K-arnival brings a slice of Korea to Kochi

Kochi: Amid the growing influence of South Korean pop culture among Malayali youth, towering cut-outs of global K-pop icons like Jennie Ruby Jane and Jungkook welcomed visitors to St Teresa's College, Kochi, on Saturday, where a vibrant K-pop-themed cultural fest, K-arnival 2026, was held. Organized by Power Pack Solutions in association with the college, the event brought a slice of Korea to Kochi, drawing hundreds of youngsters —mostly teenagers—from across Kerala. The festival featured live performances of hit tracks by globally celebrated bands such as BTS and Blackpink, alongside Korean cuisine, themed games and immersive experience zones. Participants explored Korean calligraphy corners, a VR ‘walking street', which recreated Seoul's urban vibe, face-paint and nail art booths, music jam zones for fandoms, strip photo booths, and gaming sections inspired by iconic Korean games. Food stalls served authentic Korean dishes, further enhancing the cultural immersion. "The event primarily caters to teenagers who want to express their love for Korean culture. The vibrant colours and style influenced people beyond boundaries. It provides an opportunity for K-pop fans across Kerala to connect," said Akshwathy Thadathil Shiju, university union councillor of St Teresa's College. Mary Shalby, a Class IX student and ardent BTS fan, said K-pop has become immensely popular in schools. "We follow Korean bands on social media. I was excited to attend the concert where K-pop songs were performed," she said. A major highlight was the debut performance of KYNX, a student-led group which claims to be south India's first K-pop all-girl group. The group performed cover versions of songs by Blackpink, BTS and Stray Kids, earning loud cheers from the crowd. Pranav Krishna, a representative of Power Back Solutions, said the event is envisioned as a travelling cultural platform, with plans to host future editions in more cities.