The “1st UK K-POP Competition 2023,” organized by The Euro Journal, dazzled audiences at the Brixton Jamm concert hall in London, drawing over 500 enthusiastic spectators.
The event showcased the remarkable talents of “UK K-POP Contest” finalists and highlighted special showcases by UK Independent artists, creating an electrifying atmosphere that lasted for an impressive three hours. Attendees fervently engaged with K-Pop tunes, joyfully singing and dancing along, embodying the spirit of K-Pop themselves.
Sponsored by Daehansarang, a historical and cultural movement organization promoting Korean Wave culture, the competition aimed to revive Korea’s lost history and culture, contributing significantly to the event’s success.
Esteemed K-Pop and entertainment experts acclaimed the competition for its exceptional level and varied content, encompassing diverse talents in vocals, dance, and showcases. The event was praised for elevating the standards of K-Pop competitions in the UK.
The Euro Journal, Europe’s largest Korean-American media outlet, organized an online preliminary competition engaging 46 teams from September to October. This initiative aimed to sustain the interest of British K-Pop and Korean Wave enthusiasts, featuring renowned choreographers and producers from Korea and the UK as judges.
Renowned figures such as UK Producer AZODi, Korean Producer Bangkok, UK Choreographer Sharon June, and Korean Choreographer Jay Kim, known for their collaborations with globally recognized artists, participated as judges in the competition. Their guidance and feedback aimed to foster growth and professionalism among the participants.
The competition showcased various K-Pop genres, including vocal solos, dance solos, and group performances, under the category of “K-POP.”
The event offered diverse attractions, including the “K-Pop Dance/Vocal Contest,” “K-Pop Showcase” featuring local UK K-Pop artists, and a unique “K-Pop and violin collaboration.” Attendees were immersed in a thrilling experience where K-Pop united everyone present.
The winners of the competition were UJJN team (1st place), “We Are Going Hard” team (2nd place), and soloist Nick (3rd place). Each winner received trophies and cash prizes ranging from 1,000 pounds for the 1st place to 300 pounds for the 3rd place.
We are planting a growth engine so that British people who love K-Pop can love Korea and K-Pop more through healthy competition, listen to professional feedback from entertainment experts in both countries, and grow into professional talents. I was moved by the passion for K-Pop that the British people felt at the competition.
Wook Kim, Representative of the “UK K-POP Competition” Event
The competition attracted top-tier K-Pop judges, contributing to the event’s prestige and caliber.
I think the “UK K-POP” competition here in London was one of the best I’ve attended… It was full of talent and people showing what they are made of… and the general atmosphere was a great feeling to be involved in, and I really hope I am invited to more and more of them around the world… this is a GREAT thing for the youngsters to get a foot in the door of entertainment. And it was very well organized.
Bangkok, Producer
Absolutely incredible! I really really enjoyed it and it outdated my expectations of what it would be like. I had no idea so many people were interested in K-Pop. The biggest thing I took away from it was, not only was everyone incredibly supportive of each other, but it didn’t matter even though it was technically a competition. I absolutely loved how you would never see that much diversity in people under one room, enjoying the same thing, it was insane! How many different types of people they all love K-Pop.
AZODi, Producer
The overall flow of the British K-pop competition was good. In order to encourage the participation of more professional teams in the future, it would be good to allow professional dancers (K-Pop dance teachers) to participate in a similar way to the “British All-Star Competition”. In this K-Pop competition, the judges gave feedback to each participating team after the competition, which is very unusual and has hardly happened in any other K-Pop event or competition, drawing admiration from the participating teams.
Jay Kim, Choreographer
The judges’ extensive feedback after the competition garnered admiration from participating teams.
It was great to be able to receive detailed feedback from the judges even after the competition was over, and it was great to be able to showcase on a stage like this in the UK, where there are no opportunities to stand on a K-Pop stage.
One Participating Team
The most common feedback from K-Pop fans who attended as audience members was, “I liked it because it was an event that everyone could participate and enjoy, rather than a typical K-Pop party for people over the age of 18 or a K-Pop competition where only dancers participate.”
The K-Pop DJ session was evaluated as rather refreshing. Attendees praised the event’s inclusivity, emphasizing the enjoyment derived from a participatory experience rather than a conventional K-Pop gathering or competition.
In the competition, the UJJN team secured the 1st place with their rendition of ‘Cream Soda’ by EXO. All four judges concurred, praising their song selection that matched the group, their commendable stage presence, and suggesting areas for growth towards a professional level.
Wook Kim
The 2nd place was claimed by the ‘We Are Going Hard’ team, performing ‘Cake’ by KARD and ‘Hard’ by SHINee. Judges lauded their group cohesion and vibrant energy while advising on refining choreography nuances.
Wook Kim
Soloist Nick secured the 3rd place with a medley of ‘FIRE’ and ‘I’m the Best’ by 2NE1, ‘Kill This Love’, ‘How You Like That’ and ‘Pretty Savage’ by BLACKPINK, ‘Chili’ by MAMAMOO’s HwaSa, and ‘Smoke’ by Dynamicduo and Lee YoungJi, earning accolades for his charismatic stage presence, inventive use of props, and strong choreography elements.
Wook Kim
The variety of music selections and use of props were good, and the charisma on stage stood out. There were many strong choreography elements, but it would be good to develop more diverse expressive skills.
Judges
K-Pop fan volunteers hailed the event’s success in showcasing talents to a wider audience and fostering relationships between judges and performers.
I thought this event was really fun and ran smoothly. In particular, I think it was a huge success, allowing many talented performers to reach a wider British audience. It also gave us the opportunity to experience something new in K-Pop, which is not common in competitions in the UK. The judges continued to chat with the performers afterwards, providing additional feedback and knowledge, and building relationships.
K-Pop fan volunteers
A local journalist praised the organizers for creating an event filled with passion, skill showcases, and a supportive atmosphere among competitors.
I would like to say that they did a truly great job organizing a truly great event. It was great to see all the competitors/performers show off their skills. Their passion and enthusiasm for K-Pop. Most of all, I liked that it was always a good experience to see people having a good time! And it was nice to support each other. The showcase artists were also great.
A Local Journalist
There was no opportunity to participate in K-Pop DJ parties mainly because they were 18 years old or older, but there was no opportunity for younger people to participate. It was really great because it was an event, and I was able to really enjoy the party.
K-Pop Community
Tracks by IVE, BLACKPINK, BTS’ JungKook, BIGBANG, and aespa prompted enthusiastic dance sessions, uniting participants and the audience in a spirited celebration of K-Pop. Attendees raved about the K-Pop DJ session, a high-energy highlight lasting a whopping three hours.
The “UK K-POP Competition 2023” left an indelible mark by offering an inclusive platform, celebrating diversity, and fostering a communal appreciation for K-Pop culture among enthusiasts in the UK.
