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Star-studded Line Up for Korea Travel Fest 2023 Happening on 28 and 29 October

Wednesday, October 04, 2023

South Korea, affectionately once known as the “Land of the Morning Calm,” has captured the hearts, minds, souls and taste buds of millions of people of all ages around the world. In this regard, the Korea Travel Fest 2023, set to take place on 28 and 29 October at the KLCC Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur, is poised to be the ultimate celebration of all things Korean! Hosted by the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism; together with the Korea Tourism Organization and with the support of the Embassy of Republic of Korea in Malaysia this travel festival will fete Malaysians with just about anything and everything related to South Korean culture, in conjunction with the Visit Korea Year 2023 and 2024.

The Korea Travel Fest promises to be an extraordinary extravaganza, and is expected to draw over 20,000 enthusiastic visitors, all eager to dive headfirst into the world of South Korean entertainment, culture, and travel. And with entertainment being one of South Korea’s biggest gifts to the world, among the highlights of the two-day program is a captivating offering like no other on both days!

Day 1 (28 October): A Melodic Journey Through K-Drama OSTs

The first day of the festival is set to be an enchanting and soul-stirring experience, featuring a heartwarming concert. With a lineup of talented South Korean artists, this showcase will take fans on a captivating journey through unforgettable Original Soundtrack (OST) hits from some of the most beloved K-dramas to have graced our screens and touched our hearts. Against a captivating backdrop and vibrant scenery, this showcase will take audiences on a journey that captures the essence of music and drama.

Among the performers is Soyou, who will take the stage with her soulful renditions of OST songs from popular K-dramas such as "Goblin", "When The Camellia Blooms", and "Love in the Moonlight." The talented Kassy, on the other hand, will perform OST hits from "Fight for My Way", "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha", and "Alchemy of Souls". Meanwhile, Car, The Garden, another gifted artist, will weave his magic with OST songs from hit shows "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha", "Alchemy of Souls" and "Now, We Are Breaking Up", adding a unique touch to the musical tapestry. And finally, but not least, Vincent Blue is set to blow fans away with his mellifluous voice, serenading fans with OST songs from "She Was Pretty," “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo" and "Crash Course in Romance".

Day 2 (29 October): An Evening with Kim Jaejoong

On the second day, the spotlight shines on South Korean singer, artist, songwriter - Kim Jaejoong. Known for his remarkable vocals and stage presence, Kim Jaejoong will not only deliver a captivating exclusive concert (among some other surprises!) but also engage with fans in a special session where he will share personal stories and answer their burning questions. From music and fashion to cuisine and travel – Korea Travel Fest has everything! Make no mistake, however - the Korea Travel Fest is not just about music. Rather, over the entire span of both days, it will represent a kaleidoscope of experiences that will leave you wanting more.

For instance – for those who have been wanting to visit South Korea – the Korea Travel Fest is the best place to be as it will feature travel insights through a plethora of activities including a K-Travel Zone. Besides availing themselves to online travel promotions, attendees will also have the opportunity to explore travel information booths, offering insights from participating regional tourism organizations and partners, including:

Busan Tourism Organization
Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
Gwangju Tourism Organization
Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
Jeju Tourism Organization Jeonbuk Culture & tourism foundation
Visit Korea Committee
Gwangmyeong Cave
AirAsia X
Batik Air
Klook
Korean Air (Online Promotion)
ShopBack

Meanwhile, a host of other activities and fun times await visitors.

K-Beauty Zone

Dive into the world of Korean beauty and wellness concepts with representatives from partners such as Watsons Malaysia, the leading health and beauty retailer inspiring everyone to enjoy life to the fullest, setting new standards in the health, wellness, and beauty market. Watsons will be featuring exclusive beauty brands COSRX and AXIS-Y at the Korea Travel Fest.

K-Content Zone

Winter enthusiasts can also enjoy a VR Zone showcase featuring winter skiing, while those seeking to experience South Korean tradition can try on the elegant Korean Traditional Costume and Korean Calligraphy. Visitors can also indulge in the latest K-media content, immerse yourself in the K-pop Dance Zone, and strike a pose at the photo booths featuring Kingdom Friends and Cheongwadae Concepts.

K-Food Zone

Savour Korean cuisine from South Korean convenience store brand, emart24; and consumer products distributor, KMT. emart24, South Korea's fastest-growing convenience store, has captured Malaysian hearts since June 2021. Experience modern ambiance, fresh Korean food, and drinks, encouraging visitors to meet and hangout at their booth, much like their neighbourhoods in South Korea.

KMT, having been in the market since 1994, offers a premium Korean food market called K PLUS Food Market. Explore a wide range of Korean products and food, connecting Malaysia and Korea through culture and cuisine.

Stand a chance to win a General Pass to the K-Culture Concert and a Korean Air Flight Ticket!

Visitors who have successfully completed their Journey Card will not only get a shot at winning a General Pass to the highly anticipated K-Culture Concert but also a Korean Air Flight Ticket! To learn more about how to enter and increase your chances of winning, be sure to follow KTO Malaysia's social media pages for additional details.

How to win the Prizes?

Engagement with Media Partners

Also on hand will be Media Partners of the Korea Travel Fest, including Astro – Malaysia’s leading content and entertainment company; and KBS World, the TV channel showcasing a rich array of Korean dramas and entertainment programs to audiences in approximately 146 countries globally, including Malaysia. These media partners will also engage visitors with an array of activities and goodies for attendees.

All this and so much more!

To celebrate Korea and Malaysia’s joint rich heritage, Korea Travel Fest will also showcase the multicultural performances between Malaysia and Korea. So be sure not to miss out! As the excitement builds leading up to the Korea Travel Fest, mark your calendars for 28 and 29 October. With such a diverse array of experiences, the Korea Travel Fest is simply a celebration of all things Korean, offering something for everyone.

Dedicated to further elevate South Korea as the most sought-after MICE destination, Korea Travel Fest will conclude with an exclusive B2B event and business network session on 30th October. The prestigious event serves as a gateway to provide latest information on the thriving MICE destinations in Korea through an enthusiastic team of professionals from regional MICE bureaus and various Korean service providers.

To find more information about the Korea Travel Fest, you may visit the KoreaTravelFest2023.com.

EPIK HIGH

Beats, Rhymes, and Euphoria: EPIK-HIGH Ignites the Stage in Singapore

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Southeast Asian fans of the legendary South Korean hip-hop group, EPIK HIGH, marked 23 September 2023 on their calendars with eager anticipation. The reason? The highly awaited return of EPIK HIGH to Singapore and the one-and-only Southeast Asia stop of their Asia tour, named “EPIK HIGH All Time High In Singapore”. The concert took place at the Pasir Panjang Power Station, providing an evening of incomparable musical enchantment destined to remain in fans' hearts forever.

Before the concert began, the audience exuded an enthusiastic yet composed ambiance, engaging in quiet conversations among their own groups or fostering new friendships, all connected by their collective admiration for the band. The setlist contains hits from their early albums to selections from their most recent EP, “Strawberry”, in which the evening's concert kicked off, setting the stage for a 21-song, 90-minute of joy filled with pure exhilaration and relentless energy.

“It’s good to be back (to Singapore) and we miss you very much,” Tablo expressed during the Singapore stop of their All Time High concert. “I am here to do one thing,” Tablo asserted. “To make you forget all the problems that exist right outside that door, everything that has been troubling you until about 5 minutes ago, I am here to make you forget, and enjoy, and smile, and love, and dream, and hope!” After the short introduction and greeting ment, the show was hyped with “Map The Soul” and “Eternal Sunshine”, to which energetic fans jumped and danced.

Some other classic hits that followed include “Rosario”, “Burj Khalifa”, and “NO THANXXX”. EPIK HIGH also shared that the venue was atypical compared to their usual concert locations (which often involved performing in carpeted halls and theaters). In those settings, they were usually requested to tone down their energy - splashing the crowd with water.

However, in Singapore, as revealed by Tablo himself, the local staff encouraged them to unleash as much water as they wished. “As EPIK HIGH is made up of 3 boys who listened to what they were told to”, Tablo humorously added. The trio benevolently sprayed water into the standing audiences, uncapping one bottle after another or spraying a few bottles at the same time as they delivered their fiery rap verses.

The mood was softer during “All Day”, “Eyes Nose Lips” and “Rain Song”, however, the trio remained undeterred, continuing to soak the first several rows with water and reigniting the intensity of the performance with “Fan” and “One”. Whether it was their older hits or more recent hits, EPIK HIGH maintained an electrifying atmosphere at Pasir Panjang Power Station.

The time passed in a blink of an eye, and it took everyone by surprise when they announced the last few songs of the night. The audience eagerly unleashed their inner pop-punk energy on tracks like “Born Hater” and “Don't Hate Me.”

Halfway through “Born Hater”, Tablo halted the song and specifically called out two gentlemen in the front row of the audience, commenting that despite the two gentlemen's apparent calmness throughout the past hour, they displayed an impressive sense of timing, knowing precisely when and what to shout out for. Yes, you guessed that right, it was the part with explicit languages.

As the concert neared its conclusion, fans illuminated the venue with their mobile phones’ flash light, creating a sea of light for the group photo session. Every aspect of last Saturday’s EPIK HIGH performance in Singapore was truly remarkable. From the music to the overall vibe and atmosphere, the group delivered an unforgettable experience, leaving nothing behind but lasting memories.

“EPIK HIGH All Time High Tour Singapore” was more than just a concert; it was a reunion of artists and their devoted supporters, a testament to the enduring power of music to unite people, and a night that will forever be carved in the memories of those fortunate enough to attend.

Article written by Jessica Lee

Photo credit to CK Start Entertainment

eventcoverage

P1Harmony creates P1eces of Memories in Singapore

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Among the many forms of musical expression, there's nothing quite like the magic of a live concert. Singapore P1eces were in for a treat as the kpop boy band, P1Harmony descended upon the Lion City for the very first time since debut for a concert.

On 17 September 2023, P1Harmony brought their unique brand of music, energy, and charisma to Singapore. The concert took place at The Theatre at Mediacorp. When the lights dimmed, and the group emerged onto the stage, the concert kicked off in style with “Look At Me Now”, an electrifying opening, setting an exhilarating tone for the night ahead. The momentum surged with the band versions of “Back Down” and “Scared”.

Following their mesmerizing opening stage that left the audience in awe, the first speaking ment had finally arrived. The members took turns introducing themselves, and after that the concert transitioned into a more mellow mood with the performance of “Me Too”. However, they quickly shifted gears to showcase their charisma with back-to-back hits, including “That’s It”, “End It” and “Black Hole”, igniting the venue with their musical prowess and stage presence.

As the group dynamic momentarily takes a step back, the concert segue into a more soothing and tranquil mood as Theo took over the stage with his solo performance, “21” by Dean, commanding the rainbow spotlight and the undivided attention of the crowd. Followed by Soul’s solo stage, where he showed off his vocal skill through Jung Joon Il’s “Hug Me”. The concert continued as Keeho took the spotlight with Beyonce’s “Deja Vu”.

More than just solo stages, the members also treated P1eces with duo and trio performances. Next up was Jiung, who performed “Love Never Felt So Good” by Micheal Jackson and was joined by Keeho and Soul later. Subsequent to this was duo stage by Intak and Jongseob, a rapping unit delivering their original piece “Bow Wow”.

The concert continued with “Secret Sauce” and “Follow Me”. During the second half of “Follow Me”, the members requested the crowd at the lower stalls seating zone to stand and jump together. When the confetti burst from the stage, the energy in the venue reached its peak, with fans singing along and waving light sticks in unison.

During the ment segment, Keeho, whose birthday falls in September, made a special request for the other members to sing a birthday song for him. In a heartwarming gesture, the members sang not only for Keeho but also for all the other September babies in the audience. The performance featured some spontaneous rap by the other members, to which Keeho commented, “It was so shiok!”

As the night continued, the songs gradually shifted to a livelier and cheerful tone. During the rendition of “Gotta Get Back”, the boys paired up and took seats at the edge of the stage. Following this, they delivered a heartfelt performance of “Love Me For Me”, in which Jiung explained the song's theme of self-love and confidence. Afterward, they transitioned seamlessly into “Doom Du Doom”.

The venue's energy soared to new heights for the second time as they took the stage to perform “Jump”, the title track of their latest album. Following that, they treated the audience to “Do It Like This”, with Jiung taking a moment to teach the chant for his part. This not only elevated the atmosphere but also encouraged the audience to join in with their chants.

Afterward, the performers briefly retreated backstage, the anticipation in the crowd grew, and fervent chants for an encore filled the venue. Not too long after, the members made a return to the stage, this time donning casual black tops, ready to continue the performance. They kicked off the encore segment with “Breakthrough”, during which the boys engaged in interactions with P1eces from the stage while singing. This was closely followed by “Speaker”, a delightful piece that was written and composed by the members themselves.

During the final ment segment, the members shared their immense enjoyment of the concert, describing it as not just fun but also overwhelmed with the explosive energy by P1eces. The evening had etched unforgettable memories in their hearts, especially because it marked their first visit to Singapore as P1Harmony. As a heartwarming promise to their fans, they vowed to return to Singapore with new songs and new performances, all within a bigger venue. Jiung, with heartfelt sincerity, summed it up by saying, “P1Harmony truly shines the brightest when we are with P1ece”, acknowledging the unbreakable bond between the group and their dedicated fans.

The final segment of the show kicked off with a playful twist, aptly named “P1ayHarmony”. The members made a surprising entrance by strolling down the stage, warmly greeting P1eces while singing “Swagger”. The atmosphere brimmed with excitement as some lucky fans seized the opportunity to snap selfies with their beloved members. Adding to the joy, the members themselves joined in on the selfie fun, playfully accepting polaroid cameras from fans for impromptu snapshots. The two and a half hours spent with P1Harmony seemed to pass in the blink of an eye on last Sunday evening. As the night drew to a close, the members treated the audience with “One And Only” and “AYAYA”.

Before bidding their final farewell and departing from the stage, leader Keeho took the stage once more, expressing their collective hope that P1eces had truly enjoyed the concert. With gratitude, Keeho also extended their wishes for the concert to conclude on the highest of notes. It was a farewell that lingered in the hearts of P1eces, leaving them with cherished memories of an incredible night. Lastly, we would like to thank Live Nation for the invitation to this wonderful show!

written by: Jessica Lee

photo credit to: FNC Entertainment

2023 D&E WORLD TOUR FANCON – [DElight Party] in Kuala Lumpur

KL's Night of Laughter with Super Junior D&E at [DElight Party] Fancon

Thursday, September 14, 2023

The city was buzzing with excitement as ELF gathered at the Mega Star Arena for 2023 D&E WORLD TOUR FANCON – [DElight Party] in Kuala Lumpur. This night was nothing short of a spectacle as Donghae and Eunhyuk made their first appearance with their new titles as CEOs of their new company - ODE Entertainment, marking a new chapter in their careers.

The atmosphere was electric as fans eagerly awaited the performance. However, this fancon promised a unique twist compared to traditional concerts. In addition to their mesmerizing musical journey, D&E introduced an exciting game session, which allowed them to interact with their devoted fans on stage. The night kicked off with a bang as D&E opened with an explosive dance track trio: "Zero," "B.A.D," and "Danger." The audience was immediately captivated by their dynamic stage presence and impressive choreography.

D&E's witty banter and infectious humor were on full display during the ment session. A particularly amusing moment occurred when the duo noticed a fan leaving her seat to go to the restroom. Without missing a beat, Donghae and Eunhyuk playfully called out to her, "Don't move, don't leave!" Their natural ability to connect with fans on a personal level was evident throughout the evening.

When a woman trying to leave her seat and the duo trying to stop her 😂😂

Donghae: "Don't leave me" 😂😂#DElight_PartyinKL #DElight_Party #SuperJuniorDnEinKL pic.twitter.com/BHec511Frf
— GOKPOP (@goKPOP) September 9, 2023

One of the highlights of the night was the 99 relay games segment, which saw D&E's competitive spirit come to the forefront. Despite their best efforts, the duo hilariously failed to conquer the games, much to the amusement of the audience. Amidst all the laughter, D&E took the time to read and respond to notes from fans, including singing a heartfelt birthday song for ELF whose birthday fell on September 9. The heartfelt gestures continued as they congratulated a fan on her upcoming wedding by serenading her with "If You," leaving the audience in fits of joy.

As the night continued, D&E delivered some of their biggest hits, including "I Wanna Dance," "Oppa Oppa," and "Share My Love," keeping the energy levels soaring. However, the arena reached its peak excitement when the duo launched into a Super Junior medley featuring iconic tracks like "Mamacita," "Sorry Sorry," and "Bonamana." The crowd's cheers were deafening, and it was a testament to the enduring love for Super Junior.

As the evening neared its conclusion, D&E left fans with a promise of exciting projects to come, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating what the future held. The date of the concert held a delightful coincidence, as just one year prior in 2022, Super Junior had performed as a group for Super Show 9 on October 10th. This year, D&E returned on September 9th, creating a beautifully synchronous moment. They capped off the evening by promising to meet their fans once again on August 8th next year, a date that couldn't come soon enough for the fans.

The concert concluded on a high note, with fans cheering passionately for the duo. The 2023 D&E WORLD TOUR FANCON – [DElight Party] in Kuala Lumpur was an unforgettable night filled with music, laughter, and cherished memories. Donghae and Eunhyuk had truly delivered an extraordinary experience that left their fans with hearts full of gratitude and anticipation for the journey ahead.

BOL4

BOL4 creates a ‘Love Story’ with fans at Singapore Tour

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Photo by: CK Star Entertainment

South Korean soloist BOL4, also known as Bolbbalgan4, staged her Singapore leg of her Asia Tour on 10 September 2023 at The Theatre at Mediacorp.

Donning her blush-pink dress, the 28-year old musician made her entrance with ‘Love Story’, mesmerising fans with her unique and beautiful voice.

The concert was split into three segments, where BOL4 showcased the diverse genres of her discography.

Continuing the first part of the show, BOL4 followed up with ‘Tell Me You Love Me’, ‘Chase Love Hard’, ‘You(=I)’, ‘From the Beginning You and I’, and ‘Stars Over Me’.

The dedicated fans of BOL4, also known as LoBoly, chorused as they did the fan chants, while enthusiastically waving their lightsticks.

BOL4 was in also awe at how well fans in Singapore understood her in Korean and chimed that she finally realised why her friends love Singapore.

“This is my first time in Singapore and I really wanted to come here. My artistes friends seemed to have so much fun and happy in Singapore. Just after singing two songs I think I know why.”

The musician took special effort to pick up Singlish and tried her hand on some Singlish lines, entertaining fans with “Thank you Lah”.

BOL4 continued to sing like a lark, performing ‘Bom’, one of her many hit tracks that delivers the emotions of excitement and joy about spring.

To start off the second segment of the show, BOL4 appeared in the middle of her fans, serenading them with ‘When love becomes goodbye’ and ‘Mermaid’.

A lucky LoBoly even succeeded to hand BOL4 a rose, to which the singer revealed that it was her first time holding a flower while performing!

Closing the segment, BOL4 performed ‘Space’, where she belted out the high notes in her sentimental and emotional vocals.

A highlight of the concert was definitely the chemistry of BOL4 and her band members as they flawlessly accompanied her live vocals throughout the show.

To kick off the last segment of her show, BOL4 left fans on their feet, jumping along to ‘Rome’ and ‘Seattle Alone’—upbeat rock tunes.

BOL4 was a queen of fan service for the night— taking a step closer to LoBolys once again for the catchy ‘Travel’, ‘Some’ and ‘FRIEND THE END’.

Lastly, the encore was especially engaging as BOL4 spontaneously took song requests from the floor. ‘Butterfly Effect’, ‘Fix Me, ‘XX’ and ‘Hard to Love’ were requested from some LoBolys, who caught the singer’s attention by waving their flashlights.

The touching fan project left the musician in tears as she watched a fan-made video that documented her journey as a singer.

To return the love she received, BOL4 promised Singapore LoBolys that she will return to our sunny island one day!

The sweet singer also expressed her gratitude towards all staff, fans, band members and herself, for making this show in Singapore possible.

The concert was an impressive showcase of BOL4’s superb musicianship and generous fan service— a magical night for LoBoly.

We would like to extend our gratitude to CK Star Entertainment for the media invite!

Written by: Amanda

Photo by: CK Star Entertainment

Star-studded Line Up for Korea Travel Fest 2023 Happening on 28 and 29 October

Beats, Rhymes, and Euphoria: EPIK-HIGH Ignites the Stage in Singapore

P1Harmony creates P1eces of Memories in Singapore

KL's Night of Laughter with Super Junior D&E at [DElight Party] Fancon

BOL4 creates a ‘Love Story’ with fans at Singapore Tour

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