Presented by Korean Cultural Center New York and RETOPIA SALON

ㅣSPECIAL TALK SESSION
Saturday, October 25, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

ㅣLOCATION: Korea Cultural Center New York (122 E 32nd Street, New York, NY 10016)

The Korean Cultural Center New York is excited to announce the 2025 K-POP ACADEMY, in collaboration with RETOPIA SALON, a creative agency founded by members of the production team behind BTS.

This year’s program features three classes designed for different age groups, all led by RETOPIA SALON’s Performance Director Jongin Yun, a veteran dancer who has performed on stage with BTS and many other renowned artists.

◆ Special Talk Session

This Special Talk Session will be held on October 25 at 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM, and is open to everyone—including Academy participants, K-pop fans, aspiring idols, and anyone interested in the industry.

Minmee Noh, Executive Director of Artist Development Lab, and Jongin Yun, Performance Director, will share their experiences from the frontlines of the K-pop industry. Topics will include scouting and training trainees, preparing for debut, behind-the-scenes stories of choreography creation, and insights gained from performing on global stages.

Attendees will gain a unique opportunity to hear valuable perspectives and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of K-pop. The Special Talk Session is free to attend, but RSVP is required.

RSVP for Special Talk Session

ㅣCLASSES

KIDS CLASS (Ages 7–12)
Friday, October 24, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

YOUTH CLASS (Ages 13-24)
Friday, October 24, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

MASTER CLASS (Advanced — Open to All)
Saturday, October 25, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

ㅣAPPLICATION PERIOD: Sep 25, 12:00 PM – Oct 9, 2025 (GMT-4)

ㅣEVENT DATE: October 24-25, 2025

ㅣTUITION: FREE

Kids Class (Ages 7–12)

Friday, October 24, 2025 │ 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Track: “Soda Pop” from KPop Demon Hunters

Choreography by Jongin Yun (Re-created)

Youth Class (Ages 13–24)

Friday, October 24, 2025 │ 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Track: “How It’s Done” from KPop Demon Hunters

Choreography by Jongin Yun

Master Class (Advanced — Open to All)

Saturday, October 25, 2025 │ 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Track: revealed on the day of class

Choreography by Jongin Yun and participants

*Please note that the Master Class will be held on October 25, followed by an all-day video shoot on October 26. Participants are kindly asked to take this schedule into consideration when applying.

◆ Classes & DIY Mask Corner

All classes are FREE to join.To apply, participants must submit one short dance video, choosing between the Challenge Dance or a Freestyle Video. Selected applicants will be invited to participate, and individual notifications will be sent.

Each class will begin with a short DIY Mask Corner, where participants can design and decorate their own masks. These masks will then be used as props during the session to make the experience even more fun and creative.

◆ Important Notes for Application

- The application form includes a file upload section, so you must be logged into a Google account.

- For the best experience, we recommend using the Chrome browser on PC or the Chrome app on mobile.

*Please note that errors may occur if the form is opened through Instagram’s in-app browser.

◆ Instructor

Jongin Yun

Performance Director, RETOPIA SALON

Jongin Yun is a K-pop choreographer and veteran dancer who has performed on stage with numerous renowned artists, including TVXQ and JYJ. Since 2017, he has been part of BTS’s world tours, and later served as a Performance Director at HYBE LABELS JAPAN. He is currently working as the Performance Director at RETOPIA SALON.

For further details or inquiries, please contact us at performingarts@koreanculture.org.

◆ RETOPIA SALON

RETOPIA SALON is a creative content label that embodies the belief and vision that “Imagination and creativity create new experiences.”
Founded by key former HYBE figures — led by CEO Woo Jung Bang, who played a pivotal role in BTS’s global success, along with CCO Serene Kim and COO Jun Soo Park — the company spans a wide range of business areas from artist management to content production, presenting new possibilities for the entertainment industry.

RETOPIA SALON successfully launched BTS Jin’s YouTube variety show Run Seokjin and is currently preparing for the debut of a next-generation boy group that is expected to bring fresh energy to the K-pop scene.

2025 K-POP ACADEMY with RETOPIA SALON

◆ Special Talk Session