CHUNCHEON, South Korea—On May 7, 2025, Shen Yun Performing Arts performed two sold-out shows at the Baekryeong Arts Center in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, marking the second stop of its South Korea tour. Audience members hailed the production as a rare and powerful portrayal of China’s 5,000-year divinely inspired civilization. They described the performance as not just a visual and auditory feast, but also a celebration of universal values like kindness, justice, and hope—an inspiring call to return to tradition and awaken conscience.
“This is the only production that can accurately showcase China before communist China to the world,” said historian Beok-gang Shim, director of the Korean Institute of National Culture.
“The performance not only showcased traditional Chinese culture but also highlighted the cultures of ethnic groups such as the Tibetans and Yi, presenting the essence of Eastern culture.”
New York-based Shen Yun focuses on reviving traditional culture from before the rise of communism, bringing to life the divinely inspired Chinese civilization.
Mr. Shim described the performance as “a true world-class production that encapsulates 5,000 years of Eastern culture in just two hours.”
He explained that what sets Shen Yun apart is not only its exceptional artistry but also the profound spiritual essence behind its creation. “In today’s world, we often see artistic works created by human hands, but a performance like Shen Yun’s can only come from enlightened beings or the divine. Such performances are rare, which is what makes Shen Yun truly extraordinary.”
He also mentioned that with the advancement of modern society, people’s inner worlds have become lacking. “While material progress has brought comfort, people seldom have the chance to connect with spiritual culture. Although the body may be at ease, the mind is not always at peace. Experiencing performances like this allows us to embrace the values of Eastern spiritual culture, enriching the lives of people today.”
‘They’re Playing a Vital Role’
Pastor Yong-cheol Lee shared that he discovered the performance by chance on a Korean ticketing website and was immediately captivated by the stunning visuals. He said he had always appreciated the grandeur of large-scale performances such as these, “and I thought to myself, I must see this before I leave this world,” he said.He was particularly impressed by Shen Yun’s visual presentation and stage technology, calling it an unprecedented experience. “The flawless combination of the digital backdrop and the performers was something I had never seen before—it was truly magical. Though I had certain expectations, the scale was even more grand and the stories even more diverse and rich than I imagined.”
He praised Shen Yun’s music and stage coordination, saying, “I was completely immersed. The sound quality and orchestral performance were outstanding.” With a touch of humor, he added, “Because my eyes are small and the stage is so wide—and the performers fill every corner—I couldn’t keep up. If I looked one way, I’d miss something on the other side. I wanted to take in every scene, but there was always something I missed. Only when I entered a meditative state could I truly hear everything and see it all at once.”
He mentioned that, as someone who has embarked on a spiritual journey, he was especially moved by the opening scene with the descent of the divine to the human world. “Before becoming a pastor, I first studied Buddhism, and later the Bible. So these scenes felt very familiar to me,” he said. “I’ve prayed at temples, practiced qigong, and dedicated myself to various forms of spiritual study.”
He praised Shen Yun for its powerful expression of traditional values. “Communism and the Cultural Revolution destroyed much of that heritage. What we see now is a striking contrast. The message conveyed through this performance is both profound and far-reaching.”
Shen Yun Reflects Beauty, Goodness, and Faith, Says Law Firm Director
Yong-min Cho, a law firm director, had long desired to experience Shen Yun after learning about its world-class performances online. When the opportunity arose, she attended the show with her parents.“Despite the persecution under the communist regime, Shen Yun continues to preserve and promote traditional Chinese culture, ensuring that these brilliant cultural heritages do not fade away. This truly moved me.
“The performance was truly magnificent. The costumes and style reminded me of our Korean culture, and it made me realize how much of Korean culture is influenced by China. Of course, hanbok is uniquely Korean, but I believe culture transcends national boundaries. As a believer in God, I was deeply moved by how Shen Yun beautifully portrays the heavenly world.”
She believes Shen Yun beautifully showcases reverence for deities and Buddha, something especially valuable in today’s world.
“We are indeed created beings, and God has endowed us with wisdom and civilization, guiding humanity’s progress. Everything, including science, is under God’s control—culture and art are no exception,” she said. “Shen Yun reflects beauty, goodness, and a deep respect for the Creator, which makes the performance even more meaningful and refreshing.”
Through Shen Yun, she also learned about the persecution of faith groups such as Falun Gong and Christianity in China by the communist regime. She said, “Humanism has led to the deification of humans, and some try to manipulate the thoughts of others. It is truly heartbreaking.”
Ms. Cho mentioned that she watched the performance with her parents this time and would love to bring her children to see Shen Yun if the opportunity arises.
