Pentagon's Hui Named Music Director for MBC's Revived University Song Contest

Pentagon's Hui is stepping into a new role this year: music director for 2026 MBC 대학가요제 - Nae Drama (My Drama), MBC's revived university song contest. The broadcaster announced the appointment on August 5, along with the opening of applications for the competition, which close on August 16.

Hui, known as a key producer behind Pentagon's discography, takes on a newly created position at the competition. His job is to work with contestants individually, providing customized mentoring aimed at helping each participant bring out their distinct stage presence and artistic voice.

This year's edition marks a deliberate shift in focus from the 2025 revival. Where last year leaned into celebrating the competition's long history, the 2026 season turns its attention to the lived experiences of today's college students. MBC's stated theme is something like a fleeting scene from youth, and the song that will make that moment permanent. In practice, that means the judging will weight a contestant's personal story and emotional authenticity over raw vocal technique or showmanship.

The production is also going younger behind the scenes. MBC says it has significantly lowered the age of both the MC and the judging panel, a move designed to bring the program closer to the generation it represents and to sharpen what the broadcaster calls its youthful, trend-conscious identity.

Applications can be submitted via QR code on the official poster or through the competition's registration page.

MBC brought 대학가요제 back in 2025 after a 13-year gap. The competition, which ran from 1977 and launched the careers of numerous Korean artists, had been one of domestic broadcasting's most storied music stages before going on hiatus. The 2026 season, with Hui involved from the ground up, suggests the broadcaster is settling into the revival rather than still testing whether it works.