KoreaFest Lineup
HEADLINER || EMCEES || JUDGES || TRADITIONAL ARTISTS || CONTESTANTS
Nathan
Kenny
Seok
Aito
1VERSE
We're thrilled to officially welcome 1VERSE as our headliner artists and judges for KoreaFest 2026!
Known for their amazing stage presence, and dynamic versatility, 1VERSE has made a name for themselves through standout performances, and a deep passion for Korean music and dance Culture.
1VERSE (Pronounced Universe), is a 5-member boy group under Singing Beetle Entertainment. The group consists of Hyuk, Seok, Nathan, Kenny, and Aito. 1VERSE debuted on July 18th, 2025 with their EP "The 1st Verse" and single "Shattered".
Note: Hyuk will not be in attendance at KoreaFest 2026.
EMCEES
Joining us at this years KoreaFest are our beloved Emcees; Liam, Erica, AJ, and Chris!
Erica Lee
Erica grew up in North Carolina and now lives in Northern Virginia surrounded by a bustling Korean community. She grew up surrounded by taekwondo and traditional Korean dance and wants to help spread the culture!
Liam Cassiel
Hello, this will be my third year emceeing KoreaFest!
Every year the competition keeps stepping up, so I’m excited to see everyone’s performances.
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Chris Valiente
Hello! I'm Chris and this is my second year with InWave! I'm just a chill guy that loves music, content creation and travel. I hope to continue spreading Korean culture and create entertaining content for people to enjoy through our videos!
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AJ Achas
Hi! I'm AJ and I'm in my 2nd year with InWave.
I help create content but I'm mostly just here for the vibes!
JUDGES
Meet our industry-trained professionals judging our contests!
1Verse
Known for their amazing stage presence, and dynamic versatility, 1VERSE has made a name for themselves through standout performances, and a deep passion for Korean music and dance culture. 1VERSE will be judging multiple contest categories, carefully watching for artistry, technique, stage presence, and originality! Whether you’re competing or attending, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. Let’s give 1VERSE a warm welcome to North Carolina!
Seung Yeon
From her debut in 2015 with CLC to now solo artist, Seung Yeon has been a force in the K-Pop scene, leading her group to international success with iconic hits like "Helicopter", "Hopgoblin", and "Black Dress".
With over 110 million streams for "Helicopter" alone and more than 70 million views on its MV, her influence is undeniable!
Philip Guadagno
Philip Guadagno is a classically trained tenor and graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he studied under Dr. Gene Galvin.
He has previously attended the Baroque Performance Institute at Oberlin Conservatory for continued training in Renaissance and Baroque-era repertoire and performance practice.
Aaliyah Flournoy
Aaliyah Flournoy is the founder and director of both Hush Crew Boston and LA, is a dancer, performer and instructor at studios around the LA and OC areas. Aaliyah dances professionally with GRV, and has credits as a backup dancer in music videos including Jennie's "Mantra", Jung Kook's "3D" and Nayeon's "ABCD", as well as live performances on tour with KATSEYE, Jennie on Jimmy Kimmel Live, TXT at Lollapalooza 2023, Stray Kids on YouTube Brandcast, and more (IU, DPR, JYP).
Gunmin
Gunmin is an Artist, Choreographer, and Instructor. He debuted in 2014 as the main dancer of K-Pop boy group B.I.G (Boys in Groove).
As a member, he participated in choreography creation, member training, and music video choreography directing for B.I.G's title and album tracks. Currently, Gunmin is an instructor at JustJerk.
Jason Rune
Jason Rune is a professional singer, actor, and private voice instructor. As a graduate of the University of North Carolina Greensboro (MM in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy),
Jason enjoys not only performing, but also implementing the newest research & techniques while doing so.
Traditional Arts
Watch these astonishing cultural bearers perform at this years event!
Sunmi Shin
-NC Korean Dance Representative
-Director of InWave
-Director of the Korean Dance Association
-Director of the Korea Arts and Culture Promotion Agency for the Disabled
-Jeollabuk-do Cultural Heritage Towel Dance Master
-The 32nd National Gugak Competition, Cultural Heritage National Trust Chairman's Award
-Minister of Health and Welfare Award in the Culture and Arts Category at the 27th National Disabled Leaders' Conference
YoungHoon Lee
-Master's degree in Dance from Yongin University.
-Artistic Director of Cheonwoo Theater
-Artistic Director of the Gamuak Jami Traditional Arts Institute
-Han Sun-ok, head of the Suwon branch of the Sword Dance Preservation Society
-Seungmusalpuri dance master
-Jeollabuk-do Intangible Cultural Heritage Towel Dance Master
Jooyoung Pack
-Ewha Womans University Department of Dance Graduate
-Jeonbuk Cultural Heritage No. 59, Shingwancheolsugeon Dance graduate
-Director of Korea Dance Association
-Director of the Culture and Arts
-Promotion and Development Institute for the Disabled
-Jeongeupsa Korean Music Contest Grand Prize
Audreyanne Covarrubias
Audreyanne is a professional dancer, dance teacher and performer with a diverse skill set that includes ballet, LA style Jazz dance, tap dancing, Korean dancing, Samul nori drumming, and accompanist. She began her study of the Korean traditional drum, Changgu, while living in Korea and working as a professional dancer at the Lotte Hotel, Pusan. Upon returning to the USA, Audreyanne co-founded a traditional Korean drum team, Changgu Samul nori, in Sacramento, where she taught and performed Samul nori in Sacramento, CA, Reno NV, and the San Francisco Bay area. Audreyanne relocated to Raleigh, NC, in 2020 and is thrilled to share her love for Korean Traditional Performing Arts.
Contestants
Last but not least, our insanely talented contestants!
Solo Dance
1st Place Prize: $1,000
Eric Sun
Cloud
Kira Takei
Edwin
Mala-Onneli
Ashleigh J
Jazzy
SkmDance
Little
Elle Langley
Chi Nicole
Ella
Cameron
Lauryn
Aezyah
Large Group Dance
1st Place Prize: $2,000
LÜC!D
DIA CREW
Reset
803 Crew
Lunatics
Lucky8 Dance Crew
Radiate Crew
KOMET Dance Crew
Wanted
ANOVA
Chromaseoul
Idol
1st Place Prize: $1,000
Kate
Jellz
Amaret
KDF - Lauren &
Noelle Lang
Lons&Renni
4U2
Eric Sun
Asteria
Small Group Dance
1st Place Prize: $1,000
Prism Kru
FR3SH
archived
5678crew
Genesis Dance Crew
UKDT
ALLURE Dance Crew
dg.AWoL
K.E.A
Black Mania
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Korean Singing
1st Place Prize: $1,000
JJ
Amy Headrick
Honey Bi
Lauren Lang
Cloud
Rai
Lila Saidi
Lauryn
Connor
Sarah