There are moments in cultural journalism when you feel that a community is not just growing, but redefining itself. Dresden has become precisely such a place. In recent years, a vibrant K-pop scene has developed there, sustained by people who not only dance, but create spaces where others can feel safe, express themselves, and experience something together. One of these groups is Kpop.Dresden, a team that has long been more than just a gathering of dancers. It is a meeting place, an engine, a home for many young people who love Korean music and culture.
For this article, written for Korea.net, we had the opportunity to conduct an email interview on September 4 with Alec and Michelle, the two minds behind Kpop.Dresden. Despite being right in the middle of preparing a new event—a process that is always hectic, chaotic, and time-consuming—they took the time to answer in detail. This alone shows how much their community means to them and how seriously they take their role in the local cultural scene.
What immediately stands out when talking to them is the blend of passion and groundedness. Kpop.Dresden did not happen overnight. The roots go back to 2017, when a few friends simply met up to dance. No grand plan, no organization—just music, movement, and the need to share something. It wasn't until early 2024 that it turned into a proper group that organizes events, collaborates with festivals, and actively participates in the city life. Today, they organize three major random dance events per year, perform at anime conventions, support restaurant openings, and bring together people who might never have met otherwise.
In their answers, it quickly becomes clear: for Alec and Michelle, it is not just about K-pop. It is about community, respect, joy, and creating a place where everyone can be who they are. And that is precisely what makes Kpop.Dresden an essential part of the city's cultural landscape.
Q. Could you briefly explain how Kpop.Dresden came to be and what your main mission is?
A. Kpop.Dresden has grown over several years. In 2017, some of us simply met up to dance, completely without a major structure. However, we were truly founded and started hosting events only at the beginning of 2024. Since then, we have been organizing three major events per year and additionally participating in other events as collaboration partners or program segments. Our mission is to bring people together, provide them with fun, and create a safe space. We want to offer a stage where everyone can show what they love.
Q. What activities do you regularly organize for the K-pop community in Dresden?
A. We host three major events per year: our Random Dances in spring, summer, and autumn. At each of these events, we organize three rounds of random dance and additionally feature performances by dancers from the community. Each time, it is a meeting point for fans, dancers, and everyone who loves K-pop.
Q. You are often active as hosts or animation teams at events – how would you describe your role there?
A. That always varies and depends on what is happening in Dresden. We try to be present at most 'nerdy' gatherings—anime conventions, pop-culture events, or recently also restaurant openings. Our role is mostly hosting, animation, or community programming. We bring energy, connect people, and make sure that the K-pop community stays visible.
Q. What does promoting Korean culture in Germany mean to you personally?
A. For us, supporting and bringing the community together takes priority. We love it when people of different age groups come together to eat, listen to music, or simply enjoy the time. We have ourselves been enthusiastic about Korean music and culture for over ten years. When we first started, people tended to look at you sideways. Today, it is much easier to talk about it with others and connect. Therefore, promoting Korean culture means a lot to us—it has become a part of our lives.
Kpop.Dresden Scene © Kpop.Dresden
Q. Which collaborations with festivals or partners have been especially important to you so far?
A. Honestly: all of them. Every event and every collaboration gives our dancers more space to unfold and show other people who we are. That is why we cannot say: 'This one collaboration was the best.' Every single one has pushed us forward.
Q. How do you experience the development of the K-pop scene in Dresden and in Germany generally?
A. We are meanwhile true K-pop oldies and have experienced almost the entire development. Since 2020/2021, it has been growing more and more. The scene is gaining more attention, and especially after 2025 and the success of K-Pop Demon Hunters, it has literally exploded. By now, you can find K-pop on every corner—something that would have been unimaginable between 2015 and 2018. Even at our own events, we see new faces every time. The community is growing and becoming more diverse.
Q. What are your goals or projects for the coming months?
A. Our goals for this year are quite simple: We want to successfully carry out our two upcoming events and then head into the winter break. During that time, we will make plans, send out emails, and stay creative. Another project is already planned—but the winter break won't stop us from developing new ideas.
Q. Would you like to send a message to the readers of Korea.net?
A. We would be happy if you drop by one of our events or take a look at our social media channels. And on a human level: be kind to each other. There is enough negativity in this world—don't let it get you down.
When talking to Alec and Michelle, you quickly realize that Kpop.Dresden is not just a project, but a piece of lived passion. The two have built something that today has become an integral part of everyday life for many young people in Dresden. A place where you are not judged, but welcomed. A place where music, trust, and community hold the same value.
Whoever wants to experience Kpop.Dresden live will soon have the opportunity: The next Autumn Random Dance will take place on October 10. As always, it will be a meeting point for dancers, fans, and everyone who simply wants to be part of this growing scene.
Current information, photos, videos, and event updates can be found on their Instagram channel: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/kpop.dresden/
