The summer heat wave in Dimapur took a back seat as K-pop wave hit Nagaland a second time. This time, it was Jang Hanbyul, an Australian born Korean international pop sensation.
Despite a known fan base here, turn out to Hanbyul’s highly anticipated fan meet-cum-mini concert at the IMC Hall, Dimapur on Saturday was rather subdued.
Yes, it was a small crowd, yet for those who turned up, it was a show of a lifetime.
Performing to a select audience of excited young fans who sang along to some of his popular hits, Hanbyul also surprised the fans with a cover of a Hindi song ‘Raabta’ from the film - Kehte Hain Khuda.
The self confessed “shy” Hanbyul while interacting with the crowds said he doesn’t like to google his name. While Hanbyul has a big female fan following, he said he cannot really see himself as being good looking, or for that matter, “photogenic.”
To a question of whether he would ever date a fan, Hanbyul responded “definitely” with a grin. He added, “If you love someone, I think it doesn’t matter at all.”
Hanbyul’s Ideal girl “is someone who can cook, someone who is very generous and humble.” It’s very hard to find someone like that these days, the 29 year old singer said.
To the question of a fashion item he would never wear, he said beanies were a no-no. “I just don’t look great on it,” Hanbyul said.
Much to the delight of the fans, the pop sensation said he would love to visit Nagaland again.
The fans also got to play exciting games with Hanbyul on stage. The winners received gift hampers from Pinkbox and Sappho.
At the event, the youngest fan, five year old Jettina Jamir was spotted. Accompanied by her mother, an ardent K-pop fan Jettina disclosed that she would like to visit Korea one day when she becomes an officer. “J Hope from BTS is my favorite artiste,” she added.
Another huge fan was Jennifer, a journalist from Mumbai. Musik-A hosted the young journo who said she was here without informing her boss.
Chingshaw and Atili were the hosts for the evening. The opening act was performed by Asen Pongener, Litsala Mongzar, The Mystiques, Unnamed and Asen Imchener.
Alobo Naga of Musik-A events thanked the fans for their support and said he looked forward to more love and positivity in the near future.
Encouraging the audience not to be discouraged by naysayers, Alobo said embracing new culture doesn’t mean forsaking one’s own culture. “This is a beautiful start to new beginnings,” Alobo added.
(Morung Express News)