Miri’s all-girl group wins JCI Damai’s K-Pop dance contest

KUCHING (Sept 4): Lunaire from Miri emerged champion of the ‘Be a Star K-Pop Dance Concert Competition 2024’, held at the Satok Ballroom of Hikmah Exchange Event Centre here, last Sunday.

The four-girl dance group dazzled judges with their captivating performance of Aespa’s ‘Drama’, earning them the grand prize of RM3,000.

Majority Crew from Kuching and Max Imperium from Kalimantan, Indonesia, secured the respective second and third places, pocketing RM1,500 and RM1,000, respectively.

There were other awards up for grabs, namely one for ‘Best Costume’ which was clinched by Marshmallow from Miri, earning them RM500; and the ‘Popular Award’, which got Justeen from Kuching a trophy.

Now in its third edition, the dance competition was organised by Junior Chamber International (JCI) Damai.

This year’s event gathered 30 groups, comprising some 200 dancers from Indonesia, Peninsular Malaysia, Miri, Sibu, Bintulu, and Kuching.

The competition meant to showcase the talent and passion for K-pop culture among the youths, both locally and internationally.

The contestants were evaluated by an international panel of judges, including South Korea’s Yeojin, Thailand’s Ritthithep Saisuwan, and Indonesia’s Natya Shina.

The event also featured merchandise booths and food stalls, creating a lively, carnival-like atmosphere.

In his speech, Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang commended the organiser for holding a competition celebrating the unity, creativity and passion represented by K-pop.

“This event is a testament to the power of music and dance to bring people together, transcending borders, race, religion, and languages, to create shared experiences,” he said.

Lo also extended a warm welcome to participants, including those from across the region, commending their dedication and hard work in embracing the essence of K-pop – ‘its energy, its grace, and its ability to inspire’.

Lo also encouraged the young performers to continue pursuing their dreams with passion and determination.