Hollywood goes K-Pop crazy at ‘Electrik Seoul’ night, turning into Itaewon

K-Pop isn’t just a trend; it’s a global sensation taking the world by storm. For the younger generation, K-Pop is more than music — it’s a cultural icon. From July 26 through July 28, LA will host KCON, the biggest K-Pop festival, at Crypto.com Arena. However, you don’t need a huge event to feel the K-Pop fever.

Even in Hollywood, K-Pop is everywhere. On July 18, the Korea Daily explored the scene, and Hollywood turned into a mini-Seoul.

“Da kkom jjak mara, da kkom jjak ma,” chanted non-Koreans, singing Big Bang’s “Bang Bang Bang” with passion. By 11 p.m. on July 18, Club Academy LA on Hollywood Boulevard was packed. This club, ranked 24th globally by DJ Mag, hosted the ‘Electrik Seoul’ event. Soju replaced vodka, and the DJs spun K-Pop mixed with EDM all night, making Hollywood feel like Seoul.

Nick, a security guard, remarked, “I’ve rarely seen the club fill up within an hour. Usually, it’s past midnight before it’s this crowded, and that’s only when a famous DJ is here. But this Thursday event is packed without a big-name DJ. It’s unbelievable.”

Club officials reported over 1,000 attendees, with lines still forming outside. Staff informed the crowd that tickets were sold out, barring further entry.

Inside, K-Pop blared from the speakers. BTS music videos dominated the LED screens surrounding the first-floor ceiling and walls. Attendees of all backgrounds waved glow sticks, and bartenders tirelessly crafted cocktails with Yakult and bubble tea.

The excitement peaked when Blackpink’s “Pink Venom” played, sparking fervent singing and dance recreations. It felt more like Itaewon than Hollywood.

This was the third Electrik Seoul event, following ones at Academy LA on May 2 and Avalon Hollywood on June 13, each attracting over 1,000 people.

Jonah from TFTI Events, who filmed the night, noted, “I expected a predominantly Korean crowd but was surprised by the diverse turnout.”

Upstairs, people lined up to take ‘four-cut photos,’ a selfie trend popular on social media and among Korean youth.

Wesley, 28, in line for photos, said, “I love K-Pop and even Korean indie bands. I recently visited Korea and fell in love with the culture, food, and people.”

Meanwhile, photo cards of idols were given out for free. Edith, a 24-year-old Hispanic attendee, said, “The music and special drinks keep me coming back. I also enjoy Korean dramas and often dine in LA’s Koreatown.”

Attendees even came from outside LA. Rea, 48, of Asian descent, said, “I traveled from Las Vegas just for Electrik Seoul. I have makgeolli and soju stocked at home and plan to visit Korea soon.”

At the heart of Electrik Seoul is Nino Seunghoon Lee, a 25-year-old Korean. As the creative design manager at Insomniac, a major event company, he’s the sole Korean employee. His proposal to blend K-Pop with EDM has brought this unique event to life. “K-Pop’s addictive lyrics and melodies combined with EDM’s energy create an incredible synergy,” he explained.

The fervor for K-Pop extends beyond music to a broader interest in Korea. According to the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute, 31.9% of foreign tourists cite Hallyu, or Korean Wave, content like K-Pop as their reason for visiting Korea.

Benjamin Lee, a second-generation Korean-American DJ, noted, “It’s not just music. Korean films like ‘Parasite’ and dramas like ‘Squid Game’ have penetrated popular culture. Korean content is now globally acclaimed.”

Electrik Seoul continues with its fourth event on August 9 at Bloom in San Diego and the fifth on August 22 at Exchange LA.

BY YOONJAE JUNG  [jung.yoonjae@koreadaily.com]