The fervor of the
Korean wave, known as "Hallyu," has captivated the hearts of people
worldwide, and Jordan is no exception. Over the past few years, Jordanians have
wholeheartedly embraced this vibrant culture, joining millions of like-minded
fans around the globe. Fueled by their passion, they have successfully reached
international audiences and are now making their mark in the K-pop scene.
اضافة اعلان
A significant
testament to the growing influence of K-pop in Jordan is the recent K-pop
Festival, which served as the preliminary round for a worldwide contest that
culminates in the esteemed international K-pop competition held in South Korea.
The event was co-hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to
Jordan and Jordan K-pop Lovers, a dedicated fanbase committed to fostering a
thriving K-pop community in the country.
The pinnacle of this
annual event, the K-pop World Festival in South Korea, acts as a global
congregation of K-pop enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds. The festival's
overarching goal is to merge Korean culture with the rich tapestry of its fans'
diverse cultures, fostering a deeper connection among K-pop fans worldwide.
During the final
round, contestants showcased their talents in front of judges, which often
includes K-pop artists, producers, and experts within the industry. The winners
are then awarded various prizes, including the opportunity to perform at a
special K-pop concert and meet their favorite K-pop idols.
This year, the Jordan
K-pop festival was held on July 8 at the Al-Hussein Cultural Center. As the
center was slowly crowded by more than 500 K-pop fans and their families it was
clear just how much talent would be present.
On July 8, 2023, the
Al-Hussein Cultural Center in Amman buzzed with excitement as more than 500
K-pop fans and their families gathered to witness the exceptional talent on
display.
Out of the 70
contestants who had initially submitted auditions, only 12 made it to the
prestigious stage, surpassing audience expectations with their remarkable
performances. Among the finalists were 10 captivating dance teams and two vocal
performances.
South Korea’s
ambassador to Jordan, Kim Dong-gi, attended the event and congratulated the top
three winners, consisting of two dance teams and one vocalist. Their performances will be submitted to “KBS”, the
national broadcaster of South Korea, which is responsible for selecting who
will have the chance to represent Jordan at the K-pop World Festival in
Changwon on Oct 14.
The fans become the
idols
One of the standout
performers was 15-year-old Yara Mdanat, who secured the second place with her
awe-inspiring dance routine. Mdanat's passion and enthusiasm for K-pop music
radiated throughout her performance, leaving an indelible impression on both
the audience and the judges.
Speaking to Jordan
News, Mdanat said: “I have been dancing for a long time, so the experience
of performing on stage was indescribable for someone with my profound love for
dancing.” She added, “having the opportunity to perform on stage in front of an
audience who shares the same interest as mine is truly beyond words.”
“The love for K-pop runs in the family, my
older sister introduced me to K-pop in 2018; I have been a devoted fan ever
since,” she added.
Suzan Abu Jazal, 23,
representing “Black Iris” who won first place, said that she has been
participating in this festival since 2015 and expressed her deep gratitude for the K-pop community.
Abu Jazal told Jordan News that she was
a K-pop fan since she was 15, adding “I was drawn to its unique dancing style.”
And she started to look for others who shared her love for K-pop dancing and
formed a team. Suzan highlighted that the K-pop fan community in Jordan is
growing, providing more opportunities to connect with new people and enjoy
unforgettable experiences together.
Show Album
The festival provided
a valuable opportunity for talented Jordanians to showcase their abilities and
fulfill their dream of coming up on stage, third place winner Omar, 23, told Jordan
News that “I have been a K-pop fan since 2010” and “I played the guitar
since I was a child, and it had always been my dream to perform in front of an
audience.”
Omar admitted feeling
nervous before performing for such a large crowd, but as soon as he stepped onto
the stage, he felt a sense of relaxation and ease.
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