In July this year, when every dancer on Instagram was obsessing over Tauba Tauba, one fan showed his love from far, far away. In Seoul, South Korea, K-pop singer and content creator Aoora, put his own spin on the moves. He added steps from Bollywood songs Insha Allah (2007), Sheher Ki Ladki (1996), and Yaara O Yaara Milna Humara (1996). Fans loved it. "You're a certified Indian now," one of them commented. “Just give him an Aadhar card already,” said another.
Seoul-born Aoora has covered Yeh Shaam Mastaani and Tere Pyaar Mein in other videos. He's celebrated Ganesh Chathurthi and Holi, and he spent part of last year touring India. Meanwhile, Seoul-based pop artist and designer Mimi regularly dresses up in lehengas, saris and kurtas for Bollywood dance Reels. Fridayyy Hyungsun Ahn, a music producer, does Hindi-Korean song mash-ups - he's remixed Desi Kalakaar with BTS's Fake Love, and Kala Chashma with Butter.
Korea's pop stars and content creators are realising that they not only have a large fan base in India, but that we love a bit of masala in everything. So, they're learning about desi traditions, imitating Bollywood dance steps. And, in Korean style, going to great lengths to win desi fans over.
How it started
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Fit Check? Look Behind You
In gyms, someone is always filming. We are all in the frame without meaning to be. Is privacy at odds with fitness goals? Is consent even possible with all those mirrors?
Avantika Dassani
Actor, @AvantikaDassani
Keep your i on this BMW
The brand's beloved sedan has now gone electric. The i5 M60 has a sci-fi roar and razor-sharp graphics. It's worth the hype
Why adapt when you can evolve?
Sometimes, the movie or show does it better than the book it is based on. Here's when to stream not flip
Sharp edges, blunt words
British chef Heston Blumenthal has gone public about his struggle with ADHD and bipolar syndrome. He hopes it calms kitchens down. It's hot in there already
The suitable boy
He's played lovers, taxi drivers, street rats and rich brats. He's redefining what it means to be the token Brown boy on set. But would he be on a reality show? Ishaan Khatter tells us why he's a career chameleon and how he got here
Stay stylish in your cubicle
Everyone's back at the office. Covid flexibilities are long forgotten. But being comfortable is still key. So, what are we wearing to work?
Hey, I found you online
Baby pics, emo selfies, old tweets outing the ex. If it makes you cringe, it makes HR departments do too. Here's how to clean up your digital footprint
Is It Scrolling Or Screening?
Being on the phone while the TV plays is the new normal. Just don't do it when there's company. A case for what it means to be present
This week, we're...
Preferring the spinoff.