Former Professor Reflects on Two Decades of Following Shen Yun
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Lim Kwang-Kyu, a former professor of Sociology at Yeungnam University in South Korea, and his wife, attended the inaugural performance of the Shen Yun New Era Company at the Suseong Arts Center, in Daegu, on Feb. 18, 2026. Kim Guk-hwan/The Epoch Times
DAEGU, South Korea—“I didn’t anticipate that traditional Chinese dance could embody such elegant lines and beauty … I have acquired a completely new perspective on traditional Chinese culture,” said Lim Kwang-Kyu after attending Shen Yun with his wife. “If you have the opportunity to watch it live, you will certainly be deeply moved and gain an entirely different experience.”
On the evening of Feb. 18, Mr. Lim, former professor of sociology at Yeungnam University, attended the premiere performance of Shen Yun’s New Era Company at the Suseong Arts Center in Daegu. The couple joined a full house of audience members eager to experience the internationally touring production.
The New York-based Shen Yun is the world’s premier classical Chinese dance company, and takes as its mission to revive through the arts 5,000 years of Chinese civilization—China before communism. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Shen Yun Performing Arts.
Having followed the company since its early years, Mr. Lim said he felt especially moved by this milestone season. “We have been following Shen Yun performances since their inception. Now, witnessing them present these precious themes on stage with such profound depth and stunning execution is genuinely touching,” he said.
Even after seeing numerous performances over the years, Mr. Lim noted that each production offers fresh insight. He was particularly struck by Shen Yun’s portrayal of contemporary issues, including the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China and ongoing human rights concerns. “I felt the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China deeply, as well as their various efforts to overcome this adversity. I also sensed the tremendous dedication they have made to preserve Chinese traditional culture in the United States and around the world,” he said.
Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a peaceful meditation practice whose followers strive to live by the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance.
The Chinese Communist Party began a full-scale persecution of Falun Gong in July 1999. In the past 20-plus years, Falun Gong practitioners all over the world have been resisting persecution, and at the same time, the practice has spread all over the world.
His wife, Kim Ok-Ja, who studied dance, was equally impressed by the artistic expression on stage. “I perceived that today’s stage was not merely a performance, but a representation of the revival of lost traditional culture,” she said.
Elaborating on the dancers’ technique, she added, “The dancers’ arms are as flexible as willow branches, yet when they leap, they are as light as birds spreading their wings. Each movement expresses a resolute commitment to ensure that tradition does not fade but is instead transmitted. The thoughtfully constructed stage setting, the dancers’ exceptional abilities, and the enthralling storytelling, along with the backdrop, all made me feel as if I had stepped into an entirely new realm. Watching such a beautiful and moving performance brings me immense joy and happiness.”
Reflecting further, Ms. Kim said she could sense the dedication behind the artistry. “Watching the Shen Yun artists’ dance performance, I deeply sense the tremendous and arduous effort they have exerted to revive tradition,” she said.
She hopes more people will have the chance to see it for themselves. “I believe anyone who attends in person will experience profound emotion and a completely different encounter. I want to recommend this performance to friends who have yet to see it,” she said.
Reporting by Epoch Times South Korea Bureau and Olivia Li.
