The K-pop Demon Hunters Oscars performance at the 98th Academy Awards on March 15th began in an unexpected way: with a deep immersion into traditional Korean aesthetics. Before the high-energy “Golden” stage commenced, the Dolby Theatre was transformed by the sounds of traditional drums (Buk), vocal chanting (Pansori), and the spiritual movements of the Salpuri dance.
The minute-long introduction featured dancers clad in reimagined Won-sam and Kwae-ja (traditional robes), waving long white silk scarves to symbolically ward off evil spirits. This seamless blend of ancient ritual and modern pop culture marked a historic moment for Korean representation in global media.
The Bridge Between Tradition and K-pop
One of the key figures at the center of this cultural bridge was Dassy Lee (In-young Lee), an LA-based professional dancer. Alongside Professor Da-eun Jung of UC Riverside and actress/dancer Stella Choe, Lee performed as one of the “Hunters” on the “Golden” stage.
In an exclusive interview on March 30th, Lee explained the significance of the opening sequence. “The universe of K-pop Demon Hunters is deeply rooted in Korean heritage,” Lee stated. “The inclusion of traditional dance in the K-pop Demon Hunters Oscars performance was a deliberate effort to honor those roots, connecting elements like the Lion Boys to our ancestral history.”
From Street Dance to the Dolby Theatre
Lee’s journey to the Academy Awards was both rapid and emotional. She received the offer just two weeks before the ceremony, initially unaware it was for the Oscars. “The moment I put on the Hanbok, I burst into tears,” Lee recalled. “I thought about all the years I spent in America having to constantly explain my culture. Now, I was wearing it on the most prestigious stage in the world.”
The preparation was grueling:
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Rehearsals: Five days of intensive 6-hour sessions.
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Location: Three days in a practice studio and two days of dress rehearsals at the Dolby Theatre.
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Atmosphere: “The backstage was a war zone,” Lee laughed, describing the frantic costume change from traditional attire to her K-pop flag-bearer outfit.
A Surreal Moment with Hollywood Royalty
The reaction from the audience turned the formal ceremony into something resembling a stadium concert. Lee recalled seeing Hollywood icons like Leonardo DiCaprio holding K-pop lightsticks. “Seeing top stars cheering with lightsticks made me wonder if this was reality. It still feels like a dream.”
Empowering the Next Generation of Dancers
Dassy Lee is no stranger to breaking barriers. After moving to the U.S. in 2012 with no foundation, she became the first Korean to reach the Top 8 on So You Think You Can Dance (Season 14) in 2017. Today, she is a Red Bull-sponsored athlete, an educator through her “Everyday Popping” online classes, and a member of the all-female dance crew “Femme Fatale.”
Reflecting on the K-pop Demon Hunters Oscars performance, Lee sees it as a turning point. “It goes beyond personal achievement. It represents an era where we no longer have to explain Korean culture—we can simply show it with confidence.”
By Eunyoung Lee [lee.eunyoung6@koreadaily.com
