You probably have seen cheerleading squads in your favorite TV shows or teen dramas, or perhaps even performing in real life at your high school or university. Have you ever wondered what it is like to be one of those people who are always so enthusiastic and cheering everyone on? At Dongguk University, there is a cheerleading squad that inspires many students. They are the Baeksang Cheerleading Squad (Baeksang). For foreign students and freshmen who are unfamiliar with the cheerleading culture in Korea, as well as for those who are interested in Dongguk University’s cheerleading squad Baeksang, the Dongguk Post will explain the overall culture of cheerleading as well as about the squad.
The culture of university cheerleading in Korea
Before we dive into the Baeksang, let us take a look at the culture of Korea’s university cheerleading. How did these university cheerleading cultures start? In the 1930s and 40s, the earliest cheerleading squads were led by high school cheerleaders and consisted of chants, songs, and cheers. From 1950 onward, university cheerleading squads became active. With the rise of private universities, Kyung Hee University, Korea University, Yonsei University, and others had their own cheerleading squads, leading to the heyday of university cheerleading. While now university cheerleading squads still go to school events including sports matches, they sometimes hold their own cheerleading performances to promote their squad. Cheerleading squads are creating and uploading videos of how to cheer and organizing social media events to encourage participation. Students participate in cheerleading competitions to learn and sing their school’s anthem, which promotes a sense of belonging to the school, and also to see competition between cheerleading squads. They have helped to unite students and energize universities.
Proudly presenting, Dongguk’s cheerleading squad
We have prepared detailed information about the Baeksang, the cheerleading squad of Dongguk University. Baeksang is a part of the Sports Department and performs cheer performances at on-campus and off-campus events to showcase Dongguk University to the public and to convey support to Donggukians. The name, Baeksang, means “white elephant,” and just like its meaning, the cheer team aims to showcase their passion and energy to turn the stadium upside down through their graceful movements and powerful strength. The Baeksang participates in important events on campus such as commencement and graduation ceremonies, and freshman orientations to energize students. It also participates in the University Basketball League as a cheering team. Furthermore, cheering for sports events at Jangchung Gymnasium, visiting children’s centers and welfare centers to donate talents, and participating in local festivals are some of the many additional events they do. Baeksang also takes part in the annual university cheerleading competition. Last year, they participated in the Sangsang Univ Cheerleading Festival and made the cut. It was the first time Baeksang advanced to the main round of the nationwide competition. Baeksang not only delivers positive energy to the students of Dongguk University but also strives to promote Dongguk University outside of school.
Yell leader delivers a vivid cheer story
The leader of this year’s Baeksang Cheerleaders is Na Min-hyuk (Department of Japanese, 22). The Dongguk Post asked him how the Baeksang prepares for its performances and what he thinks of the cheerleading squad. The Baeksang has prepared for various events by practicing their own cheer actions and songs. It organizes the songs according to the event’s atmosphere and the performers involved, such as energetic cheers for sports events and hopeful songs for events such as entrance and graduation ceremonies. The hard work that goes into their performances is also evident. The cheerleaders practice twice a week for two and a half hours as a standard practice. Despite the physical challenges, they overcome with the determination to create a great performance. The Baeksang holds the Cheerleading Festival every spring and fall to showcase their semester-long preparations. It is the most meaningful event to showcase the various aspects of it, so he asks for a lot of attention and expectations. He told the Dongguk Post that the most rewarding moment of being a cheerleader is when he feels that he is united with the audience. He said that when the members and the audience respond in unison when performing the song “To You,” which is the final song of every performance, it makes him feel like the audience fully embraces the energy that the cheerleaders are trying to deliver. “Baeksang is my dream and passion. I often feel the energy of my fellow Donggukians and receive their support. It is a dream to perform as a leader,” he said, showing his passion for cheerleading. Finally, he thanked the Donggukians for enjoying the energetic cheer with the Baeksang and expressed his gratitude, saying that he hopes they would have many opportunities to exchange good energy in the future. Baeksang has been cheering for many people inside and outside of Dongguk University.
The Dongguk Post could delve into the hard work of the cheerleaders to complete one stage and the passion for the cheerleaders as the leader. Since the cheerleading performance is held every semester, students are able to take a look and experience the school cheerleaders’ hard work and passion, which could become one valuable memory of university life. The official Instagram account of Baeksang provides cheerleading instructions, and they also provide performance videos on their YouTube channel. The Dongguk Post recommends that Donggukians who have never seen the Baeksang perform before should take an interest in the cheer squad and take a look at the performance, possibly receiving the massive energy from cheerleaders.