Thailand’s Major Media Show Interest in the Positive Influence of K-Soft Power
Thailand's state-owned broadcaster MCOT and its largest entertainment company, GMM Grammy, are showing great interest in K-Soft Power. MCOT TV, along with its platform MellowPOP, and Grammy TV will participate as media partners for the K-POP Coverdance and K-Street Food Fair, held at the Samyan Mitrtown mall in Bangkok on September 7. They plan to broadcast special features across various platforms.
It's rare for multiple major Thai broadcasters to become media partners for a Korean event, providing extensive coverage and broadcasting special programs for an extended period. Thai celebrities like “Louis” and MC “Dong” will also participate.
Thai Broadcasters Focus on the Positive Influence of K-POP
On the day of the event, MCOT will have their popular MC, Sira Rattanapokasit (Dong), as the main host of the K-POP cover dance, while Grammy TV’s famous star, Thanawin Itthaphosu-kan (Louis), will attend as a promotional ambassador. Louis, who has over 1.5 million followers on social media, is an actor and singer who has appeared in many dramas and movies, including "Beauty Newbie" and "Only Boo." He is a top star of GMM TV.
MCOT and Grammy TV's Active Participation
MCOT, short for Mass Communication Organization of Thailand, is a state-owned broadcaster under the Prime Minister's Office. Established in 1952, it operates two free TV channels, satellite broadcasting, 52 regional stations, seven national stations, and one international channel. MCOT’s president, Phatiyuth Jaiswang, will attend the cover dance event.
K-POP's Positive Impact on Thai Youth
During a meeting with the Korea-Thailand Communication Center (KTCC), which hosts the K-POP Coverdance Festival, Phatiyuth Jaiswang expressed that K-POP stars like BLACKPINK’s Lisa have a positive influence on Thai youth. He committed to actively supporting and promoting the K-POP cover dance event.
K-POP Coverdance Festival’s 14-Year Legacy
The K-POP Coverdance Festival, now in its 14th year, is a major K-content event in Thailand. Despite the pandemic, the Korea-Thailand Communication Center (KTCC) has continued to host the event annually since 2011. The winner of the Thai competition is invited to the World Final in Seoul, and Thailand has won three times and been the runner-up twice, proving its strong presence in the Southeast Asian K-POP scene.
80 Million Views on TikTok Challenge
Hallyu’s Popularity in Thailand Continues
This year, the K-POP cover dance event will also feature various online events and be connected with the popular K-Street Food Festival. The cover dance TikTok challenge garnered a total of 80 million views, showing immense enthusiasm.
K-Food Festival and Scholarships for Youth
The K-Food festival, organized by the Korean Embassy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT), will showcase various Korean dishes that people can experience during their travels in Korea. Over 2,000 people will have the chance to enjoy free tastings, and companies like LG and Jinro are providing scholarships for Thai youth, supporting the K-POP fans who continue to fuel the Hallyu wave.