From Random Play Dances to a world-class choreographer on stage, from Dutch voice actresses to an exciting dance competition: the K-pop programme at Heroes Made in Asia 2026 is bigger than ever. On 21 and 22 March, the Jaarbeurs in Utrecht will be all about Asian pop culture, and K-pop will play a leading role.
The K-pop Arena: the beating heart
The K-pop Arena is the central hub for everything related to K-pop dance and music. Workshops, Random Play Dances and performances will take place here throughout the weekend. Participation in the workshops is free with your festival ticket, all you need is the desire to join in.
Saturday: Random Play Dances for everyone
On Saturday 21 March, three crews will take over the K-pop Arena for compelling Random Play Dances. Whether you know every choreography by heart or just want to vibe along, RPD is for everyone:
- RNCE Crew — a passionate dance company with old and new gen K-pop bangers.
- KpopNoordHolland — known for RPDs throughout North Holland, this time with a special K-pop meets T-pop edition. Yes, T-pop from Thailand is also participating!
- Pop-On Events — normally found at Animecon, this time making their HMIA debut with a huge variety of tracks for every K-pop fan.
Crew Starsign RPD will also be present: this weekend they will be giving not one but two RPDs, combined with a love for K-pop dance and cosplay.
Workshops: learn from the best
Want to learn some moves yourself? There will be workshops in the K-pop Arena on both Saturday and Sunday:
- K-Motion (Saturday 21 March): the Netherlands’ leading K-pop dance school will be giving two workshops. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced dancer, K-Motion creates a safe, energetic space for every fan.
- Jay Kim (Sunday 22 March): world-class K-pop choreographer gives an exclusive workshop. Read more about him below.
- D-Twist (Sunday 22 March): a Dutch crew with an Adrenaline workshop in which they teach the iconic ATEEZ choreography. Powerful and energetic.
Special guest: Jay Kim, world-class choreographer
The absolute highlight of the K-pop programme is choreographer Jay Kim. He is internationally renowned and has worked with K-pop artists such as Luhan, Jay Park and The Boyz. He has given workshops in more than 154 cities across 64 countries and has been a judge at top competitions such as World of Dance and several editions of the K-pop World Festival, in countries such as Peru, Nigeria, Ireland, Spain and the United Kingdom.
His background is impressive: Jay Kim worked as an instructor at 1Million Dance Studio in South Korea, Millennium Dance in Singapore, and as a dance trainer at Loen Entertainment and Forest Entertainment.
On Sunday 22 March, Jay Kim will be in the K-pop Arena from 11:00 to 12:00 for his exclusive workshop. Afterwards, he will join the other judges for the K-pop Dance Cover Contest.
K-pop Dance Cover Contest: your moment on stage
Have you visited the K-pop Arena before? Have you been practising at home, dreaming of that one moment when you can show off your talent? That moment is here. The K-pop Dance Cover Contest, organised in collaboration with K-Motion, gives you the chance to shine on the big stage in front of the Heroes Made in Asia audience.
- Date: Sunday 22 March 2026
- Categories: solo/duo and groups
- Registration deadline: 8 March 2026 (no changes possible after this date)
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email. If you are unable to participate, please notify us as soon as possible via: lianne.idzenga@easyfairs.com.
The Jury
The jury consists of three impressive names:
- Jay Kim: internationally renowned choreographer and dance trainer.
- Paula: dance has been Paula’s passion since childhood. Thanks to K-pop, she decided to turn her passion into her profession. She followed professional dance training and even moved for her dream. Now she works as a performing dancer and teaches K-pop dance classes in Almere, with fun and confidence at the core.
- Edie: ten years as a K-pop fan, five years as a K-pop teacher. Edie studied performing arts and regularly performed on stage herself. She has worked with many K-pop cover crews and is currently a member of X-Dreamin’.
The hosts of the contest
The contest will be presented by two enthusiastic hosts:
- Justin: Dutch and English voice actor who is also pursuing a career as a Japanese voice actor. He is also a member of the dance crew LUNARIX.
- Irene: a K-pop fan for over ten years and a K-pop dance teacher at K-Motion for six years. She studied dance in Korea and danced with ChungHa for a television recording. Irene is the owner of K-Motion and organises workshops, showcases and now also the K-pop Dance Cover Contest.
Meet Dutch voice actresses from K-pop Demon Hunters
A special highlight on Saturday 21 March: the three Dutch voice actresses from HUNTR/X, the girl group from the Netflix animated film K-pop Demon Hunters, will be attending Heroes Made in Asia.
- Valerie Gwyneth Lai (Rumi): previously seen as the Alternate Elsa in the Disney musical Frozen.
- Eliane Kwee (Mira): currently seen as Anneke Grönloh in the Rob de Nijs musical Malle Babbe.
- Dewi Inesia (Zoey): currently playing Little Inez in the musical Hairspray.
They will give a live HUNTR/X performance on the Mochi Stage, followed by a Q&A. Afterwards, there will be a free autograph session. On Sunday 22 March, fans can also take part in the K-pop Demon Hunters Warming Up by K-motion, the ideal way to start the day energetically.
Sunday: even more on the programme
In addition to the Dance Cover Contest and the Jay Kim workshop, D1STINTO , an Amsterdam-based K-pop dance cover and performance group that has collaborated with Netflix Netherlands and Psychic Fever, will bring their spectacular show to the K-pop Arena on Sunday.
Starsign RPD will also host an RPD session on Sunday, filled with energy, passion and iconic moves, both in choreography and costume.
Exchange photocards at Stray Kids Netherlands
On Sunday 22 March, Stray Kids Netherlands is organising a photocard trading meetup in the K-pop Arena. Known for their meetups at Stray Kids concerts, they are now setting up an informal and accessible trading session. Do you have cards to trade? Come along. Just want to watch? That’s fine too.
Your K-pop weekend awaits
Whether you want to dance, learn, shine on stage or simply enjoy the energy of K-pop together with other fans, Heroes Made in Asia 2026 has it all. With a programme full of free workshops, an international jury, special guests and multiple dance sessions per day, this promises to be the biggest K-pop weekend of the year.
