South Korean dance crew “1Million” and France’s “Pockemon Crew” perform a joint performance at the Théâtre des Châteliers in Paris, France, on April 2, 2024 (Image courtesy of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism)
SEOUL, May 4 (Korea Bizwire) – In a captivating display of unity through dance, Korean and French breaking crews took to the stage in Paris, leaving the audience roaring with a series of dynamic moves and daring acrobatic feats.
As the cheers from the stands intensified, the two crews – Korea’s 1Million and France’s Pockemon Crew – matched the energy with an increasingly explosive exchange of windmills, headspins, and other demanding techniques.
But the real showstopper came when the dancers embraced, fusing together in synchronicity to BTS singer Jungkook’s hit “Standing Next to You.” The theater erupted in a standing ovation as the powerful performance concluded.
The joint “Urban Pulse Uprising” show took place on the evening of May 2 at the prestigious Châtelet Theater in Paris, marking the opening of Korea’s cultural showcase “Korea Season” ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Despite the chilly weather outside, the performance hall was flush with warmth and excitement as spectators enthusiastically applauded with raised hands – among them Culture Minister Yu In-chon and other notable attendees.
The event aimed to promote breaking, which will make its Olympic debut as an official sport in Paris, while fostering cultural exchange between the two nations. Tickets ranging from 12 to 29 euros sold out quickly for the 1,700-seat venue that has previously hosted Korean artists like Jo Sumi, Nah Youn Sun, and the National Changgeuk Company.
1Million, led by renowned K-pop choreographer Lia Kim, opened with a powerful set showcasing their finely-tuned teamwork through slick K-pop dances and acrobatic breaking routines set to hits from stars like Lee Hi and Hwasa.
Pockemon Crew followed with a theatrical performance incorporating dancers playing defined characters and custom musical edits that told a story. Their vibrant choreography featured costumes emblazoned with various national flags, including the Korean Taegeukgi, as the Olympic rings appeared in the backdrop.
As the cheers from the stands intensified, the two crews – Korea’s 1Million and France’s Pockemon Crew – matched the energy with an increasingly explosive exchange of windmills, headspins, and other demanding techniques. (Image provided by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism)
Despite the rainy conditions, the event drew a dazzling roster of Korean and French cultural figures like ambassador Choi Jae-chul, pianist Paik Kun-woo, author Ina Kwon, former French Culture Minister Jack Lang, and Châtelet Theater Director Olivier Py.
In a reception following the show, Yu proposed a toast, explaining, “We started Korea Season with this breaking performance as it’s the debut Olympic sport in Paris.”
Lang congratulated Korea, calling it “a creative nation” and declaring himself “an endless fan.”
The artistic directors – Lia Kim for 1Million and Riyad Fghani for Pockemon Crew – expressed feeling “happy and honored” to collaborate before the show.
Kim noted the global popularity of Korean dance culture, adding that pre-show workshops allowed the two crews to interact, with local dancers eager to converse in Korean and learn about the culture.
On breaking’s Olympic inclusion, Kim said its defined technical elements like windmills could allow it to be scored like figure skating, combining athletic merits with artistry.
Fghani tipped Korea as a favorite for Paris, praising the team’s confidence and mistake-free execution. “I expect great achievements from Korea,” he said.
The Culture Ministry will continue Korea Season with events like the music festival “Spring Music in Paris” from April 18-20 and a performance of the contemporary opera “Chereung” on June 9, among other exhibitions, ballet, dance, and classical concerts during the Olympics.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
