K-Pop

We made a quick transition from the historical side of Korea from yesterday, to its modern fads today. The first part of the day a Korean pop singer came to perform for us, then taught us a K-POP song by T-ara, and the more confident everyone became with the Korean lyrics, the crazier they became, and soon the lecture hall became a dance hall of sorts! Next, we went to a dance studio to learn the accompanying dance steps, and so by the afternoon, we had made our own little music video of dancing American travelers (there are cameramen accompanying us everywhere and recording us, who sometimes come out of nowhere and can be quite startling!)
Later on, we went to KBS, the sole broadcasting company for Korea, where we saw the final rehearsal for a top 15 groups production. Group after group came on, each with their own lighting and technical effects, and we could see how the concert on stage became something for television viewers. Ears ringing, we left to tour the rest of the studio, and then, after some downtime where I took a stroll with some friends down a street in a downpour, we watched the final television production.
What I find most unique about K-POP music is the amount of English lyrics mixed in with the Korean ones, almost representing the influence that America has had on Korea in recent history. Many public areas have things translated into English, too (even street signs, of which there are a strange absence!). Not all translations go well, however; an offering for the day was a spicy dish labeled "Chilly Shrimp."
Tomorrow starts the interactive activities with the Korean high school students, and I will be staying with a student through Monday. I probably won't be posting again until after that, but I look forward to telling you about my homestay experience afterwards!