KCON (music festival)

KCON is an annual Korean wave convention held in locations across the world, created by Koreaboo and organized by CJ E&M.[1] It was first held in Southern California as KCON and has since expanded into eight countries as of 2018.

KCON
Artists on stage at KCON 2012
GenreKorean pop
Location(s)
Inaugurated2012
FoundersKoreaboo
CJ E&M
Organized byCJ E&M
Koreaboo
Mnet Media
Powerhouse Live
Websitekconusa.com

In 2015, KCON expanded to Japan[2] and then quickly announced the first KCON USA on the East Coast.[3] In 2016, KCON expanded into Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates[4] and Paris, France. In January 2017, KCON announced that they would be hosting their first KCON Mexico at the Mexico City Arena on March 17 and 18, 2017.[5]

An online replacement of KCON due to the onging COVID-19 pandemic, titled KCON:TACT, started on June 20 until June 26, 2020 via YouTube, AISPlay, and Shopee. The second season of KCON:TACT started on October 16, 2020 and ended on October 25, 2020.

Background

KCON was first created by Koreaboo in 2012, after a partnership with CJ E&M's US-based subsidiary, Mnet America.[6][7] It was produced by Powerhouse Live, who have continued to work on KCON from 2013 to the present.[8][9] KCON's initial aim was to establish an annual flagship event that would improve the experiences of American fans by providing them with an affordable way to connect with each other as well as with artists and professionals from the K-pop music industry.[10] During KCON '12, Mnet Media's Ted Kim was interviewed by journalist Michael Holmes from CNN to discuss the rise of K-Pop in the United States.[8]

On June 21, 2016, Euny Hong reported in the Wall Street Journal that the North American KCONs, although very popular, were only a break-even financially. CJ E&M's American CEO Angela Killoren said they are more interested in the long-term goal of raising Korea's brand value than short-term gain.[11] Also, in a June press conference, Shin Hyung-kwan, president of CJ E&M's Mnet contents business, said, "KCON, which has been held in Abu Dhabi in March, Japan in April, and Paris early this month, is not just about making money. Numbers are important but what matters more is the potential created by the event for the next five, 10 and 20 years." Shin added that the company goals were increasing the growth of products and services to the global market by expanding partnerships with Korean small and medium enterprises.[12]

History

4Minute at KCON '12

2012

KCON '12 was held on October 13 at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Irvine, California. Music artists invited to perform include 4Minute, B.A.P, Exo-M, Nu'est, VIXX, and G.NA. Jeff Yang of The Wall Street Journal reported that KCON '12 attracted over 20,000 people.[13]

2013

KCON '13 was held from August 24 to 25 at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena. The lineup included K-pop artists Exo (K & M), 2AM, Teen Top, f(x), G-Dragon, Crayon Pop, Dynamic Duo, Yu Seung Woo and DJ Koo. It also included rapper Missy Elliott, who is featured on one of G-Dragon's singles.[14][15] Super Junior-M's Henry Lau performed and spoke at a panel.[16] [17]

2014

Lee Seung-gi 2014 red carpet.
Girls' Generation 2014 red carpet.
Host Eric Nam with CNBLUE 2014.
Host Eric Nam with BTS 2014.

KCON '14 was held on August 9–10, returning for a second year to Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena.[18] The artist lineup included B1A4, BTS, CNBLUE, G-Dragon, Girls' Generation, IU, Jung Joon-young, Spica, Teen Top, and VIXX. Featured guests included Lee Seung-gi, Lee Seo-jin, Yoo In-na, Nam Gyu-ri, Kim Ji-seok; and Eric Nam,[19][20] who hosted red carpet interviews, filmed by Viki.[21]DramaFever documented the red carpet, explaining the missing Girls' Generation 9th member, Sooyoung, who was filming a drama.[22]NBC News interviewed Billboard K-Town columnist Jeff Benjamin, journalist-author Euny Hong, and Girls' Generation's Seohyun and Tiffany to answer "what is K-pop"."[23] In response to Fusion TV, KCON co-project manager Angela Killoren said, "There's still this sense that, I'm the fan, and I'm the only fan, or I'm one of very few, and these are my artists, you have this incredible sense of – you discovered them, and you own them."[24]

The two nightly concerts[25][26][27][28] were shown on the weekly K-pop cable television show M Countdown. "2 Nights in LA" was broadcast on Mnet America in the U.S. and in multiple countries.[29][30][31] Danny Im of Mnet America's show "Danny From LA" hosted the concerts, along with "DFLA" co-host Dumbfoundead, Jung Joon-young, Tiffany, and opener Lee Seung-gi.[32][33][34]"DFLA", in its third season, filmed a live taping of the show at the convention.[35][36]

For this year's event, Mnet America started a new web-series, "KCON EXPERIENCE 2014", with multiple episodes, including footage of the stars' arrival at the airport in Los Angeles, backstage activities, and the weekend's panels, fan meetings, food stands.[37] The convention included an outdoor marketplace, food truck alley, a mini 4DX theatre, and open stage area; with panels and workshops about music, k-dramas, e-sports, choreography styles, makeup, hair trends; and as billed, "all things Hallyu".[30][38][39] Korean gaming channel OnGameNet (OGN) also organized a "League of Legends Champion Festival", an event involving Korean team CJ Entus Frost and American team Cloud 9.[20][24][30][40]

The convention doubled attendance from the previous year, with 42,000 attending. Of those 42,000, nearly 40 percent come from outside California,[41] most were female, and less than 10 percent were Korean.[42]

2015

Super Junior 2015 L.A.
Sistar 2015 L.A.
AOA 2015 L.A.
Red Velvet 2015 L.A.

Saitama, Japan – April 22

KCON '15 expanded outside the United States for the first time and was held in Japan at the Saitama Super Arena. M.I.B's Korean-Japanese vocalist KangNam was the events ambassador.[43] The convention/outdoor stage featured Korean artists CODE-V, High4, Shu-I, Tahiti, and 5tion. Performances on the main stage included Got7, Super Junior, Kangnam, My Name, Lovelyz, Block B, Sistar, Infinite, B1A4, 2PM's Jun. K, and Supernova.[44]

Freelance journalist Patrick St. Michel, who has lived in Japan for years, covered the Saitama event for MTV Iggy, complimenting the eagerness of the enthusiastic fans (15,000 at the concert), and KCON 15's successful soft sell of K-pop as a means to help smooth over a long and complicated relationship between Japan and South Korea.[45]

Los Angeles – July 31 – August 2

On April 17, 2015, KCON said the California convention would expand to a three-day event, and would move from the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena to L.A. Live and the Staples Center in Downtown Los Angeles.[46]

The convention was preceded with U.S. news reports about the drama and film stars to attend, People interviewed "Korean heartthrob" Kim Soo-hyun,[47] and The Hollywood Reporter accounted for Kim (My Love from the Star), Korean American Ki Hong Lee (The Maze Runner, one of People's "Sexiest Men Alive"), U.S. born Daniel Henney (his latest Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders) and Son Ho-jun (Reply 1994); as well as drama sessions to be headlined by writer Park Ji-eun (producer, My Love From Another Star) and director Jin Hyuk (Master's Sun, Doctor Stranger).[48] Actor Son Ho-jun and director Go Min-gum of tvN's "Mr. Baek the Homemade Food Master" appeared at DramaFever's co-sponsored screening room of trending K-dramas.[49]

English-language South Korean media Yonhap called the musical line-up "some of the hottest K-pop artists."[50] It included AOA, Block B, Crush, Got7, Monsta X, Red Velvet, Roy Kim, Shinhwa, Sistar, Super Junior and Zion.T.[50][51][52] Getty Images captured photos of Kim Soo-hyun, Eric Nam, and many of the musical performers, individually identifying each name in girl groups AOA, Red Velvet and Sistar.[51]

Billboard noted new group Monsta X after their performance, as a "hot item on the KCON lineup", referring to a similar audience response to KCON '14's newest group, BTS, a group that continued to do a sold-out tour in the U.S. a year later.[52] Billboard gave detailed positive reviews for both night's concerts,[52][53] and interviewed Red Velvet[54] and Got7.[55]

The Los Angeles Times reviewed Sunday's stage, "the year's most significant concert for one of the world's most fascinating music and cultural scenes."[56] "Mega-group" Super Junior's fan base, the "ELFs", were noticed by media, wearing their blue devil horns, with one 23-year-old describing that when she was sad, just looking at Super Junior made her really happy.[57] Fusion TV named seven of their "favorite KCON fashion statements" of the performing bands.[58]

Another South Korean English-language newspaper, The Korea Times, headlined, "K-pop proves itself a gateway to South Korea at KCON", and interviewed two "older" fans, aged 28 and 31, whose developing interest in K-pop and K-dramas led them to further interests in other Korean culture (technology, skin products, food and fashion).[57] As in previous years, the convention attempted to satisfy attendees, with one South Korea language based institute helping fans write messages of love and support to their favorite stars in Korean.[57] KCON organizer Killoren reiterated that the convention was not just music, but more, "a convention, a concert, content, a conversation."[57]

South Korea government's web portal Korea.net article stated 120 small and medium-sized enterprises set up booths, and included photos taken by Small and Medium Business Administration staff.[59] They said, "Angelenos have shown their strong enthusiasm for all things Korean."[59]

New York – August 8

In 2015, KCON expanded to New York City, being held outside of Southern California for the first time.[60][61][62]

A day before opening, Vogue discussed fashion and favorite designers with AOA and VIXX,[63] the later kept busy with a first time "showcase" in Orlando, Florida.[64] Vogue told East Coast K-pop fans to "rejoice...KCon, America's premier (read: only) Korean pop culture convention comes to New York for the first time this weekend, bringing four of the country's top acts stateside", and "Keep your eyes and ears out for snappy songs and slick dance moves, but above all, for the colorful fashion trends."[63] After focusing on the idol's fashion wear in L.A., Fusion TV shared the East Coast's fan's homemade and designer fashions.[65]

Killoren told Fusion TV that fans are eager to learn as much as possible about their idols, so the convention tries to provide this, through Q&A sessions with artists by emcees, and "hi-touches" or high fives between fans and band members.[66]

The Korean Cultural Service New York (KCSNY) combined their fifth annual global K-pop singing and dancing competition (with auditions held worldwide) with KCON, for a pre-show concert of six finalists.[67] N.Y.'s Washington Heights group, The Class, won with a performance of VIXX's "Hyde", and will travel to South Korea to represent the U.S. at the K-Pop World Festival.[68]

Teen Top's appearance made them the first band to perform for three consecutive years;[69] along with Girls' Generation,[50] AOA and VIXX.[63]

Billboard's review compared the concert and convention to the inaugural KCON '12 in Irvine, California, pointing to this year's fewer musical acts, but a similar convention set-up, and gave indication of it becoming an "East Coast staple."[70]

The New York Times said, "The tears began as soon as Teen Top waved hello", and interviewed passionate fans,[71] some who lined up for the concert at 2:00 a.m.,[70][71] and attended both the West and East Coast shows.[71] They described fans who wear facial cleanser used by actress Song Ji-hyo of variety show Running Man and according to DramaFever watch over 53.9 hours per month streaming videos, compared with about 10.7 hours for Netflix users, are 85 percent non-Asian, and are mostly women aged 18 to 24.[71]

Fuse TV said the convention attendees were represented by all racial demographics, "women didn't outnumber men the way you'd normally see at a pop music convention", and "teens were out in full force, but not the majority."[72]

KCON JEJU 2015 Jeju Stadium

Jeju, South Korea – November 6–7

In November, KCON held its first 2-day domestic convention and concerts on the South Korean island of Jeju.[73][74][75] Daily solo performances were held at the convention hall stage, and a main stadium concert on the second night, with a line-up including Shinhwa,[76] Roy Kim, Block B, SG Wannabe, SPICA, M.I.B's Kangnam, Poten, Park Boram (soloist from Superstar K2), Oh My Girl, Shin Seung-hun, Teen Top, Day6, Paloalto, Mamamoo, Sonamoo and Chen Zi Tong.[77]

The Jeju Tourism Organization and CJ E&M said the event was scheduled in hopes of revitalizing the local economy by drawing more tourists to the island.[73]

2015 total attendance

By the end of August, KCON '15's total attendance for the U.S. and Japan was 90,000; L.A.'s three days had 58,000 attendance and the two concerts in Staples Center with a sold-out crowd of 28,000 fans and Gross Sales $2,055,800,[78] Newark's total was 17,000, and Saitama had 15,000.[65][79][80]

In November, the yearly attendance totals grew to 107,000, with the addition of the Jeju dates, which approximately 17,000 attended.[81]

Logo of KCON:TACT

2020 KCON:TACT

In 2020, all in-person KCON events scheduled were all cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On May 14, 2020, KCON announced that it will be taking place on Mnet's YouTube channel on June 20–26, 2020 titled, "KCON:TACT", with 4 hours of concert every day, a Meet and Greet, and other benefits included with a YouTube Membership.[82] The second season of KCON:TACT was held from October 16 until October 25 on Mnet and KCON's YouTube channel through membership.

Reception

Jeff Benjamin, Billboard K-Town columnist, wrote that the convention has "hit every note to provide a new look at a world of music still gaining ground in the U.S.", and with thousands of people from all over North America attending KCON ‘12, the convention has "truly proved its ability to pass language barriers and kick-start what may be an annual music tradition."[83] The Orange County Register described KCON ‘12 as "A daylong K-Pop invasion at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater".[84]

In 2014, New York City's Fuse TV said, "In just three years, KCON has become an annual pilgrimage for K-pop fans in America."[39] NBC News said, "Thousands of screaming fans and the stars they adore gathered in Los Angeles for KCON, a celebration of Korean pop music and culture".[23] Miami's Fusion TV called KCON '14 "the mother ship of all Korean culture events in this country",[30] and observed, "k-pop fans might be the most devoted in the entire world."[24] Melissa Block of NPR's All Things Considered said of KCON '14, "K-pop is here to stay."[42]

In 2015, Daniel Kreps of Rolling Stone wrote: "KCON has become so popular in the U.S. that even the Los Angeles fest is expanding to a larger venue...as attendance has ballooned since the inaugural KCON LA in 2012", and "will go bi-coastal...and head to Newark", adding, "KCON also hosted their first ever Japan convention."[3] August Brown of the Los Angeles Times wrote: "In its early years, many wondered whether a South Korean act (other than Psy) could impact mainstream top-40 pop. But after watching the Sunday night installment of KCON 2015, it's clear that's the wrong question. K-pop's young and wide-ranging audience is the new mainstream in America."[56]

Locations and dates

Date City Country Venue Attendance Line-up
October 13, 2012 Irvine United States Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre 10,000[13] 4Minute, B.A.P, Exo-M, G.NA, NU'EST, VIXX
August 24, 2013 Los Angeles Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena 20,000[85] 2AM, Dynamic Duo, Exo (K & M)), f(x) (with DJ Koo), G-Dragon, Crayon Pop, Henry Lau, Missy Elliott, Teen Top, Yu Seung Woo (with Heejun Han)
August 25, 2013
August 9, 2014 42,000[41] G-Dragon, B1A4, IU, Teen Top, VIXX
August 10, 2014 Girls' Generation, BTS, CNBLUE, Jung Joon-young, Spica
April 22, 2015 Saitama Japan Saitama Super Arena Outdoor Stage:
5tion, CODE-V, High4, Shu-I, Tahiti
15,000[62] M Countdown Stage:
Block B, B1A4, Boyfriend, Got7, Infinite, Jun. K, Kangnam, Lovelyz, My Name, Nicole, Sistar, Supernova
August 1, 2015 Los Angeles United States Staples Center 58,000[65][79] Got7, Monsta X, Roy Kim, Sistar, Super Junior
August 2, 2015 AOA, Block B, Red Velvet, Shinhwa, Zion.T & Crush
August 8, 2015 Newark, New Jersey Prudential Center 17,000[65][79][80] Girls' Generation[86] VIXX,[87] AOA, Teen Top[88]
November 6–7, 2015 Jeju City South Korea Jeju Stadium 17,000[81] Convention Stage
Day6, Park Boram, Paloalto, Sonamoo, Mamamoo, Poten, Roy Kim, Oh My Girl

Stadium Concert
Block B, Kangnam, Teen Top, Spica, Roy Kim, Chen Zi Tong, SG Wannabe, Shin Seung-hun, Shinhwa

March 25, 2016 Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates Yas Island – DU ARENA 8,000[89] BTS, Taeyeon, Kyuhyun, Double S 301, Ailee, Monsta X, Spica
April 9, 2016 Chiba Japan Makuhari Messe 33,000[89] AOA, Kim Sung-kyu, Lovelyz, Monsta X, Nicole, N.Flying, Winner
April 10, 2016 2PM, Boyfriend, Twice, Block B, Day6, Jun Jin, Heize
June 2, 2016 Paris France AccorHotels Arena 18,476[90] BTS, Block B, Shinee, F.T. Island, f(x), I.O.I
June 24, 2016 Newark, New Jersey United States Prudential Center 40,000 Ailee, BtoB, Crush, Dynamic Duo, Seventeen
June 25, 2016 BTS, Day6, Eric Nam, Mamamoo
July 30, 2016 Los Angeles Staples Center 35,000 Block B, Dean, Amber, GFriend, I.O.I, Shinee, Turbo
July 31, 2016 Astro, BTS, Davichi, Eric Nam, Girls' Generation-TTS, Monsta X, Twice
March 17, 2017 Mexico City Mexico Mexico City Arena 33,000 BTS, Eric Nam, EXID, NCT 127
March 18, 2017 Astro, Infinite H, Monsta X, Red Velvet
May 19, 2017 Chiba Japan Makuhari Messe 48,500[91] Convention Stage
A-Jax, Boys Republic, INX, NAUGHTYBOYS, Noh Ji Hoon, Pungdeng-E, Stellar, TopSecret, Tritops

M Countdown Stage
Apeace, Astro, BTOB, Day6, Junho, Pristin, SF9, Victon

May 20, 2017 Convention Stage
A-Jax, Boys Republic, INX, NAUGHTYBOYS, Noh Ji Hoon, Pungdeng-E, Stellar, TopSecret, TRITOPS, UNIONE

M Countdown Stage
Apink, Babylon, CLC, CNBlue, Got7, Heize, Lovelyz, Monsta X

May 21, 2017 Convention Stage
A-Jax, INX, NAUGHTYBOYS, Noh Ji Hoon, Pungdeng-E, Stellar, TopSecret, TRITOPS, UNIONE

M Countdown Stage
Block B, CODE-V, GFriend, K.Will, Pentagon, Seventeen, Boys24 Unit Black, Cosmic Girls

June 23, 2017 Newark, New Jersey United States Prudential Center 43,000 GFriend, Highlight, KNK, SF9, Zion.T
June 24, 2017 CNBLUE, NCT 127, Twice, UP10TION
August 19, 2017 Los Angeles Staples Center 40,000[92] Cosmic Girls, Girl's Day, Seventeen, SF9, Super Junior-D&E, VIXX
August 20, 2017 Astro, Got7, Heize, Kard, NCT 127, Wanna One, Oh My Girl, Kim Tae-Woo
September 22, 2017 Sydney Australia Qudos Bank Arena 21,000[93] Exo, Girl's Day, Pentagon, SF9, Victon
September 23, 2017 Cosmic Girls, Monsta X, SF9, UP10TION, Wanna One
April 13, 2018 Chiba Japan Makuhari Messe 68,000[94] Convention Stage
CODE-V, Ha Minwoo, MASC, Million seller, Moon Shine, NEON

M Countdown Stage:
Gugudan, Momoland, Pentagon, Samuel, Wanna One, Rainz, Cosmic Girls, Victon, Chungha

April 14, 2018 Convention Stage
A.C.E, CODE-V, Ha Minwoo, MASC, Million Seller, Moon Shine, NEON

M Countdown Stage:
Fromis 9, GFriend, Seventeen, Stray Kids, Wooyoung, BLK, Imfact, Sik-K, TRCNG, Reddy

April 15, 2018 Convention Stage
A.C.E, Ha Minwoo, MASC, Million Seller, Moon Shine, NEON

M Countdown Stage:
Golden Child, Monsta X, SF9, Sunmi, Twice, Heize (with Davii), The Boyz, N.Flying, IN2IT

June 23, 2018 Newark, New Jersey United States Prudential Center 53,000 Heize, Pentagon, Red Velvet, Super Junior, Stray Kids
June 24, 2018 EXID, Fromis 9, Wanna One, NCT 127, Golden Child
August 11, 2018 Los Angeles Staples Center 50,000[95] Ailee, Crush, Dynamic Duo, Golden Child, IN2IT, Momoland, Twice, Wanna One, Davichi, Mia
August 12, 2018 Chungha, Fromis 9, Imfact, NU'EST W, Pentagon, Seventeen, Dreamcatcher, Roy Kim
September 29, 2018 Bangkok Thailand IMPACT Arena 42,000 Chungha, Golden Child, Monsta X, Nature, Stray Kids, Sunmi, Wanna One
September 30, 2018 Fromis 9, (G)I-dle, Got7, Pentagon, The Boyz, The East Light, Varsity
May 17, 2019 Chiba Japan Makuhari Messe 68,000 M Countdown Stage
Kim Jaehwan (ko), The Boyz, Ha Sung-woon, Momoland, Iz*One, Ateez, AB6IX, Jeong Se-woon, Cherry Bullet, The Rose

Convention Stage
A.C.E, A-Peace, D-Crunch, G Most, In&Choo, M.A.P6, MY.st, NTB, Oneus, Onewe, Pinkfantasy, SIM YEJUN, Spectrum, The Rose, Trei, Two.Brothers, VOISPER

May 18, 2019 M Countdown Stage
Itzy, WJSN, Verivery, Monsta X, ONF, Chungha, NU'EST, Ace, The Rose, Park Ji-hoon, TARGET

Convention Stage
A-Peace, D-Crunch, G Most, In&Choo, M.A.P6, MY.st, Niiisans's, NTB, Oneus, Onewe, Pinkfantasy, SIM YEJUN, Spectrum, The Rose, Trei, Two.Brothers, VOISPER

May 19, 2019 M Countdown Stage
Iz*One, Twice, Pentagon, GWSN, SF9, Oneus, Nature, VAV, Fromis 9, The Rose, D-Crunch

Convention Stage
A.C.E, A-Peace, G Most, In&Choo, MY.st, Niiisans's, NTB, Onewe, Pinkfantasy, SIM YEJUN, Spectrum, The Rose, Trei, Two.Brothers, VOISPER

June 20, 2020 KCON:TACT Summer

Live Online Concert & Meet and Greet

Worldwide* (except countries below):

Mnet K-Pop YouTube Channel

*Requires YouTube Membership

Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam:

Shopee

Thailand:

AIS Play

Kim Jae-hwan (with special participation of Park Woo-jin), Loona, Monsta X, The Boyz

MC: Eric Nam

Theme: New

June 21, 2020 Cravity, GFriend, Itzy, JO1, Pentagon

MC: Thelma Aoyama, Eric Nam

Theme: Hope

June 22, 2020 Everglow, Iz*One, ONF, SF9, TXT

MC: Eric Nam

Theme: Fantasy

June 23, 2020 A.C.E, (G)I-dle, Kang Daniel, Stray Kids, Verivery

MC: Eric Nam

Theme: Love

June 24, 2020 AB6IX, Bvndit, Natty, Oh My Girl, TOO

MC: Eric Nam

Theme: Passion

June 25, 2020 Astro, Golden Child, Mamamoo, Nature, N.Flying

MC: Eric Nam

Theme: Dream

June 26, 2020 Ateez, Chungha, Oneus, Victon

Special Online Collaboration with All Artists

MC: Eric Nam

Theme: One

October 16, 2020 KCON:TACT Season 2 (Fall)

Live Online Concert & Meet and Greet

Worldwide* (except countries below):

Mnet K-Pop YouTube Channel

KCON YouTube Channel

*Requires YouTube Membership

Philippines:

Smart Communications (gigafest.smart)

Thailand:

AIS Play

Day6 (Even of Day) (with special participation of ONF's Hyojin), Everglow, Sunmi, WEi

(Concert & Meet and Greet)

MC: Eric Nam

October 17, 2020 A.C.E, JO1, Kard, Natty, Iz*One

(Concert & Meet and Greet)

MC: Thelma Aoyama, Eric Nam

October 18, 2020 Ateez, Dreamcatcher, Kim Woo-seok, Lee Eun-sang, Cho Seung-youn

(Concert & Meet and Greet)

MC: Eric Nam

October 19, 2020 A.C.E & Kim Woo-seok

(Meet and Greet)

October 20, 2020 WEi & Cho Seung-youn

(Meet and Greet)

October 21, 2020 Ghost9 & Lee Eun-sang

(Meet and Greet)

October 22, 2020 TOO & Verivery

(Meet and Greet)

October 23, 2020 Oneus, ONF, The Boyz, Verivery

(Concert & Meet and Greet)

MC: Eric Nam

October 24, 2020 AB6IX, Ha Sung-woon, Kim Jae-hwan, Park Ji-hoon

(Concert & Meet and Greet)

MC: Eric Nam

October 25, 2020 CLC, Ghost9, Loona, Mamamoo, TOO

(Concert & Meet and Greet)

MC: Eric Nam

See also

References

  1. "About Koreaboo". September 15, 2013. Archived from the original on October 18, 2014. Retrieved September 15, 2013. In 2012, Koreaboo's founders created and produced [..] "KCON" with Mnet and CJ E&M."
  2. "KCON heads to Japan in April with Kangnam as its ambassador". February 16, 2015.
  3. Kreps, Daniel (April 25, 2015). "K-Pop Festival KCON Expanding to East Coast This Summer". Rolling Stone. Retrieved August 4, 2015.
  4. "KCON 2016 to be held in Abu Dhabi". January 27, 2015.
  5. "KCON Mexico Official Website & Announcement". January 12, 2017. Archived from the original on 2017-01-15. Retrieved 2017-01-14.
  6. "About Koreaboo". Archived from the original on 18 October 2014. Retrieved 1 January 2014. In 2012, Koreaboo's founders created and produced the first ever K-POP Convention in the US called "KCON" with Mnet and CJ E&M.
  7. "KCON 2014 proves global trend of K-Pop rising with 42,000 attendees". Archived from the original on 27 August 2014. Retrieved 1 January 2014. Originally having created just two years ago by Koreaboo, Mnet Media and CJ E&M, KCON first recorded 10,000 fans for a one-night convention.
  8. "The Rise of "K-Pop"". CNN. Retrieved 14 August 2014. CNN's Michael Holmes talks with M-Net's President, Ted Kim about "K-Con", an event that focused on Korean culture.
  9. "Powerhouse Past Event List". Powerhouse Live. Archived from the original on 2018-01-28.
  10. "KCON '12". KCON '12. Archived from the original on 16 January 2013. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
  11. Kim, Da-hee (June 21, 2016). "Korean Wave success rides on long-term outlook". The Korea Times. Retrieved July 3, 2016.
  12. Kim, Young-won (June 27, 2016). "K-pop under spotlight in New Jersey". The Korea Herald. Retrieved July 3, 2016.
  13. Yang, Jeff. "Will the Korean Pop Culture Boom Have Legs?". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 12 May 2013.
  14. "Artists : KCON". Kconusa.com. Archived from the original on 2013-08-25. Retrieved 2013-09-02.
  15. Brown, August (2013-08-26). "Review: G-Dragon, Missy Elliott, Exo and more at KCON 2013". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2013-09-02.
  16. "10 Reasons Why YOU Should Love Henry | KCON". Blog.kconusa.com. 2013-08-06. Archived from the original on 2013-08-24. Retrieved 2013-09-02.
  17. Battan, Carrie (August 30, 2013). "Watch Missy Elliott and K-Pop Star G-Dragon Debut New Song "Niliria"". Pitchfork. Retrieved September 8, 2014.
  18. Brown, August (8 August 2014). "KCON a mini-Coachella for Korean pop music". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 11 August 2014.
  19. "Artist Line Up". CJ E&M. Archived from the original on 23 July 2014. Retrieved 11 August 2014.
  20. Stanley, Adrienne (19 July 2014). "KCON 2014: Eric Nam, Lee Seo Jin, Yoo In Na & 'League Of Legends' Champion Festival Added To Impressive Hallyu Convention Schedule". KpopStarz. Retrieved 14 August 2014.
  21. "Viki at KCON 2014". Viki. Retrieved 11 August 2014.
  22. Kdrama, CoCo (12 August 2014). "CNBLUE, Lee Seung Gi, Girls' Generation, BTS, and SPICA heat up the KCON 2014 red carpet". DramaFever. Archived from the original on 15 August 2014. Retrieved 14 August 2014.
  23. "What is K-pop?". NBC News. 12 August 2014. Retrieved 14 August 2014.
  24. Castillo, Arielle (15 August 2014). "Kcon 2014 in video: sights and sounds from the country's biggest Korean culture and k-pop fan convention". Fusion. Archived from the original on 18 August 2014. Retrieved 15 August 2014.
  25. Benjamin, Jeff (10 August 2014). "KCON 2014 Day 1: G-Dragon, IU, B1A4 & More Rock Los Angeles". Billboard. Retrieved 16 August 2014.
  26. Brown, 10 August 2014. "Review G-Dragon, Teen Top and B1A4 make K-pop's next moves at KCON". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 16 August 2014.
  27. Castillo, Arielle (11 August 2014). "Top 6 fan moments from Kcon, with BTS, CNBlue & Girls' Generation". Fusion. Retrieved 16 August 2014.
  28. Brown, August (11 August 2014). "Review Girls Generation, CN Blue and BTS close out KCON 2014". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 16 August 2014.
  29. "[M COUNTDOWN] 2 NIGHTS IN LA". CJ E&M. Archived from the original on 13 September 2016. Retrieved 20 August 2014.
  30. Castillo, Arielle (10 August 2014). "Kcon 2014, day 1: Thousands celebrate K-pop and Korean culture in L.A. with convention, concert by superstars like IU, Teen Top, and G-Dragon". Fusion. Retrieved 11 August 2014.
  31. Hong, Grace Danbi (14 August 2014). "IU and Teen Top Niel to Reveal Their Duet from 'KCON 2014' Today (8/14)". Yahoo! News. Archived from the original on 14 August 2014. Retrieved 14 August 2014.
  32. Jones, Julie (10 August 2014). "KCON's First Night Concert Delivers And Dazzles". KPopStarz. Retrieved 16 August 2014.
  33. Benjamin, Jeff (12 August 2014). "KCON 2014 Day 2: Girls' Generation, CNBLUE, SPICA & More Close L.A. Festival With Loud Bang". Billboard. Retrieved 16 August 2014.
  34. Zimmer, Cindy (18 August 2014). "Review: KCON 2014 Saturday Concert". ATK Magazine. Retrieved 29 August 2014.
  35. Hong, Tae (21 August 2014). "Danny from L.A. is more than a one-time deal". The Korea Times. Retrieved 24 August 2014.
  36. "Danny from LA". Mnet America. Archived from the original on 26 August 2014. Retrieved 24 August 2014.
  37. "KCON Experience 2014". Mnet America. 10 July 2014. Archived from the original on 19 August 2014. Retrieved 14 August 2014.
  38. Zimmer, Cindy (28 August 2014). "Editorial: The KCON Marketplace". ATK Magazine. Retrieved 29 August 2014.
  39. Benjamin, Jeff (August 8, 2014). "KCON 2014 Daily Lineup Guide - K-Pop Fans' Must-See Concerts, Panels & Workshops". Fuse TV. Retrieved September 8, 2014.
  40. Cloud 9 and CJ Entus Frost revealed for KCON 2014 YouTube (originally broadcast by OGN)
  41. Benjamin, Jeff (12 August 2014). "KCON More Than Doubles Attendance in 2014". Billboard. Retrieved 12 August 2014.
  42. Rott, Nate (August 11, 2014). "'Calling All Fans': Korean Pop Invasion Rallies Americans In LA". All Things Considered. NPR. Retrieved September 7, 2014.
  43. "KCON heads to Japan in April with Kangnam as its ambassador". February 16, 2015.
  44. ""KCON 2015 Japan" announces its impressive lineup for outdoor and special M! Countdown stage". March 19, 2015.
  45. St. Michel, Patrick (April 29, 2015). "KCON Japan 2015 Embraces Hallyu, the Korean Wave". MTV Iggy. Retrieved October 14, 2015.
  46. "KCON 2015 Expands to Three Days, Moves to Staples Center". April 17, 2015.
  47. Chiu, Melody (July 31, 2015). "Four Things to Know About Korean Heartthrob Kim Soo Hyun". People. Retrieved August 3, 2015.
  48. Sun, Rebecca (July 9, 2015). "Korean Stars Kim Soo-hyun, Ki Hong Lee to Attend KCON 2015". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved August 3, 2015.
  49. "Dramafever and CJ E&M strike multi-year TV and Movie deal". The Korea Herald. July 29, 2015. Retrieved August 9, 2015.
  50. "CJ-hosted K-pop convention due in U.S." Yonhap. July 27, 2015. Retrieved August 3, 2015.
  51. Simmons, Matthew (August 3, 2015). "KCON 2015 USA - Los Angeles". Getty Images. Retrieved August 4, 2015.
  52. Benjamin, Jeff (August 3, 2015). "KCON 2015 Day 2 Recap: Super Junior, Got7, Monsta X & More Shake the Staples Center". Billboard. Retrieved August 3, 2015.
  53. Benjamin, Jeff (August 3, 2015). "KCON 2015 Sunday Recap: Shinhwa, AOA, Zion.T, Crush & More Shut Down Staples Center". Billboard. Retrieved August 9, 2015.
  54. Benjamin, Jeff (August 6, 2015). "Red Velvet Talk First U.S. Performance, Their New Member & Summer Songs at KCON 2015: Exclusive". Billboard. Retrieved August 9, 2015.
  55. Benjamin, Jeff (August 7, 2015). "Got7 Talk 'Just Right,' Learning Acrobatics & Give Confidence Advice to Fans at KCON 2015: Exclusive". Billboard. Retrieved August 9, 2015.
  56. Brown, August (August 5, 2015). "A few belated thoughts on KCON 2015". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 9, 2015.
  57. Hong, Tae (August 3, 2015). "K-pop proves itself a gateway to South Korea at KCON". The Korea Times. Retrieved August 4, 2015.
  58. Redkar, Nikita (August 6, 2015). "Short, shimmery, cute: 7 outfit concepts worn by K-Pop stars at KCON". Fusion. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
  59. Limb, Jae-un (August 3, 2015). "Korean pop, food fanfare takes place in LA". Korea.net. Retrieved August 9, 2015.
  60. "KCON confirmed to be held in New York as well as Los Angeles in 2015". April 23, 2015.
  61. "K-pop event KCON will expand to New York this summer". April 24, 2015.
  62. Benjamin, Jeff (April 24, 2015). "KCON 2015 Expands to New York". Billboard. Retrieved April 29, 2015.
  63. Kim, Monica (August 7, 2015). "K-Pop Superstars AOA and VIXX Share the Latest Korean Fashion Trends for KCon 2015". Vogue. Retrieved August 9, 2015.
  64. Ko, Ji-seon (August 7, 2015). "[V report Plus] VIXX members say hello from Orlando via V app". The Korea Herald. Retrieved August 9, 2015.
  65. Dektar, Molly (August 10, 2015). "Here's what K-pop fans wore to the first ever East Coast KCON". Fusion. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
  66. Redkar, Nikita (July 14, 2015). "KCON, the Korean pop culture celebration, is coming to the East Coast for the first time ever". Fusion. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
  67. "K-Pop World Festival 2015 in New York". Korean Cultural Service New York. Retrieved August 9, 2015.
  68. Sherman, Maria (August 10, 2015). "7 Best Moments of KCON New York 2015". Fuse. Retrieved August 11, 2015.
  69. Ahn, Woorim (August 7, 2015). "TEENTOP To Join 'KCON 2015'". Yahoo! News/BNT News. Archived from the original on September 3, 2016. Retrieved August 9, 2015.
  70. Benjamin, Jeff (August 9, 2015). "KCON 2015 New York Recap: Girls' Generation, VIXX & More Attempt to Satiate East Coast K-Pop Fans". Billboard. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
  71. Barone, Joshua (August 9, 2015). "K-Pop Fans Swoon During East Coast KCON". The New York Times. Retrieved August 9, 2015.
  72. Sherman, Maria (August 10, 2015). "An Introduction to K-Pop: 7 Things We Learned at KCON New York 2015". Fuse. Retrieved August 11, 2013.
  73. "CJ-hosted K-pop convention kicks off in Jeju". Yonhap. November 6, 2015. Retrieved November 22, 2015.
  74. Burhaini Faizal, Elly (December 28, 2016). "Hallyu' and the power of culture". The Jakarta Post. Retrieved January 25, 2016.
  75. Macauley, Chris (November 11, 2016). "K-pop fun at KCON 2015 Jeju". Jeju Weekly. Retrieved January 25, 2016.
  76. 신화, 원조 한류돌이 간다! 日서 9년만에 팬미팅 (in Korean). JoongAng Ilbo/E News 24. October 8, 2015. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved October 14, 2015.
  77. KCON 2015 JEJU (in Korean). Interpark. Retrieved October 14, 2015.
  78. "Gross Sales KCON Concerts 2015". Archived from the original on 7 October 2015. Retrieved 30 August 2015.
  79. Benjamin, Jeff (August 10, 2015). "KCON Los Angeles & New York Draw 75,000 Total Attendees". Billboard. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
  80. Jeeho (August 9, 2015). "K-pop fest draws to successful close in New Jersey". Yonhap. Retrieved August 9, 2015.
  81. Kim, Hyun-ah (November 8, 2015). 국내 첫 개최된 KCON, 제주 감귤 1만톤 미국 수출과 맞먹어 (in Korean). EDaily. Retrieved November 22, 2015.
  82. "KCON:TACT 2020 SUMMER Brings KCON To Fans Worldwide". KCONUSA. 2020-05-13. Retrieved 2020-06-12.
  83. Benjamin, Jeff. "KCON 2012: 15 Things Seen & Overheard". Billboard. Retrieved 17 November 2012.
  84. Hall, David (2012-09-19). "Aerosmith at Staples Center, K-Pop invades O.C." The Orange County Register. Archived from the original on 2013-10-17. Retrieved 2012-10-15.
  85. Trykowski, Tyler. "How to Make It in America: K-Pop's Bid for the West". Vice. Retrieved 10 September 2013. G-Dragon, along with seven other groups, performed at this August's second annual K-Con in Los Angeles, which provided 20,000 fans from across North America and abroad a chance to soak in a culture that,
  86. Benjamin, Jeff (May 21, 2015). "Girls' Generation Is First Act Confirmed for KCON New Jersey: Exclusive". Billboard. Retrieved 23 June 2015.
  87. "Shinhwa and VIXX Added to KCON 2015 Lineups + Ticketing Info Released". Soompi. 2015-05-29. Retrieved 2015-05-29.
  88. Benjamin, Jeff (June 22, 2015). "Teen Top & AOA Join KCON 2015 New Jersey Lineup". Billboard. Retrieved 23 June 2015.
  89. Park, Hyun-min (April 21, 2016). [단독] 아이오아이, 프랑스 간다! 'KCON' 출연 확정 (in Korean). Naver/Osen. Retrieved June 6, 2016.
  90. "First KCON France draws curtains in Paris". Yonhap News Agency. June 3, 2016. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  91. "KCON 2017 Japan festival sees 48,500 Hallyu fans".
  92. "'케이콘' 한류 플랫폼으로 떴다". hankyung.
  93. "엑소부터 워너원까지…'케이콘' 2만1천 한류 팬 운집".
  94. "KCON 2018 Japan Drew 68,000 K-pop Fans: Organizers". koreabizwire.
  95. "'KCON 2018 LA' 티켓 오픈 한 시간 만에 2만5천여 석 매진". chosunilbo.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.