30 Things That Happened at KCON LA 2025
- Aliyah Hinckley
- Aug 9
- 13 min read
Updated: Aug 18
August 1 will now forever be known as ‘KCON Day’ in Los Angeles, thanks to an official city proclamation by City Councilmembers John Lee, Katy Yaroslavsky, Curren Price, and Heather Hutt, who co-sponsored the resolution recognizing the global power of K-pop and the cultural, economic and tourist impact of KCON’s decade-long run in the city. While staff kept count behind the scenes, 125,000 fans made their way to the “world’s largest K-pop fan and artist festival,” featuring 107 companies, 358 booths, and 37 unforgettable acts over three days.
Entering the Los Angeles Convention Center, just beyond the entrance, a sweeping staircase with Bibigo painted along the steps and escalators rise before you, lined with vibrant posters of K-pop idols. With photocards tucked into holders hanging from pants and purses, and music echoing through every corner of the convention, KCON LA was undeniably the place where your bias, your besties, and your next favorite group could all exist under one roof. Whether they traveled from across the country or just down the street, the K-pop community came together in full force.
Many special moments unfolded during this year’s KCON LA, which also marked CJ ENM’s (the well-known South Korean entertainment company who puts on KCON) 30th anniversary—so here are 30 highlights from the festival to relive.
First-time ever livestreamed in partnership with Amazon Music on Prime Video and Twitch
Photo Credit: Glenalyn Ann
The event gave access to more fans around the world, allowing them to experience the excitement of KCON no matter where they were.
Tour announcements
Photo Courtesy of CJ ENM
During the M Countdown performances, Jackson Wang and KEY both announced upcoming tours, drawing loud cheers from fans. Wang revealed that his MAGIC MAN 2 tour will kick off in Asia, while KEY teased plans for a U.S. tour.
Day one of M Countdown = NCT 127 concert??
Photo Credit: CJ ENM, Glenalyn Ann, & Aliyah Hinckley
Throughout the night, there was an impressive variety of performances and diverse sonic styles from each artist. IS:SUE, the Japanese girl group, brought flair and precision with their performance of "SHINING." ZEROBASEONE energized the crowd with fresh hits like "Doctor!Doctor!" and "Feel the POP." Lee Young Ji showcased her trademark charisma and humor, even taking on the role of conductor at one point, leading the crowd in a choir-like sing-along. IVE delivered their signature vocals, stunning visuals, and fan-favorite tracks like "I AM" and "REBEL HEART." And of course, P1Harmony, lit up the stage with their dynamic choreography, powerful dance breaks,—duh!—and a blend of vocals and rap in the reggaeton-inspired "Pretty Boy." We couldn’t help but feel a sense of déjà vu—as if we were back at an NCT 127 concert. After all, this was the very same arena where they performed just this past March for their NEO CITY - THE MOMENTUM tour. A sea of green lights filled the space, swaying in unison as Czennies (NCT 127 fans) proudly held up their lightsticks. When the lights dimmed following the pre-show performances, NCT 127’s name flashed boldly across the screen in white—triggering a wave of deafening screams that shook the arena. They opened the show with an explosive performance of “Kick It,” later followed by MARK for his solo work from The Firstfruit album for the first time in the U.S., and the anticipated collaboration with HAECHAN for “+82 Pressin’.” The group returned towards the end to deliver heavy-hitting performances and ended with their DREAM STAGE of “Fact Check” with Dreamers.
Special Host and MCs brought anticipation and carried the show from one act to the next
Photo Credit: Aliyah Hinckley
Alex Reid, returning KCON host and the first Black-American K-pop idol from the group RaNia, hyped up the crowd during the pre-show each night, building excitement for what was to come. ZEROBASEONE’s Sung Han Bin with Seok Matthew, Ricky, and Zhang Hao served as special MCs each night of M Countdown. Han Bin also appeared in a prerecorded video segment, where he was shown spray-painting and reflecting on the impact of K-pop. The group went on to perform on both Friday and Sunday, delivering high-energy sets along with special stages.
izna members sealed the Honmoon
Photo Courtesy of CJ ENM
On day one, three members of izna including Bang Jee Min, Koko, and Choi Jung Eun performed a cover of “Golden” from the Netflix animated film KPop Demon Hunters, that has taken the world by storm. The film has reached the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Soundtracks chart and the song “Golden” by HUNTR/X—the trio of singers EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI—holds No. 2 on Billboard Hot 100 (as of August 4). For this Special Stage, the girls' outfits sparkled and their beautiful vocals shone during the high notes as the crowd sang along. On day three, CRAVITY channeled the fierce energy of the Saja Boys from the film, donning black hats and torn button-up suit tops that added an edgy flair.
Artists debuting or performing their songs in the U.S. for first time
Photo Credit: Aliyah Hinckley
With a mix of newly released and never performed for the U.S. audience, artists including aespa performed “Dirty Work” and HITGS performed songs like “SOURPATCH.” Jackson Wang also lit up the stage when he performed “BUCK” showing us how to dance up there on stage and “GBAD” from his MAGICMAN 2 album.
A stage for local dance teams to shine
Photo Credit: Glenalyn Ann
K-pop isn’t just about the singing—dance plays a huge role in the culture and the community. From fan-made dance covers to dedicated performance teams, choreography is a major way fans express their passion. At KCON, groups like TEAM B.U.K, HUSH CREW, and Kvibe from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee lit up the stage with dynamic dance covers and original choreography. The celebration of movement didn’t stop there—fans also had the chance to join in through short dance workshops held throughout the event.
M Countdown Special Stages
Photo Credit: Aliyah Hinckley
On night one, Lee Young Ji performed with Han Bin killing it with fierce wacking and tutting to Billie Eilish’s “you should see me in a crown.” The chemistry from YUQI and Zhang Hao’s performance was palpable during their performance of “Now” by Trouble Maker. For day three, MEOVV was channeling Brown Eyed Girls with their performance of “Abracadabra” for the K-pop Generation Special Stage, even with their chic black leather outfits.
Kep1er shared a sneak peek of their upcoming release BUBBLE GUM
Photo Courtesy of CJ ENM
The group is releasing their 7th mini album, which comes out August 19, 6PM KST. The girls were serving with their looks and pink outfits. Their spoiler ended on a cute note with Kim Dayeon blowing a bubble on stage.
Artists surprised fans at booths
When there's a packed crowd forming around a booth and you hear cheers erupting—take that as your cue to make a beeline straight to the action. That’s where you’ll find the surprise appearances lighting up the venue: P1Harmony drew a huge crowd at the Chi Forest sparkling water and ‘K-Story & Comics’ booth, izna made waves outside the Walmart space, and CRAVITY turned heads at the COSRX K-beauty brand booth, where lucky fans had the chance to win signed albums.
MONSTA X back at KCON after 10 years
Photo Courtesy of CJ ENM
MONSTA X made their return to KCON, with all members present except I.M, who was absent to focus on his health. Fresh out of military service for Hyungwon and recently this year for Kihyun and Joohoney, the group delivered a sweet comeback. Shownu and Hyungwon opened with a sultry performance of “Love Me a Little,” setting the tone with their charisma. Later, the group came together to perform “Beautiful Liar,” showing smooth, synchronized choreography. To end their night at M Countdown, they were joined by fans for the DREAM STAGE to perform “GAMBLER,” delivering a fiery stage with red and black outfits to accompany.
KCON fits
Photo Credit: Glenalyn Ann
Fans know how to show up in style to K-pop events—in everything from cozy comfort to fierce, K-pop-inspired fashion. Some took it a step further, taping meme-worthy prints to their outfits—like a slightly blown-up photo of P1Harmony’s Jiung from his viral “Just give me my money” video, proudly displayed on their shirts.
DREAM STAGE
Photo Credit Glenalyn Ann & CJ ENM
Auditions were a bittersweet experience for Dreamers—some faced the disappointment of being cut, while others got the once-in-a-lifetime chance to live out their fantasy, dancing on the massive Crypto.com Arena stage to close out M Countdown each night alongside K-pop’s biggest acts like NCT 127, MONSTA X, and HXW (Hoshi and Woozi of SEVENTEEN). This year, auditions took place at the ARTIST STAGE, where every participant poured their heart into showcasing their passion. These were beautiful moments at the end of M Countdown—where fans and artists shared not just a stage, but a dream.
Squid Game and KPop Demon Hunters character appearances
Photo Credit: Aliyah Hinckley
Yim Siwan, known as Player 333 in the highly anticipated Squid Game Season 3 on Netflix, held a charming fan meeting at the X STAGE—complete with a dog ear headband as he introduced himself, drew for fans, and shared some playful moments. Meanwhile, over at M Countdown on day one, legendary actor Lee Byung Hun made a surprise appearance as Gwi Ma from K-Pop Demon Hunters, the character he voices in the film. Flames lit up the screen as Gwi Ma’s presence was teased, and when Lee finally stepped onto the stage, the crowd erupted in screams.
Hometown performances
Photo Credit: Aliyah Hinckley
Many people know Bailey Sok of ALLDAY PROJECT began dancing at a young age and made choreography for many of the K-pop acts we know and love like Red Velvet and TAEMIN. Now she made her way back to LA, performing for the first time with her group in the U.S., where she said, “Ever since I could remember, I always dreamed of being on a stage as an artist here in my home city. So I’m so grateful right now, it feels so surreal, and it just feels like a dream being here.” Allen of CRAVITY also grew up in LA and made it back to KCON LA after two years since the group’s MASTERPIECE tour.
Jollibee came to KCON
Photo Credit: Glenalyn Ann & Aliyah Hinckley
Jollibee made a fun and memorable appearance at KCON, sponsoring the DANCE STAGE where both artists and fans got the chance to dance alongside the beloved mascot. Isabel Jones, a Korean American dancer known for her dance covers on TikTok, hosted the DANCE STAGE. One of the highlights was the "Survival Random Play Dance"—a staple in K-pop fan culture—where fans gathered to show off their skills by performing covers of iconic K-pop choreographies. And it wasn’t just Jollibee bringing the energy—over by the booths, a cute dancing skincare bottle mascot added to the playful vibe, keeping the fans in line entertained and smiling.
KCON showcased rookies for us to fall in love with
Photo Credit: Aliyah Hinckley & Glenalyn Ann
Girl group ifeye’s “r u ok?” is the kind of cute, catchy track that’s earned a permanent spot on our playlist—it’s just that good. 82MAJOR took over the stages with their powerful, bass-heavy performances of “Choke” and cover of ATEEZ’s “The Real.” During the BUSKING and X STAGE, they showed their fun side, answering fan questions and reacting to messages left on their sticky note board with playful charm. NEWBEAT covered “Gnarly” by KATSEYE, bringing the fun with their upbeat choreography as fans sang along. Despite their rookie status, NOWZ showed undeniable stage presence through performances of “Problem Child” and “EVERGLOW,” showing different sides of themselves before their cover of “MANIAC” by Stray Kids on M Countdown. Baby DONT Cry, cute yet fierce girls, rocked the stage with “F girl.” Artists from Way Better like HELLO GLOOM and from20, had fans asking them to go on tour, and they jokingly asked if the fans would promise to come out. And So Soo Bin's beautiful vocals and ballads stole fans' hearts at the X STAGE while he played the acoustic guitar, serenading his listeners.
Hot stages and hot weather
Photo Credit: Aliyah Hinckley
The sun was out and the weather was beautiful—perfect for a weekend at KCON. But at the BUSKING STAGE, the heat was definitely felt. With the sun beating down, it got a bit intense for fans gathered to enjoy performances. In the future, a shaded overhang or misting system could make the experience even more enjoyable by keeping everyone cool and comfortable. Thankfully, the convention center offered a refreshing escape—one step inside from the heat, and you were instantly met with the sweet relief of cool air conditioning.
HxW (SEVENTEEN)
Photo Courtesy of CJ ENM
Hoshi and Woozi of SEVENTEEN brought high energy and playful charisma to the DREAM STAGE, delivering their rap verses and fun-filled performances of “96ers,” “ECHO!,” and “STUPID IDIOT.” During the DREAM STAGE, the choreography was lighthearted and fun to dance along to, perfectly matching the vibe of the set. Dressed in coordinated blue jean combos, the duo had the audience cheering and dancing along, making it one of the standout moments of the night.
20. Outside booths from local vendors
Photo Credit: Aliyah Hinckley
Just outside the food area, a row of local vendors lined the space—from KPOP Bestie, the Koreatown-based K-pop store, to Eclaire Nails, La Meno Handmade Jewelry, and more. Fans browsed and bought albums, lightsticks, photocards, and accessories. Near the BUSKING STAGE, artists from Way Better, 82MAJOR, and NEWBEAT set up booths offering merch prizes and chances to connect through their socials.
Explore and get free samples!
Photo Credit: Aliyah Hinckley & Glenalyn Ann
It was a win-win situation: follow a brand, and you not only got to learn about beauty tips and try out product samples, you also helped them grow their following. From full-size skincare products to single-use sheet masks, there was something for everyone to discover. Olive Young drew a long line, with KCONers spotted everywhere carrying their signature pink and green-strapped tote bags. Inside the KCON exhibition booth zone, ‘The K-COLLECTION’ featured 50 small and medium-sized Korean companies showcasing standout names in beauty, lifestyle, food, and fashion. Nearby, the K-Story & Comics area gave fans a unique chance to step into the world of their favorite mobile webtoons, complete with photo ops and fun coin machine prizes.
Photo opportunities
Photo Credit: Aliyah Hinckley
KCON was filled with charming touches—from Bibigo’s massive wall featuring SEVENTEEN to the playful cloud swing at Tous les Jours South Korean Bakery booth. Photos of K-pop and J-pop artists adorned the convention center pillars, windows along the hallways to the Artist Stage, and the lobby walls, creating a vibrant atmosphere to snap a selfie with. For next year, it would be great to see even more photo opportunities scattered around to help fans capture and cherish their unforgettable memories.
McDonald's stationed at KCON
Photo Credit: Aliyah Hinckley
At the McDonald’s area, KCONers had fun with a quick, hands-on game to see who could wrap a set of stuffed, fake ingredients the fastest—mimicking the real thing. Winners scored a tasty reward: the newly returned wrap snack, freshly back on the menu. Nearby also had computer consoles to play games and spin the wheel for prizes.
Dance panel with some of K-pop's dancers and choreographers behind your favs
Photo Credit: Aliyah Hinckley
This year’s sole panel at KCON was “From Social Media to Center Stage: The People Behind the Moves,” featuring renowned choreographers Brian Puspos, Keone Madrid, and Aaliyah Flournoy—and bringing in local talent, the panel was hosted by Ani Vartani, founder of TEAM B.U.K and a dancer herself. Puspos, known for his work with Jung Kook, Flournoy for her work with JENNIE, NAYEON, TXT, and Madrid for co-choreographing Jung Kook’s “Standing Next to You” and BTS's "Fire" and parts of "DNA," each shared insights into their journeys and experiences dancing and choreographing for K-pop idols, followed by Q&A from an eager crowd.
From Jeté to KCON: Full Circle Boys land on the BUSKING STAGE
Photo Credit: Aliyah Hinckley
As the only non-Asian group at KCON, they stood out—but not without connection. Drawing inspiration from K-pop, the group originally started as dancers before evolving into a tightly synchronized unit with strong vocals and impressive stage presence. They performed a song choreographed by Madrid, showcasing the fusion of their roots with K-pop influence. The group recently released their debut EP, Jeté, in June.
From booths to stages, KCON keeps fans on the move
Photo Credit: Aliyah Hinckley
With a packed lineup of artists to see each day, you’ll definitely get your steps in, with the Artist Stage on one end of the convention center, the BUSKING STAGE located outside, and plenty of roaming in between as you explore the various booths and stages inside.
“Are you open-minded?” TikTok Hongdae Guy made a pit stop at KCON
Photo Credit: Aliyah Hinckley
Viral TikToker Sean Solo held a fan meeting at BBQ Chicken in LA and also stopped by KCON’s Olive Young booth, where he posed for photos and met fans. He wasn’t the only one. Several influencers were spotted throughout the convention, mingling with attendees and snapping pictures, including Andy and Michelle.
A taste of KCON
Photo Credit: Aliyah Hinckley
A variety of food trucks and booths served up everything from Thai dishes to sweet tanghulu, with standouts like Seoulmates Restaurant offering their popular grilled cheese bulgogi sandwich and gimbap. There were even sparkling water samples from the Chi Forest booth and bite-sized samples of Bibigo's food. On day three, two Los Angeles Lakers—Jarred Vanderbilt and Deandre Ayton— made a surpise appearance at the Bibigo exhibit area since the South Korean food brand sponsors the team. Just the day before, HWASA and her dance crew were already repping the purple and gold on day two at the ARTIST STAGE, rocking Lakers jerseys for their performance. Hopefully, next year, we'd love to see even more local Korean restaurants join the lineup.
Unexpected rookie performance by NEWBEAT at M Countdown
Photo Credit: Aliyah Hinckley & Glenalyn Ann
Fans on social media quickly took interest in the rising group who debuted on March 24 of this year and lit up multiple KCON stages—including the BUSKING, DANCE, and X STAGE. During their performance, the group delivered high energy and bold choreography, with some members even taking off their shirts and using them as props, swinging them around at the end of the song. With their charisma, stage presence, and fearless performance style, they’re a rookie group to keep an eye on.
“Let’s KCON!”
Photo Credit: Aliyah Hinckley
It’s like I can still hear every artist and host saying it—paired with the signature KCON hand gesture, three fingers forming the shape of a ‘K.’ The past three days at KCON were filled with so much excitement and fun, we didn’t want it to end.
As Mido reflects on its first KCON experience—one that brought us new artists to discover, beauty products and food to try, and the nostalgia and dopamine of seeing our favorites perform—KCONers leave with full hearts, new obsessions, and a shared countdown to next summer.
What was your favorite moment from KCON? Let us know in the comments below or by reaching out to us on Instagram or X.
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Edited by Martina Yee
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