Writers: Jiya Gupta (Delhi), Aishwarya Khale, Taesha & Evara (Mumbai)

Editor: Bagmita Gogoi (Assam)

HELLO SEOUL—A Korean Cultural Event Stepping into Mumbai—The City of Dreams.

Hello Seoul, a one-day Korean cultural event, took place in Mumbai on March 22, 2025, at Dublin Square, Phoenix Marketcity, Kurla. It was a memorable evening with a passionate atmosphere filled with powerful performances and cultural experiences.

Though there was a delay of an hour or two to enter the venue, the enthusiasm was remarkable. The place was decorated with numerous structures that resembled South Korea.

K-Culture Meets Mumbai

Multiple booths were available across the open area, allowing individuals to delve deeper into South Korean traditions. The stalls featured Korean packaged food, official and unofficial merchandise, and skincare products, bringing a piece of South Korea to Mumbai.

Attendees had the chance to try on Hanbok and explore varied South Korea-inspired outfits. Many of the K-enthusiasts were excitedly waiting to get their eye makeup, face painting, tattoos, and caricatures done by the experts. With that, fans enjoyed the delicacy of Korean food and snacks served by the restaurant.

Star-Studded Moments and Their Performances

The opening act was Future Ninja, a vibrant dance duo from Mumbai, with electrifying energy. They performed several K-pop songs, which caused great buzz in the audience with loud cheers.

First5, India’s first next-gen pop boy band, delighted their fans with soothing voices. They sang their singles, “Tu Aadatein,” “You & I,” and some covers, including the famous singles “Love Wins All” by IU and BTS’s “Dynamite” performance, which was quite overwhelming and energetic. Even a few lucky fans had an opportunity to meet the band and get their autographs.

As the night deepened, the audience enjoyed the blasting and energetic performance by WeUnite, a sensational dance crew. The most awaited moment was the arrival of AOORA, who owned the stage with his charm and singing, while the loud cheers and sing-along echoed across the venue. Later, DJ Friday claimed the night with Korean music, ensuring the most unforgettable experience for the fans.

Games

With immense energy and a joyous way, the host interacted with all the fans to keep their energy intact. After every performance, the schedule included multiple games like Jegichagi, Ddakji, Gawi Bawi Bo, guessing the Korean sentence, etc., which were played with fans. The winners and the participants received gifts. Some stalls were giving out freebies based on a wheel game and other interactive activities

Fans’ Favorite Moments

A shared passion and the diverse crowd showcase a universal growth of the Hallyu Wave. Fans of all ages and backgrounds present there were proof of how powerful and uniting K-pop can be.

Safia Shaikh shared an emotional moment from the event:

“My favorite moment was when I saw Aoora from a close distance. I was standing in front of the stage. I didn’t realize that I was watching him live in real life, like I had seen him on TV and my phone, so that was an unbelievable moment.”

Sayli Randive happily expressed her fond memories:

“I had an amazing time at the photo booths. Surrounded by all the lovely Korean-inspired backdrops and props, it was such a fun and lively way to take photos and capture memories with friends. It created smiles and waves of laughter, making it one of my favorite experiences at the festival.”

Taesha and Evara described their experiences beautifully:

“There were so many memorable moments, but a few stood out particularly, like watching people jump instantly onto the dance floor when their favorite K-pop songs began to play. The performances were even more fun to watch as some of the fans even had full choreographies memorized. Many people came dressed in outfits inspired by their favorite idols, adding to the immersive experience. Seeing the variety of stalls was incredible. It was amazing how much effort went into bringing Korean culture to life through food, skincare, and artwork. It truly felt like a mini-K-pop festival right in the heart of Mumbai!”

Highlights

The RPD, also known as Random Dance Play, segment began with an outstanding explosion of energy from the fans. They grouped in the center, grooving on the K-pop songs played randomly. The songs played were “Idol,” “Blood, Sweat & Tears,” “Run BTS” and “Permission to Dance” by BTS; “Bouncy” by ATEEZ; “Chk Chk Boom” and “LALALALA” by Stray Kids; “That That” by PSY (ft. Suga of BTS), “Gangnam Style” by PSY; “Antifragile,” “Crazy,” and “Smart” by LE SSERAFIM; “Jennie” by JENNIE; “Wannabe” by ITZY; “Super,” “Maestro” and “Hot” by SEVENTEEN, and many more. The sync of the song’s choreography and the dynamic vibe generated by K-poppers on the dance floor was unbelievable.

People were capturing every moment on their phones, making sure to remember this special day.

DJ Friday delivered a closure to the spectacular event with the audience screaming at the top of their lungs, jumping, and dancing to the beats of the songs like there is no tomorrow.

An Unbelievable Experience from Start to End

From the moment the event began, the vibe depicted the liveliness in the environment. The combination of music, fashion, dance, and culture created a space that was quite fun and welcoming. Every corner of the Dublin square was buzzing with exciting music, games, and the simple soak of the ultimate ambiance. It was like stepping into a different world with people connected by their love for K-pop.

A Day to Remember

Reflecting on the overall event, one thing is certain that the experience of Hello Seoul will always remain dear to the attendees. Whether it was the moments with the stars, performances, exposure to South Korean culture, or being surrounded by like-minded fellow K-pop fans, the day was nothing short of magical.

Whether you were there or wish to attend in the future, we’d love to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments below!