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FAQ
General Information:

What does the Contest entail specifically?

  • Accepted contestants will perform live on stage in front of celebrity judges in the K-Pop field for a chance to win a cash prize.

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Is there a cost to enter the contest?

  • The fees for this year have a $50 submission fee for all categories Group Dance (Large & Small Group), Solo Dance, Singing, & Idol.

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How will I know if my submission was received?

  • Once you submit your form, you will see a confirmation prompt. If you're unsure or would like to double-check, feel free to contact us via Instagram DM or email us at InWaveMovement@gmail.com. 

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Are there prizes for the contest winners? What are they?

  • Large Group Dance: $2,000

  • Small Group Dance: $1,000

  • Solo Dance: $1,000

  • Singing: $1,000

  • Idol: $1,000

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Can family/friends attend KoreaFest to watch?

  • Yes, friends and family are actually encouraged to attend KoreaFest. There will be a huge variety of activities for everyone of all ages to enjoy such as: K-Pop Performances, Over 50 Food & Merch Vendors, Korean Games, Korean Hanbok Try-On, and thousands of attendees to meet and have a great time with!

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Will there be a livestream for those who can't attend in person?

  • No, unfortunately we will not have a livestream for the individuals that are not able to attend KoreaFest in person.

Eligibility:

Are there any age restrictions for participants?

  • We do not have any official age restrictions. However, the majority of past contestants have been 18 years or older.

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Do I need to be a resident of North Carolina to participate?

  • No, you do not need to be a North Carolina resident to participate, it is open to participants from anywhere.

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Can Non-Koreans participate?

  • We welcome all races, nationalities, genders, and sexualities to participate!​

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Submission Details:

Singing Contest

Can I enter as both a soloist and in a group?

  • Yes, you are allowed to send in auditions for multiple categories, if accepted you will also be allowed to compete in all categories you pass.

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Can I submit multiple entries in the contests?

  • No, contestants are only allowed to submit one audition per category.

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When does the audition submission period open and close?

  • The submission period will be announced soon.

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How do I submit my audition video?

  • Visit InWaveMovement.com, navigate to the KoreaFest tab, review the guidelines for the category you're interested in, and fill out the form at the bottom of the page.

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What are the different performance categories?

  • Solo Dance, Idol, Singing, and starting at KoreaFest 2026 we will be splitting up the Group Dance category into Small Group (2-6 Members) & Large Group (7+ Members).

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What format should my submission video be in?

  • The format of your video should be sent in preferably as an mp4 file, however we can also accept your submission as an unlisted YouTube link.

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Can I change or update my audition after I've submitted it?

  • No, once your audition is submitted that is what our team will be reviewing.

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One (or multiple) of members in my group are unable to film the audition with us but will be attending KoreaFest, are we still able to submit the audition without them?

  • For the Singing & Idol categories, all performing members must be present in the audition video. For the Solo & Group Dance categories, the number of members must match your final performance unless you are adding members, which in that case you will need to email us ASAP. You may switch individuals, but the headcount should stay the same.

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Performance Contest:

Are there any restrictions on the song or choreography I choose?

  • Choreography must be family-friendly. All music must be from K-Pop industry artist. Groups like Katseye, VCHA, XG, and NiziU for example require prior approval form the Contest Director which you can contact by emailing InWaveMovement@gmail.com.

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Can I mix multiple songs into my performance?

  • Yes, song mixes are allowed for all categories except Singing which you are allowed only 1 song.

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Can I perform an original choreography or song?

  • Original choreography is allowed, but the music must be from a K-Pop group.

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Am I allowed to use props or costume changes?

  • Yes, as long as no external stagehands are involved. All handling must be done by on-stage performers.

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Is lip-syncing allowed in the Idol & Singing categories?

  • No, live vocals are required for scoring accuracy.

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Technical Requirements:

What is the maximum length for the audition video and performances?

  • Singing: 1 Song

  • Solo Dance: 2.5 Minutes

  • Idol: 2.5 Minutes

  • Small Group Dance: 3.5 Minutes

  • Large Group Dance: 3.5 Minutes

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Are there any video resolution or quality requirements?

  • No strict requirements, but videos must be clear enough for accurate evaluation.

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Should the video be recorded in one-take or can it be edited?

  • Editing is allowed, but one-take recordings are strongly recommended. Over-editing may impact your ranking for acceptance.

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Do I need to include an introduction in my audition video?

  • No introduction is required.

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Judging & Feedback:

What are the judges looking for in each category.

  • Judging criteria can be found in the Guidelines & Submission tab on our website InWaveMovement.com.

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Will I receive feedback on my audition submission?

  • Feedback is optional. To request it, email InWaveMovement@gmail.com with the name or stage name used for your submission.

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How many contestants/groups will be selected to perform at KoreaFest 2026?

  • There is no fixed number of selected performers.

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Will the judging panel include professionals from the K-Pop industry?

  • Yes, past judges include Yves (Loona), Seungyeon (CLC), Brian Puspos (K-Pop Choreographer), Sea Ni (K-Pop Choreographer), and many others.

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Are there going to be any workshops or special events hosted with the judges?

  • We will be having a Judge's Showcase where our judges will be doing performances on stage, more information about that will be posted closer to the date of KoreaFest.

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Communication & Notifications:

When will I be notified if I've been accepted?

  • Notifications are typically sent within two weeks after the submission deadline. Please check your email regularly.

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What should I do if I don't receive a response after submitting?

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Live Performance Details (For Those Accepted):

Will there be a rehearsal before the live contest?

  • Yes, there will be 2 rehearsals available. We will have an all day rehearsal on Friday the 27th (The day before KoreaFest), we will also have a short rehearsal the morning of KoreaFest which will be first come first serve due to the limited amount of time before we open the doors for the general public to enter.

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Will I need to bring my own music or will it be provided?

  • The music will be provided for you.

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What equipment will be available on stage (mics, monitors, etc.)?

  • There will be 1 big LED screen on the side of the stage, and handheld mics will also be available for the contestants participating in the Singing & Idol contests.

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Will dressing rooms be available?

  • Unfortunately, due to the amount of space given for the venue we are not able to accommodate dressing rooms for the contestants. However, there will be plenty of room backstage for all contestants to use the drop off materials, rehearse, or to cool down/take a break.

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Media & Promotion:

Will my audition video or live performance be recorded or shared online?

  • Your audition video will not be disclosed due to integrity purposes, however during KoreaFest clips of your live performance may be used for marketing purposes on all InWave accounts.

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Can I post my audition or live performance on social media?

  • Unfortunately, due to integrity purposes contestants are not allowed to post their audition video until either after KoreaFest or after receiving a denial email informing you that you were not selected for this year's KoreaFest. Regarding your live performance, you are more than welcome to post either your own video or the videos we will be providing a few weeks after the conclusion of KoreaFest 2026.

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Disquialification/Disclaimers:

What if I'm sick or unable to attend the event after getting accepted?

  • We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise. However, please note that all fees are non-refundable once your audition has been submitted and accepted. This policy remains in effect regardless of the reason for your inability to attend, including illness or personal emergencies. We appreciate your understanding, as event planning and commitments are based on confirmed participants.

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Can I withdraw my submission after being accepted?

  • Yes, you may withdraw your submission after being accepted. However, please note that we are unable to offer refunds once your audition has been submitted. We encourage all participants to consider their availability and commitment before submitting, as planning and scheduling are based on confirmed entries.

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Miscellaneous/Other:

Who can I contact If I have questions about the contest?

  • You can send any questions that you have to our Instagram @InWaveMovement or our email InWaveMovement@gmail.com. This year's Contest Director is Kennedy Cooper and Hunter Roberts, you are more than welcome to make an email directed to them or to 'Contest Team'.
     

© 2024 by InWave

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