Skyview High Wraps Up: Kang Daniel, Culture, and Community Shine in Queens

Queens lit up this summer as The Shops at Skyview transformed into the ultimate classroom—one where K-pop, Asian cuisine, art, and fashion became the electives everyone wanted to sign up for. The four-week event series, called Skyview High, ran from late July through the end of August and drew thousands of attendees eager to explore the vibrancy of Asian culture. With interactive workshops, delicious food, friendly competitions, and even a special appearance by global K-pop star Kang Daniel, Skyview High became the kind of summer school no one wanted to skip.

From the start, the atmosphere was electric. Each themed event—Cultural Electives, Creative Studio, Culinary Lab, and the culminating Commencement ceremony—offered something new for guests of all ages, while also highlighting the diverse communities of Queens. The turnout was staggering: Perform Properties reported up to a 53% increase in foot traffic on event days compared to the year before. Local retailers, restaurants, and community partners came together, proving just how powerful culture-driven experiences can be when shared with heart.

The Cultural Electives kicked things off in style on July 24. Skyview buzzed with live K-pop DJ sets, Taekwondo demos, and tastings of beloved Asian snacks. But it was the competitions that stole the show. The K-pop Dance Challenge brought over 30 submissions from fans showing off their best choreography, with finalists competing live for a \$500 gift certificate and the chance to share the stage with Kang Daniel himself. Meanwhile, more than 100 guests brought their creativity to the Student ID Uniform Competition, channeling the iconic school-style looks popular across Asia. The finalists not only impressed the crowd but also earned the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stand alongside Daniel during the finale event.

Next came Creative Studio on August 3, where art and music collided in the most inspiring way. Seven students from Francis Lewis High School teamed up with artist Lee Hyun Joon and local Kang Daniel fans to build a breathtaking 10-foot mosaic portrait of the singer, with each of its 48 panels representing a different culture from around the world. It was a celebration of unity and artistry, reflecting both Daniel’s global impact and the diversity of Queens itself. The day also gave guests the chance to personalize tote bags and t-shirts with local Asian artists, sample K-beauty and J-beauty products, and even craft their own perfume bottles—a fashion and beauty playground for all ages.

Food took center stage on August 14 during Culinary Lab, and the turnout proved that nothing connects a community like shared flavors. Over 250 participants dove into dim sum workshops, Japanese meal-prep sessions, Filipino summer desserts, and endless snack tastings. The adorable Kawaii lunchbox challenge quickly became a crowd favorite, with finalists showing off their creations live and the winner walking away with a $300 gift certificate plus a golden ticket to meet Kang Daniel. Local eateries like Grandma’s Dim Sum thrived as attendees lined up to savor authentic dishes, and owners remarked on how these cultural exchanges built stronger bonds between food, community, and celebration.

All of this built toward Commencement Day on August 30—a by-invitation-only event for the 101 guests who earned enough “credits” by participating in the prior workshops. The atmosphere was buzzing with anticipation, and then the moment everyone had waited for arrived: Kang Daniel himself stepped onto the stage in his signature school uniform, just as fans remembered from his “Produce 101” days. He performed, laughed with fans, judged competitions, and personally thanked attendees for their creativity—especially those who had helped create the massive mosaic portrait in his honor. Daniel later shared, “I was thrilled to join the Skyview High event as an ambassador, sharing Asian culture with audiences here in New York. It was amazing to see American fans embracing K-pop… this event was a lively celebration of Asian music, art, and culture, and I feel honored to have been a part of it.”

Adding heart to the high-energy festivities, Skyview High also ran a charitable school supply drive throughout the series. Guests filled a bright yellow locker with more than 300 donated items valued at $1,800, which will be distributed to local children through the River Fund charity. It was a reminder that culture, community, and giving back can all thrive together under one roof.

From Sephora and Drip of Tokyo to Grandma’s Dim Sum, local retailers saw not only an increase in sales but also a surge of new relationships. As Patrick Bivins of Sephora noted, the creativity and excitement from the events carried straight into their stores, creating moments of discovery that went beyond shopping.

With thousands of attendees, heightened energy, and an unforgettable finale with Kang Daniel, Skyview High proved that The Shops at Skyview is more than a shopping destination—it’s a cultural hub and community stage. The event’s success showed how much people crave experiences that connect them to their heritage, their interests, and each other.

As summer fades, the memories of Skyview High remain: the laughter from dance battles, the aroma of fresh dim sum, the mosaic of Daniel smiling back at the crowd, and the joy of fans who felt seen, celebrated, and connected.