KBS Art-Vision Launches Global K-Pop Camp in Partnership with Chinese and Korean Companies

KBS Art-Vision is set to launch the 'KBS Art-Vision KPOP CAMP,' a global initiative aimed at nurturing future K-pop stars.

The project, a collaboration with China's STAR DREAM (Sichuan) and Korea's Sogumppang Entertainment, was formalized through a recent agreement signing at the KBS annex building.

This partnership signifies the beginning of a global cultural exchange program designed to offer dreams and practical experiences to teenagers worldwide who are passionate about K-pop.

The three organizations will jointly pursue projects for discovering and training next-generation talent centered around K-pop, fostering healthy cultural exchange between Korean and Chinese youth.

The K-pop camp is scheduled to run for 16 days, from January 28 to February 12, 2026. Educational programs and a graduation performance will take place at Dong-Seoul University and the KBS Art Hall (planned).

The curriculum will encompass K-pop dance, vocal training, and stage acting. STAR DREAM will manage participant recruitment in China, while Sogumppang Entertainment will handle operations in Korea. Dong-Seoul University's K-pop department will provide educational support.

The camp's finale showcase is envisioned not just as a presentation of learned skills, but as a festival celebrating the passion and growth stories of aspiring K-pop artists who have journeyed from China to Korea.

Esteemed judges will include KBS Art-Vision Director Yoo Ji-cheol, Broadcasting Art Business Director Lee Cheol-woong, KBS Entertainment PDs, Dong-Seoul University K-pop Department Head Kim Sung-hyun, Professor Seok Jin-wook, Arc.ent CEO Jang Ji-min (formerly of YG, SM, HYBE's creative directors), Sports Seoul's Entertainment Business General Manager Lim Jae-cheong, and singer JYUNKY (a former K-pop 2nd generation girl group member active in Korea, China, and Japan), among other industry professionals.

A KBS Art-Vision representative stated, 'This camp is planned to expand into a sustainable global K-pop industry platform, not just a one-off event. We aim to communicate with youth worldwide through hybrid content combining education, experience, K-culture, community, and tourism for global K-pop fans.'

The inaugural camp will begin with approximately 50 Chinese teenagers, with plans to expand to 200-300 participants in the summer of 2026.

Korean netizens expressed excitement, commenting, 'Finally, a real opportunity to learn K-pop properly,' and 'It would be great if Korea-China exchange becomes more active.' Many are curious about the future global stars this program might cultivate.