Watch William Waiirua meets K-pop stars. (Published March 2023) Credits: Video – AM, Image – Supplied
New Zealand fans of K-Pop will get a second music festival in Auckland just months after thousands attended a free event in the city.
The K-Wave Festival will take place at the Trusts Arena on November 10.
Acts announced in the line-up include multi-award-winning female R&B solo artist LeeHi; indie artist 10CM; Korean-Australian independent hip-hop artist JEY; three-girl pop group Odd Eye Circle; and top-ranking KARD, who has been described by Billboard as “one of the most successful co-ed K-pop acts to ever exist”.
K-Wave founder Gio Jin said in a statement that K-Pop is breaking through to New Zealand audiences.
“From the events held earlier this year at the CBD Auckland, we’ve learned that there is high demand in New Zealand wanting to have K-pop artists coming here.
“We believe that the influence of Korean culture has a significant presence in the daily lives of local New Zealanders. Through K-Wave, we want to showcase this influence in New Zealand, positioning Korean culture, particularly K-pop, as a mainstream cultural force.”
Jin said he hoped the concert would become an annual event.
Tickets are available on the K-Wave website.
