Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) hosted its 6th annual SXSW showcase on Friday, March 16.
Korea Spotlight, formerly called K-Pop Night out, slated seven artists to perform: Say Sue Me, Junoflo, DPR LIVE, Crush, CIFIKA, Lee Hi and KARD. These artists are widely known not only in South Korea, but all over the globe.
International fans can only dream of seeing their favorite artists in person, let alone a chance to mingle with Korean entertainment agencies and the artists. "MU:CON" is an event prior to the Korea Spotlight concert, which allows fans to get a better insight on the entertainment industry and the artists.
KVUE sat down with Say Sue Me and KARD and asked the artists about their input on SXSW.
Say Sue Me, a Korean Indie band, consists of four members: Choi Sumi, Kim Byungkyu, Ha Jaeyoung and Kim Changwon. This performance was their first in the United States and said they were excited to perform on stage.
Say Sue Me recently signed to another European label and have many upcoming concerts overseas in Europe. Say Sue Me's lead vocalist, Sumi, said the band was excited for this opportunity to perform at SXSW and hope fans will continue to follow the band until they are famous "rock stars".
Headlining artists KARD, a co-ed Korean Pop group, includes B.M., Somin, Jiwoo and J.Seph. The group has been active since 2016, toured throughout the world even before their official debut and have won a 2017 Asian Artists Award for Best New Artists.
Vocalist and rapper, B.M., said they were nervous about the performance because they're amongst other great artists, but hoped to put on a wonderful show and have a fun night. When asked about their most memorable performances, each member had different places and reasons. Somin, a vocalist, said Canada was the most memorable for her because it was the first show while tour. B.M. stated his was Los Angeles because it was his first performance in front of his friends and family. Jiwoo, vocalist and rapper, enjoyed New York the most because her brother studies there and was able to see her perform as a group. J.Seph liked Brazil the most and remembered the long lines before their concerts.
Even though they are co-ed group, KARD said they never feel any pressure amongst themselves and the group feels more like a family who bond together over music. The group felt very honored to be a part of SXSW and expressed how beautiful it was for all fans to be brought together by the music, despite language barriers.
After "MU:CON", fans waited for hours to get a spot to watch their favorite artists -- some even waiting before noon. Say Sue Me started the show with songs from their 2017 and upcoming 2018 album while fans danced along. Other artists, Junoflo, DPR LIVE, Crush, CIFIKA and Lee Hi had the jam packed crowd hyped, screaming and dancing throughout the night. KARD closed out the night with their singles "Hola Hola" and "Oh Na Na." KARD members even played a game with the audience and threw out merchandise to get them even more energetic during the show.
At the end, KARD took a picture with the crowd yelling "1, 2, 3 WHATABURGER!"
The audience had an amazing night, and Korea Spotlight didn't disappoint.
Miss any of these artists? Check out Say Sue Me's and KARD's Spotify!
