As a Korean-American raised in NYC, I decided after graduation to live in the motherland for a year to learn Korean. My biggest lesson? Karaoke is life. Belting your face off is so ingrained in the culture that in Seoul there’s practically a private-room karaoke establishment on every block. I would sing on the daily. I would even go during work breaks. Ask me anytime to sing. Melody or harmony for 6 songs, or 6 hours. (You heard that right. I’m a marathoner.) I’m your girl.
Luckily, there’s no shortage of karaoke spots in NYC which I’ve called home my entire life. I was born in Manhattan but grew up on Roosevelt Island where I didn’t know that flying through the air everyday wasn’t the norm until I was in grade school. The look of wonder on people’s faces still reminds me that the four-minute tram ride with amazing views is a one-of-a-kind NYC experience.
And it’s in NYC where I have wonderful groups of friends who belt their faces off with me. They know which places have the best sound systems, and where we can take advantage of happy hour prices. We’re no joke when it comes to having a fun time. We’ve even organized sessions based on themes. Prince, anyone?
Everyone in NYC has a story to tell.
(We all have stories to tell. I want to tell them.)