K-pop boy group CIX and EXO member Chen are among the artists set to perform in Dubai on April 11, marking the opening of Korea 360—a Hallyu business-promoting center in the city.
Star-studded lineup
Titled ‘Korea 360 K-POP Concert,’ it will also feature South Korean singer-songwriter Gaho, known for his powerful vocals and K-drama OSTs such as ‘Start Over’ from ‘Itaewon Class’ and ‘Running’ from ‘Start-up.’ The four members of CIX, who recently made a comeback with their seventh EP, ‘Thunder Fever,’ will bring their signature high-energy performances to the stage. Emerging group RED C will also make their debut in the Middle East and showcase their rising talent.
As for Chen, he is no stranger to the UAE. He has performed in Dubai on two separate occasions. The first was in April 2018 when EXO participated in the ‘SMTOWN LIVE World Tour VI’ at the Autism Rocks Arena. The second performance occurred in January 2024, during the ‘KPOP Overdose’ event at the Coca-Cola Arena, where he performed alongside fellow members Chanyeol and Xiumin. Additionally, while not a performance, Chen visited the emirate in 2018 with EXO for the premiere of their song ‘Power’ at The Dubai Fountain, the world’s tallest and largest choreographed fountain, in Downtown Dubai.
A special drawing show and an autograph session by ‘Itaewon Class’ creator Cho Kwang-jin and a fashion show by acclaimed designer Lie Sangbong will also be part of the program.
Celebration of Korean culture
The concert is part of the Korea 360 initiative, a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and organized by the Korea Creative Content Agency. The event, supported by various ministries, aims to promote South Korean entertainment and culture on a global scale. “This celebration marks a meaningful collaboration across ministries to promote Korea abroad through Korea 360,” it said in an Instagram post.
Renowned singers Gummy and K.Will performed in February as part of the 2024 Korea Season event in the lead-up to the opening of Korea 360.
The new Hallyu business-promoting center is the second of its kind, following the first branch, which opened in Jakarta, Indonesia, in 2022. Its facilities include a retail area featuring Korean products such as food and cosmetics, a main atrium for hosting large-scale events, and a dedicated zone for experiencing Korean content and culture.
Schedule & location breakdown
The grand opening will begin at 11 am at the center in Dubai Festival City Mall, while the concert will take place from 8 pm to 10 pm at the Grand Hyatt Hotel.
