After two weeks of basic performance, 20 contestants have been selected to enter the final round by a concert at Hoa Binh Theater in HCMC at 7 p.m. on November 8.

Contestants of the Vietnam Super Star Contest 2009 who will perform at the final round at the Hoa Binh Theatre in HCMC’s District 10.

First prize is US$10,000 in cash and sponsorship worth US$40,000 to study in Korea for one year. Second prize is US$3,000 in cash and third prize US$2,000 and gifts of the sponsors.

“The contest is held for the first time in Vietnam, however, we hope Vietnam will have international stars,” said Nguyen Van Thang, general director of UNESCO’s Center for International Cultural Exchange in Vietnam, adding that the contest is a large-scale event promoting cultural exchange between Korea and Vietnam.

Thang pins high hopes on the contest, saying that in the future Vietnam will have star training programs not only in collaboration with Korea but also with other countries.

“Although trained in Korea with Korean star training technology, the winner is expected to be a Vietnamese cultural ambassador of Vietnam. Therefore, during the year, the new talent not only joins short comedies in Korea but also will perform traditional Vietnamese art, join charity activities, help Vietnamese people living in Korea and show Vietnamese beauty to Koreans,” said Nguyen Huu Nghi, director of the HCMC Cultural Center and member of the contest organizers.

“The contest hopes to be held annually to lure more Vietnamese stars to brighten the international media market. Korea always wants to collaborate with Vietnam, not only in business but also in culture,” said Lee Chang Keun, honorary president of KOCHAM and director of Lock & Lock Vietnam, sponsor of the contest.

Tickets for the final round of the contest will be available free of charge at 223A Hai Ba Trung Street, District 3, HCMC and the HCMC Cultural Center, 97 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, District 1, HCMC.

VietNamNet/SGT