KCON LA 2024 presented by Samsung Galaxy, held from July 26 to 28 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, GILBERT LINDSAY PLAZA, and Crypto.com Arena, has wrapped up another phenomenal year, marking its most successful event since its inception in 2012. Over 5.9 million fans from more than 170 countries enjoyed KCON LA 2024 both at the festival site and through digital platforms, and the festival made U.S. history with the first-ever national primetime broadcast of a K-pop concert with The CW Network’s live broadcast on Sunday night.
Since 2012, KCON has played an important role in facilitating the global connection between emerging K-pop artists and their fans, launching them into the forefront of the global K-pop scene. This year’s lineup included a dazzling array of K-drama stars and K-pop icons. Fans were thrilled to see performances and appearances by their favorite artists, including TAEMIN, ENHYPEN, ZICO, ROWOON, JEON SOMI, and Kim Soo Hyun throughout the FESTIVAL GROUNDS’ daytime programming and at the M COUNTDOWN each night.
KCON’s signature performance is the “DREAM STAGE,” during which fans have the opportunity to dance on-stage with their favorite K-pop stars. This year’s DREAM STAGEs with legendary K-pop icon TAEMIN and ZICO were particularly memorable, showcasing KCONers’ diverse and immense talent.
For the first time, KCON LA 2024 was broadcast nationally on The CW Network, bringing the electrifying energy of KCON to a wider audience. The broadcast on Sunday, July 28, featured a special appearance by Awkwafina, who brought her unique charm and enthusiasm to the event and added an extra layer of excitement for viewers at home.
This year’s KCON delivered on its promise of a bigger and better event with a livelier festival atmosphere with more daytime stages, artist interactions, and content programming than ever before. Nearly 120 companies participated, showcasing a wide range of products from cosmetics to food to artist merchandise. The FESTIVAL GROUNDS were filled with activity, including MEET & GREET, SHOWCASE of talented K-pop rookies, SPECIAL FAN MEETINGs with K-drama stars, and exhibitions celebrating the shining moments of K-pop.
“We have once again realized here in LA where KCON has started and are overwhelmed with gratitude for everyone who has enjoyed and loved K-pop and Korean culture," Harry H.K. Shin, Head of Music Entertainment at CJ ENM. "This year we have put our every effort to make KCON more fun and bring more opportunities for connections between fans and artists as well as featuring various stages and performances. We will continue to create KCON as a global flagship K-pop festival and expand interactive and immersive experiences between fans and artists."
Presenting sponsor Samsung brought an exciting array of experiences to KCONers, featuring their latest technology at the Galaxy Experience Space. Fans had the opportunity to experience the Galaxy Z Fold6, Flip6, Watch7 Ultra, and Buds 3 Pro. The interactive space included a special Escape Room challenge utilizing Samsung Galaxy AI features, dance challenges, and exclusive KCON perks. KCON artists, including ENHYPEN, made special appearances, engaging with fans and showcasing Samsung's innovative products.
Following the tremendous success of KCON LA 2024, anticipation is building for KCON GERMANY 2024, set to take place this September. Fans in Europe can look forward to a spectacular event, filled with excitement, star power, and unique K-culture experiences.
KCON LA 2024 has once again proven itself to be a unifying force for K-pop fans and artists worldwide, transcending borders and generations through the universal language of music and culture.