Submission Guidelines

"Take Courage! I Have Overcome the World." (John 16:33)

The theme of WYD Seoul 2027 is “Take courage! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). This message proclaims anew Christ’s victory and peace to young people living in an age marked by anxiety, division, and rapid change. It invites them to live with boldness and to bear witness rooted in the Lord’s promise.
South Korea, a land where advanced technology and rich tradition meet, yet still bearing the wounds of division, hosts this WYD in Seoul as a witness to reconciliation and peace. As the first WYD to be celebrated in a cultural context where Christianity is not the majority, it offers a privileged space for dialogue and mission. Through this theme, young people are called to sing of Christ’s victory and peace, to be renewed in the Holy Spirit, and to walk with courage and hope.

WYD Seoul 2027 Theme Song Contest

Eligibility

  • Open to everyone — no restrictions on nationality or place of residence.

Content

  • An original composition (lyrics and music) inspired by the WYD Seoul 2027 theme: Take courage! I have overcome the world. (Jn 16:33)

Genres

  • All musical genres welcome.

Languages

  • Any of the WYD official languages — Korean, English, Italian, Spanish, French, Portuguese.

Submission Period

  • November 30, 2025 (by 23:59 KST).

Maximum Entries

  • Up to three (3) songs per participant.

Award

  • Acknowledgement as the composer of the official theme song for WYD Seoul 2027, commemorative plaque, and support for WYD Seoul 2027 pilgrimage.

Host

  • WYD Seoul 2027 LOC and the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life

Organizer

  • WYD Seoul 2027 LOC Music Committee

Evaluation Criteria

Entries will be evaluated based on:

  • Faithful reflection of the WYD Seoul 2027 theme
  • Artistic merit and originality
  • Mass appeal and singability
  • Ease of learning and memorability
  • Ease of translation and adaptability to other languages and cultural contexts
  • Suitability for choreography and potential for choral arrangement

Submission Requirements

Each entry must include

  • Application Form, Artistic Statement & Lyrics, and the signed Consent Form
  • Audio file of the song (MP3 or WAV) with guide vocals
Application Form Download

Submission Method

Evaluation Process

1) First Round: Preliminary Screening

  • Review of submitted documents and audio files to ensure compliance with contest requirements (eligibility, completeness of materials, originality).

2) Second Round: Comprehensive Review

  • Detailed evaluation of qualified entries by the WYD Seoul 2027 Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Music Committee, consisting of professors from music colleges, professional musicians, and clergy.
  • This review may include in-person or online presentations, as deemed necessary by the Committee.
  • A shortlist of the most suitable songs will be selected.

3) Third Round: Final Selection

  • Songs chosen in the second round will be forwarded to the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life (DLFL) for the final stage of discernment and approval.
  • The DLFL will make the definitive choice of the official theme song of WYD Seoul 2027.

Contact Information

Additional Note on Rights

By submitting an entry, participants grant the WYD Seoul 2027 organizers all rights to the song, excluding the right to claim authorship. Participation in this contest constitutes unconditional acceptance of all terms and conditions, without the possibility of contestation or appeal. The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life (DLFL) shall retain the right to arrange, translate, record, and perform the winning song worldwide for purposes related to World Youth Day and reserve the right to request modifications to the text or music of the winning theme song as deemed necessary for liturgical, pastoral, or practical purposes.