At the KCON event, global fans unite in a dance party with their beloved K-pop artists and fellow attendees.
This past weekend, the Los Angeles Convention Center played host to the 12th annual KCON, the largest K-pop and Korean culture festival in the world. From Friday to Sunday, fans from across the globe gathered to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of Korean entertainment.
The mainstage concert on Friday was headlined by K-pop boy group NCT 127, whose signature lime green colour was a striking sight. Fans showed their support by donning green clothing, accessories, bags, and banners, creating a sea of green at the convention and the show.
Newbeat, a rookie boy group, also took the stage at KCON, performing at the X Stage. Many fans wore personalized Newbeat jerseys, demonstrating their dedication to the group since, or even before, their official debut in March.
One fan, Ash, first discovered Newbeat at last year's KCON. Since then, they have been a dedicated supporter, attending multiple performances and even creating homemade pamphlets to spread the word about the lesser-known group.
In addition to music, KCON offered a variety of experiences for fans to explore. K-drama panels, skincare and beauty booths, Korean food, cultural exhibits, and Webtoons (Korean digital comics) were all available, providing an immersive experience into various facets of Korean culture.
The community aspect of KCON was also on full display. Fans quickly bonded in person, sharing inside jokes and talking over each other like longtime best friends. A group of fans who met online made plans to travel across the country to attend KCON and even discussed the possibility of seeing Newbeat and each other in person.
KCON is more than just a music festival; it's a cultural bridge, reflecting and amplifying the worldwide rise of Korean pop culture. It serves as a testament to K-pop’s increasing influence in international music markets and Korean culture’s growing soft power, attracting fans and media attention worldwide.
The festival's expansion into multiple countries, with Los Angeles as the flagship, underscores its global impact by creating a shared space for fans to celebrate and connect around K-culture. KCON has attracted 2.1 million in-person concertgoers over its 12 years of operation.
This year's KCON was also significant for aspiring K-pop stars. 19-year-old Chris Zamora from Torrance auditioned for Season 4 of "Produce 101 Japan" at KCON. Jaelyn Jones, who previously auditioned for the Dream Stage at KCON, was called to participate in the final audition for the Dream Stage tryout.
KCON's primary sponsor this year is the Korean cosmetics chain Olive Young. The festival is a significant event for the promotion of Korean culture, with K-pop groups like BTS, Blackpink, and Stray Kids contributing to its international appeal. Korean movies, TV shows, and beauty products also play a role in the global appeal of Korean culture.
In summary, KCON has evolved from a modest fan-centric festival into a global phenomenon shaping and showcasing the worldwide appeal of Korean music, drama, beauty, and digital media. It exemplifies the extensive cultural export of South Korea and its impact on global entertainment and youth culture.
[1] KCON [3] KCON 2023 Lineup [4] KCON 2023 Schedule [5] KCON 2023 FAQ
- The 12th annual KCON, the largest K-pop and Korean culture festival, took place at the Los Angeles Convention Center this past weekend.
- The event, which was headlined by K-pop boy group NCT 127, attracted fans from across the globe who were eager to immerse themselves in Korean entertainment.
- The music festival was more than just concerts, it also featured K-drama panels, skincare and beauty booths, Korean food, cultural exhibits, and Webtoons (Korean digital comics).
- The community aspect of KCON was strong, with fans quick to bond, sharing inside jokes and talking over each other like longtime friends.
- KCON serves as a testament to K-pop’s increasing influence in international music markets and Korean culture’s growing soft power, attracting fans and media attention worldwide.
- Korean cosmetics chain Olive Young was the primary sponsor for this year's KCON, reflecting the global appeal of Korean culture, which includes K-pop groups, movies, TV shows, and beauty products.
