The Korean Cultural Centre India (KCCI) brought Seoul closer to Indian fans as it successfully hosted its fourth edition of Rang De Korea, India’s largest Korean cultural festival. It was held in India’s two largest cities, New Delhi and Mumbai. The festival was inaugurated by H.E. Lee Seong-ho, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to India. I got the opportunity to attend it on October 11 at The Plaza at Nexus Select City Walk, New Delhi, India.
The festival started with a K-pop Flash mob and Random Play Dance where the fans brought their love for K-pop with their energetic performance and dance moves as they performed on the hits of BIGBANG, SUPER JUNIOR, SHINee, BTS, EXO, BLACKPINK, SEVENTEEN, TXT, ZEROBASEONE, ENHYPEN, KARD, LE SSERAFIM, etc.
The event featured five Seoul Street zones, where fans could experience the vibe of Seoul in their own city. The first zone was Myeong-dong, where we could experience Seoul’s trendiest Korean skincare, makeup, and K-beauty products from brands such as Beauty Talk, AmorePacific, Pearls of Korea, and Truth of Beauty.
The next zone was Hangang Park, where fans could chill and relax like a K-drama. It was designed to give the Hangang Park picnic vibes. After that, the next zone, Jongno Food Alley & Gwangjang Market, offered tasty, iconic Korean street food, such as Tteokbokki, Kimbap, and Corn Dogs from Jongno & Gwangjang, and featured brands like Lotte, Orion, and KS Foods.
Another zone was Bukchon Hanok Village, where we could try on hanbok amidst a mesmerizing backdrop of Hanok village and experience the K-drama vibes at Bukchon. The last zone was the Purple Zone, where we could explore and buy our favourite K-pop albums from the Seoul Station Store and relive BTS moments at the iconic Jumunjin Gangneung bus stop.
The afternoon sun was high, but excitement reached its peak as YOUNITE took the stage for their fanmeet. The fans warmly welcome the members with fan-made posters and banners. The YOUNITE members engaged in playful games, answered questions, and shared heartfelt messages for Indian YOUNIZ. They also shared their wishes to collaborate with Indian artists. The highlight of the fan meet was when they prepared greetings and wishes for Indian fans in Hindi, forging a connection that will undoubtedly last a long time.
Following the fan meet, the stage showcased the dynamic Korean culture, encompassing both traditional and modern elements. The most memorable moment of the evening showcased a diverse range of performances. Firstly, the Kukkiwon Taekwondo Demonstration Team took the stage with their breathtaking Taekwondo demonstration.
The power and high kicks made everyone gasp in awe, followed by thunderous applause. They ended their performance with Arirang playing in the background, concluding it by showing both countries’ flags.
Next, a talented Korean Traditional Dance troupe from the Department of Performing Arts at the Korean National Sport University took the stage with powerful and synchronized performances, which included Jeonggang, Gutgeori, and Sogo Dances. It felt like telling a story through movement.
Then came a truly unique fusion, S-Flava, which blended traditional music with breakdancing, also known as B-boying. Consisting of 6 members, the team showcased their unique artistry with the raw athletic energy of B-boying.
After that comes the most awaited and favourite part of the evening, YOUNITE, the 7-member K-pop boy group under Brand New Music, returned to the stage with their currently active six members, Eunho, Steve, Hyungseok, Woono, DEY, Kyungmun, and Sion, for an exceptional K-pop performance on their hit songs such as Geekin, Poco Loco, Pump Your Sneakers, Rock Steady, Taste, Trip, Bomba, and Waterfall. Their performance, featuring powerful choreography and charisma, captivated the audience and turned the festival into a full-blown concert. They also performed an epic K-pop Medley, which featured Soda Pop by Saja Boys, Fashion by Cortis, Boy In Luv by BTS, Style by Hearts2hearts, XO by ENHYPEN, and Ceremony by Stray Kids. It became the perfect climax to an already perfect day.
Rang De Korea was more than just a festival. It was a vibrant celebration of bridging the two cultures together through music, food, and art. Hwang Il-yong, Director of the Korean Cultural Centre India, also expressed his gratitude to Indian fans who support Korean culture. He also aimed to expand cultural exchange and foster deeper cross-cultural friendships between the two countries. The Seoul Street teleported us straight to the vibrant areas of Myeongdong, Jongno, Bukchon Hanok Village, Hangang Park, and Gangneung. The lively performance by artists made me go awed and appreciate the vibrant world of Hallyu.
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