How did KCON 2024 break records and reshape the K-Pop experience?

The 2024 edition of KCON, the world’s premier festival celebrating Korean culture and music, returned to downtown Los Angeles from July 26-28. This year’s event, organized by Korean entertainment giant CJ ENM, was held at the Los Angeles Convention Center and the Crypto.com Arena. The festival, which has grown exponentially since its inception in 2012, attracted a record-breaking 5.9 million fans from 170 countries, both on-site and through digital platforms.

Highlights from KCON 2024

*ZEROBASEONE’s Electrifying Performance

ZEROBASEONE (ZB1), a nine-piece boy group formed through the Korean music survival show “Boys Planet,” made a significant impact at KCON 2024. The group, comprising members Hanbin, Jiwoong, Zhang Hao, Matthew, Taerae, Ricky, Gyuvin, Gunwook, and Yujin, performed on the third night of the festival. Their set included hits from their first EP “Youth in Shade,” released in 2023. Member Gunwook, speaking through a translator, expressed the group’s excitement to return to Los Angeles and showcase their growth as artists. The highlight of their performance was Hanbin’s cover of Red Velvet’s viral hit “Psycho,” which captivated the audience.

P1Harmony’s Dynamic Return

P1Harmony, a six-piece boy group fresh off their North American tour, kicked off the first night of KCON LA’s M Countdown concert with an explosive cover of BTS’ “Fire.” The group, consisting of Keeho, Theo, Jiung, Intak, Soul, and Jongseob, expressed their excitement to be back in Los Angeles after two years. Keeho, the group’s leader, shared that performing in LA felt like a dream come true, especially after their sold-out show at the Kia Forum. The group’s energy was palpable, and their performance of recent singles like “Killin’ It” and “AYAYA” was met with enthusiastic responses from the crowd.

NCT 127’s Triumphant Return

NCT 127, a sub-group of the mega-group NCT, was a special guest at KCON LA 2024. The group, which had not been part of the initial lineup, dazzled the crowd with their performance on the final night of the festival. They kicked off the CW broadcast with their new single “Walk” and performed hits like “2 Baddies” and “Fact Check.” The signature green light sticks of their fans, known as NCTzens, illuminated the arena, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle.

The Return of K-Pop Legends

One of the unique draws of KCON LA 2024 was the inclusion of first-generation K-Pop acts. The legendary group god, part of K-Pop’s “first generation,” captivated the audience on the second night of M Countdown. Member Joon Park, a Los Angeles native, expressed his initial concern that the audience might not be familiar with their music. However, the crowd proved him wrong by enthusiastically clapping and singing along to god’s hits. Their performance was a heartfelt highlight of the weekend, showcasing the enduring appeal of K-Pop’s early stars.

Innovative Fan Experiences

Dream Stage Performances

A modern KCON tradition, the “Dream Stage” allows fans to submit videos of themselves performing key choreography from one of the attending artists. Selected fans are invited to live auditions at KCON, with finalists getting the chance to dance on stage with their idols. This year, Taemin, Enhypen, and Zico welcomed fans for these special performances. The dancers onstage took a group photo with the artists, creating unforgettable memories for the participants.

Interactive Booths and K-Beauty Street

The convention floor at the Los Angeles Convention Center was a bustling hub of activity, featuring booths from web comics, Korean beauty brands, and food companies. Olive Young, a Korean health and beauty megastore, offered free tote bags to attendees who signed up for their email list. Other popular booths included TIRTIR, known for its cushion foundation that gained attention on TikTok, and colorgram, a makeup company with long lines throughout the convention. Shein, a major sponsor, had a Y2K-inspired booth where visitors could make their own K-Pop photocard holder keychains, and meet artists like the girl group STAYC.

Rookie Acts and Fresh Faces

Introducing New Talent

KCON is known for introducing new talent to U.S. audiences, and this year was no exception. Rookie boy group POW, under GRID Entertainment, taught fans the choreography to their song “Valentine” at the outdoor Dance All Day section of the festival. They also performed on the showcase stage during the M Countdown preshows. Another notable debut was the eight-piece Filipino girl group BINI, who performed their bubblegum pop single “Cherry On Top” and held a panel to introduce themselves to attendees.

Katseye’s Dynamic Live Debut*

Katseye, a global girl group formed through the audition program “The Debut: Dream Academy,” made their live debut at KCON LA 2024. Their performance was part of the M Countdown preshow and marked their first live appearance in front of an audience. The group, in partnership with Geffen Records and K-Pop giant Hybe, released their debut EP “SIS (Soft Is Strong)” on August 16. Their dynamic stage presence and catchy songs left a lasting impression on the audience.

Our Advice on the City

Los Angeles, with its rich cultural tapestry and vibrant entertainment scene, offers a plethora of experiences for visitors. For those attending KCON or any other major event, we recommend exploring the diverse neighborhoods of LA. From the historic charm of Olvera Street to the trendy boutiques of Melrose Avenue, there’s something for everyone.

For occasional travelers, we suggest taking a day to visit the Getty Center. The museum offers stunning views of the city, beautiful gardens, and an impressive art collection. It’s a peaceful retreat from the bustling city and provides a unique perspective on Los Angeles.

For expert travelers, consider exploring the hidden gems of LA’s food scene. Venture beyond the well-known spots and discover local favorites in neighborhoods like Koreatown, Little Tokyo, and the Arts District. Each area offers a unique culinary experience that reflects the city’s diverse cultural influences.

In conclusion, KCON 2024 was a spectacular celebration of Korean culture and music, bringing together fans from around the world. The event highlighted the enduring appeal of K-Pop, the excitement of discovering new talent, and the joy of shared experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned K-Pop fan or new to the scene, KCON offers an unforgettable experience that transcends borders and unites people through the power of music and culture.