Merry, the Only Bichon Frise Listed at AWC 2026, Runs with 50K’s Hyun Ki Kang
50K Center Director Hyun Ki Kang and Bichon Frise partner Merry are representing the Republic of Korea at the 2026 FCI Agility World Championship. The event takes place from 22 to 27 September at Gatorade Center in Turku, Finland. About the championship
As of 25 September, Merry is the only dog registered as a Bichon Frise in the published official individual and team start lists across all four size categories. Official start lists
Hyun Ki Kang and Merry on the World Championship course, representing Korea
Image: Ruutu broadcast, captured from the video posted by RUNZ (@runz_agility).
The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) is the World Canine Organisation, bringing together national canine organisations. Its Agility World Championship sees dog-and-handler partnerships representing their countries compete in individual and team events across size categories. About the FCI · About the championship
The pair completed the Small Team Agility round on 24 September. Small Individual Jumping is scheduled for 26 September, followed by Small Individual Agility on 27 September.
Agility is a shared challenge: a dog and handler working through obstacles in a set order, with speed, accuracy and communication all playing a part. As the dog negotiates the obstacles, the handler runs alongside and guides the way forward. The video captures Merry and Kang moving through the course as partners.
Merry clearing a hurdle with Kang running alongside
Image: Ruutu broadcast, captured from the video posted by RUNZ (@runz_agility).
Merry’s participation invites us to think about the range of activities we can share with our dogs. At 50K, we celebrate these two partners learning and taking on new experiences together. We believe that this can expand a dog’s everyday world—and bring fresh energy to our own lives, too.
We expand the world of dogs. Please join us in supporting Kang and Merry throughout the rest of their championship journey.
Watch Kang and Merry’s run — posted by RUNZ
Official schedule and competition results