PROJECT 1004

Tag: kpop demon hunters

  • JUNHEE Announces 2026 US Tour

    JUNHEE Announces 2026 US Tour

    ** UPDATE: Due to Visa issues, the LA and San Francisco stop of the tour has been moved to after the Chicago stop. For full information, please check out the official announcement from Oppang: First Announcement & Announcement of change of dates **

    Solo artist JUNHEE (previously JUN of A.C.E) recently announced his first US solo tour, <INTO THE OCEAN>. The tour will begin in San Francisco, California before making his way through Texas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, New York, Minnesota, and ending in Chicago, Illinois. The tour is ran by oppangofficial and KORUS Entertainment.

    JUNHEE began his career as a contestant on episode 7 of the hit Korean variety show <I Can See Your Voice 4>. He later debuted as the leader of the K-pop idol group A.C.E under Beat Interactive. In 2024, A.C.E embarked on a U.S. Tour and participated in K-CON LA 2024. Their contract ended after the tour and the members of A.C.E decided to pursue solo careers under different companies.

    Since starting his solo career, JUNHEE has established his own label, H&P Entertainment, is actively working on his music, and continues to connect with fans through live broadcasting platforms. He recently released his solo single “Supernova” and the mini album “The First Day & Night.”

    He also released a singing cover of the hit song “Your Idol” and “Free” from the popular Netflix animated film KPop Demon Hunters after many fans requested it. Many fans noted that the character Jinu sounded and looked similar to JUNHEE. Fans celebrated when JUNHEE released a surprise cover of the songs.

    We are looking forward to seeing JUNHEE performed in Minnesota on January 13th at the 7th Street Entry at First Avenue. Tickets for the Minnesota stop can be purchased on AXS.

    Outside of the tour, JUNHEE will also be holding a Video call and Photo Event in Seoul on 12.25.2025 (KST). The chance to apply for these events can be purchased on inmyroom.co.kr with a purchase of his album.

  • Celebrating Korean Culture – A Recap of the 2025 Midwest KPOP Festival (MFK) & MN Korean Culture Festival

    Celebrating Korean Culture – A Recap of the 2025 Midwest KPOP Festival (MFK) & MN Korean Culture Festival

    This past weekend, the Mall of America hosted the 2025 Midwest K-POP Festival (MKF) & MN Korean Culture Festival. MKF has grown to become a beloved tradition in Minnesota, drawing hundreds of fans and performers from both in and out of state. Different from previous years, this year, the two festivals were combined together. This year’s celebration showcased a vibrant mix of cultural performances alongside high-energy K-pop cover dances.

    The festival began with the Korean national anthem played on the traditional Korean instrument, Gayageum, by Luna Lee, a message from the president of the Korean American Association of Minnesota (KAAM) and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Chicago, and a performance by Minnesota K-POP Dance Crew (MKDC).

    This year’s theme of K-POP Demon Hunter also drew in a large number of young children and their parents. The crowd erupted in cheers as three members of MKDC performed a powerful cover of the popular track, “Golden” from the animated film. Originally founded as a student group at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, MKDC has since evolved into a renowned dance crew known across the K-pop community. Over the years, they’ve competed in South Korea, won numerous competitions, and helped organize many K-pop dance events. Outside of the “Golden” performance, the festival also had a sing-along that the event attendees loved.

    A major part of the festival was to showcase Korean culture. Cultural performances can be seen by Jangmi Dance, Gayageum performance by Luna Lee, Samulnori by Sejong Academy, and a special Taekwondo performance by Lee’s Champion Taekwondo. The local children and senior choir also performed during the show.

    K-POP dance performances were a highlight throughout the festival. This year, MKDC welcomed several guest performers from out of state, bringing even more excitement to the stage. Well-known cover dance groups like Hush Crew, Chemical X, and aXis traveled to Minnesota to showcase their talent, while up-and-coming dance crews such as CypherSide and Makeway also delivered standout performances. The festival featured not only individual sets but also exciting collaboration stages, where dancers came together to perform tracks like J-Hope’s “Killin’ It Girl,” SHINee’s iconic “Sherlock” and “Lucifer,” Jennie’s “JENNIE,” and a high-energy remix of SNSD classics.

    The 2025 Midwest K-POP Festival & MN Korean Culture Festival was more than just a showcase of talent—it was a vibrant celebration of culture, community, and creativity. From traditional performances to high-energy K-pop stages, the event brought people of all ages together through a shared love of Korean culture. As the crowd cheered, danced, and sang along, one thing was clear: the spirit of K-culture is alive and thriving in Minnesota.

    ** A special thank you to MKDC for having me back again this year to photograph the event! **