RIYADH: Team Everlast, made up of three female dancers, advanced to the finals of the K-pop World Festival after performing at the Warehouse in Jacksonville on Saturday.
The South Korean Embassy, in collaboration with the Saudi Entertainment Academy, hosted the first final of the festival.
“I think this is a very meaningful and important event for both countries,” South Korean Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Choi Byung-hyuk told Arab News. The K-pop World Festival will be held on October 13 in South Korea, with more than 80 countries participating.
“Unfortunately, many talented young Saudi men and women are currently not given the opportunity to compete there,” he said.
“That’s why we organized this event to select talented young men and women who want to participate in Korea’s K-pop festival,” Choi said.
The K-pop World Festival is held annually in Changwon, South Korea, and welcomes artists from all over the world, including Kuwait, Singapore, the United States, Spain, Ireland, Canada, and Cuba.
This is the first time that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will participate in the festival. The competition, held on Saturday, is the final round, where the 10 contestants who made it through the first round will perform in a bid to represent Saudi Arabia at the K-pop World Festival in Changwon.
“I think this is an important step for the bright future of Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030,” the ambassador said.
“We are trying to contribute to the Saudi Vision 2030 and the first chapter is a vibrant society,”
Before the performers took to the stage to showcase their singing and dancing talents, the Korean ambassador delivered a speech emphasizing the strong cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and South Korea.
“South Korea and Saudi Arabia have had a very special and friendly relationship for 62 years and are very important countries to each other.
“Korea is making great efforts, not only in diplomacy and economy, but also in cultural exchange and tourism,” he said.
After the ambassador's speech, K-pop guest singer Jane took the stage to perform her song.
The Jacksonville warehouse was packed with people standing on the sides and corners of the room cheering for the performers.
The event was hosted by Saudi comedian and MC Khalid Khalifa.
In addition to Everlast, other winners included solo artists Selwa, Leana, Eman, and Harin Kim.
When the event ended, Warehouse announced that the company planned to launch a new K-pop night at the venue.
