Cebu Gears Up for the 2025 Changwon K-POP World Festival Preliminary

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The much-awaited CHANGWON K-POP World Festival 2025 – Preliminary in Cebu is set to take center stage this Sunday, June 29, 2025, at the City Wing Atrium of SM Seaside City Cebu.

Organized by the Korean Consulate in Cebu, the Korean Association in Cebu, SM Seaside City Cebu, HALLYU IL, and Y101, this prestigious event brings together 6 vocalists and 34 of the most talented and admired K-pop dance cover groups in the city.

Changwon K-pop World Festival 2025 poster. Courtesy of Hallyu IL

These passionate performers will compete for a coveted chance to represent the Philippines in the Changwon K-POP World Festival in South Korea later this year.

Now considered a highlight in the Cebuano K-pop calendar, this year’s preliminary also marks a new record with the highest number of vocal contestants yet, reflecting the rising interest and dedication of

local K-pop enthusiasts.

This year’s event is proudly spearheaded by HALLYU IL, the longest-running K-pop radio show in Cebu—and possibly in the Philippines. The show airs every Sunday from 12:00 noon to 4:00 PM on Y101, and has grown into a dynamic platform for K-culture, both on-air and on the ground. HALLYU IL launched in 2022, founded by Korean language students from King Sejong Institute, Cebu, and first aired on Magic 92.3 before moving to its current home at Y101, which continues to support the Hallyu wave and local creative communities.

CHANGWON Photos - L-R: Sin Sung Won, Third Secretary and Vice Consul of Consulate of the Republic of Korea in Cebu and June Rabin of HALLYU IL.

Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Cebu, Sewon Song (Photo from Changson)

The venue, SM Seaside City Cebu, has consistently served as a hub for cultural showcases and major K-pop events in the region. Their unwavering support for the arts and multicultural events makes them an essential part of Cebu’s thriving K-pop scene.

Adding more excitement to this year’s competition, 20 standout performers from this preliminary will also qualify for the upcoming Cebu K-pop Star event, further raising the stakes for all participants.

Generous cash prizes will be awarded:

� Champion – ₱20,000

� 1st Runner-Up – ₱15,000

� 2nd Runner-Up – ₱10,000

This event is part of the "Korea-Friendly Foreigners Outreach Project", an initiative by Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the Korean Consulate in Cebu selected as one of its proud hosts.

Don’t miss this spectacular celebration of talent, community, and K-pop culture. Expect electrifying performances, heartfelt music, and unforgettable moments.

Admission is free. See you there!