RIYADH: Team Everlast, a group of three female dancers, has advanced to the finals of the K-pop World Festival after their performance at the Warehouse in the Jax district on Saturday.
The Embassy of South Korea in collaboration with the Saudi Entertainment Academy hosted the first finals of the festival.
“I think this is a very meaningful and significant event for both countries,” Choi Byung-hyuk, South Korea's ambassador to Saudi Arabia, told Arab News. “The K-pop World Festival is on October 13 and will be held in Korea and more than 80 countries will participate in that event.
“Unfortunately, for now, talented young Saudi men and women did not get a chance to participate there,” he said.
“That's why we planned this event to select the talented young men and women who want to participate in the Korean 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.
It is the first time that the kingdom participates in the festival. The competition held on Saturday was the final round where 10 contestants who made it through the primary rounds performed 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 Vision 2030 and the first chapter is a living society.”
Before the performers took to the stage to showcase their singing and dancing talents, the Korean ambassador gave a speech highlighting 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 many efforts, not only diplomatic and economic, but also in cultural exchange and tourism,” he said.
After the ambassador's speech, K-pop guest singer Jenn took to 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 artists.
The event was hosted by Saudi comedian and MC Khalid Khalifa.
In addition to Team Everlast, other winners included solo artists Selwa, Leana, Eman, and Harin Kim
At the end of the event, Warehouse announced that they plan to introduce a new K-pop night at the arena.
