Singers and Audience Pay Their Respects to Victims of the Sewol Ferry Incident During KMF

On May 2, a taxi driver, who immigrated to Los Angeles about ten years ago, described the recent atmosphere of the Korean-American community in one sentence. As the citizens in Korea stopped working due to the grief they felt regarding the Sewol ferry incident, it was the same overseas. Without losing hope, they listen to every updated news and greetings have turned into long sighs.

On May 3, the “12^th Korean Music Festival,” also known as “KMF,”  opened up, but it was an event where songs of hope were performed within this time of grief.

The festival began in 2003, and it is a big cultural event that was held every year. This year was no exception as 20,000 people participated in this event. However, because of the incident that occurred in Korea, the atmosphere was different compared to previous years where the event was dazzling. A time to mourn and pray for the victims of the incident was prepared during the festival. Those who gathered in order to watch the Korean celebrities perform at the festival participated in this time of prayer.

Two legendary female singers performed a hopeful song on stage within this calmness. During the beginning of the second part of the festival, Yoon Bok Hee sang the classic hit song “Everyone,” touching the hearts of many in the audience. With a solo classic guitar playing in the background, she sang really sadly, sympathizing with the audience. Many people within the audience requested for an encore.

During the concert, In Soon Yi also put on a moving performance. Before the concert, In Soon Yi prepared a yellow ribbon, praying that the missing people would be found. Before performing “A Goose’s Dream,” she told the audience, “It’s a time where the entire Korean community is in pain. Let’s overcome this and move forth together.” As she started singing, many of the older generations began to cry. In order to help the audience feel better, In Soon Yi kept on touching the yellow ribbon that was on her chest and even requested the audience to sing together. She communicated with the audience as instrumentals of songs like “Father” and “To My Daughter” were playing.

The event lasted for four hours and other singers like Ta’en, Ailee, Crayon Pop, Jung Dong Ha, Ulala Session, Shim Su Bong, Kim Jong Seo, EXO-M, 2AM, Dal Shabet, B1A4 and many others put on a passionate performance.

Source