The Korean Cultural Centre in Nigeria (KCCN) on Friday graduated 12 children from its 2025 K-pop Dance Academy during a ceremony held in Abuja.
K-pop, short for Korean pop, blends pop, hip-hop, R&B, and electronic dance music, and is central to South Korea’s cultural identity and global diplomacy.
The academy was designed to promote cultural exchange through music and dance between South Korea and Nigeria, encouraging children to build creativity, teamwork, and performance skills.
Ms Yunjin Lee, Programme Officer at KCCN, said the 2025 session focused exclusively on children as other classes already catered for youths interested in singing and choreography.
She explained that while most K-pop lyrics were in Korean, many also included English, and dance as a universal language helped participants connect regardless of nationality.
“Dance brings people together. We’re not preaching Korean culture; it’s about shared interest. Anyone curious about K-pop or dance is welcome to participate,” Lee said.
She encouraged parents to register early for the next session, noting that turnout in 2025 improved because of better timing during the school holidays.
The month-long programme ended with a live performance by the children, showcasing skills acquired during the training.
Mr Isaac Ajiga, the dance instructor, said the children displayed resilience and growth despite some challenges.
He praised the support of dedicated parents, noting that the class environment helped the participants thrive and bond.
“KCCN’s programme promotes diversity and teamwork. Culture has made this possible, and the children have grown through it. Parents even asked for similar classes for adults,” he said.
Award winners included Master Morireninioluwa Garba, who won Best Male Dancer, and Miss Dabeluchukwu Ezeoni, 13, who received Best Female Dancer.
Garba said he felt proud of his performance and grateful for the support of his family and friends.
“This is not my first time at KCCN, I originally came for Taekwondo. Returning for the dance programme has been exciting,” he said.
Ezeoni said her passion for K-pop helped her overcome shyness and succeed in spite of challenges.
“I’m grateful to be among the graduands. This was a fun yet tough experience, and I thank KCCN for helping us discover our hidden talents,” she said.
Other awardees included Miss Osas Igweike, Somce Igweike, and Salma Hyelakumi, recognised for punctuality and dedication.
(NAN)