by Gwangju has been called ‘Yehyang (藝鄕)’ since ancient times. It was because there were many outstanding people in various fields of art, full of taste, fashion, and excitement. Many stars from Gwangju, who inherited the tradition of Yehyang, entered K-pop. They are K-pop stars whose hometown is Gwangju or whose parents are from Gwangju.
From 2018 to next year, Gwangju City will create a K-pop star street in and around Geumnam-to 4-ga Station, the back alley of the old student center in Chungjang-to, Dong-gu, Gwangju. Gwangju is the only city in the country to decorate the K-pop star street among metropolitan governments. The K-POP Star Street is promoted in conjunction with the nearby Masil-Gil program of the Asian Culture Center.
Currently, on the K-POP Star Street, there are three fan zones displaying the handprints of 50 stars, including BTS J-Hope, Suzy, Yubin, Hyerin, ATEEZ Yunho, and Sunmi, who was born in Gwangju, and their cherished items. There are many things to see, such as murals painted by stars.
This year, a large-scale media façade will be built on the 7th floor of the Gwangju Youth Life Design Center (formerly Student Center) building. It is expected that K-pop culture unique to Gwangju will be created by creating a permanent outdoor stage along with a walking path embroidered with colorful light on the floor. We plan to add handprints of 5 K-pop stars and produce promotional videos featuring the stars.
Kim Seong-bae, head of the tourism promotion department in Gwangju City, said, “The K-pop Star Street has established itself as a unique cultural tourism product, and young people from all over the country are looking for it.”
