By Marisol Rueda
Visuals Editor
Image via Wikipedia
Korean pop is becoming a fast growing industry for an American audience.
“Korea is different, you train to entertain your viewers,” Sc Chung said. Chung is a representative of an organization that was created to cater to America’s new taste. Hallyu Idol Training Services New York (HITSNY) is a new organization funded through partnerships, with the desire of reaching out to talented people with a strong passion and dedication for Korean pop music.
HITSNY is the city’s first ever-Korean pop (K-pop) training academy that was launched in October 2011. This academy offers the basic training to those who are interested in this music industry.
K-pop culture has been spreading all over the world. And thanks to the younger generation, it has established a strong footing in New York City.
“Surprisingly it is not the Korean population in New York who have been joining this movement but people from all other cultures,” Chung said.
Jonathan Saquisili attends Baruch College and is currently studying Marketing. Saquisili, who works at HITSNY as well, has noticed the public’s call for this new phenomenon.
“It wasn’t fair that the West Coast was getting all the attention from K-pop artists,” Saquisili said. He explained that due to travel distances, it was easier for K pop artists to travel just to that side of the country.
Through media gatherings and general public chatter, HITSNY were able to turn the industry’s attention to visit the East Coast, too.
HITSNY is trying to get more sponsorship from the Asian market, so that the academy may spread and provide their services to all audiences.
Chung “never thought that media would help so much.” But it was through social networking that HITSNY started to spread. Facebook and YouTube have served as mediums to propagate and unite K-pop fans along the East Coast.
Since HITSNY is just starting, they are offering their first semester for free. After the first intense semester, tuition would have an approximate cost of $6700. The program is designed so that anyone can “start from scratch.”
“American pop draws on a person’s talent,” Chung explained. While K-pop focuses more on the image and the marketability of a person.
Chung assures that in one semester students will have real training. In Korea, K-pop is a matter of fashion impact, too.
Students will be structured so well that as artists they will put on an act on stage, much like an actor. As Chung said, “it’s all about stage presence.”
HITSNY is currently trying to shoot a live show. According to Chung, it is through this process that students and their instructors can tell how their talent could be harnessed.
“Are you a fan or are you a star?” Chung said.
Students will be given Korean classes, transportation services and housing. HITSNY foments education and is interested in keeping students (those who have not finished High School) in track.
Their first class did not take place until February 4. HITSNY announced that there will be a summer session starting in July 2012.
Recent Comments