Busan, South Korea – The city of Busan is set to host the 2024 Dopamine Enthusiast Festival, promising a spirited escape from the stark realities faced by today’s youth. Scheduled for May 4-5 at the Young Creatives Hub on the third floor of the BNK Busan Bank Art Cinema in Sinchang-dong, Jung-gu, this annual festival has quickly become a cornerstone of youth culture in the region.
This year’s theme, “2024 Jakdang Festa: Dopamine Enthusiast(deok-hu)”: The Cheerful Saviors,” reflects the festival’s aim to deliver joy and laughter through an array of youth-led fan activities. “Dopamine” here refers to engaging in activities that trigger happiness, while “enthusiast” describes someone deeply passionate about a specific interest, often to the level of an expert.
The term “덕후” (pronounced “deok-hu”), integral to understanding the festival’s theme, translates to “enthusiast” or “superfan” in English. It describes individuals who are exceptionally passionate about a specific hobby or interest, often with a level of expertise and devotion that exceeds that of a typical fan. This term is affectionately used to denote fans of various subcultures, such as K-pop, anime, video games, or movies, highlighting their deep engagement and community spirit. These enthusiasts engage in “덕질” (deok-jil), or fan activities, which include collecting memorabilia, creating fan art, attending conventions, and participating in community events that celebrate their shared interests. The concept of “덕후” underscores the festival’s celebration of passion and creativity, illustrating how these dedicated fans contribute to cultural diversity and vitality.
The festival will unfold over two days packed with diverse events including an illustration fair, live performances, exhibitions, and interactive workshops. Highlights include live drawing sessions by renowned artist Seunghoon Lee, DJ parties featuring anime soundtracks, and a variety of hands-on crafts like custom top holder creation and character cake baking.
Busan’s Young Creatives Hub has been a cultural epicenter for the city’s youth since its inception in February 2021. Last year alone, the hub drew over 24,000 visitors, underscoring its role in fostering a vibrant arts scene. This year continues to build on that momentum with programs designed to nurture creativity and build community among young artists and culture enthusiasts.
The city’s Youth Industry and Academic Policy Manager, emphasized the festival’s role in enriching society. “The passion and interests of our youth contribute to our society’s diversity and creativity. Enthusiasts are not just hobbyists; they generate new creative energies and opportunities,” he said. “We are committed to fostering a culture that respects the interests of Busan’s youth, and we anticipate this event will inject vitality into our youth arts activities.”
For more information on the 2024 Dopamine Enthusiast Festival and to register for events, visitors can check the Young Creatives Hub website at www.jakdangso.kr or follow their Instagram @jakdangso_busan.
