Cultural Exchange Initiative Aims to Bridge Cultures Through Music in Celebration of Diplomatic Relations

KOFICE

In an exciting fusion of musical cultures, the popular Indonesian girl group StarBe is poised to release their debut Korean-language single next week. This anticipated musical endeavor follows an immersive month of K-pop idol training in South Korea, where the quartet—comprising Abelle, Shella, Kezia, and Chelsea—embarked on a transformative journey in Seoul.

Their journey was made possible by their selection by the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE), an organization dedicated to fostering cross-cultural understanding through artistic collaborations. StarBe was handpicked from a pool of Indonesian pop groups to participate in the "Grow TwoGether" project—a visionary initiative launched in 2021 that seeks to nurture bilateral cultural growth and enhance global appreciation for Korean culture.

Marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between South Korea and Indonesia, this year's project saw StarBe immersed in the rigorous K-pop idol training system, an integral facet of the Korean music industry. Their training paved the way for their forthcoming Korean single and music video, a testament to the power of artistic exchange.

Jung Kil-hwa, President of KOFICE, shared his sentiments during StarBe's press conference in Seoul, affirming the project's role in strengthening cultural bonds: "Last year's project was successful, as it helped the Thai girl group Roseberry win the Rookie Award at the Thailand Digital Awards 2022 with the music produced in our country."

With a deep-seated passion for K-pop that resonates across Indonesia, StarBe's decision to partake in this initiative was driven by their affinity for the genre. Kezia, a member of the group, explained their motivations: "We enjoy listening, dancing, singing and rapping to K-pop, just as many young people in our country. We wanted this opportunity to learn K-pop in Korea as we hoped to present music that combines the characteristics of K-pop and Indonesian pop music. You will be able to find Indonesian cultural features in our upcoming single."

The culmination of their journey is set to be unveiled with the release of their Korean single "Bang" on September 2, followed by the music video on September 8. The composition encapsulates a dynamic blend of powerful beats and an infectious melody, encapsulating the "girl crush" concept.

Navigating the differences between the two countries' training systems was both challenging and enriching for StarBe. Abelle, a member of the group, shared her insights: "The training systems of the two countries are really different. That includes dance training, as the dance genres that K-pop groups learn are quite different from what we learn in Indonesia."

Overcoming linguistic hurdles was also a feat, as the group embraced singing in Korean despite the notable linguistic differences. With their Korean debut on the horizon, StarBe is preparing for their appearance at the Asia Song Festival, scheduled for September 8.

As they seize each opportunity to bridge cultures, StarBe is keen to offer a glimpse into their journey through various content formats, including vlogs and short-form content featuring influential figures in Korean culture.

Their debut Korean single and its accompanying music video stand as a testament to the harmonious fusion of diverse artistic expressions. In their quest to bridge the gap between Indonesia and Korea, StarBe showcases their versatility, embodying the spirit of cultural exchange through music that knows no borders.

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