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Express Tribune

'K-POP Festival' rocks Islamabad

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea successfully hosted the 2025 K-POP Festival at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), transforming Islamabad into a vibrant hub of music, dance, and cultural exchange. The event served as the regional preliminary round to select Pakistan's representatives for the prestigious 2025 Changwon World K-POP Festival in South Korea. The festival was hosted by the dynamic Naila Shuja, a renowned anchorperson from PTV World, who kept the audience engaged and energized throughout the evening. Notable dignitaries in attendance included Muhammad Ayoub Jamali, Director General of PNCA, and Dr Sameena Khan, Parliamentary Secretary for the National Heritage and Culture Division. Both praised the initiative for strengthening cultural ties and encouraging artistic expression among Pakistani youth. The competition featured two primary categories: K-POP Vocal Cover and K-POP Dance Cover. Ten contestants — five in each category — captivated the audience with their passionate performances and impressive talent. Adding an interactive twist, the festival featured a lively segment titled "Quiz on Korea," which tested participants' knowledge of K-POP, Korean cuisine, landmarks, national symbols, and drama culture. Winners received Korea-themed prizes, including BLACKPINK hoodies, BTS mugs, BLACKPINK pouches, Korean facial masks, and Kakao Friends wireless chargers — all of which delighted the enthusiastic crowd. Highlighting the night were two special guest performances by past K-POP Festival winners — one each from the vocal and dance categories — who returned to the stage with professional-calibre acts that earned roaring applause. Prizes for the 2025 winners were generously sponsored by Samsung. The First Prize winners in both categories received the latest Samsung Galaxy A26 smartphones, Second Prize winners were awarded Galaxy Smart Watch A7, and Third Prize winners received Samsung Galaxy Wireless Earbuds 3. More than just a competition, the festival offered an immersive experience celebrating Korean culture and music, while empowering Pakistani youth with a platform to showcase their talents on an international stage. The audience responded with infectious enthusiasm, especially during the quiz and performances, underlining the growing popularity of K-POP in Pakistan. Events like these continue to strengthen cultural diplomacy, with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea playing a pivotal role in deepening ties and fostering mutual appreciation between Korea and Pakistan.