A Stage United by Passion and Talent
Sowing the Seeds of Youth Culture
The judges were Hyunse, Raccoon, Showrepose, Choi Dongyeol, Crazy Kyo, and Choi Jungho. Youth dance crews and students from arts high schools across the country participated, delivering passionate performances.
On July 19, the finals featured 18 teams that passed the preliminary round, as well as a celebratory performance by MB Crew, a national breakdancing team. The judges also provided feedback to each team after their performances. On July 20, the grand finals saw fierce competition among nine outstanding teams, along with an individual battle and a celebratory performance by Lady Bounce.
The Hanul Nuclear Headquarters Grand Prize was awarded to WELLBOSS CREW, who received a scholarship of 10 million won. In addition, the Uljin Office of Education Superintendent's Gold Prize went to Wakjajikkeol and DA'CORES, the Hanul Excellence Silver Prize went to Un:code, HL (Hanlim Arts High School), the Lumiere Art Prize went to Ode.Y CREW, and the Future Energy Bronze Prize was awarded to Yudokgahs (Gyeongbuk Arts High School), Star On, and Kideukkideuk. In the individual battle, Choi Kyungyun of Wakjajikkeol took first place, while Kim Hangyeol of DA'CORES was the runner-up.
At the 'Passion Finale Gala Show' held on the outdoor stage, the festival continued with a piano performance by Kim Taeun, a concert by the band Wishes, encore performances by the award winners, and a water show, creating an exciting atmosphere for both participants and the audience.
Atomic Soul, Uljin's leading dance team, commented, "We are grateful to Hanul Headquarters for their generous support that allowed us to prepare our best. Although we are disappointed not to have made it to the finals, we will continue to improve our skills and hope to compete in the finals next year."
WELLBOSS CREW, the grand prize winners, said, "We choreographed our final stage to symbolize the energy generated by nuclear reactions, and to represent that this energy is the youth of Korea. We are very happy to have won the grand prize and would like to participate again next year with a new and unique performance."
Kim Solhee, the instructor for DA'CORES, shared, "This was my first time visiting Uljin because of this competition. I was impressed by the scale of the event and the generous support and consideration for the young dancers. The children felt respected, and I was deeply moved by this care. I will definitely participate again next year."
One of the judges stated, "I hope that the individual battle, which was held this year, will become the main program of the dance festival next year. I sincerely support Uljin in becoming the mecca of youth dance in Korea."
Director Lee Seyong said, "Through the passionate performances of the youth, I was once again reminded of the potential of our future opinion leaders. As the number one fan of the Hanul Passion Culture Festival, I was truly happy throughout the event. We will continue to support Uljin's youth so that dance can become both their hobby and specialty. I promise to hold the National Youth Dance Festival every year so that it becomes a sustainable, signature festival for Uljin."
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