The Chungnam Music Creation Station, operated by the Chungnam Content Agency (acting president Byung-sun Sohn), has officially announced the launch of the "LOCAL PLAY" songwriting competition. This initiative is designed to unearth, foster, and widely promote original musical compositions that encapsulate the unique cultural identity, historical depth, emotional resonance, and scenic beauty of South Chungcheong Province (Chungnam).

As regional content continues to gain traction across South Korea’s vibrant cultural landscape, this competition focuses on translating the tangible and intangible assets of Chungnam—such as its local traditions, tourist landmarks, historical milestones, and natural landscapes—into compelling melodies and lyrics. By transforming regional narratives into accessible popular music, the agency aims to bridge local heritage with contemporary mainstream culture. 

Open Participation and Core Guidelines 

The competition maintains an inclusive framework, welcoming applications from individuals as well as teams regardless of their age or residential background. Whether local residents or creators from across the country, anyone with a passion for storytelling through music can apply.

However, strict criteria apply to the entries themselves: all submitted tracks must be original, unreleased compositions that have not been officially registered, distributed, or commercialized prior to the application date. To ensure a focused evaluation, each participating individual or team is restricted to submitting a single track.

Schedule and Application Process

The application period commenced on Friday, September 11, and will run through Thursday, October 1, closing sharply at 3:00 PM. Interested creators can access the official website of the Chungnam Content Agency to download the required application documents, which include the formal application form and the original music file. Submissions must be sent via email to (cnsong2026@gmail.com) within the designated window.

The competition is structured into a rigorous two-stage selection process: preliminary evaluations and a final showdown. Following the initial screening, five selected teams or solo artists will advance to the final stage. 

The grand finale will take the form of a live performance evaluation, scheduled to be held on Thursday, October 8, at the Chungnam Music Creation Station Live Hall. A panel of professional judges from the music and cultural industries will evaluate the live performances on-site to select the ultimate winners.

Prizes and Career-Altering Support

A total prize pool of 5,000,000 KRW has been allocated for the competition, distributed among the top three tiers: the Grand Prize (1 team), the Gold Prize (1 team), and the Silver Prize (1 team).

Beyond the cash prizes, the competition offers exceptional, practical post-contest support designed to launch creators into the professional music industry. Winners of the Grand and Gold Prizes will receive comprehensive backing for their professional careers, including official album production, music distribution across major streaming platforms, and the production of a professional music video. This professional support serves as a crucial springboard for indie artists and aspiring musicians looking to break into the broader market.

Vision for the Future

Acting President Byung-sun Sohn shared his vision for the project, stating, "We hope that this competition will go beyond a standard musical contest, acting as a meaningful catalyst to reinterpret Chungnam's diverse regional resources and stories through the familiar and powerful medium of popular music." He added, "We look forward to receiving passionate interest and active participation from creative artists with fresh perspectives and unique musical identities who can express Chungnam in their own distinct voices."

Through "LOCAL PLAY," the Chungnam Content Agency continues to solidify its commitment to regional cultural enrichment, providing a vital platform for musical talent while promoting the distinct charms of South Chungcheong Province to a national and global audience.

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