K-Event Review: Rang De Korea (Korean Culture Festival in India)

Written by: Bhavya Chopra and Ayushi Verma (Delhi)

Edited by: Jasmine Khan (Dubai)

The Korean Culture Festival “Rang De Korea,” celebrating its third edition in India, took place on  the 18th and 19th October 2024 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. This vibrant event featured various iconic Korean performances, with highlights including the renowned K-Pop group NTX and artists Ha Minwoo, UheeSka, Balkwang, and Pax Arari. Additionally, promotional booths showcased leading Korean brands. The event was inaugurated by H.E. Chang Jae-bok, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to India, in the presence of Mr. Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary East, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. Read ahead to know everything about this extravagant event:

Performances

UheeSka – ‘NINANO Concert’ (U-hee Company)

UheeSka, a music and performance group, presented their “NINANO Concert”, blending traditional Korean sounds with modern music styles. Their energetic stage presence and visually engaging performances offered an immersive experience that showcased Korea’s vibrant music scene.

Pax Arari – Piano-Traditional Korean Music Fusion

Pax Arari delivered a captivating performance that fused classical piano with traditional Korean instruments like the *gayageum* and “janggu.” This innovative combination highlighted the richness of Korean musical heritage, appealing to both classical enthusiasts and those interested in Korean culture.

Balkwang Entertainment – ‘Let’s Go See the Fight’ (Traditional Action Drama)

Balkwang Entertainment showcased Let’s Go See the Fight, a traditional Korean action drama featuring “taekkyeon” martial arts. The performance combined high-energy choreography with live-action storytelling, emphasizing Korea’s rich heritage in action theatre and impressing audiences with its athleticism and narrative depth.

These performances collectively offered a diverse glimpse into various aspects of Korean culture, merging modern and traditional elements to engage the audience in Delhi.

Ha Minwoo

Ha Minwoo, making his third appearance in India, said that the Rang De Korea event was a special moment for him. He presented a mix of popular tracks such as ‘Beautiful Lady’ along with his solo unreleased songs.

NTX

NTX, which debuted in March 2021, made its first-ever visit to India as part of the Rang De Korea festival. The group consists of nine members: Hyeongjin, Yunhyeok, Jaemin, Changhun, Hojun, Rawhyun, Eunho, Seongwon, and Jiseong. They have released several albums, such as Odd Hour, Full of Lovescape, and Hold X. Alongside NTX, other notable performers contributed to this year’s festival’s dynamic musical lineup.

Fan Meeting Experience with NTX

NTX also hosted a special ‘Fan Meet and Greet,’ where they expressed admiration for India’s culture and shared their desire to visit the Taj Mahal. They charmed fans by speaking in Hindi, saying playful phrases like “chalo chalo,” “main aapse pyaar karta hoon,” and “dhanyavaad,” which made the interaction even more special. Their performance at the festival, especially a dance medley of popular Indian songs like Kukkad, Tauba Tauba, Aasa Kooda, Ghungroo, and Kinni Kinni, left a lasting impression. The band’s infectious energy and flawless execution—particularly of Tauba Tauba — captivated the audience, blending Korean talent with Indian music in a thrilling way.

For all the K-pop fans, the fan gathering was a dream come true. The boy band NTX made an exciting appearance, interacting with fans while they posed for selfies, and connecting with creating unforgettable memories. It was a unique opportunity to interact with the idols and see their playful, off-stage personalities.

Overview of Other Activities

Rang De Korea had various booth areas that were creatively organized making it easy to explore unique aspects of Korean culture from food and fashion to lifestyle and history. It had fantastic activities for both kids and adults, as they tried their hands at making beautiful craft Jagaeham –traditional Korean Jewelry boxes and Korean masks.

The craft-making program gave a hands-on connection to Korea’s artistic heritage adding a personal touch that made everyone feel connected to traditional Korean values. One of the most touching elements was the MC’s warmth and the Korean Cultural Centre India’s promotional video, which showed the growing cultural bond between India and Korea. This bond was further emphasized by the Korean Cultural Director’s heartfelt speech, which left everyone with a sense of unity and pride.

The event was electrified with the K-pop random dance session. K-pop enthusiasts moved to the rhythm of popular K-pop hits creating a lively atmosphere. The K-pop dance workshop led by Jay Kim, a well-known Korean choreographer, was the audience’s favorite. Jay Kim shared his insights, guiding participants through various moves and making everyone feel like a pro. His encouraging and friendly teaching style made the workshop accessible and fun for dancers of all levels.

Overall Experience

The Rang De Korea successfully combined traditional and modern Korean pop culture in a vibrant and engaging cultural experience. Each part of the event was thoughtfully organized to offer to K-pop enthusiasts, it wasn’t just about observing Korean culture, it was about participating in it, connecting, and creating lasting memories. Ultimately, it was an invitation to embrace and celebrate diversity, unity, and mutual respect.

Did you attend this K-event? How was your experience? Tell us in the comments!