We as people love to be entertained and will pay good money to attend live concerts and events. Sometimes though, you can find incredible performances simply out on the street (and when you least expect it).
Diners and pedestrians were treated to quite the show in a Santa Monica shopping area one day – thanks to a famous dancer named Poppin’ Hyun-joon. With a kid drummer as his sidekick, he had everyone mesmerized by his slick moves.
There are many dancers in this world that can leave crowds awestruck with their talent. Poppin’ Hyun-joon (AKA Nam Hyun-joon) is one of them.
Hyun-joon is a performing artist from Seoul, South Korea – well known for both his vocal and street dancing skills. According to his website, he’s a pioneer of the style and “the first generation of Korean poppin dance.”
People were busy enjoying their meals and strolling down the Santa Monica sidewalk when the performers caught their attention. Some passersby even stopped to get a closer view of the show.
A young boy from the Philippines was rocking out on his drums providing a very familiar beat. It was none other than Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” – with Hyun-joon as the act’s dancer.
In addition to the drumming, a speaker blasted the song as well, creating the perfect combination. Hyun-joon even tied in some of the artist’s iconic moves.
Hyun-joon’s popping skills are unbelievable to watch.
He has the ability to move his body as if it were made of rubber, and all his movements flow together flawlessly.
At times he dances at lightning speed, but other times his pace impressively changes into slow-motion.
A couple of minutes into the performance it transforms into a trio act.
Hyun-joon is joined by another male dancer and together they light the street on fire with their skills.
The pair dance in unison with all eyes on them. One highlight of their duet is when Hyun-joon slides his entire body through the other dancer’s arms like a snake.
Famous Birthdays reports that Hyun-joon entertains fans with popping moves like gliding, tutting, and ticking.
This is not your average street performance. Little did passersby know they were witnessing an impromptu act from a Korean star.
Hyun-joon used to be part of the k-pop musical group Young Turks Club, but instead, he decided to pursue his passion for dancing and other projects as well. He’s created a name for himself over the years and has had a successful career as a dancer, musician, performer, and instructor.
Performing on the streets for strangers isn’t anything new to Poppin’ Hyun-joon.
In fact, he spent some time being homeless as a teenager – but dancing was an activity that earned him respect from those around.
He told The Korea Times:
“I saw that and thought, ‘I need to stake my life on dancing and find success through this.’ Because the moment I danced, I felt alive. I could run away from reality.”
Whether you’re a dancer or don’t have a dancing bone in your body – it’s near impossible to not be hypnotized by Hyun-joon’s moves. On top of that, the combination of the young street drummer and an all-time classic brings the performance to new heights.
You can see for yourself how amazing it is by pressing play below. Talk about some lucky diners and shoppers!
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