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By Kim Eun-jung

NEW DELHI, April 20 (Yonhap) -- First lady Kim Hea Kyung attended a K-pop contest in India on Monday, expressing hope for stronger people-to-people ties through cultural exchange, the presidential office said.

Kim joined the "K-Dream Stage: All India K-Pop Grand Championship," an annual contest hosted by the Korean Cultural Center, as a guest, while accompanying President Lee Jae Myung on his state visit to India.

First lady Kim Hea Kyung (8th from R, back row) and Park Jin-young (6th from R, back row), co-chair of the Presidential Committee on Popular Culture Exchange, along with winners of "K-Dream Stage" pose for a photo after a K-pop contest at Yashobhoomi Convention Center in New Delhi, India, on April 20, 2026. (Yonhap)

She noted that the event highlighted the growing popularity of Korean culture in India and expressed hope that the contestants would serve as a bridge between the two nations.

"I firmly believe that all of you here will become leading figures in shaping a new global wave of popular culture, including in India and Korea," she said in an address.

First lady Kim Hea Kyung speaks during a K-pop contest held at Yashobhoomi Convention Center in New Delhi, India, on April 20, 2026. (Yonhap)

The event featured K-pop dance and singing competitions as well as performances by invited artists. Park Jin-young, founder of K-pop powerhouse JYP Entertainment and co-chair of the Presidential Committee on Popular Culture Exchange, joined the event.

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

ejkim@yna.co.kr
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