This Article was first posted on the Koreanet Honorary Reporter website on 23rd June 2026
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http://www.korea.net/NewsFocus/HonoraryReporters/view?articleId=295371
The Korean Cultural Centre (KCC) in Nigeria hosted the K-pop Festival in Lagos, Nigeria’s most populous city. The event took place on the 20th of June 2026 at Terra Kulture , Plot 1376 Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event had over 600 attendees, and attending the ceremony were important Dignitaries, representatives and K-pop fans from different parts of the country. There was also representation from the Korean Embassy in Nigeria, the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria (KCCN), and the Korean Trade Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA). The Kpop festival had several activities, such as the hanbok experience, red carpet show, and the sharing of Korean books, promotional materials, and Koreanet publications. The audience also got K-pop themed T-shirts, and the highlight was watching several K-pop dancing and singing performances, as well as special performances by the judges and participants.
The festival began with the Nigerian and Korean National Anthems, followed by the opening speech delivered by the KCCN Director, Mr Jeon Juho. After the speech, there was the introduction of participants and judges. The Judges were Seo Ye Na, Haneung Lee and Praise Nelson. The opening performance was done by Seo Ye Na, who sang an OST from Hotel Del Luna. The total number of contestants was 17, which is 7 contestants for the singing contest and 10 contestants for the dance contest.
Mary Isibhakhome Obidudu, who won the singing category of the contest, performed Changwwi by Ahn Ye Eun . In an onsite interview, she said: “She is a classically trained singer and her love for Korea, Kdrama, Kpop, as well as traditional music and sound inspired her song choice”. She also mentioned that to learn the song of her choice, she had to immerse herself in the Korean language, understand it and the important expressions to better convey the emotions and meaning of the song through her performance. Other winners were Omamuyovwi Ohwodiasa, who won the second position with 300,000 Naira as the prize. The third position for the singing contest was Olonade Victor Joseph, who was given 200,000 naira.
The Kingsmen, which is a team of seven men, claimed victory in the finals of the dancing segment of the competition, with their performance of Fake Love by BTS. They also won the popularity award. Their energetic performance had the audience excitedly singing and cheering with inflatable clappers provided by KCCN. In an interview with the team, they mentioned that K-pop and all that it embodies inspired their choice of song, dressing and even dance steps. So the Korean culture, music, dance and phenomenon were important in their decision regarding their performance, and they wanted to portray through their dance. Also, the reason they chose the BTS song is that BTS is one of the most loved Kpop groups in Korea, and Nigerians also love BTS music. The Kingsmen disclosed that they are so happy to have been selected as winners, they feel really good, and their months of practice paid off. They faced a lot of challenges, especially getting space for rehearsals. They also mentioned how grateful they are to KCC Nigeria for the KPOP festival and also for the opportunity to share their dance and love for K-Pop. Also, For the dancing contest, the second Prize winner was Kri8tifz, and the third Prize was the Female Evolution.
At the tail end of the event, there was the raffle draw in which 10 people won and were given different gifts like a carton of Korean Ramyeon , Korean skin care products, Flasks to mention. Mariam Nadia, who was one of the winners of the raffle draw, mentioned how happy she was to be selected, as she was not expecting it. She was glad to be going home with a carton of Ramyeon. At the hanbok stand, several attendees had the opportunity to try on the Hanbok. They mentioned how they have always wanted to wear a hanbok, and they were really grateful to KCC Nigeria for the amazing opportunity and program. All attendees left for their homes with different Korean-related gifts and PR materials, and their hearts full from having had a Korean experience in Nigeria.
