K-pop world festival gives fans from around the world a chance to imitate their idols
- The Changwon K-pop World Festival involved 6,400 teams from more than 80 countries
- Professional K-pop bands also performed at the festival between the amateur rounds
On the streets, in parks and garages, seven Cuban youngsters spent seven months practising K-pop moves to secure a spot on their dream stage: an appearance in South Korea to imitate their idols.
At last weekend’s government-funded and grandly titled Changwon K-pop World Festival, contestants from around the globe perform imitation dances or sing cover versions of the genre’s biggest hits – with thousands of fans cheering them on.
This event is a way for Seoul to derive soft power from one of the country’s biggest cultural exports.
Havana performer Karel Rodriguez Diaz – whose mannerisms and sleek hairstyle could easily be mistaken for those of a K-pop star – is motivated by high-tempo beats and super slick dance moves. “We never had a place with a mirror or a choreographer who could teach us the steps but they kept on practising,” he says.
His teammate Elio Gonzalez adds: “We are so excited to represent not just Cuba, but also the whole of Latin America.”