In the vibrant world of K-pop, it’s not just the idols who shine—communities worldwide are dancing to the same beat. In this event, we talked with Silvio Franceschinelli, the passionate founder of the K-pop Dance Competitioin in Europe. Get ready to uncover the journey, challenges, and heart behind one of Europe’s most exciting cultural movements in K-wave Business Talk.
An interview with Silvio, the visionary behind the European K-pop Dance Competition
About Silvio Franceschinelli
Silvio is the Director of the Istituto Linguistico e Culturale Il Mulino, the founder of the cultural association Ochacaffè, and the manager of the music project K-ble Jungle. As a cultural ambassador and event organizer, he brings his deep passion for Asian pop culture to every endeavor.
Not only that, Silvio is the creative force behind the European K-pop Dance Contest, a dynamic platform where talented dancers from across Europe unite to celebrate their shared passion for Korean music and culture. His vision has transformed the event into one of the continent’s most exciting showcases of K-pop performance and creativity.
As the Music Director of Comicon — a major festival held in Napoli (170,000 visitors) and Bergamo — Silvio brings his expertise and network to the contest, which takes place at Etna Comics in Catania (110,000 visitors). The festival’s June schedule offers the perfect opportunity for fans and participants to travel across Europe, making the contest not only a cultural celebration but also a summer highlight for K-pop enthusiasts worldwide.
Performing under the name DJ Shiru, Silvio energizes festivals and clubs throughout Europe with music from the Far East. His contributions extend beyond K-pop—he has played a key role in organizing cultural events centered on both Korean and Japanese traditions, fostering cross-cultural connections through the universal languages of dance and music.
“Let’s make it a party, not just a competition”
Q: You travel a lot for these festivals. What’s the driving force behind that?
Silvio: Meeting people and grabbing coffee or beer make everything smoother. I want this to be more than just a competition. I want it to be a party. A place where people from different countries meet, have fun and connect.
A Dream Realized: The Birth of a European K-pop Dance Competition
Q: What’s been your proudest moment so far.
Silvio: When the first European final happened. It was surreal—just two years earlier, this was just an idea. I thought it would take five to ten years. But we did it. It was also beautiful to see how the dancers supported each other during rehearsals. I hope that positive energy stays forever.
Bridging Cultures Through K-pop
Q: How do these contests contribute to cultural exchange between Europe and Korea?
Silvio: Music is the gateway. At big festivals, we also showcase Korean food, language, skincare, and K-dramas. My language school now has many more Korean learners than just a few two decades ago.
Gangnam Style, BTS, and the K-pop Explosion
Q: What key moments shaped K-pop’s popularity in Europe?
Silvio: “Gangnam Style” opened the door. Then, BTS appeared in commercials—like the girl with headphones on the subway. That was huge. And now, fans feel seen with artists like Blackpink performing in Italy. Italy is finally on the K-pop map! From viral hits to high-profile collabs, K-pop has etched itself into mainstream consciousness. And fans across Europe are riding the wave.
Business Behind the Beat: Making K-pop Events Sustainable
Q: How can event organizers make these contests profitable and sustainable?
Silvio: Contests aren’t expensive, but organizing championships—especially with international travel—adds costs. Sponsorship is key. For example, Korean Air could sponsor flights. We need help to reduce costs, not necessarily to make a huge profit.
Q: What’s the most challenging part of organizing these events?
Silvio: The first three years are the toughest. You don’t have much content or reputation. You need to work almost for free, build a foundation, and hope you can start seeing results by year three. It’s a labor of love that’s beginning to pay off as the community and credibility grow.
What’s Next for K-pop in Europe?
Q: Will the K-pop trend continue dominating globally?
Silvio: Yes, for quite a while. One big advantage is collaboration—K-pop artists team up with global stars, something J-pop never fully embraced. That keeps K-pop fresh and global.
Let’s Dance to the Future
Before the event ended, Silvio had one final message:
“Let’s meet in person one day. Come to my festivals in Italy. Let’s make it a celebration, not just a show.”
From a dream to a stage filled with lights, friendship, and rhythm, Silvio’s story is a testament to what passion, persistence, and people can do. Whether you’re a diehard fan or a curious newcomer, the European K-pop Dance Championship is not merely a contest—it’s a movement.
You can watch the complete discussion with Silvio here:
Want to join the dance? Connect with Silvio on social media for behind-the-scenes insights and upcoming festival news.
Let’s keep dancing—together!
Connect with the author Jessica H. on LinkedIn
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