KCON LA 2025 Wraps Up with Massive Turnout and Global Cultural Impact
Aug 04, 2025
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CJ ENM's KCON, which has been held in various regions around the world since Irvine in the U.S. in 2012, successfully completed a three-day journey of 'KCON LA 2025' in the U.S. following Japan in May.
KCON is a platform where you can experience and enjoy various K-lifestyle such as K-food, beauty, and contents centered on K-POP, and has also made a new milestone in various aspects this year.
Following last year's CW network, it was the first to collaborate with global streaming service Amazon Music to broadcast live in North America, South America and Europe, and in recognition of its contribution since 2012, it was designated as 'KCON Day' by the city of Los Angeles and filled the area with KCON flags.
A total of 37 globally recognized Korean talented artists and actors participated in this 'KCON LA 2025', from new artists who make their first impressions in the United States. A total of 107 companies and 358 booths participated in the event, making it a market for overseas expansion, and artists in numbers far exceeding last year participated and closely interacted with fans. In addition, more than 125,000 audiences enjoyed the festival for three days, and fans from various countries and regions around the world were together in real time through digital platforms.
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As KCON has introduced Korean culture to the world the fastest, groundbreaking and brilliant stages that can only be seen in 『KCON LA 2025" were held at CryptoCom Arena for three days.
At this stage 'M COUNTDOWN', a large number of talented artists appeared, exuding explosive energy, sparking explosive cheers and shouts. The first day, when Sung Han-bin and Seok Matthew of ZEROBASEEONE were the MCs, was special with world-renowned star Lee Byung-hun appearing with a narration of the ear of 'K-pop Demon Hunters'. NCT 127, Baby DONT Cry, NOWZ, IS:SUE, Lee Young-ji, P1Harmony, ZEROBASEONE, and IVE showed overwhelming performances. NCT 127's Mark & Haechan's performance and Izna's cover of the song 'Golden' were unveiled for the first time as a special stage, and Lee Young-ji's collaboration with Sung Han-bin, a member of ZEROBASEONE. In addition, on the stage of the 'K-POP Generation" that is united with music beyond the times to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Mnet, NOWZ covered Stray Kids' 'MANIAC and received great response.
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On the last day of i-dle's opening, Sung Han-bin and Jang Ha-oh of ZEROBASEEONE were the MCs, while ALLDAY PROGRESS, CRAVITY, MEOV (Miyao), Kep1er (Kepler), RIIZE (Rise), Hwasa, ZEROBASEONE and KEY performed overwhelmingly. On the stage of 'K-POP Generation', MEOV drew attention by reinterpreting Brown Eyed Girls' 'Abracadabra' and Izna's 'FIESTA' by Iz*ONE in a different way. The long-awaited final stage was performed by Seventeen's Hoshi X Woozi (HxW (SEVENTEEN) and decorated the finale splendidly.
The top-class artist and dozens of fans completing the stage together also made a big impression. For three days, NCT 127's 'Fact Check', MONSTA X's 'GAMBLER', and Hoshi X Woozi's 'STUPID IDIOT' were performed jointly with fans.
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The L.A. Convention Center was crowded with various things to see and enjoy from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. At the "ARTIST STAGE" stage, solo stages were held where you can see the various charms of your favorite artists, and at the "MEET & GREET" stage, artists and fans met closely and communicated. In "SHOWCASE", talented rookies made their presence known to global audiences, and in "X STAGE", from tvN drama "Misaeng" to Netflix series "Squid Game", artist-turned-actor Lim Ji-wan held a special fan meeting to convey the charm of K contents and communicate with global fans. At the booth 'K-Content by CJ ENM', which introduces CJ ENM's representative contents, K-dramas such as TVING original drama 'Dear X' and tvN weekend drama 'Seochodong' were allowed to experience differently. At the booth 'PRODUCE 101 JAPAN - SHINSEKAI (New World)' expanded to a global project, an experiential space was provided to receive spotlight on the stage like the actual audition one scene. The K-POP World Scale Debut Project 'Boyz 2 Planet' booth also caught the eye of the audience.
Fifty small and medium-sized companies with various representative domestic brands such as beauty, household goods, food, and fashion participated in 'K-Collection with KCON LA 2025'. Tous Les Jours introduced a variety of events and brand experiences at the booth themed with 'Happy Birthday', while CJ CheilJedang gained huge popularity with its Bibigo brand, Bibigo Global Ambassador Seventeen's photo zone and TikTok challenge, along with its K-food experience. The Korea Creative Content Agency provided an opportunity to see and experience mobile-based webtoons directly in offline spaces through the exhibition booth 'K-Story & Comics'. In addition, various brands were very popular through product introductions and events. Olive Young, which participated as a title sponsor and introduced the all-time booth, introduced 66 brands and 164 products, setting the stage for global expansion of K-beauty brands.
▶ Pay attention to differentiating factors from general festivals of famous media such as variety, and open a report on local TV broadcasting sites
As KCON has established itself as a must-attend event in the United States, global media have been enthusiastic about its coverage. Variety said in an audience interview on site that "KCON is quite different from normal concerts.", "You can see a variety of booths, including various sponsorships, and you can see artists moving at a close distance, which is not well seen in regular K-pop concerts." This year, local TV broadcasts such as KTLA and Fox11LA captured the vivid scene of 'KCONLA 2025' and delivered the enthusiasm of the festival to enjoy K-pop, K-food, and K-beauty.
"I feel a greater sense of duty as it is officially designated as 'KCON Day' in the United States, which laid the foundation for KCON. We are grateful for the participation and support of many people who love K-pop and Korean culture, and we also deeply appreciate the artists who have shone on the stage with outstanding talent and enthusiasm," said Shin Hyung-kwan, head of the music contents business division at CJ ENM.
CJ ENM is expected to expand its contact point as a cultural bridge through various online and offline platforms and contents, including KCON.
star77@sportschosun.com
