Pop star Tim invited to Democrats’ party

The Korean pop star Tim will sing at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, which is in Boston from July 26 to 29, where the presumptive nominee, John Kerry, will be appointed the Democratic presidential candidate for the Nov. 2 election.
It is common for celebrities to be invited to American political conventions for publicity and to boost the party atmosphere. So far, movie director Steven Spielberg, actors Robert De Niro, Warren Beatty, Leonardo DiCaprio, Gwyneth Paltrow, Uma Thurman, Robin Williams and Whoopi Goldberg, and singers Stevie Wonder, Babyface, Barbra Streisand and Bon Jovi have been invited.
Tim was invited for a special reason: Mr. Kerry, who has shown a special interest in the Korean-American community, met Tim’s brother, the songwriter Hwang Yu-min, on a swing through Koreatowns during the primaries. After learning from Mr. Hwang that Tim was a popular singer in Korea, Mr. Kerry promised to invite the two to the convention.
“I was surprised that Kerry kept his word,” Tim said. “I’m nervous about performing at a special occasion like that but I will do my best.” For the convention, Tim plans to sing “Saranghamnida” (I Love You). Tim just released his second album, “Second Breath.”