MAGAZINERADIOSHOP
LOG INSUBSCRIBE
2025-11-22
Written by Dylan Hayes
At the Korea Brand & Entertainment Expo (KBEE) 2025 in New York, thousands of visitors gathered to experience the convergence of K-beauty, K-fashion, and K-entertainment. But long before the doors opened to the public, a dedicated backstage team worked tirelessly to bring the event’s performances, talks, and brand showcases to life. Among them was stage designer Youyeon Kwon, whose behind-the-scenes coordination ensured the show delivered the dynamic energy expected of a global cultural expo.
As a stage designer, Youyeon Kwon managed the detailed choreography behind every segment—sound checks, guest checks, MC coordination, and timing adjustments that shaped the event’s polished rhythm.
One of the biggest technical challenges occurred during the K-pop cover dance team’s performance on Day 1. The music track came in with a delay, throwing off the dancers’ timing. Kwon immediately worked with the audio crew to diagnose the issue during the short reset window.
“Sound problems are every performer’s nightmare,” she said. “I knew we had to fix it fast.”
By Day 2, after recalibrating the system and re-testing the playback sequence, the performance ran smoothly—earning cheers from the audience and relief from the dancers backstage.
During MC coordination, Kwon stayed close to the hosts, guiding them through their cues and making sure each entrance aligned perfectly with the stage manager’s lighting and camera timing. This became essential when one of the guest speakers arrived late, forcing a last-minute rearrangement of the program. Kwon quickly communicated with the MC, adjusted the order on the spot, and ensured the audience never noticed the disruption.
“There’s a rhythm to backstage work,” said Derek. “And Youyeon kept that rhythm steady—even when things changed in real time.”
One of the greatest challenges was ensuring that transitions between speakers, performers, and brand spotlights unfolded seamlessly. Stage designers often had less than a minute to adjust equipment, confirm MC scripts, or escort guests into position.
“There’s a rhythm to backstage work,” said Derek. “Designers like Youyeon Kwon keep everything together. Without their timing and creativity, the show simply wouldn’t run.”
Beyond the technical responsibilities, Kwon contributed to the visual atmosphere of the show—overseeing lighting flow and ensuring brand showcases appeared cohesive and engaging on stage.
Despite the pressure, KBEE 2025 offered memorable moments: international buyers rehearsing their speeches, performers warming up just out of view, and staff exchanging quick nods of encouragement before major segments. “Those moments remind you why this work matters,” Kwon shared. “Everyone backstage shares the same goal—to celebrate culture, creativity, and connection.”
KBEE’s mission—to elevate Korean culture and connect global audiences with Korean brands—was reflected in every aspect of the stage design and execution. The seamless production created by Kwon and the team allowed visitors to experience K-culture in its most vibrant form.
Following the success of KBEE 2025 New York, organizers are preparing for future editions around the world. For professionals like Youyeon Kwon, the experience highlighted the impact of thoughtful backstage craftsmanship in shaping cultural storytelling. As global interest in K-culture continues to grow, so does the importance of the people behind the curtain—those who transform creative visions into experiences audiences never forget.