K-POP Festival group category winners, BFK01, posing with event judges and organizers.
The 2025 K-POP Festival, Brazil’s largest celebration for fans of Korean pop culture, wrapped up successfully this past weekend in São Paulo, drawing an energetic crowd and showcasing outstanding local talent.
Jointly organized by the Brazilian Chapter of the National Unification Advisory Council (PuacBrasil, headed by Mr. Seo Ju-il) and the Korean Cultural Center in Brazil (directed by Mr. Kim Cheol Hong), the event took place at the Adoniran Barbosa Hall, a vibrant cultural venue in central São Paulo.
This year’s festival featured two competition categories — solo and group — and saw over 100 teams participate in a highly competitive online preliminary round. From this pool, 12 group teams and 7 solo performers advanced to the finals.
The finalists took the stage at 5 p.m. on June 22, delivering two hours of powerful, high-energy performances that captivated the audience and demonstrated the rising level of K-pop dance in Brazil.
BFK01 performing on stage.
The grand prize in the group category went to BFK01, whose flawless performance of ENHYPEN’s “Fatal Trouble” earned them the top spot and a prize of R$5,000. Upon receiving the award, the group shared, “It feels like a dream. Every moment we spent preparing for this stage was sincere, and we truly believe it was our destiny to stand here together.”
Second and third place in the group category went to SERENITY and SEASONS DANCE GROUP, respectively.
Evan posing with directors and judges after winning the solo category.
In the solo category, Evan claimed first place, taking home R$2,000. “I can’t believe this is real. Korean culture changed my life, and thanks to K-pop as an art form, I was able to stand on this stage,” he said, visibly moved.
The first-place winners in both categories will be nominated as potential contestants for the 2025 K-POP World Festival, to be held in October in Changwon, South Korea, hosted by KBS. Final selection will be made by the festival’s organizing committee.
The judging panel featured notable local names in the dance and entertainment scene, including choreographer Davi Olliver, known for working with Brazilian pop icons such as Anitta and Gloria Groove, as well as artists Maki and Mitty Becerra. “We were truly impressed by the talent and passion on display,” the judges commented. “It was incredibly difficult to choose the winners.”
Hosts and judges on stage.
Hosted by charismatic MCs Desi Nunes and Mario Kang, the event also featured a special performance by last year’s winning duo Bia e Nana, a dance showcase by the judges, and a lively number by students of the Korean Cultural Center’s K-pop dance class — all of which added to the excitement of the evening.
Mr. Seo Ju-il remarked, “Compared to last year, the level of talent has grown tremendously. It’s a true testament to the growing popularity of K-pop in Brazil.”
Mr. Kim Cheol Hong, director of the Korean Cultural Center, added, “We’re witnessing how K-pop has evolved from a trend into a true cultural phenomenon in Brazil. We will continue working to spread Korean culture throughout the country.”