The “One K Concert” was held Friday at World Cup Stadium in Sangam-dong, Seoul, under the slogan “One Dream One Korea.”

In spite of the its original intention of aspiring for Korean unification, the concert was actually no different from other K-pop concerts, hardly putting any emphasis on the theme.

Mainly hosted by the organizing committee of the New Era Unification Song Campaign, the concert was sponsored by an array of institutions including the Ministry of Unification and Lotte Group.

It was designed to represent the desire for Korean unification, especially aiming for the young generation to make them sympathize with the agony of the country’s division and the necessity of being reunited, in an easier way.

Choi Kee-hwan and Jang Ye-won (One K Concert)

Under the supervision of director-actress Kolleen Park the concert was hosted by SBS’ announcer Choi Kee-hwan and Jang Ye-won alongside a special emcee from among the singers who randomly turned up in between performances.

“As the ‘One K Concert’ was specially designed hoping for Korean unification, two new unification songs have been prepared to be introduced to you,” said Choi.

The concert kicked off with veteran Korean singer Insooni singing the first unification song titled “One Dream” along with her own song “Pinocchio.”

Following the opening stage, eight-member girl group AOA, sporting white tennis apparel, heated the site by performing recently released track “Heart Attack” and one of its last year hits, “Like a Cat.”

Korean singer Na Yoon-kwon changed the overall atmosphere of the concert by singing a ballad “If It Was Me” with his soft and emotional vocal. He recently drew fan’s attention by taking part in MBC’s variety show “King of Mask Singer,” playing the role of the “Leopard of Kilimanjaro.”

After the performance of girl group SPICA, best known for the member’s acknowledged singing skills, Yang Ji-won from the group appeared as a special emcee during the intermission.

Asked what she hopes to do if the Koreas get united, Ji-won replied, “I want to eat some of the food in Pyeongyang.”
Choi responded, “We could probably feel that the North and South are connected to each other when we taste the food in Pyeongyang.”

GOT7 (One K Concert)

All members matched with black suits, boy group GOT7 presented two different performances by exuding a chic and masculine charisma with “If You Do” and relatively a cute and bright look with “Just Right.”

Before the next performance, the stadium was suddenly filled with loud shouts following the emergence of EXO’s Baekhyun as another special emcee on the right side of the stage.

Also asked the same question as SPICA’s Yang Ji-won, Baekhyun answered, “I want to hold a concert in a train, moving across the North and South, with our group members and fans.”

“That is a great idea. On the strength of EXO’s fans, I hope your dream comes true in the near future,” said Choi.

At the end of the concert, all singers came onstage for a grand finale by singing the second new reunification song titled “One Dream One Korea,” which was initially released last month via diverse online music sites. The song was composed by Kim Hyeong-suk and written by Kim Ea-na, both influential figures in the music industry.

Singing 'One Dream One Korea' (One K Concert)

Beginning with, “We are not different. Don’t forget that fact,” the song depicts the deep hope toward Korean reunification, involving a bright and hopeful melody and lyrics that all generations can easily sing along with.

“With the start of the concert today, I sincerely hope that it will continuously be held annually afterward,” said emcee Jang in the closing comment.

Many other K-pop singers including, Sistar, EXO, Red Velvet, Wonder Girls, Girl’s Day, Kara, BTS, EXID, Monsta X and VIXX also performed at the concert.

The proceeds from the concert will be used for aiding North Korean children and establishing One Korea’s cultural foundation.

By Kim Yu-jin (kimyujin@heraldcorp.com)