By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
The Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria (KCCN) has celebrated the graduation of a new set of talented K-pop dancers tagged the “Level-Up Class,” marking another stride in strengthening cultural exchange between Nigeria and South Korea.
Held at the KCCN Studio in Abuja, the event drew participants, instructors, and cultural enthusiasts who gathered to witness the culmination of weeks of rigorous training in one of the world’s most dynamic and expressive dance forms.
The graduates, numbering 30, completed an intensive program that immersed them in the distinctive techniques, precision, and high-energy choreography that define K-pop performances. The training also emphasized synchronization, stage expression, and creativity — vital attributes for any aspiring K-Pop performer.
Speaking during the ceremony, KCCN’s Culture and Events Officer, Yunijin Lee, noted that while the dance academy usually caters to younger participants, this year’s edition expanded to include older students eager to explore the fast-evolving world of K-pop.
Lee highlighted the growing fusion between Afrobeat and K-Pop, stressing that the cultural interplay between both genres is deepening musical and artistic understanding across borders.
“There is a lot of Afro music influence in K-pop these days. In the past, K-pop songs were mostly released in Korean, but now we hear more English lyrics. I hope this inspires more Nigerian participation and fosters mutual creativity,” she said.
Dance instructor Isaac Jiga commended the Centre’s deliberate efforts to blend Nigerian and Korean cultural expressions through contemporary art.
“K-pop dance transcends cultural boundaries. It borrows from street dance, hip-hop, and afrobeat movements — proving that language is never a barrier when it comes to music and dance,” Jiga explained.
He added that the KCCN’s initiatives continue to play a crucial role in bridging artistic gaps and showcasing Nigeria’s growing presence in global cultural trends.
Through programmes like the K-Pop dance academy, the KCCN reaffirms its commitment to promoting cultural understanding and creative exchange, using dance as a universal language that connects communities across continents.