Aoora: India has influenced me deeply with its positive attitude

When South Korean singer and producer Aoora arrived in India in February 2023, he expected a short visit. Instead, the country left a lasting impression. Known for recreating Bollywood songs for global audiences, including the iconic Jimmy Jimmy (Disco Dancer), Aoora’s connection with the country has deepened in the last three years.

His latest project, Shiva Shivam, blends devotional themes with contemporary electronic music. He shares, “I came to India in February 2023, and three years later, I have held the teaser premiere of the Shiva Shivam music video in Mumbai. In the beginning, the language barrier and adapting to a different lifestyle were challenging, but now I feel comfortable here, sometimes even more comfortable than I did in Korea.”‘I studied Sanskrit and trained in the Shiva Tandava dance for about a year’Preparing to perform the Shiva Tandava Stotram became an intensive learning process. Aoora says, “I studied Sanskrit with a teacher who specialises in it and trained in the Shiva Tandava dance for about a year.”Aoora says, “It was difficult because I had to learn new pronunciations and physical movements. For nearly six months, I practised the mantras every day, and gradually the language began to feel more natural.

During that time, I also visited many temples and witnessed the energy of people’s devotion. That made me realise learning the mantra alone was not enough. I needed to understand the emotions behind it.”

‘Spirituality has given me confidence and stability’India’s spiritual culture has influenced his outlook. He says, “India has influenced me deeply with its positive attitude, faith in God and sense of hope. Earlier, I approached life very practically, but now I try to fill each day with prayer and positive energy.

Spirituality has given me confidence and stability. I used to be very anxious and suspicious of many things, but over time I learnt to take better care of myself.

”Having lived in India and South Korea, Aoora sees similarities between the cultures, particularly the importance of family and tradition. One difference left a strong impression. He points out, “In Korea, emotions are often felt deeply but shown quietly.

In India, people celebrate loudly, love openly and express their spirituality with visible passion. That openness changed me and taught me that strength is not only about discipline and endurance, but also about allowing yourself to feel and connect.

India has made me more emotionally fearless.”‘Where Korean roots meet Indian rhythms’Aoora is also working to build a career in the entertainment industry. He shares, “It hasn’t been easy.

Success in this field does not come only from hard work or talent, but also requires faith, trust in yourself and genuine love for the people you work with. Sometimes it feels like Shiva guided me here, and that thought makes me grateful.”He hopes to continue creating music that reflects both his Korean roots and his experiences in India. He says, “I recently worked on an OST for the OTT film Made in Korea. I want to keep making songs and music videos that establish my identity and use my experience as a Korean idol and producer to highlight both India’s strengths and my own.”