After hosting the first-ever K-pop Random Play Dance (RPD) at Universal CityWalk Hollywood last year, HallyuSource partnered with the entertainment destination once again to bring the fan-favorite event back to the iconic 5 Towers stage. Drawing K-pop fans from across Southern California, the event featured a wide range of hits spanning generations of K-pop, from iconic tracks by groups like SHINee, Red Velvet, Big Bang, Stray Kids, BTS, TWICE, and to newer releases from today’s rising artists. Fans filled the plaza to dance along to their favorite songs, creating an energetic celebration of K-pop’s global influence.
The returning collaboration spotlighted some of SoCal’s most recognized K-pop dance cover crews. UNIT21, led by Katie Kordes, performed MEOVV’s “Hit Em,” while $laydies, led by Allison Rodriguez, performed ATEEZ’s “Bad.” XLR8, led by Magen Pham, also took the stage with NMIXX’s “Heavy Serenade.”
For readers unfamiliar with Random Play Dance (RPD) the event invites fans to perform K-pop choreography as songs play in a random order. As each track begins, dancers who know the choreography rush to the center while the crowd cheers them on. The event continued to showcase K-pop’s growing cultural influence while creating an immersive space for fans to dance and celebrate their shared passion for the genre. Today, fans host RPDs around the world, making them a staple at many K-pop events, festivals, and conventions. For many organizers and attendees, a K-pop celebration feels incomplete without the energy and community that a RPD brings. The next time you come across a K-pop Random Play Dance, don’t hesitate to join in. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the genre, there’s always a song that brings everyone together like PSY’s “Gangnam Style” to the latest K-pop hits. Chances are, you’ll know at least one song, and you might just discover your next favorite artist along the way!
