Written by: Ayushi Verma and Aayushi Mishra (Delhi)

Edited by: Pooja Vishwanathan, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh

The Semi-Finale of the All India K-pop Contest 2024, presented by LG and the Korean Cultural Centre India, was the highly anticipated event that took place on October 19th at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi.  The event kicked off with warm messages from esteemed guests, including Mr. Hwang Il-yong, Director of the KCCI; Mr. Lim Sang-woo, Deputy Chief of Mission; and Mr. Hong Ju-jeon, MD of LG Electronics India.

The crowd was then treated to an incredible welcome performance by the K-pop group NTX. A total of 27 teams comprising individual contestants and groups qualified for the semi-finals based on the previously conducted regional rounds in the vocal and dance categories. Ultimately, only 10 teams earned their spots in the Grand Finale.

CHIEF GUESTS 

In his congratulatory message, Mr. Hwang Il-yong, Director of KCCI, applauded all the participants and wished them the very best for their performances.

Mr. Lim Sang-woo, Deputy Chief of Mission, expressed his gratitude to all the fans who attended the K-pop Contest 2024, appreciating their endless love and support for K-pop.

Mr. Hong Ju Jeon, MD of LG Electronics India, shared, “At LG, we believe in bringing people together, and K-pop has given us a wonderful way to connect with the youth.”

GUEST ARTISTS

NTX

The event kicked off with an electrifying performance by NTX, the audience’s favorite and one of the most eagerly awaited acts of the day. NTX is an nine-member K-pop boy group under VICTORY COMPANY, featuring Rawhyun, Yunhyeok, Hojun, Hyeongjin, Seungwon, Eunho, Changhun, Jaemin, and Jiseong. Since their debut in 2021, they’ve captured fans’ hearts, and they recently made a strong comeback with their EP HOLD X and its title track, PROBLEMATIC. Their high-energy performances kept the crowd on their feet, filling the stadium with excitement.

Ha Min-woo

Ha Min-woo, a celebrated Korean solo artist with numerous awards to his name, was also a special guest at the All India K-pop Contest 2024. He was formally a member of the K-pop boy group ZE: A. Ha Min-woo’s soulful vocals instantly refreshed the audience, bringing a comforting energy to the event. His mesmerizing performances captivated everyone, and he took a moment to congratulate each participant, encouraging them to give their best on stage.

JUDGES

With such incredible participants, we also had an outstanding panel of judges. The panel included NTX members Yunhyeok and Jaemin, solo artists Ha Min-woo, Kim Wook (CEO of W Korea), Jay Kim and Sushil Chhetri (winner of the All India K-pop Contest 2019).

The selection criteria for the semi-final winners focused on aspects like pitch, tempo, expression, pronunciation, stage presence, charisma, and choreography for the dance category, while vocal skills were key for the vocal category. Using these criteria, the judges selected the top performers in each category. The judges shared their thoughts, saying, “All the performances were amazing and fun to watch,” while wishing the participants the best for their future endeavors.

From 27 teams, only 10 secured their spots in the Grand Finale of the All India K-pop Contest 2024.

PERFORMANCES

The K-pop semi-final was a wave of energetic performances delivered by K-pop fans. Each performer made a lasting impression in both the dance and vocal categories, showcasing their immense love for K-pop. Each team showcased remarkable dance performances with charismatic and energetic choreography.

The audience was able to appreciate the skills and abilities each team brought to the stage because each act displayed unique styles and interpretations.

In the dance category, OUTKASTS won the top spot with their energetic and powerful performance of NMIXX’s “O.O.” which was remarkable. Their sharp choreography, synced moves, and undeniable charisma on stage earned them well-deserved admiration and the title of the dance category winner.

1st Runner-Up: Girlcrush enthralled the crowd with their performance on “More & More” by TWICE, perfectly capturing the song’s beauty and passion. 2nd Runner-Up: WeUnite delivered an impressive act with seamless transitions and outstanding coordination, marking them as strong contenders. 3rd Runner-Up: Sejal Dubey captivated the crowd with her graceful and confident moves. 4th Runner-Up: Krazyones—The Flower Knights standout performance captivated audiences.

Vocal Category: Voices That Captivated

In the vocal category, the audience was treated to a range of heartwarming and powerful performances. Each semifinalist in the voice category showed remarkable emotional depth and range. Avanti Hedge, the winner, mesmerized the judges and audience with a strong voice and captivating stage presence.

1st Runner-Up: Bem Khuvung captivated the audience with his powerful vocal control and genuine emotion in his performance of the song of M.C the Max “Wind that Blows.“ 2nd Runner-Up: Ancy Irengbam delivered a beautiful performance that was characterized by her extraordinary grace and technique. 3rd Runner-Up: Abhipriya Chakraborty captivated the audience with her passionate and distinctive singing performance. 4th Runner-Up: Sruthi Ramnarayan’s heartfelt performance enchanted everyone, adding a touch of elegance to the finals.

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The Trend, who performed on God’s Menu (Stray Kids), further energized the crowd and added a feeling of excitement and unpredictability with their impromptu flair. In the dance category, The Trend secured a spot with a lively performance that demonstrated their enthusiasm and talent for choreography and entered the finals as a wildcard entry.

NUU Anu’s breathtaking performance of Gummy’s “You Are My Everything” (the Descendants of the Sun OST) was enjoyed by the audience.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCES

Meeting my Idols, Jay Kim and Ha Minwoo, was a dream come true. NTX’s energetic performance had us dancing all night – their love for India was heartwarming. The All India K-Pop Contest showcased incredible talent; semi-finalists’ hard work shone through. Best of luck to the finalists! The event was a beautiful blend of cultures, and I’m grateful for the memories – Sahib { SHY } Chugh

Attending the 2024 All India K-Pop Contest Semi-Finals was an unforgettable experience. I was thrilled when NTX was announced as a special guest, as I’ve been a fan since Peak Time. KCCI graciously accommodated my special seating request, ensuring I had the best view. Meeting Director Mr. Hwang Il-yong, who personally assisted me, was a touching moment. NTX’s opening performance of Circuit was a dream come true, and their surprise Indian medley blew the audience away. The performances by the talented semi-finalists were incredible. I’m deeply thankful to KCCI for making this event memorable and for their thoughtful support – Ms. Riya Choudhary

OVERALL EXPERIENCE

The semi-finals carried the spirit of K-pop—a celebration of talent, hard work, and unity. In addition to showcasing their skills, the competition gave these upcoming artists a chance to network with judges, fans, and other performers.

The semi-finals were an exciting experience that confirmed K-pop’s power and its capacity to unite individuals from all ethnic backgrounds. The finals promise even more captivating performances and memorable moments as each finalist steps up to claim their place in K-pop history. Everyone is waiting to see which of these upcoming talents will win as they make their last move toward becoming K-pop stars. Let’s support them.

Who are you rooting for the Finals? Tell us in the comments!