Young Vietnamese singer wins K-Pop Contest in Hanoi

Nguyen Ngọc Anh (centre), 17, from Hanoi, received the top prize at the K-Pop Contest 2019. (Photo courtesy of VOV)

“At first, I wasn't confident because other competitors are very good, but when standing on the stage, I just sang my best,” Anh said.

The final round and awards ceremony took place on January 13 in Hanoi. Anh received a cash prize of 50 million VND (2,500 USD) and a chance to be trained and perform in the Republic of Korea (RoK), provided by co-organiser of the contest, Sublime Entertainment Concert Company.

The contest celebrates the 27th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the RoK, as well as the first anniversary of the launch of VOV5, a Korean channel.

Addressing the awards ceremony, VOV General Director Nguyen The Ky said the event is a bridge strengthening ties between the two nations.

“The contest aims to discover and nurture new talents for the Vietnamese music industry, and as the entrants sing in Korean, they will help enhance mutual understanding and cultural exchange between the two countries,” Ky said.

The contest received 400 entries, including from ethnic minority people and Vietnamese overseas.

The jury included musician Xuan Thuy, composer Luu Thien Huong, singer Dinh Manh Ninh, PhD of music Kim Yoon-ji, and singer Lee Jung-han.

The event’s final night comprised nine performances by individuals and groups from across the country.

It opened with a joint performance by Nguyen Cong Hieu and Duong Ngoc Chi. They enchanted audiences with two Korean hits Eyes Nose Lips and Now.

The competition’s youngest contestant Nguyen Hoang Chi Bach performed the rap song Fire. The 10-year-old won the People’s Choice award.

Famous boyband Alphabat performed three songs New World, Blocks and Baby. The performance marked the first time they have come to Vietnam. They noted their positive experience and desire to return to the country.