K-Pop Fans Unite at Kcon
K-Pop fans of all ages flocked to the Los Angeles Convention Center for Kcon, the annual three-day festival that celebrates Korean music and culture. The festival, which took place over the weekend, consisted of all-day activities, including a provider market of various Korean beauty and food brands, several stages that presented rookie acts and meet & greet sessions.
Festival Activities
Every evening, fans headed to Crypto.com Arena for the main concert, which featured several K-pop artists and groups. The festival also included a pop-up area where fans could get free product samples from popular Korean brands, as well as vouchers for a free cake disk from the baking chain Tous Les Jours and tastings from the Bigo food brand. To receive these perks, fans had to complete tasks such as downloading a brand’s app or playing games.
Meet and Greets
For participants like Prescilla Cobieye, the numerous activities had their own unique experience. "It’s pretty different from your typical concert," said Cobieye, 18. "You could see different stands with different sponsorship and things, and you could even see how the idols enter… You can’t get that from a regular KPOP concert." Cobieye, a fan of NCT127 and ZerobaseOne, attended a meet & greet for the latter band, which allowed fans to see their favorite artists up close on a smaller stage within the convention center.
Family-Friendly Fun
Many families also attended Kcon, like Karsen Lechner, who brought her daughter to celebrate her sweet 16. The festival featured a mix of established and newer acts, including performances by Lee Young Ji and Izna on Friday. The event also included recognition of Korean film and television through special appearances by actors Lee Byung-Hun and Yim Siwan.
K-Pop’s Global Reach
A popular topic of discussion among Kcon attendees was the success of the animated film "KPOP Demon Hunters," which features numerous K-pop stars and premiered on Netflix in June. The film’s success is seen as a sign of K-Pop’s enduring strength and a validation of the fandom, which inspires millions of fans worldwide. According to Park Chan UK, Vice President for Live Entertainment at CJ ENM, Kcon aims to curate a diverse range of genres and art types, introducing fans to new idol groups, solo artists, and other performers.
The Main Event: M-Countdown
The M-Countdown concert was a major attraction for fans, featuring acts like NCT127, ZerobaseOne, and Ive. For 19-year-old fan Melanie Phouthavong, who traveled from Seattle to attend Kcon, the concert was the highlight of the experience. "I know we’ve seen many groups here, but this concert is like the big event," she said. "So I’d be happy to be there." The concert also included special appearances by Lee Byung-Hun and Yim Siwan, who recognized the power of K-Pop to bring people together.
Conclusion
For K-POP fans, the genre remains a way to express themselves and connect with others who share their passions. As Phouthavong noted, "I would say it’s very comforting to be in a community where you can express your love for music and your interests in general, and there’s no shame here." With its diverse range of activities, performances, and cultural experiences, Kcon is a unique and exciting event that celebrates the best of Korean music and culture.
