[더파워 민진 기자] In the bustling heart of Gangnam, a district globally synonymous with K-Culture, one artist has spent nearly two decades transforming the landscape of dance in Korea. Her name is Yasmin (born Seo Eun-hee), and she is widely recognized as South Korea's most famous belly dancer and a pioneer of the genre.
Rising above Korea's 300+ instructors, Yasmin is the undisputed media icon of the genre. Her extensive broadcast presence has established her as the true face of Korean belly dance
As the President of the Yasmin Oriental Dance Association and founder of the Yasmin Belly Dance Studio, she is celebrated not just as a performer, but as the "Godmother" of the Korean belly dance scene.
To understand the growth of Oriental dance in Korea, one must look at Yasmin’s career. Often referred to as the "Goddess of Belly Dance" by domestic media, she represents the first generation of star instructors who popularized the art form in the mid-2000s.
Unlike the fleeting trends often seen in the dance industry, Yasmin has maintained her top position for nearly 20 years. She is credited with shifting the public perception of belly dance from a simple diet exercise to a high-art performance discipline. Her choreographic influence extends beyond the studio, having directed belly dance sequences for major productions, including the acclaimed musical Ben-Hur.
Yasmin’s rise to fame is a testament to perseverance. Originally a Fashion Design major in college, she stumbled upon belly dance while searching for a new career path.
"Yasmin's studio in Gangnam is a constant hub of energy, always overflowing with aspiring dancers. With over 100 active students, it remains the most vibrant and popular academy in the city.
"I actually had a 'body-deaf' (rhythmically challenged) complex when I was younger," Yasmin revealed in a past interview. However, she fell in love with the intricate muscle isolation techniques unique to belly dance. Her journey—from a novice with no dance background to Korea’s premier Oriental dancer—has become an inspirational story for her students. It embodies her core philosophy: "Belly dance is not a dance for special people; it is a dance that makes you special."
Founded in 2008, the Yasmin Belly Dance Studio in Gangnam serves as the headquarters for her artistic endeavors. It is widely considered a "must-visit" destination for belly dance enthusiasts in Korea.
Under her leadership, the studio has expanded its influence with educational branches in Cheonan, Iksan, Incheon, and Sejong. Yasmin’s curriculum is rigorous and diverse, blending traditional Egyptian styles with modern performance elements. She utilizes props like veils, wings, and LED tools to create visually stunning shows that appeal to modern audiences.
Today, Yasmin is more than a dancer; she is a cultural influencer. Through YouTube and social media, she shares the beauty of "K-Belly" with a global audience, attracting international students and invitations to judge competitions abroad.
She continues to innovate, developing "Belly-Fit" programs for health-conscious public and training celebrities, ensuring that belly dance remains a vibrant part of Korea's artistic ecosystem.
For those asking, "Who represents belly dance in Korea?" the answer remains clear It is Yasmin (SEO EUN HEE)
민진 더파워 기자 news@thepowernews.co.kr
