Seo Yewon, the quiet soul of TAGG who ignites the stage. On August 21, 2026, the email interview with Seo Yewon (서예원), a dancer from TAGG, took place. Even from a distance, something very clear stood out: Yewon is one of those artists whose presence is felt even before she speaks. There are dancers who impress with their technique, and others who leave a mark by what they radiate. She belongs to this second category.
Yewon doesn't need spectacular gestures to captivate. With her, everything passes through a rare sincerity, a way of moving that seems to come straight from the heart. As soon as she steps on stage, the atmosphere changes: you feel that she dances to say something, not to show off. A member of TAGG, the Afro-fusion company known for its raw energy and vibrant performances, she embodies a fascinating contrast. Off stage, she is calm, almost discreet. But as soon as the music starts, this gentleness turns into intensity. Her body tells stories, her gestures breathe authentic joy, and her gaze carries a surprising determination.
Her first place at the K-pop Vibe Dance Competition is not just a trophy. For her, it is a symbolic milestone. The previous year, she had toured several countries with Afro Arirang, thinking this adventure had ended in the United States. Returning almost a year later, reforming the team, getting back on stage, and finally winning first place had a special taste: that of a reward for all the accumulated work, fatigue, doubts, and efforts.
Behind her quiet smile hides an artist who works tirelessly. Recreating synergy with new collaborators, juggling schedules, facing unexpected events — she approaches each difficulty with patience. And despite the imperfections of the event, she chose to focus on the essentials: the public, their smiles, their encouragements, this energy that pushed her to dance with a spontaneous joy, far from any forced smile.
Seo Yewon dances with truth. And truth, when expressed through movement, becomes unforgettable.
1. First of all, congratulations on your first place! How did you feel when your name was announced?
Seo Yewon: "I was so nervous and full of anticipation from the very beginning of the ceremony that I literally screamed with joy!"
2. You received a prize of 2 million won. What does this victory represent for you, artistically and financially?
Seo Yewon: "Last year, we toured several countries, in Korea and abroad, with our piece Afro Arirang. I thought this adventure had ended in the United States. Returning almost a year later, reforming the team and winning first place gave me the impression that all the work of the previous year had finally been rewarded."
3. What was the most difficult part in preparing for this competition?
Seo Yewon: "Creating good synchronization and a real synergy with new collaborators, while coordinating everyone's schedules, is always the most complicated part."
Credits: © TAGG
4. How did you find the general atmosphere of the event and the other participants?
Seo Yewon: "The participants were very caring and enjoyed the moment together. On the other hand, the organization of the event left something to be desired. The way the organizers managed the participants and the overall logistics was disappointing, and the judges were placed so far in a corner that it felt like they couldn't really enjoy the stage with us."
5. What message or emotions did you want to convey to the audience through this performance?
Seo Yewon: "Even when cultures seem distant or completely different, cultural exchange can create connections. I simply wanted the audience to let themselves be carried away by pure and exhilarating joy."
6. Winning first place is an important milestone. How do you think this will influence your upcoming artistic projects?
Seo Yewon: "It gave me the confidence and enthusiasm to keep going — to go a little further and approach our next project with boldness."
7. A word for the judges, the public, and everyone who supported you?
Seo Yewon: "Thank you infinitely for watching our performance with so many smiles and encouragements. Thanks to you, I didn't have a forced smile on stage — I danced with sincere and spontaneous joy."
8. Finally, what advice would you give to young dancers who dream of competing and stepping on stage?
Seo Yewon: "Even if the preparation is exhausting and difficult, and even if the result is not exactly what you hoped for, I hope you will always cherish the raw and authentic emotions you felt on stage."
