The Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria (KCCN) proudly announces the Kim Koo 150th Anniversary Cultural Contest, a multi-format creative competition in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the birth of Kim Koo (1876–1949), one of the most visionary leaders in Korea's independence movement. This contest is open exclusively to Nigerian nationals and residents.

Kim Koo served as President of the Korean Provisional Government and dedicated his life not to military conquest or economic dominance, but to the enduring power of culture. In his celebrated autobiography Baekbeomilji, he wrote:

"The only thing I want endlessly is the power of high culture. This is because the power of culture makes us happy and, in turn, gives happiness to others. I do not want our country to be followers of others, but to become a source and an example model for this noble culture. I hope that true world peace could be established from and through our nation."

More than seven decades after his assassination, Kim Koo's vision feels prescient. The global rise of Korean culture through K-drama, K-pop, Korean cuisine, cinema, and design has demonstrated to the world that culture is not a soft sideshow to power, but its highest and most enduring expression. This phenomenon, now popularly known as the Korean Wave (Hallyu), is widely regarded as a living testament to Kim Koo's dream.

This contest invites Nigerians to engage with that idea not as spectators of the Korean story, but as contributors to a universal conversation. Nigeria itself is a cultural powerhouse: from Afrobeats to Nollywood, from the richness of its more than 500 distinct languages to its mastery of oral traditions, craft, and fashion. The question this contest poses is not 'what can we learn from Korea?' but rather: What does it mean for any people including ours to build their power through culture rather than force?

Winning entries will be announced and showcased on 21 May 2026, at a special event co-hosted by the KCCN and Youth Orientation for Development (YOD), a UNESCO-accredited NGO in Nigeria to mark the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. YOD and the KCCN have held this joint celebration since 2025, and this year's edition will serve as the public unveiling of the contest's winning works.

Contest Theme: CULTURE AS POWER: SHAPING NATIONS THROUGH CREATIVITY AND IDENTITY

Eligibility

· The contest is open to Nigerian nationals and foreign nationals residing in Nigeria, aged 18 and above.

· Entries may be submitted by individuals only (not groups or organisations).

· Participants may submit one entry under any category of their choice (Video or Essay).

· All entries must be original, unpublished works not simultaneously submitted to other competitions.

Contest Categories & Format Requirements

Category A — Video

· Duration: 1 to 5 minutes

· Format: MP4 or MOV (minimum 720p resolution)

· Language: English

· Eligible formats: short documentary, personal essay video, creative film, spoken word performance, cultural showcase, or experimental video art

· Submission: Upload link (google drive) + completed application (google) form

Category B — Essay

· Length: 800 to 1,500 words (including in-text references; excluding title and name)

· Format: PDF or Microsoft Word (.docx). Font: Times New Roman or Arial, 12pt, double-spaced

· Language: English

· Eligible formats: Academic essay, personal narrative, opinion essay, creative non-fiction

· Submission: File upload via the online application portal + completed application (google) form

Schedule:

• ●22 April 2026 - Contest officially opens — Call for Entries published

• ●12 May 2026 - Submission deadline (11:59 PM WAT)

• ●21 May 2026 - Notification of winners and shortlisted entries

How to Submit

1. Download the attached PDF file to read the full details & guidelines of the contest

2. Complete the online application form. Provide your full name, nationality, age, contact email, and category of entry.

3. Upload your entry: Essays as PDF or .docx files; Videos as a google drive link entered into the form.

4. Include a brief bio (maximum 100 words) and a short description of your entry (maximum 150 words).

5. Download, sign and submit the declaration form.