lucky few who secured a first floor viewing spot during ticket sales.

    The event was scheduled for 2PM but MOA opened doors at 7AM to allow spectators and VIP viewers to enter early and find spots to watch the show. Unlike typical K-POP concert culture, where people usually camp out for days to secure a good spot for general admission, there were lots of good spots available when I arrived at 9:30AM. It wasn’t until 11AM when the mall started filling up with kids, parents, young teens, and adults eager to catch a glimpse of Katseye. Even the nearby Starbucks was crowded with spectators waiting to see Katseye perform.

    Security faced challenges with many people who refused to move when ordered. Some instances of these challenges included crowds blocking the second floor escalator–preventing people from getting off the escalator–and people blocking designated walking paths for mall goers on the first floor. The area was so congested that many fans resorted to taking the escalators up and down to catch a short glimpse of the girls.

    Katseye member Megan was noticeably missing as she is currently taking a break for a back injury. The band performed three of their songs. They opened the show with “Debut” then performed “My Way” and closed with “Touch”. Many fans can be spotted dancing and singing along during the performances.

    Most of the crowd dispersed after Katseye performed their last song and disappeared backstage. However, Katseye came back on stage to do the Meet and Greet portion. Many fans who waited were delighted and screamed with joy when Katseye returned to the stage. The Katseye members greeted the lucky few who was able to get limited VIP tickets, gave out hugs, had short conversations, and took photos with their fans.

    October 19th, 2024

  • Black On Connects with Fans in Minnesota Through Music and Memories

    Black On Connects with Fans in Minnesota Through Music and Memories

    K-POP soloist Black On recently visited Minnesota for a special fan sign and busking event held at Maplewood Mall, ahead of his concert at Granada Theatre the following day. The event served as a fun and intimate pre-show gathering, and many fans were excited to see him again—especially those who had attended his previous busking performance a couple of months earlier.

    Held in the mall’s atrium, the event drew a large crowd of supporters eager to meet the rising artist. Fans had the opportunity to purchase posters, albums, and other merchandise to get signed, as well as buy tickets to take photos with Black On.

    Black On spent several hours at the mall, warmly engaging with fans, signing autographs, and posing for photos. After the fan sign ended, he gave a short live performance. Then, the fans and Black On took some more photos with the fans before riding the Merry Go Round together.

    The next day, Black On performed at Granada Theatre in Minneapolis. Fans arrived early to watch the rehearsals. After rehearsal completed, they started letting GA enter. Black On performed on stage then took a break to have a special commentary with his fans. Black On pulled an audience member onto stage with him. He hugged her as he sung a special song.

    Black On ended the concert with taking photos and spending time with his fans.

    ** Thank you so much for Sweet Escape Store and planetkpop.llc for giving me the opportunity to shoot the fansign and concert! **

    July 13th, 2025

  • Rookie Korean Boy Band NEWBEAT (HinLOVE) Stops in Minnesota for Their First Busking Event

    Rookie Korean Boy Band NEWBEAT (HinLOVE) Stops in Minnesota for Their First Busking Event

    A new and talented boy band will be debuting soon! Beat Interactive, the company which currently houses popular Korean boy band A.C.E., collaborated with local K-POP store, Sweet Escape Store, to hold their first US busking and Meet & Greet event at Maplewood Mall. The trainees (word for pre-debut K-pop idols who are training under an agency), are currently on tour with A.C.E. The trainees consists of members Park Minseok, Hong Minsung, Jeon Yeoyeojeong, Choi Seohyun, Kim Taeyang, Jo Yunhu, and Kim Riwoo. The event started with a busking and meet & greet on the main atrium on the first floor before ending with a Hi Touch event at the Sweet Escape Store.

    The busking stage took place in front of the iconic carousel at Maplewood Mall. Spectators began to gather long before the boys came out. Many hoped to secure spots in the front for the best view. Those who arrived later lined the railings above, hoping to catch a glimpse of the performance from higher ground.

    Trainees Choi Seohyun and Park Minseok were the first to step onto the busking stage, entering with shy smiles and waving to fans as they waited for the rest of their team to join them. They grooved to the music to pass time as they waited. Member Park Minseok notably received an extra warm and enthusiastic welcome as he had recently participated in the globally popular survival show, Boys Planet. Many people in attendance named him as their favorite contestant on the show.

    Without any formal introductions, the boys launched straight into a high-energy cover dance performance. They performed a powerful mashup of the popular songs “Siren” by RIIZE, “Not Today” by BTS, “Fire” by BTS, and “Undercover” by A.C.E. Their powerful and synchronized movements highlighted their talent as an upcoming dance boy band. Below is a short snippet of their cover of “Kick” It by NCT 127.

    After their performance finished, they did a short commentary with their fans. They introduced themselves then did another dance performance.

    After their performance ended, the boys went back stage to get ready and the fans went upstairs to the Sweet Escape Store to line up for the Hi Touch event. The line was so long it wrapped around the top atrium of the second floor. Newbeat’s Management was strict and photography was not allowed in this area. A curtain was placed at the front so fans cannot see inside until they entered the K-pop store.

    During the Hi Touch event, fans were able to high five the members of Newbeat and received a random gift. After receiving their gift, many fans lingered outside and opened the gift. Inside were beads and a string to make a friendship bracelet. They also included a random photo card of one of the member of the band.

    Most fans were waiting to catch a glance of the boys again before they leave for the night. They squealed in delight when the boys came out for send off. Newbeat waved goodbye to their fans as security guards lined the walkway and led the band to their vehicle.

    Unfortunately, the event ended earlier than expected and a handful of people who arrived later missed opportunity to see the boys. They left in disappointment for not being able to participate in the events for the day. Some were lucky to see the boys for send off. However, others missed the opportunities to see the boys completely.

    ** A special thank you to Sweet Escape Store for letting me participate for the event and photograph the event for them. **

    July 8th, 2024

  • K-POP Hopefuls From Around the Midwest Travel to Minnesota to Compete at the 2024 Midwest K-pop Festival at the Mall of America

    K-POP Hopefuls From Around the Midwest Travel to Minnesota to Compete at the 2024 Midwest K-pop Festival at the Mall of America

    With the rising global influence of K-POP, it is no surprise that K-POP has become a major cultural phenomenon. Millions of people from around the world collect their albums and photo cards, feature K-POP songs in TikTok videos, and sell out their world tours. This global phenomenon has also given rise to vibrant fan cultures — one of the most prominent being dance cover performed by fans.

    The Midwest K-POP Festival (MKF) is the largest K-POP Festival in Minnesota, drawing participants from across the Midwest to compete for a chance to represent the U.S. at the prestigious KBS Changwon K-POP World Festival in South Korea. The competition includes multiple rounds, featuring both dance and vocal categories. Supported and hosted by the Korean government, the grand prize is an all-expenses-paid trip to South Korea to learn more about Korean culture and compete on the global stage. The Changwon K-POP World Festival also includes performances from K-POP idols. So, if you get the chance to compete in Korea, you might be able to see your favorite band!

    MKF is usually hosted by MKDC (Minnesota K-Pop Dance Crew) and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Chicago. MKDC is a local cover dance team that started at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. They participated in the festival in the early years and won various times. Now, they work more on the back end by organizing and assisting with the event. During the show, MKDC can be seen performing various times during the event to keep the crowd entertained and let the contestants rest. This year was a little special as MKDC teamed up with Axis, a popular Chicago dance team to showcase performances between competitions.

    Other than the performances, the competition also featured an excellent MC and past MKF participants and music producer Rino—who has worked with major labels like YG Entertainment—as part of the judging panel. The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Chicago also attended the event and can be seen showing his support by giving an opening speech. He thanked the participants for their love of K-POP and Korean Culture and for the participant’s months of hard work and dedication to making this a successful event.

    It was a great competition with many talented groups. Prism Kru from Chicago won the competition this year. They later went to compete in Changwon. The full video from the performance can be watched on YouTube.

    June 1st, 2024

  • Celebrating Thai Culture: A Look Inside the 2024 Minnesota Songkran Festival

    Celebrating Thai Culture: A Look Inside the 2024 Minnesota Songkran Festival

    The Minnesota Songkran Festival is a free, annual two-day celebration held at the State Capitol in St. Paul. Organized by the Thai Cultural Council of Minnesota, it’s the largest Thai cultural event in the upper Midwest. The festival features traditional performances, cultural displays, Thai street food, and local talent dressed in beautiful traditional Thai attire.

    This year’s festival was especially exciting, with appearances by popular pageant contestants: Anntonia Porsild (Miss Universe Thailand and Miss Universe 2023 1st Runner-Up), Panida Kernjinda (Miss Thailand 2024), and Atitiya Benjapak (2nd Runner-Up Miss Thailand 2024). Over the two-day celebration, the pageant contestants took part in a variety of activities including the parade, papaya eating contest, closing concerts on both days, and even a game of musical chairs with festival-goers.

    Adding to the star power, Michelin-starred Thai chef Chumpol Jangprai flew in from Thailand to participate in the festival. He prepared dishes for the papaya salad contest and hosted Thai cooking classes for attendees—a treat for both food lovers and cultural enthusiasts. Attendees could go to the tent and learn how to cook Thai food from scratch.

    The festival began with a Monk’s Blessing Ceremony on the first day, followed by a grand opening and parade. Each evening ended with a high-energy concert, where dancing is a must in Thai tradition. Miss Universe herself encouraged the crowd to join in the fun, turning the performances into an unforgettable experience filled with jumping, dancing, and celebration.

    The festival began with a Monk’s Blessing Ceremony on the first day, followed by a grand opening and parade. There was also a fashion show showcasing traditional Thai clothes. Each evening ended with a high-energy concert, where dancing is a must in Thai tradition. Miss Universe herself encouraged the crowd to join in the fun, turning the performances into an unforgettable experience filled with jumping, dancing, and celebration.

    One of my favorite parts of the festival is staying by the main stage to enjoy the performances. This year, we were treated to a beautiful live band performance of Thai folktale by the Moradokmai Theatre Community and Homeschool. Their storytelling and energy were incredible! We also enjoyed a stunning Khon dance, along with a wide variety of community performances including K-pop covers, traditional dances from Thailand, Cambodia, and India, live bands, and vocalists.

    Beyond the Main stage, the festival offered plenty of fun for everyone. People who stop by the festival can also enjoy:

    • Visiting the Sabai booth to rent traditional Thai clothes for the day
    • Eating delicious Southeast Asian street food
    • Taking photos at the photo area
    • Kids can play at the bounce house
    • Papaya eating contest
    • Watching the Parade
    • Or watching the Fashion show

    April 16th, 2024