Renowned pop artist and cultural ambassador Tep Boprek will represent the Kingdom of Cambodia at the upcoming ROUND Festival 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, taking place on June 21–22. Her performance will bring Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage to life through a dynamic fusion of classical Khmer dance and contemporary stagecraft.
As part of the ASEAN-Korea Music Festival, the ROUND Festival is a prestigious platform promoting cultural exchange between ASEAN nations and South Korea. The event celebrates regional diversity and unity through music and performance, featuring artists from across Southeast Asia and Korea.
Best known for her vibrant pop career, Tep Boprek is embracing her cultural roots by incorporating Cambodia’s traditional performing arts into her act. She will present a special piece titled “Deveraja”, blending the elegance of Apsara dance, the theatrical storytelling of Lakhon Khol (Khmer masked dance), and the spiritual rhythm of the Moni Mekhala dance.
“In the 2025 ROUND Festival in Malaysia, I will deliver a contemporary performance that brings together Lakhon Khol, Moni Mekhala, and Apsara—three treasured icons of Khmer artistry,” said Tep Boprek. “What was once a dream—to bring Khmer culture to the world stage—has now become a reality. Bring Our Khmer To The Top.”
Her appearance will spotlight Cambodia’s deep artistic traditions, including Apsara dance, which is recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Lakhon Khol, meanwhile, reflects centuries of royal performance history, blending myth, music, and drama through intricately designed masks and choreographed movement.
About ROUND Festival
The ROUND Festival—also known as the ASEAN-Korea Music Festival—aims to strengthen cultural bonds between Korea and ASEAN nations by showcasing a wide array of musical and artistic traditions. The term “ROUND” symbolises inclusivity, equality, and the interconnected nature of participating countries.
Tep Boprek’s performance at the festival is a proud milestone for Cambodia, underscoring the nation’s commitment to cultural preservation and its growing role in international cultural dialogue.
