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The coronavirus pandemic has proven to be a longer-than-expected obstacle as social distancing regulations and other restrictions continue to be implemented in several countries.
On the bright side, geographic barriers and the limitations of in-person live events have been leveled largely due to digital technologies, pushing for virtual K-Pop concerts as an alternative to bring more fans and musicians together during this challenging time.
The virtual K-Pop concert, titled ‘KITE: K-Pop in the Emirates’, well, did just that. It undoubtedly reenergized fandoms over the weekend – or at least for this entire year – given the postponement of the much-anticipated shows ‘Music Bank in Dubai’ and ‘K-Pop Super Concert’ due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Much to the delight of local fans, the annual Korea Festival returned with a two-hour pre-recorded concert, in line with the UAE-Korea Cultural Dialogue to celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations between the UAE and South Korea. And it did not disappoint!
“It is a real honour to be able to take part in such a meaningful event. There have been a shortage of such opportunities especially with our fans overseas, while we can still meet our Korean fans,” Jane of Momoland said on stage.
In addition to the girl group, the start-studded lineup included rookies such as Everglow, DKB, Kim Jae-hwan, (G)I-DLE, Cravity, AleXa and top K-Pop acts NCT U, CLC, Dreamcatcher, Astro, among others.
“For such a long-lasting friendship between Korea and UAE, we PENTAGON will support and cheer beside you,” leader and producer Hui also said before performing their 2018 upbeat track ‘Shine’.
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Hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the UAE and organized by the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), KITE invited fans to listen to several of the acts’ latest and earliest songs. The set list predominantly consisted of one song from each musician while others, such as ATEEZ, PENTAGON, and AB6IX, offered two musical pieces.
The event was also seamlessly woven together with a few short interview segments throughout. “Each and every one of us have been trying to do our best on stage, and maybe that is why our fans love us,” member Yeosang of rising boy group ATEEZ said when asked by an MC about the secret behind their popularity in Dubai prior to their performance.
However, missing from KITE was all-male act CIX “as per the request from the group’s managing agency,” Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in the UAE confirmed on social media.
Despite this, the other 25 artists seemingly managed to hype up the event with their performances and genre-hopping tunes accompanied by CG effects in the background in an unknown location. SM Entertainment’s NCT U wrapped up the show with dance-heavy song ‘Make A Wish (Birthday Song)’ off of “NCT – The 2nd Album RESONANCE Pt. 1”.
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The K-Pop concert drew in up to 15,400 viewers on KCC’s YouTube channel on Friday, the Abu Dhabi-based centre confirmed. As of today, it has been viewed more than 160,000 times. The side chat bar was also opened to fans and soon exploded with messages, leaving more than 10,000 comments, KCC said.
The pe-recorded K-Pop concert was undeniably memorable and a special experience for local fans. The replay of KITE will be available for viewing until November 18.