Asian dancers dominated the USAIBC in Jackson this year too. Conversations with a number of people there seem to bring out the fact that a great deal of effort by schools in Korea, Japan and China is helping the students understand the meaning and feelings of the story they're telling and the dancers seem to respond well to this concept. They understand that there's so much more than just technique.
Also it's interesting to see that if a Senior Male competitor from Korea wins a Gold or Silver medal at some competitions he is relieved of his military obligation.