K-Pop Mania Sweeps United Arab Emirates With EXO Showcase
South Korean boy band sensation EXO made a splash at The Dubai Fountain, where the United Arab Emirates has showcased music that have become hits in the region and around the world.
Thousands of local fans in the Gulf region turned up to listen to EXO's performance of hit song "Power," and sing along to the lyrics, South Korean television network KBS reported Wednesday.
The act, which included a "spectacular dancing performance," according to the Khaleej Times, took place in front of the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.
One fan identified as Fatima said she had waited for a "long time" to watch EXO's performance.
"I'm really happy to see EXO at the fountain show," she told KBS.
Some of Dubai's most ardent K-pop fans had turned the local airport into a stakeout as they waited for EXO members to arrive in the country, Dubai-based The National reported.
On Tuesday morning, when the group arrived at Dubai International Airport, the hashtag #WelcomeToDubaiEXO had been used more than 369,000 times on Twitter, making it the third-most popular hashtag in the country, according to the report.
Local Dubai press made it a priority to deliver real-time reports of the group's whereabouts and activities during their UAE visit.
EXO members said they are grateful for their success in a region not primarily known for its consumption of South Korean television shows and music.
"Through more activities, we would like to meet more fans in the Middle East," EXO member Suho told KBS, adding the "love" of K-Pop in the Middle East is surprising and encouraging.
Issam Kazim of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, described EXO as "world-class entertainment" that would boost tourism to the UAE, according to the Khaleej Times.
By Elizabeth Shim, UPI.com
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