Jeonbuk Province advances K-pop school initiative with second academy
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Jeonbuk Province is promoting the establishment of an international K-pop school and is holding its second annual K-pop academy.
- The academy aims to foster talent and build the foundation for the K-pop industry in the region.
- Participants will receive practical training in vocals, dance, performance, and music video production, alongside cultural experiences.
Jeonbuk Province is actively pursuing the establishment of an international K-pop school and is currently running its second K-pop academy to cultivate talent and strengthen the regional K-pop industry ecosystem.
The "2026 Jeonbuk K-pop Academy" will host 21 young participants from South Korea and abroad from September 5 to 19 at the Korea Sound Culture Center. Applications are open until August 15. This academy is designed as more than just a cultural experience; it's a key component of Jeonbuk's broader strategy to develop the K-pop industry and establish the international school.
Key objectives include forming industry-academia-research collaborations within the K-pop sector, securing the viability of the K-pop industry's development, and establishing a business model for the international school. Last year's academy saw a competitive applicant ratio of 27:1, highlighting significant interest from young aspiring artists.
Participants will engage in hands-on training covering the entire K-pop production process, including vocals, dance, performance, recording, and music video creation. The program also includes cultural and tourism experiences in Jeonju and Buan, culminating in a performance showcase. Jeonbuk Province has already completed a preliminary study for the international school and formed a working group with the provincial education office to establish the necessary frameworks.
We will operate the academy meticulously so that Jeonbuk can grow into a hub for international cultural exchange in line with the global popularity of K-pop.
Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.