On Mar.19, 2016 top Korean musicians and students bonded at The Town Hall in Times Square New York City to celebrate the closing ceremonies of one of the largest and most inspirational events of the Korean Community in the United States, KASCON 27.
This year's KASCON brought out extra attention as Korean-American superstars Roy Kim, Megan Lee and Dumbfoundead were all headliners for the concert portion of the closing ceremony.
[Photo: Tae Young Woo Executive Director of KASCON. Angie Mills For KpopStarz]
The concert started off with "Amateur Night At the Apollo" Season 2014 and the Kollaboration 2014 Winner, Beatboxer Sung Lee. During his performance, Lee explained to the audience how he would use his loopstation to create some truly sick sounds. The crowd all ooh-ed and ahh-ed in amazement during Sung Lee's set as he pulled out the stops from Destiny's Child to some original content. Sung Lee exited the stage with a roar of applause. Nothing was less expected from this top notch award winning beatboxer. Although the performance was grand, it was only the start of the evening and the audience cheered for more!
[Photo: "Amateur Night At the Apollo" Season 2014 and Kollaboration 2014 Winner, Beatboxer, Sung Lee. Angie Mills For KpopStarz]
As the crowd waited in anticipation, singer and star of Nickelodeon's "Make It Pop" Megan Lee then approached the stage with a smile and aura that blinded the crowd before she even started. After a quick introduction, she poured her emotions into her original song, "Dreams."
[Photo: Singer and Nickelodeon's 'Make It Pop' star, Megan Lee. Angie Mills For KpopStarz]
What came next from Megan was a pleasant and unexpected surprise, a cover of the Fugees' 1996 "Killing Me Softly" hit. Although Megan had already wooed the crowd with her first two songs, what was next to come filled the room with emotion.
As Colin Shin entered the stage to accompany the performance, Megan explained that she had written a song several years prior to when she first started playing guitar for her little sister's kindergarten graduation. The song radiated with the love of an older sister and the crowd was almost brought to tears. But just as we thought Megan's performance couldn't bring out any more emotions, she closed with the meaningful Korean folk song "Arirang," which is known as South Korea's unofficial anthem. Her vocal talents really shone throughout the night and although the humble star stated that she wants to keep improving, the performance was nothing short of perfection.
[Photo: Singer and Nickelodeon's 'Make It Pop' star, Megan Lee and Colin Shin. Angie Mills For KpopStarz]
As Los Angeles Korean rapper, Dumbfoundead, entered the stage, fanboys and fangirls alike rushed up to the the stage. The energy in the room then transitioned into a college basement hip-hop party on a late weekend night. Dumbfoundead introduced DJ Zo and then performed his 2012 hits "Cool and Calm" and "New Chick."
Although KASCON was filled with inspirational speeches, Dumbfoundead stayed true to his laid back and "IDGAF" attitude. He went around the room and asked what everyone's major was and then ended the conversation with, "That's my motivational speech!" which brought the crowd to laughter. No one cared that the conversation was slim because the party was live.
[Photo: Los Angeles Korean rapper, Dumbfoundead. Angie Mills For KpopStarz]
Just when you thought the room couldn't get anymore lit, Dumbfoundead surprised everyone with a very impressive guest list of Korean rappers. Rekstizzy, Danny Chung, Lyricks, JL, and Awkwafina all joined Dumbfounded throughout the night to which his response was "That, my friends, is the meaning of leadership!
[Photo: Korean Rapper, Danny Chung. Angie Mills For KpopStarz]
The room suddenly became filled with the sound of fangirls squealing "Oppa! Ohhh Oppa!" and "I love you!" and I knew that Roy Kim had entered the stage. Roy Kim, who also won Mnet's "Superstar K" Season 4, displayed that even when you're young you can be a true professional. Kim spent a few minutes perfecting the sound and lights before starting his first song. His concentration and dedication to the perfect setting was admirable. Once the music started, the difference in sound from those extra few minutes of tuning was not only noticeable but phenomenal.
Kim played a series of his hits including "Home" and "Bom Bom Bom" along with covers of Damien Rice's "Volcano" and A Wild Camomile's "Don't Worry."
[Photo: SuperstarK 4 Winner and Singer Roy Kim. Angie Mills For KpopStarz]
However, one of the most memorable moments of the night was when Roy Kim challenged someone in audience come up to the stage and do a duet with him. The crowd all look around and wondered who the brave soul would be when John Kim approached the stage. Roy Kim then stated that he knew the brave audience member as he was a fellow Georgetowner. After some playful exchange between the two, they continued to perform "Becoming Dust," which originally was a duet that features Jung Joo Young.
[Photo: SuperstarK 4 Winner and Singer Roy Kim and Georgetown Student John Kim. Angie Mills For KpopStarz]
Overall, KASCON 27 was a night filled with magic. It was an intimate show between fans and performers that both ends seemed to thoroughly enjoyed. Besides great music, the night was filled with inspiration for the young hopeful crowd. It is evident that KASCON will only get better in the years to come.
[Photo: SuperstarK 4 Winner and Singer Roy Kim. Angie Mills For KpopStarz]
