GUWAHATI: The Korean Cultural Centre India (KCCI) organised the "All India KPOP Contest 2023" in Guwahati at Birinchi Kumar Baruah Auditorium, Gauhati University, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and India. Nine dance teams and ten singing groups made up the 19 teams who participated in this historic event, which included fans of K-pop cheering them on.
The All India KPOP Contest spans approximately six months and consists of four rounds: online qualifiers, regional, semi-finals, and grand finale. The online qualifiers, held from April 26 to May 13, witnessed unprecedented participation of 11,071 teams from across the country, making it the largest turnout since the contest's inception in 2011.
The selected participants from the online preliminaries will advance to the regional round, which will be hosted in 11 cities. This phase will further intensify the competition as the participants gear up to deliver exceptional performances.
Hwang Il-Yong, the director of Korean Cultural Centre India, emphasized that K-pop is not just limited to Korean pop songs but has become a medium to connect people worldwide. He acknowledged the passion and talent of Indian youth who love K-pop, and with the aim of commemorating 50 years of Korea-India diplomatic relations, he sought to provide a platform for these aspiring individuals to showcase their skills, enjoy the show, and pursue their dreams. Hwang expressed his hope that all participants and the audience would find freedom of expression, understanding, and love through K-pop and the platforms provided.
After the regional preliminaries, winners in the vocal and dance categories will proceed to the semi-finals. The 10 winners, consisting of 5 vocalists and 5 dancers, from the semi-finals will have the opportunity to receive professional singing and dance training through the "K-Pop Academy" program.
The final round, taking place in Delhi, will be a culmination of the intense competition. The winners from the semi-finals will showcase their exceptional talents in front of an esteemed panel. The ultimate champion will be rewarded with a visit to Korea as a grand prize.
Adding to the excitement, the final round will be a special cultural event celebrating the G-20 Summit, featuring renowned K-pop artists from Korea. The event promises to be a remarkable showcase of talent and a testament to the enduring bond between Korea and India.
The "All India KPOP Contest 2023" not only pays tribute to 50 years of diplomatic ties between Korea and India but also provides a platform for Indian youth to express their love for K-pop and pursue their dreams. With fierce competition at each stage and a chance to win a visit to Korea, the contest celebrates the universal appeal of K-pop and its power to connect people across borders.
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