The district of Gangnam in Seoul demonstrates the capital city's global status and represents Korea’s stellar economic growth. It garnered worldwide attention as K-pop star Psy's "Gangnam Style" went viral all over the globe. Now the passionate people of Gangnam are poised to set the global trends in pop music, fashion, and even lifestyle. Magnum Photos member Chris Steele-Perkins is pulled right into the heart of Gangnam.
K-pop dreams!
The wave of Korean pop culture swept through Asia in the late 1990s and now in 2013, the K-pop fever is back, this time winning global attention. Young people dream of becoming the second Psy, and more than 30 thousand screaming fans crowd a K-pop concert. Chris talks with the young people of Gangnam who are either pursuing their dreams or have already fulfilled them.
Dreaming of a better tomorrow!
The bright lights of the city tempt people to have some fun. But Chris’s camera focuses on the young people who refuse to be tempted and are investing their time and energy to better themselves.
Ancient temple in the middle of the city
In the middle of rapidly changing Gangnam stands Bongeun Temple, a place of solace for a multitude of people for centuries. Just as people bearing fervent wishes in their hearts have frequented the temple for more than a thousand years, people will keep coming here for many years to come. Chris records the faithful’s wishes for their families’ happiness and health.
Challenging the world
Chris's passion for photography is fueled by up-and-coming designers with their visions set on a global stage and a fashion show featuring models, designers, and makeup artists with their own hopes and dreams.
Be sure to catch City of Passion episode featuring renowned documentary photographer Chris Steele-Perkins on Arirang TV at 1 pm on November 14.