K-POP @ J-TSOON
J-TSOON6 K-POP GROUP COVER DANCE COMPETITION
(Including duos and trios)
The K-POP GROUP Cover dance competition will take place on the 12th and 13th of April, 2025 in Kultuurikatel, Tallinn, Estonia. Stay tuned for the schedule updates on our social media channels.
1. Nominations.
Participants must carefully align their performances with the chosen nomination and strictly adhere to the specified performance durations.
1.1 Dance and Age Categories:
1.1a Duet & Trio:
- Number of Performers: No more than 2–3 performers.
- Performance Duration: Up to 2 minutes and 30 seconds (150 seconds).
1.1b Group:
- Number of Performers: 4 + performers.
- Performance Duration: Up to 3 minutes and 30 seconds (210 seconds).
- Important Note: The recommended number of performers on stage is 9. While participants are welcome to participate in a team with more members, please note that the festival cannot guarantee comfortable accommodation on stage during the performance.
For the SOLO competition please click here.
1.1c Backup Dancers:
- Allowed for Duets and Trios but not for Groups.
- Time Limit: Backup dancers can only perform on stage for half the performance duration.
Example: For a 2-minute performance, backup dancers must not exceed 1 minute on stage. - Judges will evaluate only the main performers in Duets and Trios, with no additional points awarded for backup dancers.
1.1d How to Choose the Correct Age Category:
- KIDS: Up to 14 years old.
- JUNIOR: 15–17 years old.
- ADULT: 18+ years old.
- Organizers can change the age category if mistakes are found in the application.
- The organizers have the full right during the selection process to choose an appropriate number of performers in all age categories to ensure fair competition in each category
- Please note that each age category has different performance levels, and it is important to respect the performances that were selected.
- Duet & Trio:
- Duet: The age category is determined by the age of the oldest participant at the time of the festival in the group.
- Trio: The age category is determined by the percentage ratio of participants’ ages. If more than half of the participants fall into the ADULT category (over 18 years old) at the time of the festival, the trio should choose the ADULT category. The same principle applies to the KIDS and JUNIOR categories.
- Group:
- The age category is determined by the age group that represents the majority of participants.
- If over half of the participants fall into the ADULT category (over 18 years old) at the time of the festival, the group should choose the 18+ category. The same principle applies to the KIDS and JUNIOR categories.
In a 50-50 percentage ratio, the group must choose the higher age category.
1.2 NKC Qualifiers:
What is the NKC?
The NärCon Kpop Championship aims to showcase Kpop Cover Dancing at its best. It provides a stage for finalists to demonstrate their skills and passion for the Kpop music genre. In this championship, participants will compete against other dance troupes to perform the best Kpop dance routine, as closely as possible to the original song and choreography.
One exceptional group will be chosen to represent Estonia at the prestigious NärCon Kpop Championship, set to take place at NärCon Summer 2025!
To review the complete rules for the NKC qualifiers, please click here.
1.3 Best Costume:
- To be considered for the best costume nomination, all participants must provide reference pictures of the costumes they intend to replicate or are inspired by.
- If no reference pictures are provided, the organizers reserve the right to exclude the group from this nomination.
- In applications, participants will have the opportunity to describe the concept of their costume if they do not intend to fully replicate the costumes but are instead inspired by the idol and their style of a chosen song.
1.4 Awards:
- The number of prizes may vary from one festival to another, depending on the number of participants in each age category and dance category, as well as the level of competition within them.
2. Performance and Participation Restrictions.
2.1 Performance Limitations:
Each participant can perform on stage twice (1+1 rule) following these three options:
- One Duet & Trio + One Duet & Trio (1+1)
Requirements: Different lineups for each performance. The Trio lineup must change by at least 2 performers. - One Duet & Trio + One Group. (1+1)
- Group + Group (1+1)
Requirements: Participants not performing in the Duet & Trio category, can perform in up to two (2) groups, provided they use different group lineups (1+1)
Important Note: We accept groups whose composition changes by up to half of the original lineup or slightly more. If a group retains the majority of its original members but adds a few new ones, this is also acceptable. If exactly half of the members are new, this also counts. In cases where the group’s composition doesn’t split evenly in half, we round the change up.
2.3 Backup Dancers:
- Each backup dancer can only perform in one Group Category, even if they do not perform in the Duet & Trio category.
2.4 Participation Rules.
- Please note that due to limited stage time, organizers reserve the right to limit the total number of entries. Therefore, the number of performances may vary at each festival.
- Participants are allowed to apply for the SOLO K-POP Cover Dance competition and K-POP in Public Online Competition.
- Participants can showcase a dance by a Korean choreographer, and the music is not restricted to Korean songs. Additionally, participants can perform any KPOP idol(artist) songs that are not Korean, such as ‘Titanic’ by Jackson Wang or ‘Honey’ by LAY, etc.
- Live vocals are prohibited, and all performances must adhere to the format specified in the application.
- Backup dancers are not counted as main performers and can participate in other dance categories.
- Please note that you can choose only one of the two main competitions—either KPOP or Cosplay. If you choose KPOP, you are still allowed to participate in the “Short Video” and “Photo cosplay” competitions. Cosplay main competition participants are still allowed to participate in the “KPOP in Public” online competition. Kindly choose according to your priorities.
- Respectful behavior before the festival and during the festival toward the organizers, staff, judges, and other K-POP and Cosplay participants is mandatory!
- If the number of participants in a category is insufficient to create a competitive field, the category may be canceled. Each category must have a minimum of 10 performances, if this requirement is not met, the organizers reserve the right to cancel the category.
2.5 Age-Appropriate Dances:
- It is important that all dances are appropriate for the age of the participants.
- Teams with members under 18 years old must strictly adhere to this rule.
2.5 Costume and Stage Appearance:
- All participants in the dance competition are required to wear cycling shorts or similar appropriate undergarments beneath skirts, short shorts or dresses. This measure is to ensure that no inappropriate exposure occurs during performances. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in disqualification or other penalties as determined by the competition organizers.
- It is recommended to choose comfortable footwear suitable for dance performances to avoid possible injuries.
3. Applications.
3.1 Information in Applications:
- Participant and Backup Dancer Information: All participants and backup dancers must provide details about any other performances they are involved in. All backup dancers must be listed during registration. This includes providing their full names and information about other performances or backup dances they are part of.
- Incomplete Information: If the required information is not provided and the performance is selected for the competition, the organizers have the right to keep the original order of performances in the schedule and will not make changes to the blocks.
- The Leader contact: Each participant group must choose a Leader (main contact person) and provide their phone number as the primary contact. This is essential for ensuring timely communication with participants.
3.2 Performance Video:
- Participants must submit a video of their own performance or practice, not a video of the artist’s performance. This video is a mandatory requirement for selection into the competition.
- The video of the performance or practice must be filmed in one take, no editing is allowed.
- The exact number of participants, as registered in the application, must be visible in the performance video. If you encounter issues such as illness or unexpected injury, please contact the K-POP team promptly. The absence of a participant in the video without proper communication and notification to the K-POP team may result in disqualification.
- Participants are required to share a video using any file exchange platform.
- Participants must ensure that the link to their performance video is set to public access, allowing organizers to view it without any issues or the need to request permission. Failure to do so may result in disqualification from the selection process.
- There are several popular file exchange platforms that participants can use to share their dance rehearsal videos. Here are some commonly used options:
- YouTube: Participants can upload their rehearsal videos as unlisted or private and share the link with organizers.
- Google Drive: Participants can upload their videos to Google Drive and share the link with viewing permissions.
- Dropbox: Participants can upload videos to Dropbox and share the link with appropriate access permissions.
- OneDrive: Microsoft’s OneDrive is another option for participants to upload and share rehearsal videos.
3.3 Music:
- The performance audio track should be in MP3 format, with a minimum bitrate of 128kbps and a sample rate of 44kHz.
- Please make sure to follow this rule and do not send MP4, M4A, or similar files, as these types of files may cause issues and result in poor sound quality during the performance.
- Organizers have the full right to not contact performers regarding their music files and use only the files submitted during the application.
3.4 Stage & Reference Pictures:
- Stage Picture: Each participant must provide a horizontal picture in size 1920×1080 px that will be displayed on the big screen during their performance.
- Reference Picture: To compete for the best costume prize, participants must provide 1-4 reference pictures of the costumes they intend to replicate or are inspired by.
3.5 File Naming Rules:
- Video: [performer name]_[K-POP artist]_[song]_video
- Music: [performer name]_[K-POP artist]_[song]_music
- Stage Picture: [performer name]_[K-POP artist]_[song]_stage picture
- Reference Pictures: [performer name]_[K-POP artist]_[song]_reference picture
Example: PLEASE NOTE! This is only an example. You should not call your team the “JTsoon Team”. This is an example of what the file naming should look like.
- JTsoon team_EXO_love shot_video
- JTsoon team_EXO_love shot_music
- JTsoon team_EXO_love shot_stage picture
- JTsoon team_EXO_love shot_reference picture
NB! Incorrectly named files may lead to disqualification.
4. Judging Criteria.
Judges are bound by confidentiality and are prohibited from disclosing details about the judging process or outcomes. A respectful environment is maintained and attempts at bribery will not be effective.
4.1 For Dance Competition:
- Choreography Execution: Assesses how accurately the performers replicate the original K-pop routine and how well they synchronize their movements as a team.
- Technique: Evaluates the quality of the dancers’ movements, including precision, control, body isolation, and how well they match the music’s rhythm and tempo.
- Stage Presence and Energy: Focuses on how effectively the performers engage with the audience through expression, energy, and dynamic movement, maintaining impact throughout the performance.
- Overall Performance Impact: Looks at the overall emotional and artistic effect of the performance, evaluating how well it captivates the audience and conveys the essence of the original routine.
4.2 For Best Costume:
- Costume Accuracy and Replication: Assessesclosely resemble or replicate the chosen K-pop idol’s outfit from the reference image(s) provided
- Coordination and Group Harmony: In group performances, costumes should complement each other to create a cohesive look, with consistent styling in color, silhouette, and theme.
- Appropriateness and Comfort: The costume should allow for easy movement and comfort, while adhering to guidelines for appropriate undergarments.
- Overall Impact and Presentation: Judge will evaluate the visual appeal of the performance, focusing on how the choreography, costumes, and stage presence create a captivating experience.
4.3 NKC qualifiers:
- For the NKC qualifiers, points for both the dance and the costume will be taken into consideration.
After the festival concludes, the K-POP team will send an email to all performers, providing them with the points they received for each evaluation criterion. Please note that the names of the judges will not be included in these files to maintain confidentiality.
5. On Site Organizational Matters.
5.1 Rehearsals:
- Rehearsal schedules and organizational details will be provided after successfully passing the selection for the competition.
- Clarify any questions regarding music, lighting, and equipment during the rehearsal. No changes will be made during the competition, making attendance at rehearsals crucial.
5.2 Tickets:
- Selected participants are entitled to a special discount on a 2-day event ticket. Please only purchase tickets once performance registration is approved by our KPOP Team.
- Discount tickets can only be purchased online through the website provided in the emails sent before the event. On-site ticket purchases will be at full price.
- If a participant buys an early bird or full-price ticket before the results are announced, the festival has full rights not to refund the ticket that was purchased without a discount.
- Backup dancers must purchase tickets at full price if they are not participating in K-POP competitions offering discounts.
- Assistants for Groups, Duos & Trios must purchase a full-price ticket.
- Wristband: Upon morning registration, each participant, backup dancers and assistants will be issued a special wristband, serving as a crucial ticket pass that must be kept from being removed for two days. If a participant obtains a wristband on the first day but fails to present it on the second day of the event, the participant will have to buy a new ticket at the full price. Preserve wristbands to prevent incurring additional expenses.
- Absence of the wristband removal from the event. Please note that complaints regarding wristband issues will only be accepted on the first day of the event. After the first day, organisers will not address complaints about lost or damaged wristbands.
5.3 On-site Morning registration:
- Before proceeding to the backstage area, all participants must complete their registration at the K-POP registration desk, where they will receive their badges.
- Badges: Upon morning registration badges will be issued to each participant, backup dancer, and assistant. These badges serve as access to the dressing room and backstage areas.
- Losing a badge will result in being denied entry to the backstage and dressing rooms, so it is essential to handle badges carefully.
- Each participant must present a document (ID card or passport) confirming their age during on-site registration on the event day.
- All participants must arrive at the designated registration time, which will be provided in the email after application acceptance. Late arrivals may result in exclusion from the list of performers. Registration times will be communicated to selected participants one week before the event.
- Backup dancers not participating in the main competition must attend the registration process alongside Duets & Trios participants. This is required for competition registration and to obtain a badge for backstage access. Backup dancers arriving after the registration period has closed will not receive a badge and will be denied backstage access.
- Assistants must attend the registration process alongside the participants they are assisting. This is required for competition registration and to obtain a badge for backstage access. Assistants arriving after the registration period has closed will not receive a badge and will be denied backstage access.
- If, for any reason, participants are unable to participate or attend on-site morning registration, please inform the K-POP organization team promptly by contacting us at kpop@j-tsoon.ee.
5.4 Back Stage:
- Participants must be backstage no later than five acts before their performance to inform organizers of their presence in advance. After this time, participants are not allowed to leave backstage for any reason other than performing on stage.
- If a participant is not backstage at the appointed time, their performance will be rescheduled to the end of the block.
- These rules must be taken seriously. If a participant does not show up backstage at the appointed time, does not notify the organizers, or does not respond to calls, they will be disqualified, and no ticket refunds will be provided.
- Backup dancers who are not competing in the competition themselves can stay backstage while waiting for their turn to perform.
- All participants and backup dancers must keep backstage organized. Please do not bring food or drinks (such as bubble tea) into the backstage area. The only exception is a bottle of water. Make sure to throw away any empty bottles and do not leave them on the ground.
- All participants and backup dancers must wear their badges backstage. A special box will be provided to place the badge in during the performance, but it must be retrieved afterward. Failing to wear a badge backstage may result in being banned from entering the dressing room or disqualified from the competition.
- All participants and backup dancers must maintain order while waiting for their performance. Standing near the stage stairs, sitting in the passage area, or blocking the view of the stage for K-POP Stage Coordinators and interfering with the K-POP host is prohibited.
- After the performance, participants must promptly leave the backstage area.
- The K-POP organization team will provide clear instructions on where participants should stand while waiting for their performance.
- Respectful behavior toward the organizers, staff, judges, and other K-Pop and Cosplay participants is mandatory!
5.6 Dressing Rooms Behavior:
- Participants must maintain order in the dressing rooms, keep personal items organized, and clean up after use.Leaving items behind is not permitted. Please be respectful toward the K-POP team preparing dressing rooms for participants on both days, and maintain cleanliness.
- Any items left scattered around the dressing rooms may be discarded after the first day of the festival concludes.
- Changing clothes and leaving personal belongings are only permitted in designated dressing rooms for K-Pop participants. Leaving items in Cosplay dressing rooms or other unauthorized areas is prohibited.
- Groups not performing on the second day must vacate the dressing room by the end of the first day to accommodate groups performing the next day. Dressing rooms are only available on the day of performance.
- Photography is prohibited in the dressing rooms to respect the personal space of others. Photos, selfies, or full-length pictures must be taken outside the main dressing room area.
- Hot food purchased at the festival is not allowed in the dressing rooms and must be consumed in designated food zone areas. Snacks, appetizers, bars, and sandwiches are permitted.
- Hair spray must not be used in the dressing rooms. It should only be applied outside or in restrooms.
- Respectful behavior toward the organizers, staff, judges, and other K-Pop and Cosplay participants is mandatory!
5.7 Responsibility for Personal Belongings:
- The organizers are not responsible for any lost items. Participants are kindly asked to take good care of their valuables and not leave them unattended.
- Participants are not allowed to leave belongings in the dressing rooms overnight. All items must be taken after the first day of the festival concludes.
- All items and clothing found during the preparation and cleaning of the dressing rooms after the first day of the festival will be gathered and collected by the K-POP team.
- The festival is not responsible for any items or clothing that may be missing from the dressing rooms.
5.8 Procedure After the Completion of the First and Second Days of the Festival:
- All belongings must be retrieved from the dressing rooms after the completion of the second day.
- The premises must be vacated promptly, no later than 40 minutes after the conclusion of the event on both the first and second days.
6. Disqualification and Non-Selection Criteria.
- Failure to adhere to all specified rules and guidelines of a J-TSOON festival and competitions.
- Participants who do not adhere to the specified age requirements for Duet & Trio, Group, or NKC qualifiers will be disqualified. Age categories must be chosen according to the guidelines, and organizers have the right to adjust the age group based on the oldest or majority age in a performance.
- Duet & Trio entries with fewer than 2 or more than 3 performers will be disqualified. Group performances in qualifiers nomination with fewer than 4 performers or more than 8 performers will also be disqualified.
- Duet & Trio performances exceeding 2 minutes 30 seconds (150 seconds) or Group performances exceeding 3 minutes 30 seconds (210 seconds).
- Backup dancers performing beyond the allowed duration of half the performance time.
- Failure to submit music in the correct MP3 format (minimum 128kbps, 44kHz).
- Incorrect file names for performance videos, music, or reference images.
- Participants who fail to provide required details about performers, backup dancers, or performance videos (including submission of unedited videos in one take).
- Failure to submit reference pictures for costumes will result in exclusion from the Best Costume nomination.
- Participants who fail to register on time or fail to check in backstage on time (at least five acts before their performance).
- Any participant who does not adhere to backstage conduct may be disqualified.
- Participants who do not wear appropriate undergarments or fail to follow the costume guidelines (e.g., cycling shorts under skirts or dresses) may be disqualified.
- Any participant engaging in disrespectful behavior toward the organizers, staff, judges, or other participants before, during, or after the festival will be disqualified from the competition.
- Participants who perform in more than the allowed number of categories.
- Groups selected for the NKC qualifiers who fail to submit necessary performance-related materials (e.g., video files, performance descriptions) after the festival will be disqualified from the NKC representation.
- If a participant fails to purchase tickets at the correct price online before the festival after being selected and does not purchase a ticket for full price, may face disqualification.
- Live vocals, non-approved remixes, or deviations from the required K-Pop cover dance format.
Participating in any form of cheating, rule-breaking, or disregard for the rules will result in disqualification from future J-TSOON events.
Note: The organizers reserve the right to make changes to the rules and regulations of the competition to ensure fair judging, maintain order, and ensure the safety of all participants.
By applying to the competition the competitors agree to adhere to the rules.
For any additional questions, please reach out to our email kpop@j-tsoon.ee.