RIYADH: Team Everlast, a group of three female dancers, advanced to the finals of the World K-pop Festival after their performance at the Warehouse in the Jax district on Saturday.
The Embassy of South Korea, in partnership with the Saudi Entertainment Academy, hosted the first final of the festival.
“I think this is a very significant and significant event for both countries,” Choi Byung-hyuk, South Korea's ambassador to Saudi Arabia, told Arab News.” The K-pop World Festival takes place on October 13 and will be held in Korea. and more than 80 countries will participate in that event.
“Unfortunately, at the moment, talented young Saudis have not had a chance to participate there,” he said.
“That's why we planned this event to select talented young men and women who want to participate in the Korean K-pop festival,” Choi said.
The K-pop World Festival takes place annually in Changwon, South Korea, and welcomes artists from around the world, including Kuwait, Singapore, the US, Spain, Ireland, Canada and Cuba.
This is the first time the Kingdom will participate in the festival. The competition held on Saturday was the final round where 10 contestants who made it through the primary rounds advanced for the chance to represent Saudi Arabia in the K-pop World Festival in Changwon.
“I believe this is a big step forward for Saudi Arabia's bright future under Vision 2030,” the ambassador said.
“We are trying to contribute to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, and the first chapter is a vibrant society.”
Before the performers took the stage to showcase their singing and dancing talents, the Korean ambassador gave a speech emphasizing the strong cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and South Korea.
“South Korea and Saudi Arabia have a very special and friendly relationship for the past 62 years and are important countries to each other.
“Korea is making a lot of efforts, not only diplomatically and economically, but also in cultural exchanges and tourism,” he said.
After the ambassador's speech, guest K-pop singer Jenn took the stage to perform a song.
The warehouse in Jax was full, with many people standing on the sides and corners of the room to cheer on the performers.
The event was hosted by Saudi comedian and MC Khalid Khalifa.
In addition to Team Everlast, other winners included solo performers Selwa, Leana, Eman and Harin Kim
At the conclusion of the event, Warehouse announced plans to introduce a new K-pop night at the venue.
