K-pop forms bonds between international visitors at Olympics
An interesting phenomenon took place before the women's 500-meter short track speed skating final Tuesday night at Gangneung Ice Arena in Gangneung, just east of PyeongChang.
The crowd in the arena, which was in a somewhat tense mood between matches, instantly began to stir when the video for Psy's global smash "Gangnam Style" was played on a large electronic display hanging from the stadium ceiling.
At the climax of the song, an athlete hilariously performing Psy's "horse-riding" dance appeared on the screen, and then everybody in the crowd rose from their seats to clap and dance.
(Yonhap) |
Since the PyeongChang Winter Olympics opened Friday, crowds dancing to K-pop tunes have become a common feature at the venues of ice sports such as short track, speed skating and figure skating.
K-pop has quickly become an important tool for creating cultural bonds between spectators from all over the world.
(Yonhap) |
But there are rumors that the closing ceremony for the Winter Games will feature K-pop talents such as EXO and CL, a former member of disbanded girl group 2NE1.
Would this potential turn into reality? Find out at the closing ceremony on Feb. 25. (Yonhap)