Written by: Ayushi Verma and Aayushi Mishra (Delhi)
Edited by: Jasmine Khan (Dubai)
The All India K-pop Contest 2024 Grand Finale, organized by the Korean Cultural Centre India and presented by LG, was held on 23rd November 2024 at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in Dwarka, Sector-25. Delhi. The competition featured two categories: Vocal and Dance. After an intense competition in the semi-finals, 12 outstanding teams and participants advanced to the grand finale, where they gave their all to claim the top spot in each category. The highlight of the evening was a spectacular performance by the much-anticipated group, LUN8, which had the crowd buzzing with energy. The entire event was a treat for K-pop fans, packed with excitement and unforgettable moments. Read ahead to know more about this spectacular event!
Opening Ceremony
The All-India K-pop Contest 2024, started with a heartfelt speech by Mr. Sanjeev Kishor Gautam, Director General of the National Gallery of Modern Art setting a warm and exciting tone. Mr. Hwang Il-yong, Director of the Korean Culture Centre India, spoke about the power of music to unite people. The excitement reached new heights when the K-Pop group LUN8 made their most-awaited entrance. The band enthralled the crowd with their performances, turning the hall into a vibrant sea of light sticks and cheers. Fans embodied the global appeal of K-Pop as they danced, sang along, and enjoyed the thrilling environment.
The standard was raised for the competitors by the addition of renowned judges Kim Wook, CEO of W KOREA content creative company; Bongyoung Park from 1 Million Dance Studio; Go Tae-kyung, the “dancing pharmacist,” a KPOP dance YouTuber; and renowned artist, and Kim Jin-soo, Head of Fantagio Entertainment Team, were among the esteemed judges who chose the winners. They praised the contestants for their artistic talent and commitment.
Video Credits: Korean Cultural Centre India
Performances
Twelve finalists from across the country brought their A-game, delivering awe-inspiring performances that showcased their dedication, creativity, and love for K-Pop. WeUnite from Mumbai, GirlCrush from New Delhi, Krazyones, The Flower Knights, and Abhipriya Chakraborty from Kolkata were among the notable bands and performers. All the performers were judged based on their stage presence, expressions, pitch, choreography, and vocal skills respective to their categories.
Video Credits: Korean Cultural Centre India
After the K-pop band LUN8’s incredible final performance, the eagerly awaited winners were revealed. The Trend from Arunachal Pradesh won the dance category with their ferocious performance of “God’s Menu” by Stray Kids. The First Runner-Up was New Delhi’s Outkasts, who stunned with “O.O.” by NMIXX. Hyderabad’s Sejal Dubey was placed as second runner-up with an enthralling rendition of Taemin’s “Criminal.”
In the vocal Category, the winner was Kolkata’s Abhipriya Chakraborty, who moved the crowd with IU’s heartfelt “Love All Wins.” From New Delhi, Bem Khuvung became the first Runner-Up by performing “Still Love You” and Nuu Anu from Kohima became the Second Runner-Up by singing an emotional rendition of “You Are My Everything.”
Kimchi Festival and Random Play Dance Session
Combining tradition, creativity, and community, the 2024 Korea Kimchi Festival and the Grand Finale created an experience that will never be forgotten happening alongside the Grand Finale. Every moment was a celebration of culture, from a delicious kimchi-making session with Chef Jang Yun-jeong to dancing together during the Random Play Dance Session. Under the guidance of Chef Jang participants were asked to mix aromatic spices, layered napa cabbage with care, and immersed themselves in the hands-on process. It wasn’t just about cooking; it was an opportunity to connect with Korean heritage while enjoying with fellow participants.
It was a perfect celebration of Korean culture, bringing together food lovers, music enthusiasts, and culture all together at one place. The event was not yet over, the energy picked up at 3 PM with the K-Pop Random Play Dance session, where fans from all walks of life danced their hearts out to popular K-Pop tracks followed by the epic Grand Finale.
Overall Experience
LUN8’s uplifting contest conclusion and their thrilling debut performance were just like the icing on the cake of a day. This event was really significant for every K-pop lover because of the hands-on fun of cooking kimchi, the lively K-pop setting, and the friendly companionship of other attendees. It was more than just a festival; it was a colorful demonstration of how culture can unite people and transcend divisions.
How was your experience of attending the Grand Finale? Tell us in the comments!
It was a fun event
It was really such an awesome event. I loved to be a part of it that day.
I remember this event I’m too nervous when I went to attend it as I don’t know anyone and going alone so I’m afraid I don’t get bored but as its has so entertaining and u make friend too with her I clicked many pictures with different korean celebrities and get to meet park bongyoung first time as he came for kimchi festival and rpd was really wonderful experience as I don’t know k pop much but looking those fellow fans performing make me perform as well ❤️🩹 and after the grand finale was superb the performance of 10 finalists are fantastic 😍 and icing on the cake is performance of k pop band luna 8 there energy in stage is really fire and yes after reading the event coverage I get to knows about that things to which I didn’t experience.
The All India K-pop Contest 2024 Grand Finale sounds like it was absolutely amazing! LUN8’s performance, the winners’ incredible talent, and even the kimchi-making session—it must have been an unforgettable experience for all the fans!
What an experience it must have been
I am glad all the performers got the recognition they deserved and congratulations to all the winners and participants👏🏻