Sonali Sharma, Tezpur, Assam
Itanagar Regional Round of the K-Pop India Contest 2020 was conducted online on 20th July 2020 at 1 p.m. IST on the YouTube channel, Arunachal_kpop_Hub. Here is an excerpt from the statements of the winners of the Dance and Vocal categories and the Regional Round organiser, Arunachal Kpop Hub, regarding their experience of this event.
Dance Category
Mr. Deni Poyom (Winner)
I am Deni Poyom. I am the winner of the Itanagar Regional Round in the Dance category. Singing and dancing is something which I can enjoy anytime. I was introduced to K-Pop through BTS. I can be myself while dancing and singing. I am not a dancer, but I like to try K-Pop choreographies, so I participated in the contest. I also participated last year with the dance group THE TREND, but we didn’t win. Solo dancing was something that I never thought of. I prepared myself and participated in the contest to get noticed by my idol group BTS. Winning was not something I aimed for. For a non-dancer like me, it was hard and exhausting just to know and learn the choreography, but I tried my best. I would like to say that one should always stay positive and keep working hard. I still can’t believe that I won the competition.
Ms. Khoda Yaha (First Runner-up)
Hi. It’s Khoda Yaha, but everyone calls me Amy. I’m 20, and I’m from Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. I am the first runner-up of the Itanagar Regional Round in the Dance category. One of my friends introduced me to K-Pop. The artist I admire the most is V from BTS. They got me into the K-Pop world. I saw online auditions of the contest and asked myself, “Why don’t I participate along with my friends? It would be fun.” I also participated last year, but I didn’t expect to be one of the winners this year. I was happy when I was selected as one. Those who are planning to participate in the future, I would like them to enjoy themselves and make lots of good memories.
Ms. Dayum Apu (Second Runner-up)
I am Dayum Apu from Arunachal Pradesh. I am the second runner-up of the Itanagar Regional in the Dance category. I’m a hip-hop dancer, and I love K-Pop and their choreographies. Back in 2017, I came to know about K-Pop through my friends in my dance class. I have lots of favorites, but Mamamoo and Blackpink got me into K-pop. I’m a huge fan of BTS and Twice. I participated in this contest so that I could be active during this pandemic. I had also participated with my dance group FLAME GIRLS in 2017 and got to be one of the runners-up. This time, I practiced alone by watching videos on YouTube, and I felt happy when I was announced as the second runner-up. To those who are planning to participate in this contest in the future, give your best and practice well.
Vocal Category
Ms. Priyanka Phukon (Winner)
I am Priyanka Phukon from Assam, and I love singing. I am the winner of the Itanagar Regional Round in the Vocal category. I came to know about K-Pop through my friends. It was one day when I heard IU singing “Rainbow” on a live television show and I fell in love with her voice. My all-time favourite idol group is BTS. I never thought of participating in this contest. It was all so sudden! My friends told me about it, and I decided to participate. It was my first attempt, and it was unbelievable! To those who are planning to participate in this contest in the future, I would like to wish them luck. Keep trying, never give up, and keep loving K-Pop.
Ms. Nasa Rianchi Ch Marak (First Runner-up)
I am Nasa Rianchi Ch Marak, and I’m 19 years old. I was born and brought up in Tura, Meghalaya. I am the first runner-up of the Itanagar Regional Round in the Vocal category. I love dancing and singing. I was 6 when I watched a K-Drama with my mother and became a fan of K-Pop and K-Dramas. My favorite K-Pop idol is Wonho. I’ve always been fascinated by Wonho’s talent and charm. My mom has always been an important factor behind me joining and performing at the events. She pushed me to participate in K-Pop contests, and in 2018, I got the 3rd prize in Manipur regionals. I had no expectations to be in the top 3. It was a great experience throughout. There were lots of supportive people, and I’m happy I chose Itanagar for the regionals this time. I am deeply grateful to all the people behind the scenes. To the future participants, always follow your dreams. If you ever lose, please don’t give up, and fight till you achieve it.
Mr. Aku Bengia (Second Runner-up)
I am Aku Bengia. I’m 21 years old, and I’m from Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. I am the second runner-up of the Itanagar Regional Round in the Vocal category. I came to know about K-Pop in 2016 through my cousin. I don’t have any favourite idol in particular. I have been participating in this competition for a while with my dance group, THE TREND. The practice was tough. I had to break down the lyrics and the details and learn how to properly pronounce the words. It took me some time, but I tried my best to leave no stone unturned. I am happy with the results. It doesn’t matter how good or bad you are. One should make sure to enjoy themselves while participating in the competition.
Regional Organiser: Arunachal Kpop Hub
Ms. Monia Landi
We have been promoting K-Pop and Korea-related activities since 2015, so now and then we face challenges that may be simple or complicated, but we do our best as a team and overcome them together. This year, keeping everyone’s safety and health in mind, the event was held on an online platform. The only challenge we had this year was the uncertainty of network connectivity in our state, but fortunately, we could upload our video online in time. We are thankful to KCCI, and also, we are privileged to have hosted it. We worked really hard and did our best as always. Overall, it was a new learning experience for us. Thank you.
You can watch the Itanagar Regional Round here:
