Ellen Cho, a 24-year-old second-generation Korean American in Southern California, has passionately embarked on a journey to elevate and highlight the vast diversity of the Asian community.
Cho’s dual identity as both an artist and entrepreneur led her to create the D.A.D (Devoted to Asian Diversity) event. This cultural extravaganza showcases the richness of various Asian communities in Southern California, encompassing Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese cultures.
Taking place at SteelCraft Garden Grove, a popular food mall situated on South Euclid Street in Garden Grove, this seven-hour event was illuminated by a variety of performances. Audiences were treated to mesmerizing performances by five distinct teams, including the UC Irvine’s traditional Korean drumming ensemble, Hansori. The Vietnamese dance group, Yee Ying Tong Association, captivated with a lion dance, and attendees also relished a drum showcase by Japan’s renowned TaikoMotion.
Moreover, the “Mini Otaku Market” was a magnet for enthusiasts. Here, artists from both Southern and Northern California exhibited and marketed their unique crafts and character goods.
Cho reflected on the event’s essence, saying, “Our intention with this event is to not only spotlight the diversity of Asia but also to create connections with the broader community. By showcasing traditional cultures from countries like Korea, Japan, China, and Vietnam, as well as introducing art from these nations, we aim to foster understanding and appreciation.”
She further noted the unique nature of the event, saying, “Different communities have their own distinct events, but amalgamating them into a single platform like this is rare. While platforms like Netflix do offer a glimpse into Asian culture, experiencing these traditional facets firsthand is irreplaceable. We hope this gathering aids in expanding knowledge about Asian traditions.”
Jun Jang, a dedicated fourth-year political science major from UC Irvine’s Hansori, shared his experience: “Juggling academics with our rigorous practice schedules is challenging, yet the reward of promoting our deep-rooted Korean culture makes it worthwhile.”
Cho also highlighted the unfortunate aftermath of the pandemic on traditional drumming teams, saying, “Established teams at institutions like UCLA, USC, and UC San Diego had to cease their activities due to the pandemic’s impact. Now, only Hansori stands resilient.”
In addition to her cultural endeavors, Cho has carved a niche for herself in the digital realm. She sells a range of products featuring her delightful character, Senpai Inu, online. Alongside this, she helms hirolineco.com, a specialized printing service company offering premium apparel transfers (DTF) and banners.
Reflecting on her journey, Cho remarked, “The pandemic marked my graduation phase, and instead of conventional job hunting, I dove into my passion for character business. My journey has been enriched by participating in numerous trade shows and fruitful collaborations with fellow artists.”
Envisioning the future, Cho revealed her upcoming initiatives, “We’re planning monthly anime-centric events and are eagerly looking forward to organizing a grand celebration for the Asian community on the Lunar New Year. Our ambition is to continue the legacy of D.A.D, and we humbly seek the continuous interest and unwavering support of the Korean community.”
BY NAKI PARK [park.naki@koreadaily.com]
