New Malden K-POP Awards 2025: How K-Culture is Shaping Europe’s Culture and Community

04 September 2025

The New Malden K-POP Awards 2025 took place on August 30–31, 2025, at the New Malden Methodist Church, transforming the town — home to the largest Korean community in Europe — into a hub of music, dance, and celebration. KPOP First launched in 2024, the festival has worked to establish New Malden as the UK’s premier K-Culture hub.

This year’s edition was bigger and more vibrant than ever, showcasing incredible talent and the dynamic K-Culture community. Proceeds from the event continue to support the creation of the New Malden Art Centre, a permanent cultural venue, and the enhancement of local community infrastructure, ensuring the festival’s legacy lasts far beyond the event itself.

A Weekend of Talent and Celebration

Semi- Final (Saturday, August 30) — Rising stars competed in vocal and dance semi-final rounds, bringing their passion and energy to the stage.
Final (Sunday, August 31) — The finalists went head-to-head for the coveted crown, followed by the New Malden K-POP Awards Ceremony. Audiences enjoyed thrilling performances, guest stages, andcelebrated the winners.

In total, 91 contestants participated in the competition, showcasing an incredible range of talent. Across both days, the event welcomed over 1,000 visitors, filling New Malden High Street with music, energy, and community spirit.

A Celebration of Confidence

Beyond The Stage: Community Impact

Each year, the New Malden K-POP Awards is more than a competition—it’s a cultural gathering point that strengthens community ties.

New Malden holds unique significance as home to South Korean, North Korean, and Chinese Korean communities, forming the largest Korean population in the UK and Europe. This diversity makes the town not only a local meeting place but also an international symbol of how Korean culture thrives and connects people across borders.

Beyond cultural exchange, the festival provides a safe, inclusive, and family-friendly space where young people can grow. K-POP fosters positivity—bringing together children, teenagers, and parents in an environment free from toxicity and harmful influences. In this way, the New Malden K-POP Awards is not just a weekend of performances, but a commitment to nurturing community spirit, inspiring youth, and strengthening cultural infrastructure for years to come.

The spirit of New Malden K-POP Awards 2025

Global Bridges Through Culture

The New Malden K-POP Awards brought together not just contestants but global talent:

Judges included DJ Seoul Train, award-winning producer David Anthony, and internationally recognized dancers and choreographers like Holly, Juju, and Coco.
Special performances featured artists and influencers like Sofi C, Vachte, Jeung Hyun Choi, Sungjoon, and Coco—blending traditional Korean percussion, modern ballads, and artistry.

This fusion of local and global voices illustrates how K-Culture acts as a bridge—strengthening UK-Asia relations and inspiring younger generations to pursue their creative passions.

A Judging Panel That Reflects The Global Reach of K-POP

The Team & Leadership Behind The Event

The success regarding of the New Malden K-POP Awards 2025 would not have been possible without the vision of Mr. Kiyoung Kim, CEO of the New Malden Organisation. His commitment to expanding community events has been very important in turning New Malden into a cultural hub for K-POP and Korean culture in the UK and Europe.

On the production side, the W Korea team provided essential management and coordination, ensuring the event ran smoothly from start to finish.

Alongside them, a dedicated group of volunteers and staff worked tirelessly across two full days, supporting contestants, managing logistics, and welcoming thousands of visitors to New Malden High Street. Their collective effort reflects exactly what the New Malden K-POP Awards stand for: collaboration, community, and culture in action — and it is this spirit that will continue to carry the festival forward in the years to come.

Closing Thanks

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made the 2025 New Malden K-POP Awards a success. To the contestants, thank you for sharing your passion, talent, and dedication on stage — you are the heart of this festival. To the organisers, volunteers, and staff, your tireless efforts behind the scenes ensured every detail came together seamlessly. To our vendors and partners, your creativity and commitment brought the K-POP Village to life, turning the event into a true cultural marketplace. And to the wider community and audience, your support and energy are what give this celebration its true meaning.

Together, you have shown that the New Malden K-POP Awards are more than an event — they are a living example of how culture unites people and inspires future generations.