RIYADH: Team Everlast, consisting of three female dancers, has qualified for the finals of the K-Pop World Festival after performing at the Warehouse in Jax district on Saturday.
The Embassy of the Republic of Korea, in collaboration with the Saudi Entertainment Academy, hosted the first finals of the festival.
“I think this is a very meaningful and important event for both countries,” Choi Byung-hyuk, South Korea’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, told Arab News. The K-Pop World Festival will be held in South Korea on October 13, and more than 80 countries are expected to participate in the event.
“Unfortunately, talented young Saudi men and women are not getting the opportunity to participate at the moment,” he said.
“That’s why we organized this event to select talented young men and women who want to participate in a Korean K-pop festival,” Choi said.
The K-pop World Festival is held annually in Changwon, South Korea, and features performers from all over the world, including Kuwait, Singapore, the United States, Spain, Ireland, Canada, and Cuba.
This is the kingdom’s first time participating in the festival. Saturday’s competition was the final round, with 10 contestants who made it through the first round performing for a chance to represent Saudi Arabia at the K-pop World Festival in Changwon.
“I believe this is a major step forward for Saudi Arabia towards a bright future under Vision 2030,” the ambassador said.
“We strive to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the first chapter of which is a vibrant society.”
Before the performers took to the stage to show off their singing and dancing talents, the Korean Ambassador gave a speech highlighting the strong cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and Korea.
“Korea and Saudi Arabia have maintained a very special and friendly relationship for the past 62 years, and they are important countries to each other.
He said, “Korea is putting a lot of effort not only in diplomacy and economy, but also in cultural exchange and tourism.”
After the ambassador's speech, K-pop guest singer Zen took to the stage to sing a song.
Jack's Warehouse was packed with people, many standing on the sides and corners of the room cheering 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.
After the event, Warehouse announced plans to debut a new K-pop night at the venue.
