.‎Kingsmen, Mary Win Big At K-Pop Festival, Showcased Cultural Harmony In Lagos

‎The Korean (K-Pop) Festival was held in glamour at the Terra Kulture Arena. The annual event attracted several youths, budding artists and followers of the K-Pop industry.

‎Competitions in the music and dance categories were held as different contestants showcased the mastery of their Korean music and culture. 18 outstanding finalists made it to the competition, including 10 dance teams and 8 singing teams. These finalists were chosen based on their performances and official judging criteria.

‎For the dance competition, contestants were evaluated on choreography, composition and uniformity. Expression, stage charisma and for the singing contestants, they are judged on vocal ability, lyrics accuracy and expression and stage charisma.

‎Mary Isibhakome Obidudu won the singing competition with the song Changwwi by Ahn Ye Eun and went home with N500,000, while Omamuyovwi Ohwodiasa emerged as first runner-up with the song Wish by Gaho and went home with N300,000, and Olonade Victor Joseph emerged as second runner-up with the song Because You Are My Woman by Lee Seung Gi and went home with N200,000.

‎For the Dance category, The Kingsmen won the dance competition with the song Fake Love by BTS and went home with N800,000 and won the Most Popularity Prize with N200,000. Kri8tifz emerged as the first runner-up with the song, S-Class by Straykids and went home with N600,000, and Enigma Revolution emerged as the second runner-up and went home with N400,000.

‎Korean K-pop musicians Seo Yena and Haneung Lee did a guest performance of one of the Korean songs.  Juho Jeon, Director, Korean Cultural Centre, Nigeria, Juho Jeon said the Korea Wave in 2026 is no longer just a trend; it is a global cultural movement.

‎”At its heart is K-Pop, a genre that has connected millions of people across continents through music, dance, creativity, and shared passion. Today, K-Pop is enjoyed by fans in over 100 countries, and its influence can be seen everywhere from anticipated concerts like the BTS Comeback and viral dance challenges to fashion, language learning, and cultural exchange. Here in Nigeria, K-Pop has found a vibrant home among young people whose energy and talent we shall witness today.

‎”The Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria remains committed to strengthening the friendship between Korea and Nigeria through a lot of activities, and events like this remind us that despite our different origins, we can connect through mutual cultural appreciation,” he said.

‎The contestants not only compete for top prizes and honour but also for an opportunity to have their performances submitted to Korea for consideration for the Korea 2026 K-pop World Festival in Changwon. It is important to note that while top winners will be nominated for this opportunity, participation in Korea is not automatic. They will have to compete with other winners from different countries of the world before they can make it to the grand finale in Changwan. Apart from the prices, there is a special popularity award which will be decided entirely by the award.

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