K-Pop enthusiasts find home in a space surrounded by other fans with the same interest
Chapman students have the opportunity to join Twilight, the official K-pop dance team, on campus. Through this team, members are able to find a community who share the same love of K-pop.
Written by Ingrid Lee
February 25, 2024
K-pop, formally known as Korean Pop, has brought people together who hold one common interest: passion for Korean pop music. At Chapman, students have taken it upon themselves to bring together the K-pop community through the official K-pop dance team named Twilight.
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Stated in their constitution, Twilight serves as a place where “members will be learning dances together, as well as performing at events, and creating social media dance videos.” Michelle Kim, a freshman pre-pharmacy major and performance director, emphasizes the importance of the club’s purpose not only for its members, but also for the Chapman community as a whole.
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“(Twilight) allows more individuals to open up their views about Korean music and become more familiar with the different connotations of Korean culture through the lens of musical and video production,” Kim said.
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A Growing Community
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In December 2023, Gitnux reported through KOCCA’s report that the Korean music industry grew by 31.7% overall. Despite such an increase in interest, many fans struggle with finding acceptance in their respective communities. Kim perceives Twilight as a step in the right direction for many members looking for the perfect community for K-pop fans.
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“Twilight is crucial in being a place where K-pop fans can fully throw themselves into enjoying dancing while also sharing their deep interest in the K-pop fandom as well!” Kim said. “Usually, K-pop fans kind of find it awkward to bring up their interest to the general public, so having a place where they can enjoy that hobby in an unfiltered way is a great experience.”
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International Sensation
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In the same report from Gitnux, HYBE, BTS’s (Bangtan Sonyeondan) agency, saw an increase in their yearly income by $1.37 billion USD. Erin Eskoff, a junior business marketing major and the current president of Twilight, grew up around Korean culture as someone who is half-Korean. However, she has seen a rising interest in Korean culture in America through K-pop alone.
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“I think K-pop is the reason why a lot of international fans start taking an interest in Korean culture, so I think that’s why it’s a good first step to getting into (Korean culture).” Eskoff said.
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Twilight has held many events and workshops to showcase the members’ love and passion for K-pop, including performing at many events such as Midnight Breakfast. They encourage fans of K-pop to attend workshops and audition for the team to become part of a safe community joined together through the love for Korean music. The team is scheduled to perform at Floor 13’s Mosaic event on March 8 and the APIDA, or Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi-American Association event, on April 11.
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Sources:
https://chapman.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/twilight
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Reported and produced by Ingrid Lee
Article II of Twilight's Club Constitution
Twilight strives to create a community where K-pop fans alike can meet other fellow fans, all joined together through dance. Photos courtesy of Erin Eskoff.
K-pop is growing internationally at a steady pace, and Twilight has created a place for members to openly express their interest through their dance covers. Photos courtesy of Erin Eskoff.