K-pop, or South Korean pop music, has become increasingly popular over the past few years. It is a unique genre because it combines various forms of popular music with choreographed dance sequences. One organization on campus, KPACK, is working to share their love of K-pop music and dance with the students of NC State.
KPACK is a relatively new organization on campus. It was started after student fans of K-pop noticed a lack of creative outlets for their hobby. Zina Y, a second-year majoring in international studies and president of the club, described how the KPACK got started.
“Before I came to State … I looked up anything K-pop related or Korean-related at NC State, but there wasn’t really a Korean dance group,” Y said. “So I contacted the president of the Korean Conversation Club here at NC State and asked her if there was a way we could make one … and we ended up making a group chat with some other friends, and we started with our first workshop, teaching others this K-pop song.”
Elizabeth Shin, a second-year studying food science and vice president of the club, described her experience starting KPACK.
“I was thinking ‘Hey, are there any Korean K-pop dance groups around here?’ and didn’t see that there were any,” Shin said. “I saw somewhere an event was happening, and that was the first workshop. I went … and we ended up getting back together the summer before our second year started, and we had the chance to perform at Packapalooza. I feel like that was where it really all sparked. We were thinking ‘let’s get a group started and make this club official.’”
The members of KPACK host biweekly dance workshops in Carmichael Gym in order to share their love of music and dance. The club’s goal is to make everyone feel at home and to have fun.
“It’s just one genre of music, but it brings people together from any background, dance background, ethnic background,” Y said. “It’s just really cool to see that.”
Additionally, the club often performs outside of NC State.
“We did perform at the 2018 Best Dance Crew Competition, and that was really fun because it was our first official event as an official organization,” Shin said. “We have upcoming events as well. This Sunday, Feb. 10, we’re performing at ECU’s Asian festival, and then on March 2, KoreaFest 2019.”
KPACK also provides a sense of community for those who enjoy K-pop music. Although K-pop is starting to reach a wider audience in the United States, it is still a relatively new genre.
“K-pop is getting very popular, and you may be dancing by yourself to a song, but this group will help you find other people you can dance with,” Y said. “Because I know that was me in high school; I would just dance in my room. But finding this group has helped me come out of my comfort zone. And also, you may not feel comfortable talking about K-pop with others, because maybe your friends aren’t into that, but you can do that with us.”
KPACK also provides members with a chance to expand their social groups and dance styles, since K-pop can encompass a variety of musical sub-genres. Shin elaborated on the unique nature of KPACK in NC State’s dance organizations.
“There are many other dance groups here at NC State,” Shin said. “I feel that even though we are more directed at K-pop music, we still get involved with the other groups. There are [Fusion Dance Crew] members that come to our dance workshops, as well as [Just Cuz Crew] and other types, and they’re all interested. If you’re part of our club, you’ll be involved with others, and you’ll get to meet other dance groups as well.”
Shin mentioned one final reasons students of NC State should get involved with KPACK.
“With Korean popular music getting so out there, like BTS and BLACKPINK and all these well-known Korean groups are coming to the U.S., doing tours,” Shin said. “You should come and check us out and find out what that trend is.”
More information about KPACK can be found on its Facebook and Instagram pages. KPACK can also be reached via email at [email protected].
