K-POP ONLINE AUDITIONS

The Korean Wave is thriving pretty well and has no signs of dying out soon. Thanks to its young fans, anything Korean that comes our way becomes very popular— from pop stars to drama series to food. Filipino fanatics are ready to devour every bit Korean pop culture has to offer.

So, why not become a Pinoy K-Pop Star?

Confused? Well, the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in the Philippines is inviting singers and cover dance groups passionate on Korean music to join the preliminary online auditions for 2015 Pinoy K-Pop Star. The cultural organization knows how popular K-Pop here is and wants to further promote Korea’s culture by harnessing Filipino talents.

Last year, Jean Kylie Manguera, performing arts major from the Centro Escolar University, won the Philippine leg with her rendi- tion of “Ice Flower,” originally sung by Ailee. A cover dance crew of popular K-pop idol group BTS, Se-Eon, danced their way to success with their BTS remix. Se-Eon then represented the Philippines in the global stage for the promotional event of 2014 Incheon Asian Games.

Interested applicants need to upload their audition videos in YouTube and send it to Korean Cultural Center on or before July 31. Participants for the cover dance competition should register at 2015 KPOP Festival’s official website to link their audition videos. Applicants will be judged by professional judges in Korea, and according to the number of views and likes of their uploaded cover dance video.

Grand finalists will be announced on Aug. 5. The 2015 Pinoy K-Pop Star grand finals will be held on Aug. 15, at SM Mall of Asia Center Stage. The winner for the cover dance category will represent the Philippines in the 2015 K-Pop Festival in Korea. The grand prize winner for the singing competition will represent the Philippines in the online Regional Finals for the 2015 K-POP World Festival. www. koreanculture.ph; kccphevents@ gmail.com.