Korean pop artist Aoora’s tribute to Lord Shiva has been going viral these days.
This seems to have come a long way, especially from Korean artists who have previously been called out for cultural appropriation, where they’d essentially just take bits and pieces of Indian or South Asian culture and use them more for aesthetic purposes rather than anything of value or respect.
This and other instances of artists from around the world engaging with Indian culture, not because it’s ‘exotic’ or ‘Bollywood’ but just out of an actual interest, are something being witnessed more and more.
Whether this be out of a genuine interest in the culture, or maybe wanting to tap into the country’s soft power and thus appeal to the otherwise unexplored Indian audience, is difficult to say. However, this shift is certainly interesting to note, nonetheless.
Korean Singer Aoora’s Tribute To Shiva
South Korean singer Aoora, born Park Min-jun, first gained recognition as a member of the 2011 K-pop group AA (Double A). He eventually ventured out on a solo career as a singer, composer and producer when he quit the group in 2016.
Indian audiences came to know him better after his appearance on Bigg Boss 17, where he developed a visible fondness for Indian culture, music and spirituality.
On February 10, 2026, he posted on his official Instagram about his latest song called “Shiva Shivam (Shiv Tandava)” that blends ancient Indian culture with modern EDM beats.
In his caption, he wrote, “Today marks the third anniversary of my arrival in India! I remember how I felt when I first arrived in Delhi, and then I traveled to Mumbai and many other places in India, gaining so many experiences and receiving so much love.
I’m grateful to God for all of it, and I want to learn even more. I want to dedicate this song to everyone who has been a part of my journey.
This is not a song but a prayer which I hope will reach everyone’s heart.”
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The song is an interesting devotional tribute to Lord Shiva, blending Sanskrit chants with electronic beats and contemporary pop production.
As per reports, Aoora worked closely with Indian musicians to ensure authenticity in pronunciation and composition, signalling genuine engagement rather than superficial borrowing.
Even his performance aesthetics, which include the use of rudraksha beads, ash-inspired styling and temple-inspired backdrops, seem to be important for the song.
Rather than parody or exoticism, the reception has largely framed Shiva Shivam as a respectful cultural bridge. For many Indian fans, seeing a Korean artist confidently chant Sanskrit on a global stage felt like a reversal of cultural flow, a moment of validation.
Read More: ED VoxPop: Will Gen Z Pay Exorbitant Prices To Watch Their Favorite Artist Perform?
The Viral Chinese Rendition of ‘Aigiri Nandini’
Alongside this, a young Chinese singer’s rendition of Aigiri Nandini has been circulating widely online.
The hymn, also known as the Mahishasura Mardini Stotram, is a Sanskrit devotional composition dedicated to Goddess Durga. It is traditionally recited during Navratri and other auspicious occasions. The chant praises the goddess as the slayer of the buffalo demon Mahishasura and a symbol of divine feminine power.
On February 7, 2026, Chinese-born singer and musician, Luci Rain, posted a version on her Instagram page, writing, “Slowly whispering and chanting for mother goddess Durga….. the ultimate power, who only comes out after all gods failed.”
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She eventually released the full song “Aigiri Nangiri Ritual 1” on February 11, 2026, stating in her Instagram post that, “From the vast world of spiritual chants, Aigiri Nandini is one of the ones that has touched me the most. I’ve sung it with my whole heart, and I never imagined it would move so many people. May this song bring courage, strength, and light to all who hear it.”
Social media users flooded comment sections with praise, calling it “beautiful cultural exchange” and “India’s soft power in action.”
For decades, Indian audiences consumed K-pop, C-dramas and global pop culture with enthusiasm; however, they have largely been ignored by those regions. This is something that has been changing in the past few years, with Korean artists finally understanding the power of the Indian audience and thus wanting to engage with them.
Various events and festivals have been held across the country over the last couple of years, with many Korean artists appearing and performing for an enthusiastic audience.
Last year’s K-Town festival itself boasted some known K-Pop idols performing in India for the time, including Super Junior D&E, SHINee’s Taemin. Then the 2023 and 2024 Lollapalooza in India even had Jackson Wang, Eric Nam, and The Rose performing.
Image Credits: Google Images
Sources: Firstpost, News18, Moneycontrol
Find the blogger: @chirali_08
This post is tagged under: kpop, chinese singer, viral, luci rain, luci rain Aigiri Nandini, Aoora’s Shiva Shivam, Aoora, Aoora’s bigg boss 17, Aigiri Nandini, indian culture, viral song, india soft power
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