Delhi to host all India K-pop contest 2024 grand finale tomorrow

The Grand Finale of the All India K-pop Contest 2024, presented by LG, will take place at 5:00 PM on November 23, 2024, at Yashobhoomi, a state-of-the-art convention centre in New Delhi. This 14th edition of the contest, organised by the Korean Cultural Centre India, has grown to become a major celebration of K-pop and its rising popularity in the country.

This year’s event has been designed on a grand scale, with advanced technical setups and immersive experiences, ensuring a memorable evening for attendees. The contest began in May with online preliminary rounds, followed by 11 regional rounds across cities such as Bengaluru, Kolkata, Kohima, Mumbai, and Chennai. Winners from these regional rounds competed in the semifinals on October 19, where 12 finalists were selected for the Grand Finale.

The finalists will compete in two categories—dance and vocals—vying for the title and an opportunity to visit the Republic of Korea. In the dance category, participants include Outkasts and Girl Crush from New Delhi, Weunite from Mumbai, Sejal Dubey, Krazyones The Flowerknights from Kolkata, and The Trend from Itanagar. The vocal category features Avanti Hegde from Bengaluru, Bem Khuvung from New Delhi, Ancy Irengbam and Abhipriya Chakraborty from Kolkata, Sruthi Ramnarayan from Chennai, and Nuu Anu from Kohima.

Ahead of the main event, several cultural activities will engage audiences. These include a Kimchi Performance at 1:30 pm, where 300 participants will create vegan kimchi using ingredients such as napa cabbage, radish, and red pepper powder to celebrate Kimchi Day. At 3 pm, fans can enjoy a K-pop Random Play Dance session, and at 4 pm, traditional Korean games will be organised. Participants in the kimchi-making session can take home their creations as souvenirs.

The showstopper of the event will be a performance by LUN8, an eight-member South Korean boy band making their debut in India. Since their debut in June 2023, LUN8 has captivated global audiences with their powerful performances and unique style. This will be their first-ever performance in the country.

Adding excitement to the evening, a Lucky Draw will award two special fans an open ticket to visit Korea. Fans can participate by registering for the event through BookMyShow, where they will receive a unique booking code. Winners will be chosen randomly during the event.

Hwang Il Yong, Director of Korean Cultural Centre India, expressed his excitement about the event, saying, “The regional rounds held across eleven cities were a testament to the love and respect Indians have for K-pop. The participants’ hard work and passion were evident in their performances, and we eagerly await the Grand Finale, which promises to showcase exceptional talent. The winners will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Korea’s vibrant culture.”

When: November 23, 2024; 5:00 PM onwards

Where: Yashobhoomi, New Delhi