Voices Rising: Korean Diaspora Voices in Performance returned to NYC last week at the Park Avenue Armory, to big smiles, a SOLD OUT crowd, and fabulous slate of panels and performances from our speakers! Keep reading below to relive the night:
Performance: Jasmine Rice LaBeija, Longing for Mt. Geumgang
To begin the night, Juilliard-trained operatic tenor and drag artist (and featured performer at Serica’s 2026 Trailblazers Gala), Jasmine Rice, opened with a moving performance of “Longing for Mount Geumgang" (그리운 금강산), known as one of Korea's most famous and emotionally resonant art songs.
Panel I: The Cherry Orchard and Korean Diaspora in Theater & Performing Arts
Panel I featured producer Min K. Shin and actor Nam Yunho of The Cherry Orchard, a Korean adaptation (dir: Simon Stone) of Chekhov’s iconic play, which recently concluded its highly acclaimed North American premiere at the Park Avenue Armory.
Moderated by Kyung Yoon (President & CEO of the Korean American Community Foundation), the conversation explored the process of The Cherry Orchard as a cross-border production, with its creative influences spanning Russia, Australia, New York, and Korea. Both panelists also spoke to their experience training, performing, and producing internationally — and how these artistic collaborations have shaped the narratives they create on the stage. The conversation also acknowledged the unique position occupied by Korean theater and the performing arts, against a rapidly accelerating wave of global popularity of Korean pop culture and entertainment (aka the Hallyu wave).
Performance: Kristin Lee, Violin
Next, award-winning violinist, educator, and artistic director, Kristin Lee filled the Park Avenue Armory’s historic Veteran’s Room with her stunning violin solo, before taking her seat to join as a panelist for Panel II!
Panel II: The Global Impact of Korean Diasporic Arts & Culture
Panel II featured Daniel K. Isaac (actor and writer), Hee Seo (Principal Dancer, American Ballet Theatre), Kristin Lee (violinist, educator, and artistic director), and Joshua Hyunho Lee (actor, dancer, and singer), moderated by Kyung Yoon, and explored the wider global impact of Korean diasporic arts and culture.
Each panelist shared about their experiences as Korean diasporic artists — from the various influences that shaped their artistry from an early age, or breaking barriers as pioneers in their fields, or how their work has transformed as Korean pop culture now becomes a massive global phenomenon.
As Korean pop culture and performers enjoy enormous visibility to audiences around the world, we’re also reminded about the importance of these individual conversations, which help illuminate the complexity of the Asian American experience — and celebrate those who make this visibility possible.
See below for more photos from the night!
Thank you so much to our photographer, Xinyun Wu!
If you missed the live showcase, don’t worry! We’ll be releasing the full recording of the evening’s panels and performances for streaming with our partners, ALL ARTS, in November! Make sure to follow us on our social media + join our newsletter so you don’t miss out on any updates!!
