KASA offers us a glimpse of Korea

This Friday, the Korean American Students Association hopes to introduce UR students to aspects of Korean culture that many have never before experienced. They will be putting on a show in Strong Auditorium called Korea Night 2004, featuring traditional Korean music and dances such as “boochaechoom,” a fan dance, and “poongmul,” a dance performed to traditional Korean drums.”It’s a great show if you know nothing about Korean culture and [a place] where you can learn something,” Johnny Won, junior and the president of KASA, said. “Lots of people at KASA believe that one of the best ways to understand a culture [that exists on] campus is to experience it. We’re doing our part to showcase something that you wouldn’t ordinarily see.” Won, an economics major, sees the importance of artistic performance as a means to “break down any misconceptions about Korean culture.”KASA worked closely with the Greater Rochester Korean American Association to put together this performance. The “poongmul” dance will also feature performers from Syracuse University.Won emphasized the universality of the program. “[The] show is as inclusive to everyone as possible.”Sometime in mid-April, KASA will be showing a documentary called “Arirang: the Korean American Journey, the Korean American Dream.” To learn more about the documentary, visit http://www.irvineworldnews.com/Astories/dec4/korea.s.html. There will also be an after-party to Korea Night, called Remix. Pi Delta Psi and Sigma Thi Zeta will be hosting it at the “Party House” on 677 Beahan Road. For more information about the party visit http://www.iotapdp.com.Korea Night will be held this Friday at 8 p.m. in Strong Auditorium. Tickets are on sale at the Common Market and will be available at the door. The cost of admittance is $3 for UR students, $5 for adults and $1 for children.Goldner can be reached at bgoldner@campustimes.org.