For Los Angeles K-pop fans who have only ever practiced choreography in front of a bedroom mirror, a rare opportunity is about to unfold. The Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles (KCCLA) is partnering with the King Sejong Institute Center, U.S.A., to present the “2026 K-POP Academy in LA” — a three-day intensive workshop running from October 14 to October 16, 2026, that promises professional training and a real stage performance.
The program is part of the broader 2026 Sejong Culture Academy and aims to give local enthusiasts the chance to train directly under a seasoned industry professional before showcasing what they have learned. Workshops will be held from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on October 14 and 15 at the Korean Education Center in Los Angeles, with a final showcase taking place on October 16 at the Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles.
Participants will be split into Beginner and Advanced levels based on their existing experience. Beginners will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis, while Advanced applicants must submit dance videos for review. Students currently enrolled in Korean language courses at a King Sejong Institute will receive priority consideration. All applicants must have been born on or before December 31, 2012, and must commit to attending the full program from October 14 through 16.
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The academy will be led by KAHI, a singer, performer, and former member of the iconic K-pop group After School. KAHI previously served as a dance trainer on Mnet’s “Produce 101” and built extensive stage experience as a professional dancer before debuting in 2009 as the original leader of After School, where she became known for her powerful dance skills and commanding stage presence. Her instruction will go beyond simple choreography replication, focusing instead on helping participants understand the music’s flow and emotion and express it through their own energy and individual style.
The program culminates in a final showcase at the Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles on October 16, where participants will perform the choreography they developed over the two-day workshop, experiencing the full journey from learning to presenting a completed stage performance.
K-pop has evolved far beyond passive listening into a participatory culture driven by cover dances, dance workshops, and fan-generated social media content. Through this academy, KCCLA aims to provide local fans with professional training and performance opportunities while deepening their connection to Korean culture via the Sejong Culture Academy program.
“This K-POP Academy offers participants a special opportunity to learn firsthand from a professional artist with extensive industry experience and to work together toward a completed stage performance,” said KCCLA Director Haedon Lee. “We hope the program will encourage participants to connect through K-pop and experience Korean culture in a more personal and meaningful way.”
Participation in the “2026 K-POP Academy in LA” is free, but advance registration is required. Selected participants will be notified individually by email. Additional information about the application process and program is available on the Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles website at https://la.korean-culture.org/ and on its official social media channels at https://www.instagram.com/kccla/.
Why it matters: As K-pop’s global fanbase continues to grow, institutional programs like this one bridge the gap between passive fandom and active cultural participation. By offering free, professional-level training from a verified industry veteran, KCCLA is not just teaching choreography — it is investing in the next generation of performers who will carry Korean culture forward on their own terms.
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