Lee Woo-lim: The Cheerleading Club 'Sinbaram's Leader And

The Story of Club 'Sinbaram'

Reporter Kim Kyu-young

kyuyoung0409@naver.com

Due to COVID-19, most university students were unable to enjoy most activities that they could usually partake in at university, including club activities and international activities. Students were unable to fully experience university life like they had before COVID-19. However, in 2022, club activities were re-introduced and many clubs are making up for lost time. One of them is Busan University of Foreign Studies' cheerleading club called 'Sinbaram' which is led by Lee Woo-lim from the Dept. of cyber security & Police 'Sinbaram' has been busy, performing seven performances between March and August, 2022. Even though 'Sinbaram' was first established 30 years ago, not many students actually know about it. There are many potential cheerleaders in our university. From now on, let's introduce Lee Woo-lim, leader of the 'Sinbaram' cheerleading club. Furthermore, let's also find out about the cheerleading club itself.

Q1. Could you please introduce yourself?

A.Hi, I am Lee Woo-lim. I am the 29th and 31st leader of the 'Sinbaram' cheerleading club of BUFS. Now, I work as a teacher at a cheerleading academy and in a high school. In addition, I like to dance and exercise. I think I am a very passionate and positive person.

Q2. What are the main activities of 'Sinbaram'?

A.First, our club's performances generally follow the traditional style of cheerleading. Furthermore, we not only attend festivals, welcoming ceremonies, and university events to perform our routines, but we also perform routines on the street. In doing so, we are promoting our university in many ways. To do these activities, we practice six hours a week. We try to practice routines for various cheerleading songs. It always makes me really happy to hear that our performances have cheered people up.

Q3. What efforts did you make to become the leader of the cheerleading club and a cheerleading teacher?

A. In fact, becoming a leader and cheerleading teacher is not difficult. When i first entered the cheerleading club, there were only three members because of COVID-19. Actually, I have been dancing and exercising, so cheerleading was not difficult for me. In addition, I also learned the routines rather quickly. So rather than learning, I started to think harder about how I could become a better leader.

Q4. What are the pros and cons when you practice with your club members?

A. I am just so happy to be able to dance with the other members of the club whenever I can. Cheerleading looks easy and simple, but it is actually difficult to practice our choreography because cheerleading consists of various and complex movements. However, because we practice with club members, learning the moves and choreography is enjoyable and improves teamwork. As a leader, I always try to practice in a relaxed, pleasant atmosphere, although when the results are not good, sometimes it is necessary to be a little more serious.

Q5. How do you feel about advancing to the finals of the cheerleading competition to cheer for the 2030 World Expo Busan?

A.

Most club members are new members and I want to make precious memories for them. So, I just want to participate. However, it was an honor for us to be able to reach the final unexpectedly. We did not expect to reach the finals, as this year, many of our members either live in different cities or are foreign students. That is why advancing to the finals is so meaningful to us. Actually, we usually only participate in contests which are hosted in Busan. However, this contest is a national competition. Therefore, we will work hard to promote our university and our club 'Sinbaram'

Q6. Are there are difficulties being a cheerleading club leader, instructor, or student? What kind of difficulties have you had?

A.

It is not easy to combine being a cheerleading club leader, high school cheerleading teacher, and student. I spent a lot of time studying, creating the routines, and scheduling meetings. In particular, it was hard to match the club schedule with other schedules. To make things even more complicated, I also have an ankle injury which became serious, so I was stressed out and it was really hard to stay in shape physically.

Q7. What is 'Sinbaram' main performance in 2022?

A.

We have participated in various performances and contests. This year, we performed a special stage at the College of Information Technology's welcoming ceremony, as well as at a sports day hosted by the College of Commerce & Business and special concerts hosted by other clubs. Furthermore, we participated in 'KOREA's Best 2022 Festival show in Bexco' and 'Geumjeong Busking'. In the second semester, we will compete with cheerleading clubs from other universities and will participate in a special event at the university festival and cheerleading championship contest.

Q8. What are the differences between 'Sinbaram' and other clubs?

A.

The big merit is our cheerleading uniform. The colorful uniform and white boots fascinate many people. Also, when we practice, our members really learn the value of unity and cooperation more. These things make us practice hard and can make us proud of ourselves on being better than other clubs. Cheerleading is different from K-pop dance because it requires precise movements. Cheerleading requires neatness to adjust the angle of the arm or synchronize all movements. Most of the members have a hard time with this part.

Q9. When did you start cheerleading and what was your purpose?

A.

When I was young, I was interested in exercising, cheerleading and dancing and wanted to major in art and physical education. However, I gave up because of my injury and financial difficulties. I think it is really unfortunate that I could not do what i like. At the age of 20, I dared to take on the challenge again!

Q10. What's the effort of learning cheerleading?

A. Cheerleading is a whole-body exercise and requires a lot of timing and energy. Therefore, if you learn cheerleading, you can develop your physical strength and sense of rhythm. Furthermore, it will improve your passion, patience and challenging sprit. Therefore, it has positive effects on all of us. I think you guys can do it if you do not give up and if you are a passionate person. Everything should be based on positive thinking. Just try it!