Evening at the Academy Museum Transformed by K-Culture, sponsored by KCON: 6 Key Moments Captured
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles played host to a vibrant celebration of Korean culture and entertainment on July 31, 2025, as the K-Culture Night event took centre stage at the David Geffen Theater. The event, marking the 13th anniversary of KCON and the 30th anniversary of CJ ENM, showcased the growing global impact of Korean culture and entertainment[1][2][3].
Organised by CJ ENM, in partnership with the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, the evening was a resounding success, bringing together rising K-pop stars and prominent Korean actors to showcase Korean cultural success on a global stage[3].
The event began with Korean American entertainer Eric Nam serving as the emcee, setting the tone for an entertaining evening. Notable performers included CHOIHOJONG, a renowned dancer and choreographer known as the "icon of K-dance," as well as K-pop singers and groups such as Lee Young Ji, P1Harmony, and the Japanese girl group IS:SUE[1][2][3][4].
Yim Si-wan, famous for his role in the hit series Squid Game, also participated in KCON L.A. and related events. During the event, he engaged in a humorous interview with Nam and Hyesung ii, dressed in his Squid Game character's white tuxedo, discussing his dinner experience with fellow Squid Game costar Lee Byung-hun[1][2][3][4].
The evening reached its peak with P1Harmony's powerful performance, which included a rendition of BTS's "Fire" and an audience-engaging performance of "Last Call." The members of P1Harmony even ventured into the audience during their performance, causing a surge of cheers and many fans to dance in their seats[5].
IS:SUE also delivered an electrifying performance, covering BLACKPINK's "Pink Venom," while CHOIHOJONG presented a dance interpretation of Bong Joon Ho's award-winning film, Parasite[5].
The K-Culture Night event marked the start of the fun and busy KCON weekend, which took place from Friday to Sunday at the Los Angeles Convention Center[5]. The event was praised by attendees for its vibrant performances and cultural significance, notably featuring dynamic acts by P1Harmony and IS:SUE, contributing to an unforgettable experience[5].
In a lighter moment, Nam, the host, humorously forgot that not everyone in the audience understood Korean when he began conversing with IS:SUE in Korean[5]. Lee Young Ji, known for her YouTube series Not Much Prepared and collaborations with K-pop idols, also delivered a captivating performance at KCON[5].
The K-Culture Night event at the Academy Museum marked the first major initiative under the CJ ENM and Academy Museum partnership, which also supported a Bong Joon Ho exhibition earlier in 2025[1]. This collaboration aims to elevate Korean and Asian films and talents in Hollywood[1].
[1] Academy Museum of Motion Pictures press release, July 2025. [2] CJ ENM press release, July 2025. [3] Variety, "K-Culture Night Returns to Los Angeles for 13th Anniversary," July 2025. [4] Billboard, "Squid Game Star Yim Si-wan to Attend KCON L.A.," July 2025. [5] Los Angeles Times, "K-Culture Night at the Academy Museum: A Night to Remember," August 2025.
At the K-Culture Night event, celebrated Korean American entertainer Eric Nam served as the emcee, introducing a diverse lineup of artists and celebrities that included rising K-pop stars such as P1Harmony, CHOIHOJONG, and Lee Young Ji, as well as esteemed actors like Yim Si-wan from the hit series Squid Game. The event, a joint initiative between CJ ENM and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, showcased the captivating world of Korean music and entertainment to a global audience.
