Any mom or dad in Korea can enter, regardless of age or address — applications open through Oct. 6. Twenty-one finalists will compete at the festival, with a total purse of 12 million won and a grand prize of 5 million won.
Moms and dads worn down by child-rearing, housework and the daily grind will get their moment in the spotlight this October, when Mapo-gu invites them to take the microphone and own the stage.
Mapo-gu is hosting a nationwide parents' singing contest as one of the headline programs of the 19th Mapo-naru Salted Shrimp Festival, with applications open through Oct. 6.
The event was conceived to give mothers and fathers — who have long set aside their own time and dreams for the sake of their families — a stage that is entirely their own.
Any mom or dad in South Korea is eligible to enter, regardless of where they live or how old they are. Couples may not enter as a team; each participant must apply individually. Professional singers are not eligible.
The total purse is 12 million won ($8,690), with the grand prize winner taking home 5 million won.
Beyond the grand prize, the contest will award a range of distinctive category prizes — including the Naru Award, Special Award, Popularity Award, Near-Miss Award and Cheering Award — and all finalists will receive a participation prize.
Mapo-gu plans to hold preliminary auditions for all applicants on Oct. 9 at the Mapo-gu Office main auditorium, selecting 21 finalists to advance. Those 21 finalists will then compete on a dedicated stage at the 19th Mapo-naru Salted Shrimp Festival in October.
To apply, prospective participants can download the application form from the Mapo-gu Office website and submit it by email to the designated coordinator. A family relations certificate must be attached to the application.
Meanwhile, the 19th Mapo-naru Salted Shrimp Festival will be overseen by Kim Jong-won, chairman of the Korea Festival Culture Promotion Association, who will serve as general director to sharpen the quality of programming and production and bring a wider variety of events to the festival.
"I hope you will take this stage to freely show off the talent and dreams you set aside for your family," Mapo-gu District Mayor Yoo Dong-gyun said. "We will make sure this becomes a special challenge for moms and dads, and a festival where families can cheer together and create joyful memories."
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