[“Soda Pop” – Saja Boys]
Neha Yadavalli: What you just heard is a snippet from the song, Soda Pop, which recently gained popularity because of its debut in the very popular new Netflix series, K Pop Demon Hunters. Korean Pop music isn’t something that’s only topping global charts; however, it also plays a significant role in the community in Evanston.
The Northwestern K-dance group is a space for fans who love the music and the culture. Zoya Khan, a second year at Northwestern’s Weinberg, is an executive member of the club, and plays a large role in creating a strong community.
Zoya: “Our most recent performance was our winter showcase last weekend. We had about seventy-five performers, which is really exciting since we’re still kind of a new club that’s maturing. We had a variety of students from freshmen to grad students, and yeah, it was really fun. (1:43)
Neha Yadavalli: But the group is not just about performance; it’s also about building community through shared interests.
Zoya: “It was started in 2017 by two students who felt like the K-pop community at Northwestern was a little bit unseasoned, let’s just say. And so since then, we’ve been growing into not just a community, but a dance community as well.”
Neha Yadavalli: Members say the group emphasizes flexibility – welcoming dancers and non-dancers alike.
Zoya: “A lot of the stuff we do is dance, but we really emphasize being able to spend time with other people with similar songs, interests and group interests. And we really like how everyone is just able to come together, be themselves, have some fun at events, and then, of course, the dance aspect, where there are different levels of commitment.”
Neha Yadavalli: As K-pop continues to expand globally, from the music charts to Netflix shows, campus groups like the K-pop dance group reflect how this genre is also a source of connection.
Looking ahead, the group is focused on growth.
Zoya Khan: “ So, first of all, we have our spring show coming up, April 17th. So we’re just prepping for that right now and we’re really excited about it.”
As the club continues to grow, its members say it’s the people, not just the performances, that make it special.
For WNUR News, I am Neha Yadavalli
