Smiti Iyer, New Delhi

The Delhi Regional Round of the K-pop India Contest was held in person at the Aiwan-e-Ghalib Auditorium on June 13, 2023, sponsored by LG and organized by KCIFC and KCCI. The event showcased the best talents from the region in both vocal and dance categories. The contest judges were Ms Rachna Bhagat and Mr Ashish Dhankhar from the Dance Category correspondingly, Ms Unnati Singh Bilwal and Ms Jincy Jacob from the Vocal Category, who evaluated the performances of the participants and provided their expert opinions. Out of a remarkable 11,071 applicants, the event witnessed an outstanding number of participants, with 27 in total, including 14 in the vocal category and 13 in the dance category. With thrilling performances during the opening and closing ceremonies, the event began and ended efficiently.

Following are the statements of the winners of the Delhi Regional Round of their respective categories.  

DANCE CATEGORY

SHIVIKA (LEADER OF OUTKASTS) (WINNER)

A few kids had been dreaming about winning K-pop Contest for the past 6 years, and now they are one step closer to achieving it. It’s incredible to think that these kids came together to form OUTKASTS. The journey wasn’t easy, there were a lot of ups and downs, but we all overcame it and are the winners of the K-pop Contest Delhi 2023. We all had been thinking about taking part in K-pop Contest since last year. We were song hunting and decided to choose ANTIFRAGILE as the song and its meaning “No biggie if I were to fall, I’m antifragile” resonated within us. We knew we could give our best with this song choice. Organizing practices were definitely not easy when everyone has exams, school, and college however with dedication and perseverance we were able to do that. Thinking about outfits, and expenditure on studios was all hectic along with practicing but the members always motivated, encouraged, and became each other’s support system throughout this journey.

Despite us saying it was difficult; the journey was honestly way more fun. The countless sleepovers, movie nights, late-night practices, shooting fun reels, getting ready together, outfit trials, and more were so exciting and thrilling. Our camera roll is filled with screenshots and comparisons of the choreography referring, “We have to correct this and that.” Even though we took the competition on a serious note, we didn’t let that hinder us and took things lightly. We all made memories together that will last us for a lifetime, and bonds that will last us till we die. When the result for regionals came out, we all quickly came on call and couldn’t believe what we were seeing. Not only were we very happy but our family and friends were also very happy about our achievement. We shouted and cried out with happiness on the call. The time and hard work we spent on practicing came through! We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity to represent Delhi and we are so honoured to have competed with such amazing participants. For new future aspirants, practice hard and give your best. Don’t feel dejected and don’t give up. Take part in the experience and memories. Make new friends and have fun. Don’t think about the result or what will happen. Let it be and just enjoy. Where there is a will, there is a way, and one day you can achieve whatever you want. You can do it!

MERCY MUANGREMHOIH TOMBING (FIRST RUNNER-UP)

My overall experience was amazing. The contestants backstage were so supportive and lovely, it didn’t seem like we were competing against each other. Everyone was amazing and so was the event. Honestly, I didn’t expect to even be in the top 3 because the contestants were insanely good, though I was so happy and grateful that I secured second position. It feels motivating to secure 2nd place because it means my hard work got paid off. I only had 2 days to prepare for my dance before the online round and the fact I got selected was something. I will work hard again next time and try to secure it first. Tips for performers who wish to participate in the next contest in the future are that practice a lot but also remember to rest well, put your health first and be confident. Believe in yourself and keep practicing. Everything is possible if you work hard but not in the sense that you forget yourself. Take care of yourself, rest well, and work hard!

SWARPREET (LEADER OF THE EXPONENTIAL CREW) (SECOND RUNNER-UPs)

Participating in a K-pop dance contest is an exhilarating and rewarding experience. The journey from the initial auditions to qualifying for the regional round and securing 3rd position is filled with excitement, challenges, and personal growth. Advancing to the regional round means that you are among the top performers in your area, and you get the opportunity to compete with other talented individuals. The experience of being on a larger stage and competing against stronger contenders can be both nerve-wracking and thrilling. It allows you to learn from others and push yourself to deliver your best performance. Securing 3rd position in the regionals is a remarkable accomplishment. It demonstrates our growth as a performer and the progress we made throughout the competition. We celebrate this achievement and use it as a stepping stone for future endeavours. For those aspiring to participate in K-pop dance contests in the future, we know the decision to participate can easily make you nervous. Still, it’s a fantastic experience, so don’t stress. Choose your favourite artist/song and keep on practising. If you don’t win, it’s okay; there’s always tomorrow. Go for it next year, you’ll always end up learning something. There are only two outcomes at the end of the journey, but the journey leading up to it has many outcomes. Dance, sing, make friends and JUST ENJOY.  

VOCAL CATEGORY

PRACHI SHARMA (Winner)

Anneonghaseyo! I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the incredible event organizers for orchestrating the most remarkable K-pop event. Your dedication, meticulous planning, and unwavering commitment have truly brought joy and excitement to fans like me. From the electrifying performances to the stunning stage production, every aspect of the event was flawlessly executed, creating an unforgettable experience. I am absolutely elated and overwhelmed with joy to have achieved the first position in the vocal category. It is an incredible honour and a testament to the countless hours of practice and dedication I have poured into refining my song. This achievement not only validates my hard work but also serves as a reminder of the boundless possibilities that come with pursuing one’s passion. This was my third attempt at the event, and I do not regret one bit of it. I am always going to enjoy the event as an audience. For all the further participants, I would advise you to always be consistent and disciplined with your passion. Always put yourself to the test. Get out of your comfort zone and try new genres and songs. And never forget one thing; enjoy what you sing. The audience must feel the song as it reaches them. Gamsahabnida! Looking forward to the next rounds!    

SRIJA PAUL (FIRST RUNNER-UP)

Greetings, I’m Srija Paul, the 1st Runner-up in the Vocal Category of the All India K-Pop Contest 2023 Delhi Regional round, held on 13th June and hosted by Korean Cultural Centre India and Korean Culture India Fanclub, powered by LG. The competition took place in the grand Aiwan-E-Ghalib Auditorium in Delhi and witnessed the performances of amazingly talented vocal and dance contestants empowered by the cheering voices of the lovely audience present there. The Vocal Category Performances were judged by Ms. Unnati Singh Bilwal and Ms. Jincy Jacob based on the ability, stage charisma, expression, and pronunciation of the contestants. Overall, it was a thrilling experience to be able to perform in front of a big crowd and to interact with the other talented contestants. I sincerely thank the judges and Korean Cultural Centre India to choose me as the grandiose Second Position winner in the contest. This experience has motivated me to work even harder in the future until I finally achieve my dreams. And for all those people who wish to participate in the K-Pop Contest in the future and get closer to their dreams, my one tip would be to select a song in advance that you’re most comfortable and confident in. This will give you enough time to practice and get more familiar with the emotions of the song that you’ll sing. Remember! It doesn’t matter even if you fail, what matters is your consistent efforts and never giving up! Fighting!  

PRAGATI SINGH (SECOND RUNNER-UP)

Winning the 3rd prize in the K-pop Competition in Delhi was an absolute thrill. Reflecting on the experience, winning the 3rd prize instilled in me a newfound confidence in my abilities. It affirmed that with passion, hard work, and determination, I could achieve my goals and make my dreams a reality.  

We send our heartfelt congratulations to all the participants for making it to the regionals and to the prize winners for clearing the regional round!!