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London YG flashmob gets Korean media attention

Flashmobs don’t normally go on for an hour and a half, nor do they normally travel down to the London Eye and back filmed by most major Korean TV channels, nor do they dance, sing, wave banners and scream their enthusiasm for YG Family. This however is flash mobbing k-pop style and there are no rules.

Despite an early threat of rain, the sun had decided to shine down on Trafalgar Square for the July 2011 YG Family Flash mob. Organised via Facebook, by Vicky, Liz and Katy, about 100 of the 1,200 potential attendees showed up to show their enthusiasm for YG Family, hoping that they can get attention switched to London as a potential venue for a concert. By 3pm there were already a lot of people gathered being interviewed and filmed by SBS and KBS. Bemused tourists looked on wondering what everyone was screaming about and singing to and others lined the National Gallery balcony to take photos.

The K-pop flashmob in Trafalgar Square
The K-pop flashmob in Trafalgar Square

A missing ‘H’ delayed the start a little, but the event soon kicked off with dancing cheering and singing, keenly filmed by the Korean media, passers-by and members of the mob. Big Bang, 2ne1 were the main focus, but I was pleased to hear a 1TYM song slipped in there. One song was changed a little for a small section to show some support for Daesung and after about 30 minutes we all headed down to the London Eye, music blaring from a boom box, singing and waving at trains, boats and passers-by some of whom appreciated the beat… some of whom didn’t.

The flashmob moves to the South Bank near the London Eye
The flashmob moves to the South Bank near the London Eye

Against a backdrop of screaming girls, an SBS news reporter attempted to be heard – something that took three takes and even Mickey Mouse joined in the enthusiasm before the mob walked round the field and then back over the river to camp outside the Korean Cultural Centre. This is where I left them, battery on my camera at an end no room left for even one picture on my memory card.

Outside the KCC
Outside the KCC

I’m sure the mob made an impression on a lot of people that day and hopefully the right people too. The UK is ready and waiting for the Kpop concerts to really hit our shores and I think we all hope there will be a race on to get here.

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