It’s no secret that Korean culture, particularly K-pop, has rapidly risen in popularity over the years in the United States. In Los Angeles, there is one event that brings people together for their shared love of Korean culture: KCON. Since 2012, People of all different races, ages, and backgrounds have all come together in the Los Angeles Convention Center for this once-a-year event. The event is a three-day celebration, highlighting Korean beauty products, media, food, and more.
However, M-Countdown is the main event of the convention, showcasing famous Korean musical artists. Big-name artists in the industry, such as Hwasa, Jackson Wang, Monsta X, and NCT 127, all take the stage in Crypto Arena.
Mark from NCT performing on stage. (Photo courtesy of CJ ENM) (Konuk_RYU)
With so many artists joining on one stage, the event is a chance for different fans to come together. Dez Valenti, an attendee who flew in from Florida, said, “ZEROBASEONE definitely drew me in, but I was really happy when they added Kep1er to the lineup.”
Maxine Rodriguez, another attendee, said, “I’m mostly excited for RIZE, but I am looking forward to I-dle and probably Key.”
As fans filed into the concert venue, many brought heavily decorated clear bags to show support for their favorite group/solo artists. A popular way fans show love for a specific artist is by showcasing said artist’s photocard. “I need at least one photocard. I’m going for two, but I need at least one to show,” Rodriguez said. Along with their decked-out bags, many fans brought in their lightsticks to also show support.
Attendees’ bags and trinkets. (Photo by of Hyojin Park)
Each day, the concerts started off with preshows of newer groups that were making a name for themselves. Right after these shows, the event will kick off to a start with the main stage getting ready to perform. However, on the first day, there was a special guest waiting to greet all of the concertgoers. Byung-Hun Lee, a famous Korean actor who appeared in the Korean K-drama “Squid Games” and animated movie “K-pop Demon Hunters,” kicked off the event with his surprise appearance.
Byung-Hun Lee giving his opening speech. (Photo courtesy of CJ ENM) (Konuk_RYU)
Each night went smoothly with artists performing song after song and even announcing upcoming tours in North America. The audience shone colorfully as each fan had a different colored lightstick, but all were in unison as they shook their light sticks in harmony. Each artist came and went, each performance erupting in applause and cheers. At the end of each night, every concert was finished with Dream Stage. Dream stage is a performance of an artist with selected fans who come up on stage to perform. This year’s Dream Stage lineup consisted of NCT 127, Monsta X, and Seventeen’s Hoshi and Woozi (HxW). Crypto Arena erupted as the final performance came to an end.