MERAKI sets out to Seoul for KCDF, eyeing third straight win for PH
Last June, ‘Everyone’s KPOP: KPOP in Colors’ was held to celebrate music, talent, and individuality at Robinsons Galleria, making an avenue for fans, artists, enthusiasts, and performers to come together.
The event exhibited the vibrance of the K-pop experience through performances and fan culture displays, education, creativity, and meaningful conversations. It was hosted by the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) and The Seoul Shinmun Daily, in partnership with the Korea Copyright Protection Agency-Manila Office (KCOPA), Philippine K-pop Convention Inc. (PKCI), and Robinsons Galleria.
“This is my fourth time joining this event, and every year I am reminded of just how strong the connection between Filipinos and K-pop has become. What began as an appreciation for music has grown into a vibrant community built on creativity, passion, and cultural exchange,” shared Kim Myeongjin, Director of the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines, during his welcome remarks.
Journey to Seoul starts at the KCDF Philippines Finals
The highlight of the event was the most awaited K-Pop Cover Dance Festival (KCDF) Finals, where the grand champion will be able to compete on behalf of the Philippines on the global stage.
As some of the country’s most talented dance crews showcased their talent and passion, MERAKI came out on top and earned the opportunity to be the country’s representative at the KCDF World Championship in Seoul, Korea. With a goal to bring home the world title for the Philippines’ third consecutive time, the team’s preparations are building anticipation as they work towards carrying on the country’s winning streak on the world stage.
The 1st and 2nd runner-up positions were won by ALPHA and PARADIGM, respectively, with both teams having valuable experience gained from competing internationally before, proving once more the world-class quality of Filipino K-pop performances.
“The Philippines is proud to be the back-to-back KCDF World Champion, a testament to the incredible talent of Filipino dancers. With that title comes even greater anticipation, and I am certain the competition will be fiercer than ever this year,” Director Kim added.
Many colors of K-pop beyond the spotlight
Aside from the competition finals, attendees encountered diverse K-pop experiences during the day. ARIRANG TV and the 2026 K-INFLUENCER ACADEMY presented a special Influencer Talk featuring content creator Evan Tan, who gave fans an inside look into content creation and the rising influence of digital communities in relation to K-pop culture.
The Korea Copyright Protection Agency-Manila Office (KCOPA) also offered discourse on idol copyright and content protection, focusing on the need to respect creators and artists in the digital age.
On a personal note, KCC’s KPOP Academy students gave testimonies on their experiences and journeys with the program while giving a dance tutorial session that encouraged audiences to participate and try out a few steps themselves.
ISKOLLAS and Venisse Sy also filled the stage with performances showcasing cherished K-pop tracks that gave the crowd energy and made the celebration more colorful.
Earlier that day, attendees engaged in immersive games, educational talks, and fan activities. Meanwhile, particular fan clubs in partnership with the Philippine K-pop Convention Inc. made the venue a bright community space with their interactive booths and activities.
Ultimately, Everyone’s KPOP: KPOP in Colors showed that K-pop goes beyond music and performances, but it is also an avenue that brings together diverse passions, talents, and stories to produce a lively community.
Source: PR from KCC
