Bacolod’s X: Encrypted Shines in Cebu and Will Represent the Philippines at Changwon K-POP World Festival
2025-07-01A wave of excitement swept through Cebu as the 2025 Changwon K-POP World Festival Preliminary made its much-awaited return on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at the City Wing Atrium of SM Seaside City Cebu. After a two-year break, the event came back stronger than ever, giving K-pop fans and performers from across the country—especially those from Cebu and neighboring cities—a platform to celebrate music, dance, and the growing cultural connection between Korea and the Philippines.
This year’s festival was more than just a competition. It symbolized the resilience and passion of Cebu’s K-pop community, who kept the spirit alive even during the event’s absence in 2023 and 2024. With over 60 applicants, 40 teams—six vocal soloists and 34 dance cover groups—were carefully selected to compete, making this year’s edition the biggest yet in terms of vocal participation.
Organized by the Korean Consulate in Cebu, the Korean Association in Cebu, SM Seaside City Cebu, HALLYU IL, and Y101 FM, the event forms part of the Korea-Friendly Foreigners Outreach Project—a program aimed at building grassroots cultural connections between Korea and other countries. The event also highlighted Cebu’s growing reputation as a hub for Korean culture, tourism, and entertainment. Last year alone, more than one million Korean tourists visited Cebu and Bohol, making Koreans the largest group of foreign visitors to the region.
The atmosphere inside the City Wing Atrium was electric. Fans cheered loudly as each team took to the stage, delivering powerful vocal performances and high-energy dance covers. After an intense round of judging, three teams rose to the top. Young Villains took second runner-up with their cover of BTS’s “Mic Drop,” Understatement secured first runner-up with their performance of Katseye’s “Gnarly,” and X: Encrypted earned the championship title with their commanding performance of Seventeen’s “Getting Closer.”
Adding star power to the event was a special performance by Miyabi, a member of Jam Republic and a finalist from the hit Korean dance survival show Street Dance Girls Fighter. Currently studying in Cebu, Miyabi wowed the audience with her explosive dance showcase. Her announcement that she plans to hold a dance workshop soon in Cebu drew excited cheers from local fans and aspiring dancers.
For X: Encrypted, their victory in Cebu was the result of grit and teamwork. Hailing from Bacolod City, the group traveled to Cebu at their own expense, determined to take part in the event. Behind their polished performance were countless nights of juggling schoolwork, day jobs, and late-night rehearsals.
Ariane Kyle, the group’s manager and creative director, expressed her pride. “I am very proud of them because despite their busy schedules, they were able to pull it off,” she shared. “Managing to do it in such a short time is commendable. This is a testament to their passion and dedication. I’m confident they’re ready to represent the Philippines in Changwon.”
Justine Bryan “JB” Custodio, one of the team members, also reflected on their journey. “We feel overwhelmed. We did not expect this win. We only had about two weeks to rehearse. But one thing I’m proud of about our team is that no matter what difficulties we face, we always exude positivity,” he said. “Even if it’s hard, when everything is fun, we don’t realize how hard it is anymore. Believing in ourselves and staying positive made us win.”
This year’s preliminary also introduced a new dynamic as Cebu-based K-pop radio show HALLYU IL took the lead in organizing the event for the first time. June Rabin, HALLYU IL’s host, described the opportunity as both an honor and a responsibility. “It’s not just about performances; it’s about passion, friendship, and creating a space where the K-pop community in Cebu feels seen and heard,” she said.
Consul General Sewon Song of the Republic of Korea in Cebu also emphasized the event’s significance during a press conference held on June 19. “This festival is particularly meaningful as we are partnering with HALLYU IL under the Korea-Friendly Foreigners Outreach Project,” he said. “We believe that lasting connections are built by empowering those who genuinely love and share Korean culture within their own communities.”
With this victory, X: Encrypted will proudly represent the Philippines at the Changwon K-POP World Festival in Korea, one of the world’s most prestigious stages for K-pop cover talents. This next chapter means even more hard work as they prepare to showcase their skills alongside finalists from different countries, all coming together to celebrate their shared love for K-pop.
But while the team’s dedication is unwavering, the financial demands of traveling and competing internationally remain a challenge. To help make their dream performance in Korea a reality, X-Encrypted is now reaching out to the community for support. Those who wish to extend help—whether through donations or sponsorships—can contact the group through their official Facebook page, X:yber Entertainment, for more information on how to contribute.
Witnessing the cheers, the tears, and the determination of every performer and fan made me realize once again how K-pop continues to inspire and unite people from different cities and walks of life. Cultural exchange is truly alive here in Cebu—and now, with X: Encrypted heading to Korea, that connection continues to grow stronger.
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