First Lady Kim Hye-kyung Visits 'K-Dream Stage' in New Delhi, India: "Culture Has the Power to Connect People Across Borders"

First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, who is on a state visit to India with President Lee Jae-myung, attended the 'K-Dream Stage: All India K-Pop Grand Championship 2026' held at the Yashobhoomi Convention Center in New Delhi on April 20 (local time).

Kim Hye-kyung raised her hand to greet while delivering a congratulatory speech at the K-Dream Stage held on the 20th (local time) at Yashobhoomi Convention Center in New Delhi, India. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

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According to Deputy Spokesperson Ahn Gwi-ryeong of the Presidential Office, this event was organized to encourage the youth leading K-pop culture in India and to further strengthen cultural ties between the two countries.

The Korean Cultural Centre India has been holding annual K-pop competitions since 2011. This year's event took the form of a 'champion of champions' contest, with three teams each from the vocal and dance categories-selected from winners over the past five years-competing in the finals. The venue, which seats 3,000 people, was filled with local youth and K-pop fans.

Indian actor Anupam Tripathi, well known for his role in the Netflix drama 'Squid Game', hosted the event and introduced First Lady Kim to the audience, prompting loud cheers and applause. Kim Hye-kyung responded to the warm welcome by waving her hand.

In her greeting, Kim Hye-kyung expressed, "I am delighted to join the K-Dream Stage, which connects Korea and India," and added, "I have seen data showing that fondness for Korean culture is very high in India, and being here in person, I can feel the passion and enthusiasm even more vividly." According to the '2026 Overseas Hallyu Survey', among 30 surveyed countries, India ranked second after the Philippines in terms of favorability toward Korean culture. In India, Korean culture has grown beyond a simple trend and is expanding as a lifestyle.

She continued, "Culture has the power to connect people across borders," and said, "I hope today's event will serve as an opportunity for everyone to deepen mutual understanding and empathy for each other's cultures, and to further expand exchanges between our two countries."

Each time a contestant took the stage, the venue was filled with cheers and applause. In the vocal category, Korean songs such as Ailee's 'Evening Sky', Shannon's 'Early Rain', and IU's 'Good Day' were performed. As the participants delivered their performances with precise pronunciation and deep emotion, Kim Hye-kyung expressed both surprise and joy.

Kim Hye-kyung also asked if there were any difficulties in learning Korean in India. Harsha Das, spouse of the Indian Ambassador to Korea, who was seated next to her, explained that many people naturally encounter and learn Korean through dramas and films.

In the dance category, dynamic performances were staged to songs such as 'WA DA DA' by Kep1er, 'Armageddon' by aespa, and 'Fame' by RIIZE. Kim Hye-kyung also clapped along with the rhythm, cheering on the participants.

President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, who are on a state visit to India, made hand hearts with attendees during the K-Dream Stage performance held on the 20th (local time) at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in New Delhi. Photo by Yonhap News

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There were also celebratory performances. The K-pop girl group X:IN, which includes Indian member Aria, the K-pop boy group YOUNITE, and popular Indian singer Dhvani Bhanushali all took the stage to enthusiastic responses from the audience, showcasing the harmony of both countries' cultures. The judging panel included Park Jin-young, Co-Chair of the Korean Popular Culture Exchange Committee, Lee Woo-chang, Head of HYBE India, and dancer Lip J.

The judges said they were deeply impressed by the participants' passion and skills, noting that the effort and sincerity built up through practice were clearly evident. They also stated that the potential displayed on stage was limitless and encouraged the participants in their future endeavors.

The winning teams in both the vocal and dance categories each received prize money and round-trip tickets to Korea, while the teams that placed second and third received prize money. Kim Hye-kyung shared, "There was a time when I nurtured my dreams in an arts school," and added, "I wondered what it might have been like if I were just a bit younger." She warmly encouraged those who missed out on the top prize, saying, "Regardless of the rankings, you are all already winners."

She further stated, "Thank you sincerely for your love of K-pop. I hope that cultural exchanges like today's event will continue, so that our two countries can move forward together-not only as friends but also for world peace."

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