Around Shinsegae Department Store’s Main Billboard
First-Ever “Countdown Show: Light Now” to Be Held
Featuring Park Junghyun, Insooni, and More... Broadcast Live in 117 Countries
Seoul’s Myeong-dong will be unveiled to the world for the first time as a “global New Year’s Eve destination” rivaling New York’s Times Square.
Junggu District (District Mayor Kim Gilseong) announced on December 17 that it will host the “2026 Countdown Show: Light Now” on December 31, starting at 11:00 p.m., around the large electronic billboard at the Shinsegae Department Store Main Branch. This marks the first time that a large-scale official countdown event will be held in Myeong-dong.
Large electronic billboard at Shinsegae Department Store Main Branch where the countdown show is held. Provided by Jung-gu.
The district is transforming the Myeong-dong area, designated as the 2nd Outdoor Advertisement Free Zone, into “Myeong-dong Square,” creating a city of lights. This event is expected to serve as a signal of its growth.
The highlight of the night will be a massive media facade show using the Shinsegae Main Branch’s large electronic billboard. As vibrant visuals light up the night sky, a spectacular scene will unfold at midnight when the crowd joins together in the countdown. K-pop performances and a fireworks show will also take place.
The event will be hosted by KBS, with comedian Kim Wonhun and KBS announcer Jung Eunhye serving as MCs. Stages will be set up at two locations: the fountain plaza in front of the Shinsegae Main Branch and in front of Seoul Central Post Office.
Performers will include Park Junghyun, known as Korea’s “Fairy of R&B,” powerhouse vocalists Insooni, Sohyang, and Ailee, as well as Park Hyewon (HYNN), dance crew Hook, ONEWE, La Poem, 82Major, Close Your Eyes, Youngbin, Moon Seyoon & Hanhae, Heo Yongbyeol, Bigman, H1-KEY, Park Jihyun, and Say My Name, delivering performances that span generations.
The Myeong-dong Square Countdown Show will be broadcast live from 11:00 p.m. on KBS 1TV and KBS YouTube to 117 countries. The vibrant energy of Myeong-dong, the heart of K-culture, will be shared with the world in real time, ushering in a hopeful New Year for Korea together with the global community. The countdown video will be simultaneously displayed on 14 billboards throughout Myeong-dong, including the newly installed large electronic billboard at the Kyowon Naewae Building at Euljiro 1-ga Station intersection, which was unveiled in November.
On-site attendance will be free for 1,000 people selected by lottery, with 20% of the slots reserved for Junggu residents. General applications can be made on the KBS website, while Junggu resident applications are accepted through the “AI Naepyeon Junggu” website until midnight on December 18. Attendees will receive bracelets, cheering sticks, and hand warmers at the venue.
Junggu will prioritize safety on the day of the event to accommodate the large crowds. The district will operate a control center for phased crowd management, deploy safety personnel at more than 30 locations throughout Myeong-dong, and collaborate with police, fire, and other relevant agencies to create “the most spectacular yet safest” festival.
District Mayor Kim Gilseong stated, “I hope that the message of bright hope, beginning in the city of lights Myeong-dong with this Myeong-dong Square Countdown Show, will spread across the world.”
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