PROJECT 1004

Tag: kpop in mn

  • 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 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! **

  • 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.

  • 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