MBC University Song Festival returns after 13 years.
"2025 MBC University Song Festival — Lighting youth" will be held Oct. 3 at National Korea Maritime & Ocean University (Busan). Breaking a 13-year hiatus, it has returned and generated buzz as many college applicants showed interest starting at the recruitment stage, and the announcement of the MCs, judges and celebration-stage lineup has further raised expectations.
First, the MCs are Jang Doyoun, Lee Junyoung and Kim Minju. Comedian Jang Doyoun, known for her steady hosting skills, will add her characteristic wit, actor Lee Junyoung, who is active in drama and on OTT platforms, will make his first appearance as an MC, and actress Kim Minju, a former IZ*ONE member, holds the record for the longest-serving MC of Show! Music Core and is expected to fully utilize her hosting experience. The fresh combination of the three is expected to invigorate the stage.
The judging panel was filled with names that represent Korea's music scene. Music producer Yoon Sang, singer-songwriter Lee Juck, performance director Park Kalin, Daybreak's Lee Wonseok, power vocalist Lee Younghyun, band musician Yuk Joongwan and SG Wannabe's Kim Yongjun joined to form a solid "dream team" that spans genres and generations. It already raises curiosity about how judges with different musical colors and deep insight will evaluate the college contestants' dreams.
The special stage lineup prepared to celebrate the revival of the University Song Festival is also spectacular. Representing Korea's hip-hop scene are Dynamic Duo and SINCE, solo artist WOODZ, who made a comeback hit, singer-songwriter Lee Mujin with youth sensibility, the tasteful and talented band LUCY, global K-pop band Xdinary Heroes, fifth-generation super rookies HITGS, and the uniquely appealing rookie group idntt will all appear to further brighten the stage of youth.
The production team said the University Song Festival returning after 13 years "will be more than a simple competition; it will be a place to glimpse the future of Korea's music industry," and asked audiences to look forward to the youth songs that will resonate again alongside a lineup that unites generations.
Tickets for "2025 MBC University Song Festival — Lighting youth" will go on sale on the 12th at 8 p.m. on Melon.
[Photo] Provided by MBC.
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