Jeonbuk K-pop Academy 2026 opens applications for 21 youth spots — deadline August 15

Applications opened July 9 for the 2026 Jeonbuk K-pop Academy, with a deadline of August 15.

21 spots are available: 15 for foreign nationals, 6 for domestic applicants. The process runs through the academy's Instagram and an online form, followed by three stages of screening—documents, video submissions, interviews, and on-site evaluation. August brings the final results.

Training happens September 5–19 at Korea Sori Culture Hall in Jeonju. It's a live-in program. Vocals, dance, performance, audio recording, songwriting, and music video production make up the curriculum, taught hands-on by trainers from major entertainment agencies, active singers, and professional producers. Top graduates from last year's cohort return as mentors. Participants visit tourist sites in Jeonju and Buan to produce travel video content and perform on the street. The program wraps September 18 with a showcase at Myeongindang Hall and a completion ceremony.

Foreign participants pay for their own airfare and visa fees. Jeonbuk Province covers lodging, meals, K-pop education, and cultural experience costs in full, plus provides a visa issuance confirmation certificate.

Last year's inaugural cohort drew 558 applicants from 50 countries—a 28:1 competition rate. The 20 selected youth came from 10 countries, including the U.S., India, and Russia. They completed the 2-week course and released an original track, 동그라미 (Go Beyond Create Harmony), tied to Jeonju's bid for the 2036 Summer Olympics. That 28:1 ratio from year one explains why intake jumped from 20 to 21 this time around.

"In line with K-pop's global popularity, we will operate the academy substantively so that Jeonbuk can grow as a hub for international exchange," said Shin Won-sik, Director of Culture, Sports and Tourism.