On July 2, the annual “K-pop World Festival” celebrating Korean pop culture was held at the Youth Center of Belgrade. The event was organized with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and the Korean broadcasting channel KBS World.
The K-pop Festival in Serbia and Montenegro is the part of an international project held across the globe with the support of the Korean government. Beyond its entertainment value, the “K-pop World Festival” serves as a global initiative for cultural exchange and public diplomacy. Held annually in dozens of cities across the world, the festival promotes Korean culture through popular music and performances, spreading the awareness of Korean modern culture and strengthen long-term ties between Korea and other countries. Regional rounds of the competition allow K-pop fans to showcase their talents and give a chance to participate in the grand final, which takes place annually in Korea.
Held in Serbia since 2016, this year’s festival featured 35 contestants from Serbia and Montenegro, presenting both vocal and dance performances. Participants performed songs by popular Korean artists and showcased original choreography inspired by the style and energy of K-pop music videos.
The event opened with a welcome speech by Ambassador Kim Hyoung Tae of the Republic of Korea to Serbia. In his address, the Ambassador expressed his gratitude to the audience for their interest in Korean culture and emphasized the importance of cultural exchange between Korea and Serbia. The Ambassador also noted, that although Serbia and Korea are geographically distant, the two countries brought closer through the universal language of music and dance.
The performances were judged by a professional panel that included instructors from the King Sejong Institute and winners of international vocal and dance competitions. The jury evaluated each performance based on technique, creativity, and stage presence.
Hits by Korean artists such as Stray Kids, BTS, Blackpink, Lisa, and others were featured in the festival lineup.
Participants impressed not only with their vocal and dance abilities and talent but also with their dedication to staging. Dance acts drew inspiration from their favorite K-pop idols, with costumes, makeup, and hairstyles reflecting the visual aesthetics of Korean pop culture. These vivid stage looks helped recreate the dynamic atmosphere of a real K-pop concert, making the event a visual and emotional performance.
The festival was held in a warm and supportive atmosphere. In the audience were not only the contestants themselves, but also their families, friends, and local K-pop fans. Each performance was met with loud applause and cheers, encouraging the participants and turning the festival into a true celebration of Korean culture.
Two winners were selected at the end of the festival: Katarina Aleksić, who performed SHINee’s “Y Si Fuera Ella,” and the Cactus Dance Crew studio team, who danced to BTS’s “Boy in Luv”.
According to Cho Hyun Seo, Cultural Affairs Secretary at the Korean Embassy in Serbia, “K-pop continues to inspire people all over the world, and Serbia is no exception.” He added, “The festival brings dreams to life and gives hope to young people, encouraging them to showcase their talents.”
Winners and prizewinners of the regional festival will be included in the shortlist for the final stage of the “K-pop World Festival”, which will take place in Korea.
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