Competition Overview
The annual K~울림 Speech Competition brings together outstanding students from various schools to present original speeches, display linguistic talent, and share unique cultural perspectives.
Important Dates
Registration Opens . . . . . . . . . . August 24, 2026
Registration Closes . . . . . . September 26, 2026
Target Audience
Middle school, high school, and college students, along with their educators, community leaders, and families.
Contest Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 24, 2026
9am – 2pm at Lecture Room
Core Events
Competition Categories
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The Speech Contest: Division-specific public speaking competition held at the USC campus.
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The Talent Show Showcase: A final day celebration featuring student performances, cultural acts, and an MC-led student program.
To ensure fair evaluation, contestants are placed into one of two divisions:
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Non-Heritage Group: For students learning Korean as a foreign language.
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Heritage Group: For students who have background exposure to the Korean language or culture.
Competition Venue
While preliminary rounds may be conducted remotely or regionally, only finalists will compete in person at the USC campus.
Platform & Outreach
The official website serves as the primary informational hub for registration, resources, and event updates.
2026 Topic
My Beautiful Belonging
Bring an item that is meaningful to you and connected to Korean culture. In your speech, describe what the item is, explain why it is important or memorable, and share a story or experience connected to it. Use your speech to help the audience understand the personal significance of your chosen object and its cultural meaning.
Speech Guidelines
Video Submission Guidelines & Requirements
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Record a 1 minute video of yourself speaking in Korean (no slideshows; one take).
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Topic: My Beautiful Belonging
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Do not read from a script or edit your video. Disqualification may result if you do.
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Submit only the unedited video, as required.
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Start by clearly stating your name. Do not mention your school's name.
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Speak naturally, as if addressing a live audience.
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Use gestures, maintain good eye contact, and project your voice.
How to Upload Your Video
1
Sign in to YouTube
Go to 'YouTube' and click "Sign-in" at the top right. Sign in with your Gmail account, or create one if needed.
2
Upload Your Video
After signing in, click 'Upload' (top right). Select your video file. Title it: K-Woolim + Your Full Name (e.g., K-Woolim Justin Kim).
3
Edit Share Settings
Set privacy to 'Unlisted' (not 'Private'). You can skip 'Description,' 'Tags,' and 'Category'.
4
Submit Your Video
Upload your video, then paste the URL on the last page of the registration form. Search "How to Upload Videos on YouTube" for more help.
Judging Criteria
Contestants will be judged on the following criteria based on the round they're competing in.
First Round Rubric
Final Round Rubric
Criteria
4 (Outstanding)
3 (Strong)
2 (Developing)
1 (Limited)
Content & Vision
Speech has a clear, original, and meaningful message; shows deep insight and relevance to today's society
Message is clear and interesting; shows some originality and relevance
Message is understandable but lacks depth
Message is unclear or not well connected to the topic
Smooth and natural delivery; projects confidence and connection with the audience; handles mistakes seamlessly
Generally fluent with a few hesitations; maintains engagement
Noticeable hesitations; loss of flow; limited audience engagement
Halting speech; excessive pauses; lacks confidence
Language
Engagement
Fully connects with the audience through tone, eye contact, gestures, visuals, or props; highly engaging and dynamic
Engages the audience well; some use of visuals or interaction enhances the presentation
Somewhat engaging; attempts made to connect with the audience
Limited audience connection; minimal expression or visual support
Clear, confident, expressive pronunciation; excellent pacing and intonation that enhance meaning; effective use of pauses and gestures
Mostly clear and expressive; minor pronunciation or pacing issues
Uneven pacing and noticeable pronunciation issues; limited expression
Hard to understand; frequent mispronunciations; flat or mechanical delivery
Communication
Persuasive and thought-provoking; integrates deep cultural or social insight relevant to the Korean context; strong emotional or intellectual resonance
Clear and relevant message with some depth; cultural understanding apparent
Message surface-level or partially relevant; minimal cultural or social insight
Message lacks clarity or relevance; no connection to the topic or the audience
Smooth and natural delivery; projects confidence and connection with the audience; handles mistakes seamlessly
Generally fluent with a few hesitations; maintains engagement
Noticeable hesitations; loss of flow; limited audience engagement
Halting speech; excessive pauses; lacks confidence
Delivery & Pronunciation
Language Use
Criteria
4 (Outstanding)
3 (Strong)
2 (Developing)
1 (Limited)
Content & Organization
Clear, compelling message; sophisticated organization with smooth transitions; creative and engaging; strong opening and memorable conclusion
Clear message and logical flow; some originality and coherence; minor lapses in transition or depth
Topic somewhat clear; structure uneven; ideas underdeveloped or repetitive
Topic unclear or unfocused; disorganized, lacks logical flow
Rich, precise vocabulary with idiomatic and culturally appropriate expressions; complex grammar used accurately; consistent control of honorifics/register
Good vocabulary and mostly accurate grammar; occasional errors in complex structures or register
Limited vocabulary and simple structures; frequent errors interfere somewhat with meaning; inconsistent use of register or politeness forms
Very limited vocabulary; errors obscure meaning; minimal control of grammar/register
Clear, confident, expressive pronunciation; excellent pacing and intonation that enhance meaning; effective use of pauses and gestures
Mostly clear and expressive; minor pronunciation or pacing issues
Uneven pacing and noticeable pronunciation issues; limited expression
Hard to understand; frequent mispronunciations; flat or mechanical delivery
Confidence & Fluency
Rhetorical Impact & Cultural Insight
Awards & Prizes
Participants and winners will be recognized with the following awards.
2025 Awards
감동울림상
(Grand Touching Resonance Award)
.. . . . . . . . . Gold Medal $200 Scholarship + Certification
희망울림상
(Hope Resonance Award)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Silver Medal $100 Scholarship + Certification
공감울림상
(Empathy Resonance Award)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bronze Medal $50 Scholarship + Certification
열정울림상
(Passion Resonance Award)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gift card + Certification
미래울림상
(Future Resonance Award)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gift card + Certification
2026 Awards
감동울림상
(Grand Touching Resonance Award)
.. . . . . . . . . Gold Medal $200 Scholarship + Certification
희망울림상
(Hope Resonance Award)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Silver Medal $100 Scholarship + Certification
공감울림상
(Empathy Resonance Award)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bronze Medal $50 Scholarship + Certification
열정울림상
(Passion Resonance Award)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gift card + Certification
미래울림상
(Future Resonance Award)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gift card + Certification