By Honorary Reporter Shalini Ghosh from India
Photos = Shalini Ghosh

K-pop, one of the world's most popular music genres, on Nov. 9 came to the stage in Mumbai, India, as the Korean consulate general there hosted a K-pop contest. 

The event had two rounds -- an online preliminary with 54 contestants and the final at Mumbai's Sophia Bhabha Auditorium with 12 finalists. The venue also featured side events like Korean calligraphy, complimentary food, a booth to promote Visit Korea Year, lottery counter and interactive Hanbok experience organized by the Korea Tourism Organization's office in India and the consulate. 

The audience included consulate staff, K-pop and K-drama fans, and the families of the contestants. They tried activities like writing their names in Hangeul (Korean alphabet), sampling Hansik (traditional food) and taking photos while wearing Hanbok (traditional clothing).

The event offers samples of Korean food. 

The main event commenced in the evening with an opening speech by the consul general, followed by a brief introduction of the judging panel. The 12 finalists gave performances like singing covers of K-pop tracks by IU and Ailee while others danced to tracks by Enhypen, TXT and aespa. 

The vice consul and the host announced winners of a lottery draw, handing out albums of BTS, BLACKPINK and RIIZE and Samsung Galaxy ear buds. All the contestants were called to the stage and given Korean tourist souvenirs and a certificate of participation.

Contestants perform on stage during the contest.

The climax of the evening was the announcement of the winners, and the judges went on stage to present the awards. Future Ninja, who danced to the boy band ENHYPEN's "Drunk Dazed," won the grand prize of 50,000 Indian rupees (KRW 828,357), while singer Saloni Wanve took second with INR 30,000 and vocalist Samhita Kagal third with INR 20,000. 

Consul General in Mumbai Kim Young-og and judges pose for pictures with the contest's winners and competitors.

In an interview, winner Wanve said, "Performing on stage under the vibrant lights was a magical experience. I was surprised that the vocal category took the top two spots given the strong dance performances." 

Saloni added, "My K-pop journey began during the (COVID-19) lockdown, and this is my second year participating in the contest."

Kagal said, "The contest provided valuable exposure, and I learned a lot from my fellow contestants. I'm excited for similar opportunities in the future."

The event ended with a random dance session that saw attendees dance on stage to K-pop hits.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.