Recruiting Participants for the Iksan Seodong Festival 2026 National Seodong Selection Contest Grand prize pool of 6 million won! We are looking for brave and talented “next-generation Seodong” candidates who will bring distinction to the Iksan Seodong Festival. ■ Recruitment Overview Eligibility: Any Korean man aged 16–39 (born between 1987 and 2010) may apply. International students are also eligible. Required documents: Application form, consent form for the use of personal information, and a profile photo (a cellphone photo is acceptable; facial features must be identifiable) Benefits for winners: Prizes totaling 6 million won, awarded differentially; opportunities to participate in cultural event programs organized by the Iksan Culture and Tourism Foundation and to appear on broadcast programs Inquiries: ☎ 063-850-8585 (KCN Geumgang Broadcasting) ■ Application Information (Advance and On-site Applications) Period: Until midnight on April 24 (Fri.) (※ Recommended) How to apply: Complete the attached application form and submit your application [On-site applications on the day] Date and time: April 25 (Sat.), 10:00–12:00 (applications close at noon) (※ Applications close at noon to ensure smooth preparation for the preliminary round) Location: Preliminary judging venue desk (Iksan National Intangible Cultural Heritage Integrated Training Center) (1-9 Iksan-daero 21-gil, Iksan-si) How to apply: Bring the completed application form and submit it on site ■ Schedule [First Preliminary Round] Date and time: April 25 (Sat.), 13:00 Content: Self-introduction and talent performance (approximately 2 minutes total) ※ Participants must prepare their own music for the talent performance (bring it on a USB drive) and props. ※ The final 10 contestants advancing to the finals will be selected through the preliminary judging. [Residential Camp and Training] Period: April 29 (Wed.)–May 1 (Fri.) / 2 nights and 3 days ※ All 10 finalists must participate. Accommodation and meals will be fully provided during the camp. [Finals] Date: May 1 (Fri.) Location: Special stage at Iksan Jungang Sports Park Content: Final stage competition and awards ceremony for the 2026 National Seodong Selection Contest 1. Eligibility and Applications Q. Is there an age limit? Can married people or foreigners apply? A. Any man aged 16–39 (born between 1987 and 2010) who resides in Korea may apply. International students are also eligible. Married applicants may apply as long as they meet the age requirements. ​ Q. The application deadline and preliminary round are both on April 25 (Sat.). What time does the application close? A. The preliminary judging begins at 1 p.m. (13:00) on April 25 (Sat.). To ensure smooth preparation for the preliminary round and compilation of the participant list, we recommend completing your application by midnight on April 24 (Fri.), or at the latest, during the morning of April 25. ​ Q. What kind of profile photo should I submit? Is a cellphone photo acceptable? A. A professional profile photo taken in a studio is not required. However, please submit a front-facing photo, preferably one that clearly shows your facial features and overall appearance. (Excessive use of photo-editing apps may negatively affect the judging.) ​ 2. Preliminary Judging Q. How will the preliminary judging be conducted? A. The preliminary round will take place at 13:00 on April 25 (Sat.), and the “self-introduction and talent” portion will be judged within approximately 2 minutes total. Please prepare a short, impactful presentation that best showcases your appeal and qualifications as Seodong. ​ Q. Do I need to prepare the props or music (MR) required for the talent portion myself? A. Yes. Applicants must bring their own music for the talent performance (bringing it on a USB drive is recommended), personal props, and any other necessary materials. ​ Q. How many contestants will advance to the finals? A. The final 10 contestants will be selected through the preliminary judging. ​ 3. Residential Camp and Finals Schedule (Camp & Finals) Q. Is participation in the 2-night, 3-day camp after passing the preliminary round mandatory? A. Yes, it is mandatory. The 10 finalists must participate in the 2-night, 3-day residential camp and training held from April 29 (Wed.) to May 1 (Fri.). After completing detailed preparations for the final stage through this process, they will appear on the special stage at Jungang Sports Park on May 1. ​ Q. Can I attend to personal commitments during the camp? A. Since the camp is a group training process intended to improve the quality of the final performance, personal commitments cannot generally be accommodated. Before applying, be sure to keep your schedule free from April 29 to May 1 (4/29–5/1). ​ 4. Awards and Benefits (Prize & Benefits) Q. What exactly are the benefits of being selected as Seodong? A. Prize money and certificates will be awarded to the grand prize winner and other winners, who will also serve as the “Prince Seodong,” representing the festival during the designated festival period. In the future, they may participate in various cultural event programs hosted by the Iksan Culture and Tourism Foundation, as well as receive special opportunities to appear on broadcast programs, including KCN Geumgang Broadcasting.