Latest news with #Korea360
Gulf News
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf News
Gaho in Dubai: Exclusive interview reveals insights on music, fans and future
Dubai: The growing wave of k-pop's popularity in the Middle East continues to create exciting opportunities for artists and fans. And the most recent event, the opening of Korea 360, saw Gaho perform for the first time ever, for his fans in Dubai on April 11, at Grand Hyatt Dubai. From powerful Original Soundtracks (OSTs) to some very energetic solo tracks, the Korean artist performed a number of his hits which had fans on their feet. The 27-year-old artist performed hits like Start Over an OST from the popular drama Itaewon Class, and more, including a cover of the viral song, APT by Rose of Blackpink featuring Bruno Mars. In an exclusive interview with Gulf News, the singer spoke about his music making process, his connection with Dubai and his wish to come back to the emirate for his own solo concert. How is your first time in Dubai so far? It's my first time visiting Dubai in my life, and I'm really looking forward to performing for the fans here. I've always wanted to visit Dubai because my closest friend from school used to live here. So, I had only heard about Dubai through him and not that I'm actually here to perform, it feels quite new and exciting. How does your song writing process go? I really love watching movies, appreciating art, and indulging in visual storytelling like novels, and I guess that has led me to enjoy imagining things. And I tend to write many of my songs from that world of imagination. I spend a lot of time alone, taking walks by myself, practicing singing and it is in those solitary moments when a lot of my music comes to life. What's the biggest lesson you learned since stepping out as a solo artist? I've been working as a solo artist for seven years now, since my debut, and there are some fun aspects to it. One of the benefits is that it's simple – you just have to rely on yourself. As long as I write good songs and do well on my own, everything goes smoothly. Traveling is easier with the staff too. But when I see artists in groups, I do feel a bit envious – it looks fun. Whether in k-pop or beyond it, who inspires you? Since I really enjoy grand, powerful songs, I try to bring explosive energy to my performances. I've heard other singers say they're inspired by my vocal power, which I really appreciate. Personally, I think I get a lot of inspiration from band rock performances. I especially love the rock band Imagine Dragons. Their sound is so massive, and their vocals are beastly and powerful. I think I've been greatly influenced by that, and I try to infuse that kind of energy into my own music.
FACT
09-04-2025
- Entertainment
- FACT
K-pop sensations CIX and Chen will perform in Dubai
The concert marks the opening of Korean 360 at Dubai Festival City Mall. Korean culture is making waves in the Middle East. Now, K-pop sensations CIX and Chen will be coming to Dubai. The pair will perform in the city for the opening of Korea 360, which celebrates South Korean culture. In 2022, the world welcomed the first Korea 360, which was located in Jakarta, Indonesia. Situated on the first floor of Dubai Festival City Mall, Korea 360 was previously used to celebrate Korea Season. On 11 April, it will be open as a permanent venue, and throughout the year, there will be events from entertainment to exhibitions. On the opening day, there will be an artist networking event, hanbok experience and keyring making. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Korea Creative Content Agency have worked together on the initiative. Korea 360 also offers a range of products from South Korea. The items span beauty, food and lifestyle. Look out for meet and greets with celebrities, and workshops that allow you to immerse yourself into the culture. CIX is a South Korean boyband, which was formed by C9 Entertainment. The members include BX, Seunghun, Yonghee, and Hyunsuk. In 2019, they released their first album Hello Chapter One: Hello, Stranger. The group's singles include Drown in Luv, Jungle and Movie Star. Chen is a South Korean singer, and was previously in the group Exo. In 2019, he started his solo career, and released the album, April, and a Flower. His songs include Beautiful Goodbye and Shall We. If you're after cool concerts, there are big stars coming to the UAE. Other concerts include ANTS at the Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience on 12 April, Usher at Etihad Park on 19 April, PARTYNEXTDOOR at Yas Bay on 26 April, and Kygo at Coca-Cola Arena on 30 May. Check in with FACT for the best things to do in Dubai. GO: Follow @korea360uae on Instagram for more information.
The National
04-04-2025
- Business
- The National
Korea 360 at Dubai Festival City Mall
This is the second Korea 360 to open after one opened in Jakarta, Indonesia in 2022
