by “I am happy to win, but I have to work ten times harder than I am now. Now that I am representing Australia in the finals in Seoul, I will have to buy a better stage suit.
“It was held at the International Convention Center (ICC) in Sydney, Australia, at 5 pm (local time). The event, co-hosted by the Korean Cultural Center in Sydney (Director Ji-hee Kim) and the Seoul Shimbun, ignited the Korean Wave fever again by wiping away the thirst of fans who had been locked out of exchanges due to the coronavirus. About 600 Hallyu fans who filled the large concert hall responded to the heated stage with cheers and applause, heating the chilly winter air.
In the previous video qualifier, 236 videos were submitted from all over Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. After fierce competition, 15 teams advanced to the finals. In particular, the ‘K-Yooah’ team from Adelaide, Western Australia, showed enthusiasm to arrive in Sydney after a 14-hour drive after the flight was canceled the day before the main stage. Maddy, a member of K-Yooah, said, “It was good to be on stage, and I was happy to see other teams’ wonderful performances.”
On the main stage, 15 teams competed with high-quality choreography. Each intense performance and solo part followed, and the competing teams and audience applauded and cheered, reminiscent of a famous idol group concert. On the third stage of the ‘Crimson’ team, the youngest 16-year-old contestant drew attention. When the stage of Ive’s popular song ‘Love Dive’ opened, he generously showed off his skills that made him doubt his young age. Participants not only danced but also perfectly lip-synced with Korean lyrics.
The first place of the honor was occupied by ‘VIRTUE,’ who dominated the stage with TNX’s ‘MOVE.’ It is evaluated that it left a strong impression with the choreography technique, the breathing between the members, the costumes, and the stage concept. Virchu said, “I’ve been practicing hard twice a week since a month ago,” he said.
Kim Ji-hee, director of the Korean Cultural Center Judee, who oversaw the event and served as a judge, said, “I am glad that many fans came to the K-pop event that was held after a long time.
The ‘K-Pop Cover Dance Festival,’ which marks its 12th anniversary this year, is the world’s first and largest K-pop online/offline Hallyu fan communication program. The winning teams from each country will be invited to the final finals of the World Finals to be held in Seoul in October. The festival was sponsored by Seoul City, Korea Entertainment Producers Association, Korea Music Performers Association, Seoul Tourism Foundation, New Era, All-K-Pop, and Pentacle.
