Aiki: From Dance Floors to Musical Stages - A Journey of Passion and Perseverance

Aiki, the leader of the dance crew HOOK, a mother, and a university professor, has now taken on the challenge of musical theater.

Aiki is currently starring in the musical 'Frida,' a show that portrays the final moments of Frida Kahlo, who expressed her pain through art despite living in agony after a tragic accident. Aiki plays the role of Refleja, the lover and alter ego of Frida's partner, Diego Rivera.

Regarding her venture into musicals, Aiki shared, "I haven't been exposed to many musicals, but I felt the energy of live performances was captivating. I wanted to find something to express my talents, and the character Refleja required performance skills, so I decided to take on the role."

Currently, Aiki is busy appearing on Mnet's 'World of Street Woman Fighter' (also known as 'SWF3'). As a mother, she has been testing her limits since her appearance on 'SWF' Season 1 in 2021, balancing motherhood, YouTube, teaching, graduate school, and now musical theater.

Aiki, already renowned as a dancer and idol choreographer, first caught the public's eye four years ago on the tvN variety show 'You Quiz on the Block.' Appearing with her team 'Already,' she was introduced by Yoo Jae-suk with the words, "Finally, we have them here," highlighting her established reputation in the dance world.

Aiki's candid and charming personality on the show soon led to her participation in 'SWF' Season 1 the same year. She secured the runner-up position by solidifying her team's identity and showcasing her strengths. Leveraging her newfound fame and entertainment skills, she launched a YouTube channel, where she shares her cool and laid-back approach to parenting.

Aiki's daughter is still in elementary school. Despite the challenges of parenting, YouTube, and leading a dance crew, Aiki has not stopped. In March last year, she became an adjunct professor in the Dance Arts Department at Sungshin Women's University and pursued a master's degree in Performing Arts at the same institution. She often shared her struggles with her thesis on social media, yet remained dedicated to her goals, earning applause from netizens when she graduated this February.

Aiki continues to show her passion for her craft by appearing in 'SWF3,' which began airing on the 27th of last month. She earned the title of '10 Million View Dancer' by participating in the Mega Crew Mission, which surpassed 10 million views on YouTube.

Not content with her achievements, Aiki has ventured into musical theater with 'Frida,' showcasing her courage and determination to test her limits. Her stage costume, with its worn-out knees, is a testament to her relentless practice. She also surprised audiences with her unexpected vocal abilities, proving her potential as a musical actress.

Aiki's boldness in expressing herself in any dance-related field is evident. As she continues to test her limits like climbing stairs, the public eagerly anticipates what new goals she will pursue next.

By Dayeon Jung, TenAsia Reporter light@tenasia.co.kr