Songs of Peace and Unity Echo across the DMZ
(Published August 17, 2012)

The 2012 DMZ Peace Concert was held at Imjingak Pyeonghoa-Nuri on August 14 and 15. On the eve of Korean Independence Day, songs of peace between North and South Korea echoed throughout the park in Paju City, signaling the beginning of this year’s DMZ Concert. This year’s two-day-long event was sponsored by the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, MBC, and Paju City. The first day was a festival of young K-pop stars, while the second was a classical music concert.

◇ Spectators gathered at Imjingak Pyeonghoa-Nuri Park to watch the 2012 DMZ Peace Concert ⓒ Lee Seung-ho
◇ The concert reaches its climax later at night. ⓒ Lee Seung-ho

I visited Imjingak Pyeonghoa-Nuri Park on August 14^th when K-pop heavyweights were due to perform on stage. When I got there I was surprised by the number of people who turned up that day. Star-struck teenage girls, families in their picnic attire, and other groups pitched their tents on the grassy ground as they prepared for the concert that night.
◇ MBC announcers Lee Seong-bae and Lee Jin host the concert. ⓒ Lee Seung-ho

When the clock struck half-past-seven, MBC announcers Lee Seong-bae and Lee Jin opened the concert. The first performance was by Han Yeong-ae’s Joyul (Adjustments), followed by SISTAR, Ailee, Dynamic Duo, SHINee, Dal☆Shabet, Boyfriend, A-PINK, Bobby Kim, IU, F(x), and FTIsland. The final performance was by Beast. The most popular performances were given by Ailee and Dynamic Duo, who graced the stage despite the rain. The female idol sensation IU almost slipped on stage to the dismay of the audience. When she picked herself up, the crowd cheered her on. The DMZ Peace Concert is an annual event held in the name of peace and unity on the Korean Peninsula. Being the last divided nation in the world, I too pray for the not-too-distant day when North and South Koreans can come together to enjoy this event.
◇ Songstress Han Yeong-ae opens the concert with her hit song Joyul ⓒ Lee Seung-ho
◇ Ailee and Dynamic Duo steal the show ⓒ Lee Seung-ho
◇ SHINee’s performance was almost lost amid the shrieking of adoring female fans ⓒ Lee Seung-ho
◇ Dal☆Shabet perform their signature dance ⓒ Lee Seung-ho
◇ A-PINK performs in the pouring rain ⓒ Lee Seung-ho
◇ IU almost slips ⓒ Lee Seung-ho
◇ F(x) perform their unique song and dance ⓒ Lee Seung-ho

ⓒ G-News Plus News | Gyeonggi Province University Student Press Corps Lee Seung-ho secondwarren@naver.com

http://gnews.gg.go.kr/news/news_detail.asp?number=201208171040301345C056&s_code=C056