Mary Obidudu, Kingsmen triumph at 2026 Nigeria K-Pop Festival
By sunnews
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By Damiete Braide
MaryIsibhakome Obidudu and dance crew, The Kingsmen, emerged winners of the singing and dance categories respectively at the 2026 K-Pop Festival held in Lagos, with both acts earning the opportunity to be nominated for the K-Pop World Festival in Changwon, South Korea
Organised by the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria (KCCN), the annual festival celebrated the passion, talent and creativity of K-pop enthusiasts across the country. Returning to Lagos after the 2025 edition in Abuja, the event attracted some of Nigeria’s leading K-pop dance crews, singers and fans
The competition featured 18 finalists, comprising 10 dance teams and eight singers, who qualified through a rigorous selection process. Contestants in the dance category were judged on choreography, composition, synchronisation, expression and stage charisma, while vocalists were assessed on vocal ability, lyrical accuracy, expression and stage presence
Speaking at the event, the Director of the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria, Juho Jeon, described K-pop as a global cultural movement that continues to connect millions of people through music, dance and creativity
He said K-pop is now enjoyed in more than 100 countries and has become a powerful platform for cultural exchange. Jeon added that the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria remains committed to strengthening the friendship between Korea and Nigeria through cultural programmes and events
The audience was also entertained by Korean musicians, Seo Yena and Haneung Lee, who thrilled guests with a special performance of a popular Korean song
In the singing competition, Mary Isibhakome Obidudu claimed the top prize after performing Changgwi by Ahn Ye Eun, earning a cash reward of N500,000. Omamuyovwi Ohwodiasa finished as first runner-up with Wish by Gaho and received N300,000 while Olonade Victor Joseph emerged second runner-up with Because You Are My Woman by Lee Seung Gi to win N200,000
The dance category was won by The Kingsmen, whose energetic performance of BTS’ Fake Love earned them the championship and a cash prize of N800,000. The group also received the Most Popularity Award, decided through public voting, and won an additional N200,000
Kri8tifz was the first runner-up after performing Stray Kids’ S-Class, taking home N600,000, while Enigma Revolution finished as second runner-up to receive N400,000
Organisers explained that although the winners would be nominated for consideration to represent Nigeria at the 2026 K-Pop World Festival in Changwon, South Korea, participation is not automatic. The nominated acts must first compete with winners from other countries before securing a place at the global finals
The 2026 K-Pop Festival once again highlighted the growing popularity of Korean pop culture in Nigeria while providing talented young performers with a platform to showcase their skills and strengthen cultural ties between Nigeria and South Korea
