The popularity of K-pop received an undeniable stamp of approval on the world stage at the closing ceremony of the Olympics.
Two of Korea’s hottest acts, artist CL and boy band EXO, performed before a world wide audience, leaving no doubt K-pop is more than a passing fad.
NBC commentators Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir affirmatively announced their love of K-pop, giving a boost to the genre’s cross-cultural appeal.
In 2016, Time Magazine dubbed CL as the “future of K-pop in America.” While that proclamation may have been a bit premature, her Olympic performance gives her a perfect opportunity to expand her brand in the U.S.
she is so powerful pic.twitter.com/NDodq990Wg
— alvinz ? (@rosievocal) February 26, 2018
After you mentioned the google trends hours ago, I was curious and waited for the NBC broadcast to end as well! Yes, America and Canada were mainly interested in CL, as well as Chile.#iHeartAwards #BestFanArmy #BTSARMY @BTS_twt pic.twitter.com/cbtfeI7P41
— Mari | Vote #BestFanArmy #BestBoyband NOW (@btsflfan) February 26, 2018
holy… everyone is searching for cl’s performance #ClosingCeremony #CLatTheOlympics #Olympics2018 #OlympicsClosingCeremony pic.twitter.com/cxNz1BNcsg
— ? (@gimbopbi) February 26, 2018
You can check out CL’s performance here.
For their part, EXO did not disappoint.
Dubbed the biggest boyband in the world by many media outlets, EXO’s Kai started off the bands set with a modern take on a traditional Korean dance. The rest of the band then entered on all-terrain vehicles to the shrieks of the capacity crowd in attendance.
thank you EXO for always working hard & making us proud ♥
I will SUPPORT you till the end ♥ Love you#iHeartAwards #BestFanArmy #EXOL @weareoneEXO
NATION’S PICK EXO pic.twitter.com/uTNKMiIprY
— Precious Junmyeon ♥? (@angelsuhokjm) February 26, 2018
I STILL CAN’T BELIEVE THAT EXO, A GROUP WHO’S TURNING 6 YEARS OLD SOON, PERFORMED ON PYEONGCHANG WINTER OLYMPICS CLOSING CEREMONY AND GRABBED A LOT OF ATTENTION FROM PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD WITH THEIR AMAZING TALENTS. SO PROUD OF THEM #EXOL #iHeartAwards #BestFanArmy @weareoneEXO
— kkaego (@buditcheoyahae) February 26, 2018
Sometimes I wonder how it feels like to be so talented and amazing and good looking and beautiful and lovely and wonderful and jongin ?#Olympics_EXO #EXOL #BestFanArmy #iHeartAwards @weareoneEXO
— 나오꼼 ??♂️ (@choconini_) February 26, 2018
Check out their performance here:
AsAmNews has Asian America in its heart. We’re an all-volunteer effort of dedicated staff and interns. Check out our Facebook page and our Twitter feed, Please consider interning, joining our staff or submitting a story for consideration.
RE: CL & EXO Perform on World Stage at Closing Olympic Ceremony: why do all the members of EXo have so much make up on and look so effiminate?
re: CL & EXO perform on World Stage at Closing Olympic Ceremony: The same sort of comments have been made about other performers including Michael Jackson and Prince. It’s not that unusual in the entertainment world.