PHOTOS: K-pop takes center stage at USC

McCarthy Quad was transformed into a concert venue as people gathered for the finale of the K-pop Festa. The event was co-hosted by the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, USC East Asian Studies Center, the Korean Cultural Center in Los Angeles (KCCLA), the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange. (Photo by Chloe Chen)

Throngs of K-pop fans filled USC’s McCarthy Quad Friday evening as USC hosted the first K-pop concert on an American college campus. The concert featured the North American finals for the K-Pop Cover Dance competition and boy band KINGDOM. Kim Se-jeong, known for starring in K-dramas “Uncanny Encounter” and “Business Proposal,” and a former member of girl group I.O.I., also performed in front of an excited crowd. The concert was part of K-pop Festa, an all-day event celebrating K-pop as a global cultural phenomenon. This included a graduate student panel and a conversation with Dom Rodriguez, the senior vice president and head of SM Entertainment USA.

I think the event really speaks to the globalization of the genre and the spread of East Asian media as a whole. I never knew any mainstream singers that were East Asian when I was younger so seeing so many people come out to support Korean music was delightful. I personally was really excited to see KINGDOM as they are a group that I have been listening to since their debut album. I was definitely very shocked by how good they were live vocally.
— Audrey Ma, a sophomore pre-engineering student intending to major in computer science and business administration

A KINGDOM fan holds fan art of Dann, the leader and vocalist of the group. (Photo by Chloe Chen)

Dance crew Prism Kru performs “Maverick,” by The Boyz as part of the K-pop Cover Dance Festival competition. Pictured center is Mariana Matias. Kru was one of 12 dance groups selected for the USA finals held Friday evening at USC. (Photo by Louis Chen)

USC dance crew Spade-A performs “Getting Closer” by Seventeen. USC dance groups Spade-A and Kraze Dance made it to the finals. (Photo by Louis Chen)

Participants of the K-pop Cover Dance Festival competition eagerly await the announcement of the winner of the American division. (Photo by Chloe Chen)

KINGDOM member Mujin builds anticipation for the announcement of the winner by drumming on fellow band member, Louis. — KINGDOM member Mujin builds anticipation for the announcement of the winner by drumming on fellow band member Louis. (Photo by Louis Chen)

Tears and smiles of joy break out amongst Prism Kru as they were announced the USA champion of the K-pop Cover Dance Festival. They will now go to South Korea to compete in the global K-pop Cover Dance Festival Grand Finals against the winners of other regions. (Photo by Louis Chen)

KINGDOM’s Mujin dances to “Ascension” after the dance competition. The boy band performed other hits such as “Black Crown,” and “Song of Dann.” (Photo by Louis Chen) — KINGDOM’s Mujin dances to “Ascension” after the dance competition. The boy band performed other hits such as “Black Crown” and “Song of Dann.” (Photo by Louis Chen)

Sophomore Audrey Ma (third from right) holds a face cutout of Mujin and a can of spam with leader Dann's face on it. (Photo by Michael Chow)

The spam sign alludes to how Dann always says “spam” or “bam” randomly at cameras to the point where fans have gifted him cans of spam before. I wanted the members to get a kick out of the signs I brought with me and I think they definitely enjoyed them!
— Audrey Ma, a sophomore pre-engineering student intending to major in computer science and business administration

Kim Sejeong does her signature heart face sign to her fans. She performed “Skyline,” “Let’s Go Home,” and “Love Maybe,” the theme song of the Korean drama “Business Proposal.” (Photo by Louis Chen) — Kim Sejeong does her signature heart face sign to her fans. She performed “Skyline,” “Let’s Go Home” and “Love Maybe,” the theme song of the Korean drama “Business Proposal.” (Photo by Louis Chen)

Fans cheer excitedly as Sejeong performs on stage. (Photo by Michael Chow)

KINGDOM and Sejeong show off USC’s signature “Fight On” sign. (Photos by Louis Chen and Michael Chow)

The crowd waves their torchlights as KINGDOM performs “Eternity.” “I am so happy that the event came to fruition after months of hardwork and we can make history in USC again”said Lee Hye-jin, a communications professor at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Lee was the primary faculty organizer of the event. (Photo by Michael Chow) — The crowd waves their torchlights as KINGDOM performs “Eternity.” “I am so happy that the event came to fruition after months of hardwork and we can make history in USC again,” said Lee Hye-jin, a communications professor at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Lee was the primary faculty organizer of the event. (Photo by Michael Chow)

PHOTOS: K-pop takes center stage at USC

USC hosts the first K-pop concert on an American university campus with performances by Kim Sejeong and KINGDOM.