SEOUL, South Korea—Mr. Choi Sung-jong, president of the Research Institute of Oriental Cultures, is one of Korea’s cultural leaders. He is a consultant of the Korea Ceremony Research Committee and the chairman of the Sungkyunkwan Ceremony Committee. Sungkyunkwan was the foremost educational institution in Korea and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Every year, the Sungkyunkwan organizes two Seokjeon Daeje ceremonial rites to honor Confucius.

Mr. Choi said “Shen Yun is as wonderful as a dream. This is a very miraculous performance.”

He explained that he started to learn Confucianism when he was 5 years old. At the age of 82, he is still studying Confucianism.

“When I saw the Confucius on the stage, I felt we were uplifted, like the dry land was quenched by a rain,” he said. “[That dance] taught us to insist on studying knowledge. One day in the future, our hearts can encompass and care for the world.”

Mr. Choi felt Shen Yun conveyed through art three words, which he deeply: truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance.

“Modern people thought following these traditional customs means losing their profits. Actually, these values can help people to obtain virtue. These are the gifts that the Creator gave to us without any preconditions. If we can accept them, we will be blessed,” he said.

For 5,000 years China’s civilization was built on values and virtues from the spiritual teachings of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, virtues like loyalty, propriety, wisdom, justice, and benevolence—values that are universal and shared the world over.

“The movement’s curves are very elegant. The costumes are gorgeous. I was very happy that I saw the Chinese tradition in Shen Yun,” she said. “This advanced stage is stunning!”

Ms. Han said Shen Yun is “super beautiful,” and was impressed by the synchronization of the dancers.

“So many dancers were on stage together, but all of them moved synchronously without any flaw. They danced in very good order and made beautiful curves. I felt I was there [dancing with them],” she said. “Shen Yun’s melody is enchanting. The coordination of the dancers is really perfect.”

Ms. Han was surprised that she understood all dances without a single word.

“Drama and opera use languages. But Shen Yun only has dance and music without one word. However, it’s so captivating and touching,” she said. “I really admire them. They expressed the meaning very well.”

“There are no borders in culture and art. The power of art can bring unlimited possibilities. [Shen Yun] uses art and resonates with people in different countries and regions. It’s amazing!” she said.