MBC ‘College Music Festival’ revamps for 2026 with Hui as music director
MBC ‘College Music Festival’ will relaunch in 2026 with a new focus on college students’ personal stories under the slogan ‘My Drama’.
The festival is moving away from a pure vocal competition format and toward performances that reflect contestants’ life experiences and dreams. Organizers said the aim is to give students a stage to share their individual journeys and connect more deeply with viewers.
A new music director system is being added, and Pentagon‘s Hui has been named music director. The source lists his songwriting and producing credits, including “NEVER,” “Shonenmi,” and Wanna One‘s “Energetic,” and notes his recent summer release “BINGO.”
In his role as music director, Hui will work with participants to emphasize their individuality and help shape performances that reflect each person’s story.
The festival will also lower the age range for MCs and judges to improve communication with today’s youth. Organizers said the judges and MC lineup will include well-known musicians and producers and will be announced gradually.
Organizers emphasized that this season will prioritize participants’ inner stories and social context over technical singing ability. The festival said it wants to reflect the realities and aspirations of college students and make those voices central to the event.
Applications for the 2026 ‘College Music Festival’ are open from July 16 to August 16, 2026, through the festival’s official channels.