Now in its third year, the Asian Pop Festival (Apoppe) is a music festival organized by the Paradise Cultural Foundation to showcase trendy music from major Asian cities such as Seoul, Tokyo, Taipei, and Jakarta, and to promote musical exchange. The event attracted over 40 global delegates invited from various Asian countries, who are music industry professionals scouting for new talent and fostering exchanges in their respective music markets and festivals.
The Paradise Cultural Foundation systematically supports the international expansion of domestic artists through its music exchange program, the "Paradise Music Lab Network." During the festival, the foundation operated a "Meet-Up Lounge" and an "Artist Lounge" for business meetings between global delegates and domestic artists, providing pitching books and translation services. The foundation plans to support artists invited to overseas festivals with airfare and local accommodation costs through its related support programs. In the early hours of June 1, a networking event called "AFT Night" was held, further deepening collaboration among artists and industry professionals.
The festival, held under clear skies, drew approximately 10,000 attendees. The natural grass plaza was filled with an audience enjoying music in a relaxed atmosphere, including young music fans, families with children, and international visitors. The performances were noteworthy, featuring a surprise collaboration between Japanese city pop legend Taeko Onuki, who made her historic first appearance in Korea, and acclaimed singer-songwriter Ichiko Aoba. The legendary Korean rock band Kim Chang-wan Band engaged the audience across generations with an encore performance of their hit song "Gaegujang-i."
On May 30, the Aisori Festival took place at the Sapphire Hall and meeting rooms of Paradise City. Established in 2000, the Aisori Festival is a flagship social contribution program of the Paradise Welfare Foundation. It aims to listen to the inner voices and thoughts of children with disabilities, creating a space for social integration through cultural and artistic experiences, play, and performances. Last year, around 2,000 children with and without disabilities and their families participated, enjoying media art, recreation, and experiential content.
Participating youth engaged in various sessions, including drawing practice, AI data processing, percussion performance, job preparation training, and experience in sales at donation stores. Some programs offered personalized reports analyzing participants' aptitudes and characteristics. Additionally, the Paradise City employee volunteer group "Gaon-gil" conducted training on food and beverage service and table manners, helping the youth develop essential etiquette and skills for entering society.
The highlight of the festival was the moment when the two events merged, breaking down the barriers between those with and without disabilities. On the evening of May 30, youth with developmental disabilities and their families who participated in the Aisori Festival moved to the Apoppe performance area to enjoy performances by Kim Chang-wan Band and others, sharing in the festival's excitement. Paradise implemented a systematic accessibility support program to ensure their smooth and safe viewing experience. Accessibility managers, trained in specialized education, were stationed along key routes to assist with mobility, and sensory tools such as sensory maps and headphones were thoughtfully provided for attendees sensitive to visual and auditory stimuli.
Choi Yoon-jeong, director of the Paradise Welfare Foundation, stated, "This year's festival was designed as a career exploration platform for children to encounter various job worlds and envision their dreams. We will always be there to support our friends as they confidently step into the world at their own pace and in their own colors."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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