BUSAN, South Korea—On the afternoon of Feb. 15, Shen Yun’s New Era Company presented its second performance in Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, at the Dream Theatre. Among those in attendance was medical aesthetic specialist Baek Seung-hyun, who runs a chain of cosmetic clinics. Watching the performance with his girlfriend, he said that through Shen Yun, he was able to glimpse the very roots of Eastern culture.
The New York–based Shen Yun Performing Arts is a leading classical Chinese dance and music company, with a mission to revive traditional Chinese culture. Since its founding in 2006, the company has presented an entirely new program each year, captivating audiences around the world.
Mr. Baek spoke highly of the performance’s artistic excellence. “The dancers’ skills were exceptional. At first, I thought the music was pre-recorded, but then I realized it was a live orchestra—truly outstanding. The color combinations were perfect. The digital backdrop was also fascinating, especially the story from “Journey to the West”—that was the most interesting part.”
Beyond its visual brilliance, he said, the production conveyed deeper layers of meaning. The opening mythological scene, depicting divine beings descending to the human world, struck him as particularly powerful, evoking what he described as the “Primordial Era.”
“The energy in that scene was incredible. … It traced a historical context from the very beginning and conveyed the idea that humans should cultivate goodness in their hearts. I think it was expressed perfectly—truly remarkable,” he said.
Baek Seung-hyun attended Shen Yun’s second performance at the Dream Theatre in Busan, South Korea, on Feb. 15, 2026. Kim Guk-hwan/The Epoch Times
He added that the storyline portraying resistance to persecution under the Chinese Communist regime left the deepest impression on him. Watching certain scenes, he could not help but think of those persecuted in China, including victims of the Tiananmen incident and people in Tibet.
The story dance he referred to raises awareness of the Chinese communist regime’s ongoing persecution of Falun Dafa, a peaceful meditation practice whose followers strive to live by the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance.
Many Shen Yun artists practice Falun Dafa and have faced transnational repression by the Chinese government.
“I hope the international community will speak out more actively, rather than just watching the CCP’s reactions,” Mr. Baek said.
Expressing admiration for the performers, he added, “These artists are people of conviction. I hope this performance reaches a wider audience so more people can see it. The artists must feel a sense of pride as well. I sincerely hope Shen Yun can perform in more countries.”
Reflecting more broadly, Mr. Baek said the performance offered him a deeper understanding of Eastern civilization’s origins.
“Chinese culture has a profound heritage, spanning more than 5,000 years and rich in myth. Whether through dance, music, or other cultural forms, Chinese culture represents the roots of Eastern civilization.”
Moved by Shen Yun’s profound cultural depth, Mr. Baek said he hopes to attend again. “If I have the chance, I will come again next year, and I’m considering bringing my parents or other family members to see it as well.”
