The Korean Cultural Center in Los Angeles successfully organized the 2025 K-Pop Cover Dance Festival USA, bringing together talented dance teams from across the United States for a celebration of Korean pop culture. The competition took place on August 24 at the center's Ari Hall, showcasing the growing popularity of K-pop dance performances among American youth.
Twelve dance teams from various regions of the United States participated in this year's festival, demonstrating their skills through choreographed performances of popular K-pop songs. The competition featured diverse groups representing different cities and communities, highlighting the widespread appeal of Korean pop culture throughout the country.
The seven-member team KND from Orange County claimed the top prize with their energetic performance of ITZY's hit song "마.피.아. in the Morning" (MAFIA in the Morning). Their victory earned them the prestigious opportunity to represent the United States at the World Finals, which will be held in Korea this September. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the team and demonstrates the high level of talent present in the American K-pop dance community.
The competition also recognized outstanding performances by other participating teams. The 12-member group aXis from Chicago secured second place with their impressive routine, while the third-place position went to AfterDark, who notably were the champions from the previous year's competition. This ranking showcases the competitive nature of the event and the continued excellence of returning participants.
Director Haedon Lee of the Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles expressed his enthusiasm about the festival's success and its cultural significance. He commented that the festival served as "a meaningful opportunity for K-Pop fans from across the U.S. to share and celebrate Korean culture." His remarks emphasized the event's role in fostering cultural exchange and building connections within the Korean Wave community in America.
The Korean Cultural Center plans to continue its commitment to promoting Korean culture through various programs and events. Director Lee indicated that the center will keep offering diverse Hallyu experience programs, ensuring that American audiences have ongoing opportunities to engage with Korean entertainment and cultural content. This long-term approach demonstrates the organization's dedication to strengthening cultural ties between Korea and the United States through the power of popular culture.
