KCON LA is a yearly convention that takes place each summer and highlights many aspects of Korean culture. This year, the three day festival took place at the Los Angeles Convention Center and Crypto.com Arena from August 14-16. Around 142,000 people from all across the United States attended over the course of the three days.
KCON is one of the biggest Korean culture festivals in the world. It first began in 2012 in Los Angeles and has since expanded to other countries such as Japan, France, Spain and more. The three day convention includes many interactive and unique experiences for K-Pop fans; such as workshops and panels, random dance plays, DIY’s and artist performances. In 2022, KCON even held a small tour across the United States where it showcased multiple rookie groups through a two-night rotation for each stop.
The festival is split into two categories: convention and concert. The convention took place each day from 10AM to 6PM, while the main concert, called MCountdown, happened after the convention at Crypto.com Arena. There was much to do at the convention this year as their main sponsor, Olive Young, had an entire section dedicated to them called the Olive Young Festa. This took place in the South Hall and was essentially a festival within a festival. As you entered Olive Young Festa, it felt as if you were entering Seoul, as different “alleys” were named after popular districts within Seoul; such as Seongsu, Gangnam, Myeongdeong and Hongdae.
Each district represented a different category: Korean makeup, skincare, wellness and hair/body.
Also in the South Hall was the Bibigo booth, which featured interactive elements, photo ops, and free snacks. Their booth also featured photos and signatures of their current brand ambassadors–K-Pop rookie group ALPHADRIVEONE. The group even surprised fans over the weekend as they stopped by the booth to take photos and partake in interview sessions. The Music Den stage, previously known as X Stage, also took place in the South Hall. This stage was sponsored by Toyoto and featured performances and short interviews from rising artists and rookies. Artists that performed on this stage were from20 & HELLO GLOOM, H//PE Princess, KEYVITIP, KO1KEYZ, ONE PACT, RESCENE, cosmos, MODYSSEY, NEXZ and So!YoOn!
ONE PACT perform at the Music Den stage, sponsored by Toyota. Photo credits: CeCe.
Adjacent to the main convention area within South Hall was a different room where the Artist Stage took place. This room featured a big stage with a cat walk and barricaded areas. Depending on ticket type, some were able to be right against the stage with their 1Day VIP Premium All Access ticket, and then behind them were 1Day Premium All Access holders, followed by regular convention goers. This stage highlighted some of the bigger artists that were to perform at MCountdown. Artists that performed at this stage were KickFlip, SANTOS BRAVOS, TREASURE, &TEAM, ILLIT, izna, P1Harmony, ALLDAYPROJECT, ALPHA DRIVE ONE, JO1 and MEOVV.
Downstairs in the Kentia Hall was the “underground night market.” The lights were dimmed in this hall with only string lights hanging from the ceiling, mimicking a Korean food market. Food vendors of all sorts were located here as well as a K-Pop store and other vendors. This hall also featured a Dance Stage along with a Girls Planet booth where on-site auditions for the upcoming MNET Survival Show ‘GIRLS PLANET 2027’ were conducted. Some rising groups even had booths on this floor in which their merch was sold, and some lucky fans were even able to meet the groups at different parts of the day as they attended their booths to talk with fans, sign autographs and take photos.
This year’s convention featured many amazing artists, great sponsors and many interactive areas for fans. KCON LA has continued to grow over the years, and fans across the country are eagerly awaiting news regarding next year’s lineup!
Junseo from ALPHADRIVEONE at the Bibigo booth. Photo credit: CeCe.
KCON LA 2027 will take place at the Los Angeles Convention Center and Crypto.com Arena August 13-17. More information is to be announced through the MNET App and KCON USA social media.