The national selection will determine the country’s first-ever representative for Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026, with the winning act earning the right to fly the Korean flag in Bangkok on 14 November.
Rather than focusing on a single musical style, the selection will showcase eight artists from a variety of genres, offering audiences the chance to discover some of the names making up what organisers describe as Korea’s “next generation” of musical talent.
When and where to watch
'Korea’s Next Wave' will take place today, 4 September, beginning at 23:00 KST (16:00 CEST).
The show will be broadcast domestically by ENA, while fans around the world will be able to watch the selection live through the official YouTube channel;
International fans will have a say
Viewers will not simply be watching from the sidelines, as fans both in South Korea and abroad will have the opportunity to influence the outcome.
Voting will open during the live broadcast, with fans able to cast up to eight votes, spread across a minimum of three different entries. Voting will be free of charge and available through the Eurovision Asia website.
The final result will be determined through a combination of public and jury voting. The Korean public will account for 40% of the final score, while international votes will contribute 20%. The remaining 40% will come from a professional jury.
This means that audiences outside South Korea will have a direct role in deciding which artist will represent the country in Bangkok.
Jo Kwon to host the selection
Adding some star power to the evening is Jo Kwon, who will take on hosting duties for the national selection.
Best known internationally as a member of the K-Pop group 2AM, Jo Kwon has also built an extensive career as a singer, actor, television presenter and musical theatre performer.
He will lead viewers through the eight performances and the entertainment segments throughout the evening, while encouraging audiences to participate in the selection process.
A five-member jury
The competing acts will also face the scrutiny of a five-member professional panel assembled by ENA.
Music and entertainment industry figures JOO YOUNG HOON, CHAERINA, Yoonhan, Hyungtag Lee and KLOZER will comment on each performance before their scores are incorporated into the final result.
Eight artists will enter the competition. Only one will leave with the ticket to Bangkok. Listen to all the songs here.
Follow us on our digital platforms — Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and TikTok — to keep up with this and other National Finals news.
