Smriti Lakra, Guna, Madhya Pradesh
Bhopal Regional Round of the K-Pop India Contest 2020 was conducted online on 15th August 2020 at 2 p.m. IST on the YouTube page of Madhya Pradesh Korean Fanclub. Here is an excerpt from the statements of the winners of the Dance and Vocal categories and the Regional Round organiser mpkfc_hallyuwave regarding their experience of this event.
Dance Category
Ms. Kunika Kharonia (Winner)
Hello, I’m Kunika Kharonia and I am 18 years old. I’ve been selected as the winner in the Dance category of the Bhopal Regional Round. Three years ago, I saw Not today of BTS, and since then I fell in love with them and the K-Pop culture. I always had my interest in dancing, but when I realised my passion for dancing, was when I saw the energy and passion that K-Pop artists show in their performances. I’d just say that, don’t hide it inside, let everything out, you’ve got one life, give your 100% and never have any regrets.
Ms. Haadiyah Afridi (First Runner-up)
Hello! I’m Haadiyah Afridi and I am 18 years old. I am the second runner-up in the Dance category of the Bhopal Regional Round. I had been waiting for this year’s K-Pop India Contest since I missed the chance to participate last year. I submitted my video with very low expectations and was elated to find out that I got selected for the regionals. It was very exciting to interact with other K-Pop lovers and waiting for the results. My dream is to be a performer one day and the K-Pop’s global popularity has motivated me to participate in this contest.
Ms. Jayantika Diwan (Second Runner-up)
Hello, I am Jayantika Diwan. I am 18 years old and I have been selected in the dance category of K-Pop India Contest 2020 from the Bhopal region. I got introduced to K-Pop through BTS and it was in the ending of 2016 when Blood Sweat & Tears came out. South Korea is a beautiful and unique country. Ever since I’ve been into K-Pop I’ve learned so many things and have been inspired so much by the idols who never gave up and paved their way right into the hearts of all. And that makes me stronger day by day.
Vocal Category
Ms. Jayantika Diwan (Winner)
Hello, I am Jayantika Diwan. I am 18 years old and I have been selected as the winner for the singing category of K-Pop India Contest 2020 for the Bhopal Region. Hallyu wave was life-changing for me and I hope to contribute my little but good efforts back to them. It’s a perfect example of modernity and tradition. I am happy to come across the Korean wave. This is the beauty of Korea that it is so diverse and inspiring. It’s so admirable to see the respect among Korean people for their cultural roots.
Ms. Zannat Jenifar Yasmin (First Runner-up)
안녕하세요! This is Zannat Jenifar Yasmin and I am 17 years old. I have secured the first runner-up position in the Vocal category of the Bhopal Regional Round. I got to know about this contest in 2019, so I was really determined to participate. Being my first time participating, I am elated to have won as well. Being an ARMY since 2017, my love for K-Pop & K-Drama led me to show my talent and the prize was to win a trip to South Korea. What can be more fascinating than this? A huge thanks to KCCI for hosting this.
Ms. Anindita Ratre (Second Runner-up)
Hi, I am Anindita Ratre and I am 18 years old. I secured the second runner-up position in the Vocal category of the Bhopal Regional Round. It was fun to participate and be a part of the first-ever online K-Pop contest in India. Also, it was a great experience. The song “Thanks” by Seventeen means a lot to Carats and just being able to sing it for Carats and Seventeen means a lot for me. Seventeen is an aspiring group with lots of abilities and strengths, which provides us with lots of love and courage. At last, I just want to say Seventeen akinda, yepeoda, gomabda!
Regional Round Organiser: Madhya Pradesh Korean Fanclub
Ms. Monica Sankule
MPKFC_HALLYUWAVE founded by Monica Sankule who is HR by profession in a MNC company in Bhopal. This group was created out of curiousity on 10th July 2018. As researched, there is no fan club-related to Korean culture that is dedicated to Madhya Pradesh but has various K-pop idols or bands group for same. Her ambition was to bring this fandom under one roof where they can represent MPKFC later in events conducted by Korean Cultural Centre India or by other Korean communities. Bringing to you this MPKFC group so that you can join the other fans across Madhya Pradesh. We will keep you updated about the upcoming events which will be conducted regularly in and across Madhya Pradesh.
Check out the Bhopal Regional Round here:
