Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending the second annual Kpop Wave Festival, hosted by the Orlando Korea Culture Center (OKCC). This vibrant festival focused solely on K-pop, bringing together fans, artists, vendors, and performers from all around. Representing Korean Babes Tee as a vendor, the event was both a professional and personal highlight, and I’m already looking forward to next year’s celebration!
The Kpop Wave Festival felt alive with energy from the moment you walked in. As expected from an OKCC event, the organization and enthusiasm behind the scenes truly shone, creating a welcoming and immersive space for everyone to enjoy Korean culture.
One of the biggest highlights of the festival for me was the Asian street food market. Vendors served popular Korean dishes like tteokbokki, kimchi, bulgogi and Korean BBQ, along with a variety of other Asian-inspired snacks and treats. The aroma was absolutely irresistible! Watching everyone enjoy the flavors of Korea alongside me made the experience even more memorable.
This year’s lineup of K-pop and Korean-themed vendors was impressive, and my mom and I were proud to be part of it. From official albums to inspired gifts, it was a paradise for fans looking to expand their collections. Korean Babes Tee received an amazing response, especially for our exclusive merchandise of inspired t-shirts, notebooks, keychains, K-pop albums, K-drama OSTs, and our first interactive photo area featuring the one and only Sunjae from Lovely Runner. Meeting other fans, sharing stories, and bonding over our favorite groups was a highlight of the day’s enjoyment.
The festival also held an exciting K-pop contest and cover dance performances that kept the crowd energized. Watching talented dancers and performers cover popular K-pop hits was inspiring. The level of passion and dedication these groups and solo artists put into their performances made it clear how much K-pop means to them and the community. I found myself cheering them on, feeling the excitement spread through the crowd.
Each year, OKCC creates a unique and engaging experience that brings K-pop and Korean culture closer to our community. The Kpop Wave Festival was a true success, and it’s only growing bigger and better each year. I’m already looking forward to returning next year to celebrate, connect, and share in the love for K-pop!
The Kpop Wave Festival is more than just an event – it’s a celebration of music, food, dance, and cultural exchange. Thank you to OKCC for organizing another fantastic festival. If you missed it, be sure to mark your calendar for their upcoming Orlando Korea Festival, held every year—it’s an experience every fan should have at least once! See you again on December 7, 2024.
