• The Wind perform at The Korea Spotlight – K-Pop Concert at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
    The Wind perform at The Korea Spotlight – K-Pop Concert at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
  • Hwasa performs her new song Chili for the first time on an international stage
    Hwasa performs her new song Chili for the first time on an international stage
  • K-pop fans in the crowd at Coca-Cola Arena
    K-pop fans in the crowd at Coca-Cola Arena
  • Singer YooA performs on stage
    Singer YooA performs on stage
  • Members of boyband The Wind perform in front of fans
    Members of boyband The Wind perform in front of fans
  • Singer Chanyeol performs solo
    Singer Chanyeol performs solo
  • A fan takes an up-close photo of Chanyeol while he performs
    A fan takes an up-close photo of Chanyeol while he performs
  • Girl group Adya take to the stage
    Girl group Adya take to the stage
  • Fans made signs for the concert
    Fans made signs for the concert
  • As did many others
    As did many others
  • Members of Highlight perform on stage
    Members of Highlight perform on stage
  • YooA, one of the emcees of the night
    YooA, one of the emcees of the night
  • The concert concluded the eight-day K-Content Expo, dedicated to all aspects of Korean culture
    The concert concluded the eight-day K-Content Expo, dedicated to all aspects of Korean culture
  • The event was organised by the Korea Creative Content Agency in partnership with the Department of Economic Development and Tourism in Dubai
    The event was organised by the Korea Creative Content Agency in partnership with the Department of Economic Development and Tourism in Dubai
  • Fans light up the arena with their smartphones during a performance
    Fans light up the arena with their smartphones during a performance
  • MCND on stage
    MCND on stage

Hwasa, Chanyeol and Highlight take to Dubai stage for K-pop celebration


Thoraya Abdullahi
  • English
  • Arabic

Hwasa performed her new song Chili for fans in Dubai – the first time she has played it on an international stage.

The K-pop star joined other veterans of the genre at Coca-Cola Arena on Friday, including Exo's Chanyeol and boyband Highlight.

The free-to-attend Korea Spotlight – K-Pop Concert brought to close an eight-day celebration, known as the K-Content Expo, dedicated to all aspects of Korean culture in the city. It was organised by the Korea Creative Content Agency in partnership with the Department of Economic Development and Tourism.

Singer YooA, alongside co-host Gikwang from Highlight, charmed the audience as emcees. They introduced a whirlwind of acts such as MCND, The Wind and ADYA, all of whom showed off their slick vocals and synchronised dancing.

"Are you guys enjoying?" YooA asked during a series of solo performances, including her debut song Bon Voyage.

At times, she appeared overwhelmed with joy as she thanked fans for the warm reception and promised to return as a visitor.

“It’s been a long time since my last solo. I was very nervous but you guys have enjoyed it so much so I am so happy," she said. "I hope to show you more performances as a solo artist. I want to thank you for your support for my first concert here."

Chanyeol also hinted at further solo performances and a possible Exo gathering.

“My first time to perform in Dubai as a solo, I am very nervous,” he said.

He previously visited the city with his band Exo, including in 2018 to watch their song being played at the Dubai Fountain.

Meanwhile, Hwasa also engaged with the crowd, telling them she had the "perfect song" in mind for the event.

“When I came to Dubai, I thought what the perfect song for this fabulous audience would be?” Hwasa asked the crowd before breaking into her latest single I Love My Body. The song is an empowering anthem that celebrates self-love, confidence and body positivity.

As the evening concluded, Highlight members summed it best by calling it an "unforgettable, beautiful night".

Updated: November 11, 2023, 7:44 AM