Expansion of K-POP Education...Howon University’s Admission Competition Ratio Reaches 13.15 to 1; K-POP Lyric Writing Workshops Held in the UK

Interest in K-POP education is surging both domestically and internationally. Howon University achieved the highest admission competition ratio in Jeollabuk-do during its 2026 admissions cycle by emphasizing a strategy focused on K-culture. For the general admission category, 7,470 applicants competed for 568 spots, resulting in a ratio of 13.15 to 1. On an overall basis, the competition ratio was 9.67 to 1, the highest among universities in the Jeonbuk region. The School of Practical Music showed particularly strong performance, with 4,847 applicants competing for 115 spots, yielding a ratio of 42.15 to 1. Among specific majors, the vocal performance track attracted the most interest, with a competition ratio of 109.95 to 1, clearly indicating its high popularity among candidates. Other tracks also saw high competition rates, including instrumental performance at 53.7 to 1 and singer-songwriter programs at 37.9 to 1. Other specialized departments such as the acting track in the School of Performing Media (15.32 to 1), the hotel and culinary arts program (15.52 to 1), and the physical therapy program (13.44 to 1) also demonstrated strong performance. Howon University President Kang Hee-sung stated, “These results prove that Howon University has established itself as a key institution for cultivating talent who will lead K-culture. We will continue to develop educational programs that enhance students’ competitiveness in line with evolving societal needs.” Meanwhile, K-POP education is also gaining momentum in the UK. The Korean Cultural Center London will host a “K-POP Lyric Writing Experience Event” on the 18th and 19th. This event is designed as an interactive hands-on program that allows K-POP fans to experience the lyric writing process firsthand. Recently, various K-POP artists such as BTS, BLACKPINK, NewJeans, and Stray Kids have topped UK charts, and large concerts in London have been sold out, confirming K-POP’s solid presence in the local music market. The event will be led by JQ, a renowned K-POP lyricist. He has written lyrics for many hit songs including EXO’s “KoKoBap,” Red Velvet’s “Bed Boy,” and Seunghwa’s “Wayback Home,” and he currently serves as the head of the MUMW Academy. The program on the first day involves analyzing the characteristics of K-POP lyrics and receiving feedback after writing two lines of lyrics. On the second day, participants will learn the principles behind creating hooks and complete a challenge to craft a powerful single sentence. Kim Seunghye, director of the Korean Cultural Center London, said, “K-POP creation workshops go beyond simple experiences; they provide a platform where future generations can actively participate as creators. I hope this will serve as an opportunity for young people from Korea and the UK to jointly shape the future of K-culture.” The event is free to attend, and registration is available through the Korean Cultural Center London’s website in advance.