The night began with food.
Two long lines of people – parents, students and even toddlers – crowded the entrance to the EMU Ballroom on Sunday evening to partake in Korean Night, a cultural event showcasing music, dance, martial arts and a variety of traditional Korean dishes. Members of the Korean Student Association bustled about, finishing up some last-minute preparations as guests filled their plates with Bulgogi (pan-fried beef), Kimchi (spicy fermented cabbage), Chunsache-nengche (kelp noodle salad), a traditional dessert rice punch called Sikhye, and yakbap (rice cookies).
June-Ho Chung and Min Hae Choi, the two co-presidents of KSA, took turns addressing the crowd in both Korean and English. They praised the KSA and the leadership its many members demonstrated this past year.
“We have worked hard to push ourselves to make this happen,” said Choi.
Spectators showed their appreciation with thunderous applause and students spoke positively of the event. “Delicious food, great performances, and an enjoyable experience over all,” said Justin Tandingan, a junior majoring in ethnic studies.
Magician Enoch Choi commenced the evening entertainment with a magic show. Choi, intent on proving that “magic is not a trick – it is an art,” awed the audience with everything from a card trick to making objects and people appear out of boxes.
A group called Hansori performed a traditional Korean percussion quartet known as Sa Mul Nori. The different drum sounds represent thunder, rain, wind and clouds, and they are meant to wish a great harvest.
Members of the Korean Central Covenant Church performed a traditional Korean fan dance and then KSA performed the Nanta, a comedic musical that creates rhythm from wooden cutting boards, frying pans and trash cans.
A martial arts performance introduced another part of the Korean culture to audience members: A Tae Kwon Do master performed brick-breaking and self-defense demonstrations with his students from the U.S. Tae Kwon Do College.
The master stressed the importance of respecting one’s elders and loving the juniors. He told the audience, “I always emphasize, do not give up.”
The event came to a close after a fashion show, which presented the various types of ancient traditional Korean dress, from the simple commoner and innkeeper to the noble and female courtesan. The viewers were still discussing the performances as they exited the ballroom.
“The food was awesome, the emcees were energetic and the performances were well done,” said Nelson Leung, a University junior.
Similar to last year’s event, Korean Night drew hundreds.
“It is a most rewarding experience … We would not have made it without them,” Choi said of Korean Night and KSA’s efforts.
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