The City Council Friday declared Aug. 1 as “KCON Day” in honor of KCON LA 2025, a three-day festival celebrating Korean pop culture through K-pop concerts, fan events and cultural exhibitions at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Now in its 13th year, KCON has become one of the largest global events dedicated to Korean entertainment and lifestyle. Since its founding in 2012, the festival has drawn millions of fans to Los Angeles each year, solidifying the city’s role as the event’s longtime home.

Councilmembers Katy Yaroslavsky, Curren Price and John Lee led a presentation Friday with organizers from KCON USA. The three-day event is scheduled for Aug. 1-3.

“More than a decade ago, KCON has grown into a global phenomenon, and no city embraces it quite like LA,” Yaroslavsky said.

In 2024, more than 5.9 million fans from more than 170 countries took part in the celebration in Los Angeles. Officials say they expect even higher attendance this year.

“KCON is more than a festival. It’s a celebration of identity, connection and joy,” Yaroslavsky said.

Lee and Price emphasized that the event boosts the local economy by attracting international and national visitors.

“The economic impact of KCON and the global K-pop movement cannot be overstated,” Price said. “It’s a cultural exchange — an economic driver and a cultural reflection of Los Angeles’ international reach.”

Doane Liu, executive director of the city’s Tourism Department, said they’re proud to host KCON — or as he calls it, “K-Chella.” He noted the Convention Center hosts nearly 300 events annually, but KCON stands out because it returns to Los Angeles every year, unlike most major conventions that rotate locations.

“We look forward to hosting KCON every year in the future too, and we’re working very closely with KCON to make sure that’s in ink,” Liu added.

Consulate General Kim Young Wan of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles joined the elected officials for the ceremony.

“Your recognition of KCON has special meaning, not only to Koreans and to Angelenos, but also worldwide fans of all ages and all different backgrounds and all ethnicities,” Young Wan said.

Pious Jung, CEO of CJ America — the parent company of KCON USA — thanked the city for the recognition.

“It’s an acknowledgement that is incredibly meaningful to all of us at CJ,” Jung said. “KCON’s growth and success would not have been possible without your unwavering support.”

He noted that the event began in 2012 with a dream to share Korean pop culture with a global audience.

“Back then, K-pop wasn’t mainstream, and there was uncertainty,” Jung said. “Could Korean pop culture truly resonate with the global audiences? But on October 13, many years ago, seeing thousands of fans from around the world singing in Korean, we knew we had something special.”

“Our vision is to make KCON a global cultural landmark and a proudly L.A.-grown export that continues to inspire, generate jobs, stimulate the local economy and bring people together through the power of Korean culture,” Jung added.