K-Pop group IVE's Gaeul recently stunned Jay Park, the renowned singer, rapper, and entrepreneur, with her unexpected on-stage behavior during a live performance. The incident occurred on April 17th when IVE appeared as a guest on KBS's Jay Park's Drive, showcasing their latest album, I've IVE.
A Captivating Performance
IVE began their appearance on the show with a mesmerizing rock rendition of "Love Dive." Following their performance, the group introduced themselves using their signature catchphrase, "Dive into IVE."
As they performed, Jay Park, who was watching from the sidelines, noticed something extraordinary about one of the members, Gaeul.
An Unusual On-Stage Interaction
After Jay Park's comments, Gaeul laughed and provided her perspective on the interaction. She said, "I turned to the side, and sunbaenim (senior) was looking at me!" Jay Park then recreated the moment with a video clip of Gaeul's bow beside him, adding, "I was just observing the performance when Gaeul bowed, so I thought to myself, 'She's a very nice person.'"
Fans and netizens alike were charmed by Gaeul's respectful gesture, with many expressing their admiration for the IVE member. One netizen commented, "I can't believe she took the time to bow during her performance. Gaeul's truly a kind-hearted idol." Another fan added, "This is why I love IVE. They're not only talented, but they also have great personalities." A K-Pop enthusiast chimed in, stating, "I hope other K-Pop idols learn from Gaeul's respectful behavior. It's so refreshing to see."
The Cultural Significance of Bowing in Korea
For centuries, bowing has held a significant place in Korean culture, originating from the era of the Three Kingdoms (57 B.C. - A.D. 669) when more than 100 unique gestures were employed to express respect and rank. Today, in modern Korea, bowing continues to be an indispensable part of daily interactions, acting as a courteous gesture in different situations. A simple 15-degree bow can express courtesy to acquaintances or elders, while a deeper 30-degree bow is appropriate when meeting someone formally for the first time. Bowing is not only reserved for greetings; it is also customary during exchanges of objects, requests for favors, or in response to another's bow. Although bowing might initially seem unfamiliar to some, participating in this age-old tradition allows individuals to fully immerse themselves in Korean culture and demonstrate their respect for others.
Gaeul's respectful bow to Jay Park during her live performance can be seen as a reflection of the deep-rooted tradition of bowing in Korean culture. Her act of acknowledging her sunbae amidst the performance highlights her adherence to cultural etiquette, further endearing her to not only Jay Park, but fans and observers alike.
