DAEGU, South Korea—Shen Yun New Era Company’s first performance at the Suseong Arts Center was on the final day of the Lunar New Year holiday, Feb. 18. Local families filled the theater to capacity, welcoming the internationally-touring production with warm enthusiasm.

“Pure goodness and beauty—consummate goodness and beauty,” Mr. Zhang said after the performance. “While I was watching, I kept trying to think of adjectives to describe it, but nothing seemed adequate.”

For him, making the trip was not easy. “It’s Chinese New Year, and traditionally, I should be at home. But I had one thought that compelled me to come. I encountered many difficulties along the way, yet I held onto this one thought: I must come,” he said.

Although he noted that the artists are young, he said, “They are true artists. There were so many details and expressions on the dancers’ faces that I could hardly take it all in. I don’t know why, but I kept getting goosebumps.”

“Before seeing Shen Yun, I believed in God and that there were gods in heaven. But I didn’t know what heaven looked like. I only knew it must be beautiful and magnificent, but I couldn’t picture it. Just as shown in the performance, only through cultivation can one ascend to heaven. If one is attached to fame, fortune, lust, and greed, there is no return,” he said.

He emphasized that the beauty on stage felt dignified and uplifting. “Shen Yun’s beauty doesn’t rely on exposing legs or arms to attract attention. It presents a truly clean and pure beauty. Men display masculinity, and women present feminine grace.”

“Such a beautiful performance should blossom across China, yet it’s a real shame that it can’t be staged there. Shen Yun has been established for 20 years, and I hope to see it in China someday so I can watch it many times,” he said. “Many things are beyond human control. After seeing the show, I sincerely hope Shen Yun can perform in mainland China next year—or even this year.”

He added that he perceived a divinely-inspired culture in the performance. “We are often taught that humans are just advanced animals, but I don’t agree. I believe humans were created by God. With faith, people can restore their moral compass. Without faith, there is no inner restraint. I think faith is very important,” he said.

“From a young age, many people around me practiced Falun Gong, and they were healthy. I knew it was good. Later, they suffered a very bloody persecution. People were filled with fear when hearing the words ‘Falun Gong,’ especially after the Tiananmen self-immolation incident. Because someone in my family practiced, I knew that self-immolation was impossible,” he said, as Falun Gong prohibits killing and violence. “Although I was very young and don’t remember everything clearly, that incident left a shadow on me because of the constant indoctrination. Later, I calmed down and realized it was false.”

He shared that when he was older and able to access information online, he withdrew from the Chinese Communist Youth League and Young Pioneers. “After I went to university, I also helped some friends withdraw,” he said.

Addressing the performers, he said, “You are great. I can’t find a better word than ‘great.’ Every movement, every piece of music, even the transitions between scenes, were flawless and incredibly smooth. During intermission, I felt a little sad because I hadn’t seen enough. Two hours passed too quickly. Thank you for letting me see such a beautiful performance.”

“It was incredibly moving,” she said. “It’s truly of a very high caliber, and the dancers are incredibly dedicated.”

Having studied classical dance since childhood, she said she has a deep understanding of technique and artistic expression. She felt the performance embodied the brilliance of traditional Chinese culture.

“Chinese culture has always been brilliant and something to be proud of. But when I look at modern China … I feel very regretful,” she said.