[Hallyu People] Korea and France connect through K-pop

France is widely recognized as a country of art and a cultural powerhouse.

It is also a nation with which South Korea has close to 140-years of diplomatic relations.

No wonder France and Korea also cooperate in the music sector.

Recently, French and Korean music industry professionals got together for a conference in Seoul to discuss the future of K-pop and explore ways to collaborate.

Today, we connect to Leslie Dubest, CEO of a French independent music label who was one of the participants at that conference. Hello (Leslie / ) Mr. Dubest!

1) (Leslie/) Mr. Dubest, let’s start with your impression of your recent visit to the home of K-pop. How was it?

2) “The Atelier K-pop Conference” was held in Seoul late last month. What was this event about?

3) What were the outcomes of the conference? We also heard that four French songwriters wrote songs aimed at the K-pop market during their stay in Seoul. How did that turn out?

4) During the conference, you mentioned that the K-pop industry is where it is today thanks to various industries having been integrated during the growth of K-pop. Could you elaborate on that?

5) Please tell us about the presence of K-pop in France right now. (Who are the most popular K-pop acts, which are the most loved songs and why?)

6) As the CEO of an independent music label, are there any specific musicians that grab your attention or is there anyone in the Korean music industry you’d like to work with? (singer, songwriter, entertainment company, etc.)

7) How would you like to see the Korean and French music scenes collaborate in the future through K-pop?