Hi K-POP LOVERS around the world:)
We just prepared FAQ for all you guys to clarify our festival!

FAQ for K-POP WORLD FESTIVAL

1. Regarding nationality of contestants

1-1)  Is there any restriction on nationality?

: There is no restriction on nationality. However, ‘Koreans’ shall not participate.

* You are considered ‘Korean’ if:

1) You hold Korean citizenship, or you have acquired Korean citizenship in the past.

2) Both of your parents are Korean or have acquired Korean citizenship in the past.

1-2) I am not able to participate in my country due to a scheduling conflict. Can I audition in a different country?

: You can only participate in the country of your residence. Travelers and transients (short-term residents) cannot participate. Please contact the Embassy of the Republic of Korea or Korean Cultural Center in each country for further details.

2. Regarding team formation and stage

2-1) How many categories are in the audition?

: There are 2 categories: vocal and performance.

2-2) Rules for each category:

1) Vocal category: Maximum of 2 back-up dancers are allowed in the finals.

(This means that in the preliminary rounds, there is no limit to the number of back-up dancers.)

2) Performance category: There is no limit to the number of team members.

Is there a restriction on music?

: You may only use K-pop songs. Arrangement is allowed. For the final, the song may include maximum of 2 songs and have maximum total length of 3 minutes and 30 seconds.

3. What is the process leading up to the finals?

Until the finals,

1) Preliminary rounds are held in the embassy/cultural center of each country/region.

2) The embassy/cultural center submits the video of the winning team of the preliminary to KBS.

3) First and second round of video screening by experts will determine the finalists.

4) The finalists will visit Korea and experience K-pop mentoring (vocal & dance training, profile shoot, recording, etc.) and Korean culture (attending Music Bank). The final will be held on September 29th in Changwon. The finalists will depart Korea on September 30th.

4. What is the overall schedule for the 2017 K-POP WORLD FESTIVAL?

 - Local preliminaries: approximately April~August

 - Finalists’ visit to Korea: End of September

 - Final: September 29th (Friday)

5. What is the award for the 2017 K-POP WORLD FESTIVAL?

- Grand prize: 1 team, Top Excellence award: 2 teams, Excellence award: 2 teams, Popularity award, Congeniality award

The total prize money is 44,000,000 South Korean Won.

For any questions not mentioned above, please visit our Q&A page(http://kbsworld.kbs.co.kr/kpopfestival/site_2017/board/wall.php?site_div=kwf_qna) or contact the Embassy of the Republic of Korea or Korean Cultural Center in each country.