Calling all K-pop enthusiasts! Join us at the Korean Cultural Center Washington D.C. (KCCDC) for an electrifying K-pop Dance & Singing Contest held during Passport DC’s annual city-wide Around the World Embassy Tour event. Set for May 4 at 2:00 PM, this competition offers talented individuals and groups a stage to express their passion for K-pop as they compete for a chance to participate in the K-pop World Festival finals in Korea.

Don't miss out! Spectators and performers alike are welcome. Mark your calendars for May 4 and join us for an unforgettable pop culture experience at the KCCDC, plus fun cultural programs throughout the day. For more information on other Passport DC events being held throughout Washington, D.C. in May, visit Events DC. 

For a schedule of other Passport DC performances and activities at the KCCDC throughout the day on May 4, scroll down below! 

2024 K-Pop Dance & Singing Contest

Before applying to the competition, be sure to review the details below.

Key Dates & Location

Application Deadline: Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 5:00 pm (EST)

Competition Date: Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 2:00 pm (EST)

Venue: Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (outdoor stage)

Overview

This year’s contest will be a standalone event held at the KCCDC during the Passport DC festivities. It promises to be more exciting than ever, with the potential for winners to advance to the K-pop World Festival in Korea. Contestants will be judged in either performance or vocal categories, with criteria focusing on expression, choreography, and stage charisma for performers, and vocal proficiency and pronunciation for singers.

How to Take Part

Contestants must meet the eligibility requirements below and submit their applications accordingly. Contestants will perform on stage at the KCCDC on the event date. Applications may close before the deadline if interest is high, so apply early to secure a spot. 

Click HERE to start your application!

Eligibility

Applicants don’t need to have professional performance experience—just a passion for Korean pop music!

Because this program is intended to spotlight passion for K-pop abroad and for learning the Korean language, those with Korean citizenship, or who have held Korean citizenship in the past, and those with at least one parent who has Korean citizenship or has held Korean citizenship in the past, are not eligible. Those in the U.S. on a short-term or tourism basis at the time of the audition are not eligible to compete. International students, non-U.S. citizens, and U.S. citizens are eligible to apply if they are currently living in the U.S., such as for school or another long-term purpose. Applicants do not need to be local to the Washington, D.C. region to enter this competition.

Applicants found not to have adhered to these requirements at any point may be immediately disqualified.

Competition Categories & Criteria

Contestants can compete as a group (team) or as an individual in one of the following categories:

• Performance (one single K-Pop stage performance; this category is primarily dance, with singing optional; a pre-recorded sound track is acceptable)

• Vocal (one single K-Pop song performance)

Judging will be conducted based on the following criteria:

Performance Category

• ●Expression: 40%
  

• ●Choreography (composition and uniformity): 30%
  

• ●Stage charisma: 30%

Vocal Category

• ●Expression and pronunciation: 40%
  

• ●Vocal proficiency: 30%
  

• ●Stage charisma: 30%

Judges

Competition judges will be professional performers or performance managers independent from the KCCDC. Judges are currently being selected.

Winners & Prizes

One winner will be selected in each of the two competition categories:

• ●1st Place, Performance Category (Trophy and prize, approximately $300 value)

• ●1st Place, Vocal Category (Trophy and prize, approximately $300 value)

Under the assumption that the K-Pop World Festival takes place in Korea later in 2024 (determined by event organizers in Korea), the winner of each category in this competition will also be recommended to advance to the finals at the festival. The process of consideration for the finals will be done separately by judges in Korea, and winners will be contacted with more information in this case.

Passport DC: Around the World Embassy Tour

Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C.

2370 Massachusetts Ave. NW. Washington, D.C.

Saturday, May 4 | Open 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM | No RSVP Required

Experience global culture right in your own backyard with Passport DC’s Around the World Embassy Tour! The KCCDC is proud to be part of this city-wide celebration now organized by Events DC and featuring a day packed with live performances, K-Pop dance activities, cultural experiences, exhibitions, arts and crafts, and much more at the KCCDC. This year's highlight will be the live 2024 K-Pop Dance & Singing Contest held 2-4 PM.

For more information on other Passport DC events being held at Washington, D.C. embassies on May 4 and throughout the month of May, visit Events DC. 

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable cultural journey of discovery at the KCCDC this May 4!

Schedule of Activities 

*Schedule may be subject to change due to weather conditions.

Outdoor Stage

11:00am - 11:40am | Traditional Korean Performances

  Samulnori

  Giwonmu

  Sogochum

  Hwalaeng-ichum

  Buchaechum

12:00pm - 1:00pm | BOB (Korean newtro band) performance

1:00pm - 2:00pm | Traditional Korean Performances

  Samulnori

  Giwonmu

  Sogochum

  Hwalaeng-ichum

  Buchaechum

2:00pm - 4:30pm | K-Pop Dance & Singing Contest

Outdoor Programs & Activities

10:30am - 4:00pm | Korean DIY Craft Booths

10:30am - 4:30pm | Korean Games Experience

Indoor Programs

11:00am - 4:00pm | K-Photo Booth

10:30am - 4:00pm | Traditional Korean Hanbok Dress-up Experience