RIYADH: Team Everlast, a group of three female dancers, advanced to the finals of the World K-pop Festival after performing at the Warehouse in Jax district on Saturday.
The Embassy of South Korea in partnership with the Saudi Academy of Entertainment held the first final of the festival.
“I think this is a very significant 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 on October 13 in Korea. and more than 80 countries will participate in this event.
“At the moment, unfortunately, talented young Saudi men and women have not been given the opportunity 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,” said Choi.
The K-pop World Festival is held annually in Changwon, South Korea, and hosts artists from around the world, including Kuwait, Singapore, the United States, Spain, Ireland, Canada, and Cuba.
The Kingdom will take part in the festival for the first time. Saturday's competition was the final round, with 10 competitors who passed the primaries competing for the chance to represent Saudi Arabia at the Changwon World K-pop Festival.
“I believe this is a big step forward for the bright future of Saudi Arabia in line with Vision 2030,” the ambassador said.
“We are trying to contribute to the Saudi Vision 2030, and the first chapter is a living society.”
Before the artists 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 had a 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 in the diplomatic and economic fields, but also in the field of cultural exchange and tourism,” he said.
After the ambassador's speech, guest k-pop singer Jen took the stage to perform a song.
The warehouse at Jax was packed, with many people lining the sides and corners of the room to support the performers.
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 plans to host a new K-pop night at the venue.
