JEDDAH: Saudi Arabias first K-pop festival, Saranghae KSA 22, brought fans from a wide range of backgrounds together under the roof of the Jeddah Superdome for a three-day celebration of Korean music and culture. K-pop installations, an Umbrella Boulevard and a Cherry Blossoms Avenue provided picture-perfect backgrounds for fans, who were also given a taste of Korean cuisine at stalls selling a range of Korean favorites. One audience member, Ghazal Mazen, 16, said that she grew up listening to Korean songs because of her older sisters, and has been a fan of Ateez since early 2020. “I really can’t describe how I feel now. It feels like a dream I have been waiting to live in real life,” she said. High-quality screens ensured fans were able to see their favorite performers, while a screen suspended from the middle of the dome displayed images taken by audience members at the photo booth, as well as short clips of the bands. The Consulate General of Korea in Jeddah delievered a one-of-kind Korean experience, offering to photograph fans wearing traditional Korean outfits, as well as providing cooking demonstrations. Performing on the festivals opening day, EPEX and Ateez greeted the audience in Arabic and Korean. Both bands took a break to meet the audience and answer questions from fans. On Wednesday, EPEX enjoyed the festive vibe of Jeddah Season by visiting the Historical Jeddah zone, walking through museums and the house of horror, playing games, and winning prizes. Fans of Ateez spotted the band members shopping at the Red Sea Mall on the same day. Saturday will mark the last day of the festival with Monsta X and Verivery.