K-pop dance culture is thriving in Hong Kong, with passionate performers and aspiring idols taking center stage. Cherri Au, a 22-year-old university student, is one such talent who recently achieved a dream by performing with top K-pop group Aespa during the inaugural KCON Hong Kong event at AsiaWorld-Expo in March 2024. After successfully auditioning, Au joined Aespa on stage at the Dream Stage fan-gathering event, an experience she describes as a “dream come true.” Her solo clip even made it into the final cut of the official video, a moment she cherishes.
Au is part of a subculture that celebrates K-pop through “dance covers,” where fans replicate the choreography of their favorite artists. While most participants are amateur dancers, their dedication to perfecting every move and detail is remarkable. Some, like Au, have aspirations of becoming K-pop idols themselves. With South Korea’s introduction of the K-culture training visa in June, which allows foreigners to stay in the country for up to two years for cultural training, the dream of becoming an idol is more attainable than ever before.
Hong Kong’s own K-pop dance cover group, Pixel HK, has been performing for over a decade and has garnered more than 10,000 subscribers on YouTube. The group, consisting of 17 members aged between 17 and 30, is dedicated to replicating every aspect of K-pop performances. From choreography to costumes, they pay close attention to every detail to mirror the style of their idols. Founder Yanyi Choi believes that the key to a successful performance lies in capturing the essence of the original artist’s movements and expressions.
The influence of K-pop dance is not just confined to performance groups. It has become a global phenomenon, with events like the K-pop Cover Dance Festival, organized annually by the Korean Cultural Centre, offering international dancers the opportunity to showcase their skills and compete with cover acts from South Korea.
The rise of K-pop in Hong Kong can be traced back to the early 2000s, when Korean dramas and movies first captured the hearts of local audiences. The genre’s appeal was further boosted by hits like “Gangnam Style” and “Nobody,” which brought K-pop to a global audience. Today, the dance cover community acts as a bridge, introducing new fans to the genre through energetic and accessible performances.
Performing in public spaces like Causeway Bay, Pixel HK not only showcases K-pop dance but also promotes Hong Kong’s vibrant culture to a wider audience. Their performances attract passersby and have even led to opportunities for members to join idol training programs with local entertainment companies.
While the path to becoming a professional K-pop idol is challenging, with factors like vocal skills, dance abilities, and appearance all playing a role, dance cover culture provides a platform for aspiring idols like Au to showcase their talents. For many, it is a stepping stone to pursuing their dreams in the competitive world of K-pop.
“K-pop cover dance culture gives me a stage to show my ability and make up for my as yet unfulfilled dream of being an idol,” Au reflects, as she continues to channel her passion for dance and performance into her social media content, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps.
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