PROJECT 1004

Tag: mnkpopconnect

  • Minnesota Hosts Its First K-POP Convention at the RiverCentre

    Minnesota Hosts Its First K-POP Convention at the RiverCentre

    Minnesota celebrated a major milestone in its K-pop community with the first K-POP Convention in Minnesota. Held at the RiverCentre in downtown St. Paul. KPOP MINNECON was organized by the beloved local event organizer MNKPOPCONNECT. Best known for their energetic Random Dance Play (RDP) gatherings, MNKPOPCONNECT has continued to expand their influence — recently partnering with KORUS Entertainment to bring K-pop boy group Big Ocean to Minnesota for a café fan event at Niko Niko Café and a concert at the Uptown Theater.

    KPOP MINNECON was a celebration of everything K-pop. The convention offered a variety of booths where attendees could shop for albums, posters, handmade crafts, K-beauty products, stick-on nails, and more. Photo card trading tables allowed fans to connect and swap cards, while a large open area was reserved for an all-day RDP — a fan-favorite highlight. The event also featured community-led panels, where attendees could sign up before the convention to present on various K-pop-related topics.

    For food, the RiverCentre provided indoor concessions, while food trucks lined Rice Park offering a diverse range of options — from Mexican and Japanese dishes to desserts and refreshing sugarcane juice.

    After the dance lesson ended, fans waited to watch local talent compete for the K-POP dance competition. Ellen and Brian were the judges for this year’s show. The contest included solo performances and group performances. The winners took home a combined prize of $1,000. Many friends, family, and fans came to support the local talent.

    Originally, the headliner was set to be BE:MAX, but due to unexpected visa issues, the group was unable to travel to the U.S. Despite the last-minute change, the concert remained on schedule, with the other artists extending their performances to keep the energy going strong.

    During the convention, fans had the chance to meet and take photos with artists performing in the evening concert. Long lines formed at the artist booths as attendees waited eagerly for the opportunity to take photos with performers like Ted Park and Beomhan.

    When interviewing some attendees in line, many people mentioned that they were big fans of Beomhan. They had recently seen him perform in Georgia and flew to Minnesota just to see him again. Others mentioned that they were sad that they were not able to see BE:MAX.

    As the convention portion wrapped up, fans made their way upstairs to the concert hall. The evening show opened with a unique performance by Mimi Lee, who captivated the audience with K-pop covers on the cello. The night continued with high-energy sets from Ramiro Brave, LUC-iD, Alan Z, Ted Park, and Beomhan.

    To end the night, fans had the option to purchase access to fan sign events, offering a more personal moment with the performers. Many fans mentioned that they came out to support KPOP MINNECON because they were avid KPOP fans. They hope that the event will grow larger next year and someday become multi-days like KCON LA. Many fans also hope that more artists participate next year.

    ** A special thank you to MNKPOPCONNECT for having me as a photographer for the event! **

  • When Music Speaks in Every Language: Big Ocean’s Inspiring U.S. Debut

    When Music Speaks in Every Language: Big Ocean’s Inspiring U.S. Debut

    Fans from across the Midwest traveled to Minnesota to see Korean pop group Big Ocean perform on their first U.S. tour, RIDE THE WAVE. Big Ocean is the first K-pop band made up entirely of members who are hard of hearing. The group consists of three members: PJ, Chanyeon, and Jiseok. Although they use hearing aids or cochlear implants, they also actively learn and use sign language, which is beautifully woven into their choreography—creating a distinctive fusion of dance and visual language. What makes them even more remarkable is their dedication to learning not only different sign languages, but also different spoken languages! Throughout the concert, the members can be seen engaging with fans in English, showcasing their commitment to creating meaningful communication and connecting with their fans.

    Despite the heat from the summer sun, fans were already lined up hours before the concert started. Many of the fans attended the Big Ocean Cafe event the day before. They were all super excited to see Big Ocean perform for the first time. Fans passed time by handing out freebies and friendship bracelets. They shared how they got into Big Ocean and how Big Ocean helped inspired them because they also had a disability. It was heartwarming to see how kind and supportive the fans were of each other and Big Ocean.

    After arrival, Big Ocean went to the green room to get ready. They did a quick rehearsal in between interviews and prepared for their concert. VIP holders were let in a little early. They lined up to do the high touch event and got their group photos taken. VIP holders were able to purchase the tour merchandise early then find a good spot by the barricade to watch sound check.

    After sound check ended, those with fast-passes and general access came into the venue. Before long, the venue was buzzing with excitement as fans looked for a good spot, bought tour merchandise, and conversed with their friends.

    Big Ocean performed many of their big hits. They performed fan favorites like “Attention”, “Bucket Hat,” and “Glow”. Each member also performed a solo piece. PJ performed his solo track, “SINKING”; Jiseok performed a dance cover of “Soda Pop” from K-POP Demon Hunters; and Chanyeon performed a dance cover of “Jennie” by Jennie from BLACKPINK. They finished the concert by having a surprise performance where the members secretly went to the crowd and balcony to greet the fans.

    After the concert ended, fans who bought add-ons stayed behind to do the fan signing event and take 1:1 selfies with Big Ocean.

    ** A special thank you to Parastar Entertainment, KorUS Entertainment, and mnkpopconnect for having me there to photograph and videograph the concert!**

    July 29th, 2025

  • 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.