A new exhibition at Mall of the Emirates is allowing visitors to immerse themselves in South Korean culture, in the heart of Dubai.
Korea: Cubically Imagined is a collaborative event between the Korea Creative Content Agency and the Korean Cultural Centre in the UAE, which is taking place until November 30 at the mall's Art Centre.
The free exhibition comprises 20 types of content, including a stage experience of BTS's Permission to Dance on Stage — Las Vegas and a VR screening of scenes from Parasite, the acclaimed Korean film that won four Oscars, including Best Picture, in 2020.
The event also features a variety of striking digital art installations that bring to life the busy and dynamic corners of Seoul, including a nine-metre-high waterfall in motion and Mount Geumgang, one of Korea's most beloved scenic spots.
“The exhibition is one of a kind,” said Jasper, from Dubai-based K-pop dance group The Pixies, at the opening on Wednesday. The group performed to five songs including Blackpink's Shut Down and Hype boy by NewJeans.
“The highlight of the night for us was watching the BTS concert on screen while waving our light-sticks and singing our favourite songs with them," he added.
“We were super excited. It's always an honour to perform and represent the K-pop dance community here in the UAE as well as spreading our love and passion for Korean culture and K-pop."
In the UAE, the Hallyu wave, a term to describe the global craze for Korean culture, has grown significantly over the past few years, said Jasper.
"With many Korean and K-pop conventions, concerts and exhibitions taking place yearly, they have introduced not only the growing and energetic world of K-pop but also the beauty of the Korean culture to many people leaving them interested to learn and explore more.”
Free, until November 30, Art Centre, Mall of the Emirates, www.malloftheemirates.com
Scroll through the gallery below to see the BTS pop-up shop that recently came to Dubai
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Fans of record-breaking K-pop group BTS queued up at the opening of the official BTS Pop-Up: Space of BTS shop in BurJuman mall in Dubai. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National -
The shop, dedicated to all things BTS, is brought to the UAE by Hybe, the septet's record label. -
Inside, fans will be able to buy official merchandise inspired by BTS songs over the years. -
There are also products from TinyTan, animated characters inspired by BTS members. -
Figurines from the TineTan collection. -
Shop assistants, dressed in purple, the official colour of BTS, help customers. -
The pop-up shop will remain open until December 8. -
Inside the shop, fans have their pick of everything BTS, from branded T-shirts to hoodies, bags and sweat pants. -
TinyTan characters at the shop. -
BTS accessories at the shop. -
BTS Pop-Up: Space of BTS is located on Level 1 of BurJuman Mall in Dubai. -
A shop assistant at the pop-up. -
BTS Pop-Up: Space of BTS has been a huge success in other parts of the world, spawning long queues of fans who proudly call themselves the Army. The Dubai shop is the first time the pop-up has come to the Middle East.
