By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
Singer/producer Park Jin-young (or JYP) and his crew launched their cross-country tour of the United States with a concert in New York City, Saturday attended by some 4,000 fans, according to Yonhap News.
Young artists from Park's own talent agency (JYP Entertainment) joined him onstage: Min, G-Soul and Lim Jung-hee (J-Lim), as well as girl group Wonder Girls. Radio host Miss Info narrated the concert.
Min started off the show with ``Dance Like This'' and ``Boyfriend,'' written by Park and Lil Jon, to dancing choreographed by Flii, choreographer for popular singers such as Chris Brown.
Along with the Harlem Boys Choir, young artist G-Soul revived tunes like ``I Believe I Can Fly'' by R. Kelly, who will be his producer. ``Diva of the streets'' J-Lim crooned an R&B version of John Lennon's ``Imagine'' and her own hit ``Music Is My Life.''
Teenage pop sensation Wonder Girls performed three songs including ``Tell Me.''
The standout performer was Park, who showcased dance moves and music from his seven albums including ``She Was Pretty.''
Park was quoted by local press as telling the audience that four years ago, he became the first Asian songwriter to sell a song to an American superstar and establish an Asian label. He asked the audience for attention and support, saying his Asian American fan base will be an important stepping-stone, particularly for his future plans of creating an Asian pop star there.
The concert was attended by big names in the music industry, including Russel Simmons, founder of the record company Def Jam; Wayne Williams, vice-president of record label Jive Record; Jeff Fenster, vice head of talent agency Zomba, which represents stars like Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears; and famous lyricist Taj Jackson.
The `JYP Tour' will continue Saturday in Los Angeles.