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The World Youth Day Seoul 2027 theme song contest has begun and entries from around the world are accepted, the event's local organizing committee said in a September 25 press release.
The winner of the contest's song "will accompany millions of young people at the next World Youth Day (WYD) celebration," said the release. World Youth Day Seoul 2027 will begin on August 3, 2027.
More than just background music, "at every WYD, the theme song plays a vital role," said the release. The song "helps young people connect with one another and with the heart of the event."
"Long after WYD concludes, the song continues to live on, carrying with it the memory of joy, hope, and unity," said the press release.
The theme of WYD Seoul 2027, "Take courage! I have overcome the word," is inspired by the Gospel of John 16:33.
The organizers believe "this message proclaims Christ's victory and peace anew" during a time when the world is "marked by anxiety, division, and rapid change."
People from all around the world, of all nationalities and residences, are invited to submit up to three songs for the contest, said the organizers. The songs should be original compositions and inspired by the theme of WYD, and they must be in any of the official WYD languages. These languages are Korean, English, Italian, Spanish, French, and Portuguese.
In addition to becoming the official theme song of WYD Seoul 2027, the composer will receive a plaque and support for their pilgrimage to World Youth Day, said the organizers.
How to enter the theme song contest
The songs will be judged both on artistic merit and their faithfulness to the theme of WYD, said the organizers. Songs that are "easy to sing and remember" can be sung in a group setting, and are able to be translated into different languages will be given "special weight" in the contest.
Additional details for the contest can be found on the WYD Seoul 2027's website. Songs must be submitted by November 30, 2025.
WYD Seoul 2027 marks the first time the event has been held in a country where Christians are a minority population. Only about 30% of South Koreans identify as any denomination of Christianity.
