Celebrating Korean Culture

Korean Night: A Cultural Delight

by Kathy Thayer

Recreation Manager

The Korean American Association (KAA)presented its ever-popular Korean Night production at the Amphitheater on Aug. 19 to an audience of 800, showcasing talent from various Korean performing arts clubs.

From traditional folk dancing to modern line dancing, their moves and costumes dazzled the audience. Anna Derby from Mutual 5 was the emcee and introduced the nine acts in English and Korean. All performances were conducted by GRF clubs as part of the community event.

The Korean Drum Club, founded and led by Professor Don Kim, gave a rousing rendition of “Samul Nori, the Sound of Drums” highlighted by a solo dance featuring 11th grade student guest, Joseph Whang, who deftly streamed a long ribbon attached to a swivel on his head, much like a lasso at a rodeo, mesmerizing the audience.

Chung Ran “Connie” Kang, Mutual 5, sang a soulful solo, followed by Flowering Step Line Dance, choreographed by Young Ah Ko. Ko’s popular club meets in Clubhouse 2 on Mondays.

Steve Chung, Mutual 6, led the LW Saxophone Club in two numbers and later wowed the crowd with his solo, “I Left My Heart In San Francisco.” More talented musicians from the Gloria Autoharp Club under Monica Yoo’s direction blurred cultural lines with “Sounds of Silence.”

Grace Lee, Mutual 3, led the Korean Traditional Dance Club in a striking fan dance with exquisite costumes, imported from Korea, then performed a solo.

The Women’s Sing Along brought a bit of nostalgia with four Korean songs, lifting the audience back to their beginnings.

Not to be outdone, the Korean American Chorale (conducted by Kyung Hwan Paik, Mutual 3), which has performed at GRF Tree Lighting ceremonies, sang a sentimental “Barley Fields,” followed by a hymn. The entire ensemble joined them on stage to close the show with, “Sing Together in Spring In My Hometown,” inviting the audience to join in.

The audience members sported colored fairy lights, provided by the KAA. Several sponsors offset the cost of the event, which has become an annual Amphitheater treat, drawing all cross sections of the community together.

It was my privilege to attend backstage and an honor to see some of our most talented and enthusiastic clubs in action.

The Korean American Chorale, conducted by Kyung Hwan Paik, performed at the event.

Grace Lee from the Korean Traditional Folk Dance Club

LW Saxophone Club, lead by Steve Chung.

The Women’s Sing Along Group.