KCON LA 2025 Highlights the Next Wave of Young Talent
Written by: Ephney Tsai
When KCON first began in 2012, it was created with the intention of building an event for artists of all walks of life to greet their fans. Veteran artists could come perform shorter sets and see their fans that have supported them for decades, rookie groups could perform just the few songs they had while introducing themselves to new audiences, and fans would be able to enjoy performances from all generations with special stages galore. This year's event was a true testament to this original purpose, bringing artists older and new to spend the weekend in LA.
The convention floor was, as always, packed with fans, artist engagements, and freebies galore. Skincare brands such as Olive Young, Dr. Jart, and COSRX had a large presence to cover the K-beauty lovers' desires. The many beauty brands in the exhibition hall had a wide variety of giveaway items, ranging from free one-time samples to full-size products, oftentimes with a little game or activity to engage with the attendees. Aside from beauty products, the main grounds also featured booths from brands such as Bibigo, McDonald's, and Chi Forest, providing fans with samples of Bibimbap, Gyoza, Ranch Snack Wraps, Spicy Snack Wraps, and Chi Forest sparkling beverages. Covering the K-food aspect of the festival, these brands also paired well with the outdoors food trucks selling a variety of food and beverages to keep fans satisfied.
Courtesy of CJ ENM
In the realm of K-dramas, there was, surprisingly, far less of a presence in terms of booths. The event featured one drama-centric space, with photo booths and giant billboards, however, the drama lovers were well represented in the form of special guests—in particular, the appearance of Lee Byung-hun (Squid Game, Kpop Demon Hunters) and Yim Si-wan. The two actors' appearance was a rare opportunity for their fans to see them, and as they appeared throughout the event, the fans' passion and excitement was near palpable.
When it boils down to its core, however, KCON is still a music festival, and thus, the main focus will always be on the musical artists in attendance. There were a variety of artist appearances at booths such as the Chi Forest and McDonald's booths, and plenty of smaller additional stages were scattered around the convention floor for artists to do Q&As, dance challenges, shorter performances, and Meet & Greets. The event even hosted its usual red carpet event, giving fans the opportunity to win access in to see their favorite acts walk the red carpet.
As the music remains the event's highlight, the impressive three nights of concerts were easily the most memorable part of the event. Each night held a balance of newer and veteran artists, giving fans a chance to see their favorite performers while learning more about young new artists. Likewise for the performers, this setup allowed younger artists to see the senior artists they look up to while doing their best to impress the crowd as well.
Night one featured a pre-show performance by 82MAJOR, Boston Conservatory at Berklee, and Kik5o, and main performances by Baby DONT Cry, IS:SUE, IVE, LEE YOUNGJI, NCT 127, NOWZ, P1Harmony, and ZEROBASEONE. These stages included special performances by NCT 127's Mark Lee and Haechan, ZEROBASEONE's Sung Hanbin and LEE YOUNGJI, a cover of STRAY KIDS' "Maniac" by NOWZ, and a special appearance by izna to perform "Golden" from Kpop Demon Hunters. Younger groups such as Baby DONT Cry and IS:SUE were able to greet U.S. fans for the first time and show off their charms, and older groups such as NCT 127 got to show off their stage presence and prowess as they comfortably and confidently performed on stage.
Courtesy of CJ ENM
Likewise, day two's lineup consisted of a pre-show from from20 & HELLO GLOOM, HITGS, and So Soo Bin, and a main lineup consisting of aespa, IDID, izna, JACKSON WANG, JO1, MONSTA X, NMIXX, Roy Kim alone and also with a special performance with contemporary dancer CHOIHOJONG, and YUQI. Special stages were also prepared, with YUQI and ZEROBASEONE's Zhanghao performing Troublemaker's "Now," fellow ZEROBASEONE members Seok Matthew and Park Gunwook with a special hip hop performance, another member, KIM TAE RAE, performing with Roy Kim, and JO1 covering SEVENTEEN's "Fear." Newer groups like IDID were able to see their company seniors perform and had the opportunity to introduce themselves to a sea of fans originally unfamiliar with them, and veteran performers such as MONSTA X set the venue on hypothetical fire with their energy, passion, and explosive charms.
Finally, on day three, the show featured a pre-show by ifeye and NEWBEAT, and main stage performances by ALLDAY PROJECT, CRAVITY, HWASA, HxW (SEVENTEEN), i-dle, Kep1er, KEY, MEOVV, RIIZE, and ZEROBASEONE. KEY, HWASA, HxW (SEVENTEEN), and i-dle were artists that inspired younger acts such as MEOVV, Kep1er, and RIIZE to pursue their musical careers, making the balance of older and younger acts on the final night the perfect closing act to an unforgettable weekend. Special stages were even prepared specifically to uplift young girls and highlight the heroines who have carried the industry for the past decades. MEOVV performed Brown Eyed Girls' iconic "Abracadabra," and izna performed a special cover of IZ*ONE's "FIESTA," both sandwiching group i-dle's performances. Taking the time to highlight the girls, this also tied in with KCON and founding company CJ ENM's Cultural Foundation's work with girls in underprivileged countries.
Overall, KCON is always a great event for those with interest in K-culture, but this year in particular did a great job at highlighting the multiple facets that K-culture encompasses. From K-beauty to K-food, to K-dramas and K-music, all things Korea were well represented at the event, and music fans were even able to enjoy performances by artists of all ages, genres, and styles.
