The Xtreme Movement has emerged as the overall winner of the K-Pop contest, securing an impressive prize of 800,000 naira along with the prestigious opportunity to represent Africa in the upcoming final contest in Korea. In addition to this remarkable achievement, they also took home the coveted popularity prize, further cementing their appeal with a cash reward of 200,000 naira.

Initially, the K-Pop contest in Nigeria began as a dance competition. However, in 2022, the format was expanded to include singing, adding a new layer of talent to the event. For the past four years, the finals have alternated between the bustling cities of Lagos and Abuja, showcasing the vibrant talents from across the nation. The selection process for this year’s event involved a comprehensive online preliminary round, which culminated in the emergence of 18 finalists, comprising 10 singing teams and 8 dance teams.

In the dance category, the competition was fierce, with Xreme Dance Crew finishing in a commendable second place, walking away with 600,000 naira. Zoned in DC claimed the third-place spot, demonstrating the breadth of talent in the dance realm. Meanwhile, in the singing category, Macwhintney Myles distinguished themselves as the standout performer, taking home the grand prize of 800,000 naira. Following closely, Ohwodiasa Goodness secured the second prize, with Blessing Onuh finishing in third place, each contributing to the rich tapestry of talent showcased in this exciting event.

In his opening remarks, the director of the Korean Culture Centre in Nigeria (KCCN), Jeon Juho, emphasised the centre’s dedication to fostering cultural exchange between Korea and Nigeria.

He highlighted the strategic importance of Lagos and Abuja as key cities for entertainment, expressing excitement for the potential of Nigerian contestants in the K-pop festival.

Juho stated, “Nigerians are exceptionally talented; we are optimistic about their chances in the competition. This year, we have scheduled the event earlier to ensure timely submission of videos. With 35 Korean cultural centers worldwide, we have high hopes for Nigeria to emerge as the African champions once again.”

Judge Praise Nelson praised the participants, noting the significant improvement in standards over the years. “K-pop in Nigeria is gaining momentum. As the first dance team to win a prize in South Korea, I am thoroughly impressed by the growth. Over the past decade, advancements in technology have greatly facilitated the contest. We are hopeful that Nigeria will secure the championship in 2025.”

Jethro Damina, representing the overall winner in the dance category, Xtreme Movement, conveyed their confidence in promoting Nigerian talent on an international stage, sharing that their preparation for the contest began in February of the previous year.

MacWhitney Myles, the overall winner in the singing category, expressed gratitude to KCCN for providing the platform. She shared that she had dedicated a year to preparing for her performance and had been a participant for the past four years leading up to her victory in 2025.