K-Pop Takes Over Campus! RIIZE, ILLIT Explode at University Festivals!

lewishooper1
Oct 3, 2025
2 min read

The 2025 Korean university festivals are about to get a whole lot hotter, with some of K-pop's biggest names taking over campuses! We have all the details on the hottest trends happening on Korean campuses!

Star-studded Events

Each year Korean universities face a fierce competition. The competition is not only about attracting new students, but it is also about securing the biggest and most popular K-pop idols, to perform at their campuses.

This rare opportunity allows students to catch a glimpse of A-list artists, and in the past big names such as PSY, ILLIT, and others have performed full sets, often for free or at a low cost compared to their stadium tours, in return for social media and mainstream media coverage.

So which artists performed this year?

This year RIIZE and ILLIT were some of the names who managed to cerement their place in the Gen Z culture, as during their university performances they managed to create an immense buzz and viral moments for their fans.

For RIIZE and ILLIT, their high energy performances lead to high-profile media coverage and increased visibility, ultimately reinforcing their position as in-demand headliners in the competitive K-pop landscape.

RIIZE performed this year at Gwangju University on September 25, and ILLIT performed at Sungshin Women's University over a two day concert on September 18 and 19. RIIZE also performed at Yonsei University earlier on the year, and this show attracted some of the biggest university crowds in history.

School Pride

Unlike Western schools or universities, Korean students show a different type of pride to show their support. There is a Korean saying known as Daedongje or "Festival for Unity" which are massive cultural events for several key reasons that go beyond a typical college fair, which many of us are used to.

The school pride in Korea extends of course beyond K-pop shows, as many students often wear university merchandise like jackets, and at times have been known to engage in performing their schools chants on nights out.

Student-Led Culture

As well as professional acts, the festivals feature student performances, club booths, food stalls, and games. This fosters a strong sense of community and provides a fun break from the intense academic pressure of university life, and as many of you know, the life of a student in Korea is for the most part intense.