(Minghui.org) From April 24–May 11, Shen Yun New York Company presented 14 performances in four South Korean cities: Goyang, Gumi, Gyeongju, and Daegu. All of the performances were presented to packed houses, despite the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) efforts to pressure various theaters across the country to not allow the company to perform.

Shen Yun New York Company at the Aram Nuri in Goyang on April 25. The company presented six sold-out performances in Goyang April 24–28.

Shen Yun New York Company’s curtain call at the Gyeongju Arts Center, Hwarang Hall in Gyeongju on the evening of May 8. The company presented two performances in Gyeongju on May 8, both to full theaters.

“Moving and Hopeful”

Park Jae-han at the Shen Yun performance in Goyang on April 24

Park Jae-han, vice chairman of the Central Religious Special Committee of the South Korean Democratic Party, saw Shen Yun in Goyang on April 24.

“If a typical performance satisfies the flesh, then Shen Yun’s performance penetrates deep into the soul, provoking deep thought,” said Mr. Park.

“After the show, I felt hopeful. I’ve seen many performances of various types that satisfy our senses, but today’s show was very touching, moving, and hopeful.

“I particularly liked the first dance where we all witnessed the scene of [the Creator] descending from the heavens.

“The scene that left a particularly deep impression on me was the portrayal of Falun Gong practitioners facing severe persecution in China yet never giving up their faith.

“I am aware of the many persecutions happening in China and the significant human rights abuses there. Keep it up! There are people cheering for you on the sidelines. If there’s anything we can do to help, even a little, we will do our best,” he said.

“Shen Yun Shows the Beautiful Side of the Chinese People”

Jung Sung-san at the Shen Yun performance in Goyang on April 25

Renowned director Jung Sung-san saw Shen Yun in Goyang on April 25. This was his third time seeing Shen Yun.

“Every time I see the segment about the persecution of Falun Gong in the program, tears come to my eyes. I marvel that despite such brutal persecution, they still use such beautiful art to tell the world about the persecution,” said Mr. Jung, who defected from North Korea in 1995.

“Every time I see the atrocities committed by the CCP, I think of the human rights issues in North Korea... I greatly admire Shen Yun’s ability, and I also want to create such art,” he said.

In order to have a better understanding of the persecution of Falun Gong, Mr. Jung did some research to seek the truth behind the crime.

“Before coming to see Shen Yun, one must first understand Falun Gong. Because if you know why Falun Gong is persecuted in China, you will gain more from the work,” he explained.

His research told him that “The CCP feared that Falun Gong would become a huge religious force opposing it, so it spared no effort in persecuting and suppressing it.”

But Falun Gong is a peaceful practice that greatly benefits the mind and body. Mr. Jung has read Falun Gong’s main teaching, Zhuan Falun.

“Falun Gong teaches practitioners to cultivate their hearts, find their true selves, and improve themselves,” said Mr. Jung.

“Shen Yun’s performance tells people that China without the Chinese Communist Party is pure and beautiful. Shen Yun shows the beautiful side of the Chinese people,” said Mr. Jung.

“I want to compliment the artists of Shen Yun. How much hard training does it take to achieve such artistic heights? I think they are too precious. Seeing them, my eyes turn red,” he said.

“Very Precious”

Jo Kee-jo at the Shen Yun performance in Goyang on April 26

Jo Kee-jo, an honorary professor at Kyungnam University, saw Shen Yun in Goyang on April 26. This was his second time seeing Shen Yun.

“This is a world-class performance. It’s very precious and must be seen. I want to emphasize: this performance is a priceless treasure and will leave you with no regrets,” Mr. Jo said.

“We need to restore these traditional values that are disappearing, because we overly rely on modern science and culture,” he said.

“The Highest Realm of Art”

Ahn Chan-il at the Shen Yun performance in Goyang on April 27

Ahn Chan-il, President of the World Institute for North Korea Studies, saw Shen Yun in Goyang on April 27.

“It presented scenes and atmosphere that I’ve never seen before, to the point where I could not tell if it was art, reality, or a dream. Shen Yun has achieved the highest realm of fascination in its staging,” Mr. Ahn said.

“It has reached the highest realm of art... I felt that all performers were divine beings, and my soul was purified,” he said.

“Healing the Soul”

Kwon Won-soo at the Shen Yun performance in Gyeongju on the evening of May 8

Kwon Won-soo, head of research and development department at a machinery company, saw Shen Yun in Gyeongju on the evening of May 8. This was his second time seeing Shen Yun.

“I came here again because Shen Yun has a power of treating the wound, stopping the pain, and healing the soul,” Mr. Kwon said.

“While watching, I felt that I flew to the universe. At the end of this world, the universe is shiny and glowy and everyone is shiny. This feeling was really great,” he said.

“It Really Touched Me”

Kim kyong-na at the Shen Yun performance in Gyeongju on the afternoon of May 8

Kim kyong-na, representative of a performing arts group and a pansori and bipa performer, saw Shen Yun in Gyeongju on the afternoon of May 8.

“Shen Yun demonstrated the depth of traditional Chinese culture. This kind of spirit can have the function of being saved by the heavens. It really touched me,” Ms. Kim said.

“The Artistic Director is outstanding!... I want to to recommend it to everybody: you have to come see it,” she said.

“A Performance to Find One’s Path in Life”

Seo Jin-gil at the Shen Yun performance in Gyeongju on the evening of May 8

Seo Jin-gil, former president of the Ulsan Arts Council, saw Shen Yun in Gyeongju on the evening of May 8. He had seen Shen Yun multiple times before.

“This performance was a performance that served as a signpost for how one should live one’s life... It became a performance to find one’s path in life,” Mr. Seo said.

“Not only did it have artistic value, but there was also a part that gave hope... I loved the flow of the dance moves and it was healing.

“This high-class performance is a must-see. Take a look before you die. I’m looking forward to the next one,” he said.

“This Is a Must-see”

Kim Jin-woo at the Shen Yun performance in Daegu on May 10

Kim Jin-woo, chairman of a construction company, saw Shen Yun in Daegu on May 10. He had seen Shen Yun in the past.

“It’s amazing... It’s really not something a person can do,” Mr. Kim said.

“If you give this kind of treasure to modern society, both your body and mind will be upgraded. By seeing this, it feels like our universe has been reborn... This is a must-see.

“I hope that the world, regardless of whether it is China, the United States, Korea, or Japan, can become one through the performance... I hope this will be an opportunity to look back on the people and the world,” he said.