The Korean Culture India Fan Club organized the Regional Round of the All-India K-pop Contest 2025, which was held on June 29 at the Korean Cultural Centre India (KCCI) in New Delhi. More than 40 prospective performers from all across the region came together for the event because they were all passionate about Korean music and culture. With its stirring vocal solos and stirring group dances, the competition showed how K-pop remains a cultural link between India and Korea.
This yearly competition has transformed into a celebration of artistic connection and cultural interchange, as more Indian youngsters learn Korean, participate in Hallyu-inspired events, and want to work in the performing arts.
The stage at KCCI came alive with energy and lights for the K-Pop Contest 2025. Picture credit: Anjali.
Beyond the Stage: Stories of Passion and Perseverance
Each performance carried more than talent. It carried stories of long practice hours, cultural exploration, and personal dreams.
Srija Paul: A Scholar with a Song
Srija Paul, 20, has been studying Korean for six years. She chose Good Day by IU, a song that is vocally demanding even on a good day. And she had just recovered from a cold.
“I know high notes are challenging, but I want to make it my charm,” she said with a smile.
Despite the odds, her performance stood out. Her deep connection with the Korean language and music recently earned her a scholarship to study in Seoul, showing how K-pop can open real opportunities.
Srija Paul performing “Good Day” by IU with heartfelt emotion. Picture credit: Anjali.
Urvi Giri: A Dancer Since Seven
At just 15, Urvi Giri performed a solo choreography to Like Jennie by Jennie. She had been rehearsing for two months, and it showed. Every movement was sharp and full of intent.
“I love the sound of shoes when I dance. It motivates me,” she said.
Urvi draws inspiration from Soul of P1Harmony and Emma of BADVILLAIN. Her confidence on stage made it clear that she belongs in the spotlight.
15-year-old Urvi channels her energy into a powerful performance. Picture credit: Anjali.
ZXT: A Group Fueled by Grit
The five-member group ZXT, which stands for Extremer, performed a bold cover of Good Boy Gone Bad by TOMORROW X TOGETHER. What made their performance impressive was that they had no choreographer. They prepared everything themselves in just four days.
“We are excited,” they said as they came off stage, clearly still running on adrenaline.
With two vocalists and three rappers, ZXT is already planning to debut with original music. Like many other young fans, they started out inspired by BTS, but now they are working on making a name of their own.
ZXT performing a powerful dance cover of “Good Boy Gone Bad” by TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT). Picture credit: Anjali.
Karthika Pillai: Singing Before Goodbye
Karthika Pillai, a working professional, chose Tears by So Chan Whee (소찬휘) as her final performance before moving abroad. Her voice carried both strength and vulnerability, and every note felt sincere.
“I avoided ice cream even though I was craving it. I just wanted to sing from the bottom of my heart,” she shared.
Karthika first discovered K-pop in 2016 through Taeyeon’s song 11:11. Over the years, Korean music became a source of strength for her, and this performance was her way of expressing gratitude before turning a new page in life.
Karthika performs “Tears,” blending emotion and vocal power in her final contest appearance. Picture credit: Anjali.
More Than a Contest
Along with the featured performers, the stage also welcomed soloists like Victor and Vidya Gaur, and dance crews such as Bloodline, D2K, and Genzee. Each brought a unique energy, style, and connection to Korean music. The audience responded with warm applause and cheers throughout the day.
Many of the participants are also Korean language learners. For them, K-pop is not just entertainment. It is a part of their identity and something that brings meaning to their everyday life.
Solo performers like Victor and Vidya Gaur, along with dance crews such as Bloodline, D2K, and Genzee, showcased the diversity of talent and passion that K-pop continues to ignite among Indian youth. Picture credit: Anjali.
Organizing the Movement
The event was led by Ms. Prerna Tiwari, the founder of the Korean Culture India Fan Club. In 2015, she was officially recognized by the Korean Cultural Centre India and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea as the Official Promoter of Korean Culture in India. Since then, she has continued to play an active role in organizing events that bring Korea and India closer together through culture.
Event organizer Prerna Tiwari, founder of the Korean Culture India Fan Club. Picture credit: Prerna Tiwari.
The Road Ahead
The winners of this round will move on to the national finale in July, where they will compete for a chance to visit Korea. But even for those who may not advance, the experience itself felt like a win. It was a day of learning, performing, connecting, and simply doing what they love.
In India, K-pop is no longer just a genre. It is a growing movement that connects hearts, cultures, and dreams.
From dynamic dance crews to soulful vocalists, the performers brought the spirit of Korea alive on stage. Picture credit: Anjali.
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