KCON, the world’s largest K-pop Fan & Artist Festival, put on by CJ ENM, will take place from July 26 to 28 at the LA Convention Center, Gilbert Lindsay Plaza, and Crypto.com Arena.
This year’s festival, presented by Samsung Galaxy as the title sponsor, promises an event bigger than ever with more daytime stages, programming, and content to bring a livelier festival atmosphere to LA K-pop fans.
According to CJ ENM, acclaimed actress, Awkwafina, will appear as a special guest together with host Kim Soo Hyun (“Queen of Tears”) for The CW Network’s live broadcast of KCON LA 2024 presented by Samsung Galaxy on Sunday, July 28. This historic event will be the first-ever live national primetime TV broadcast of a K-pop festival in the United States, starting at 8 p.m. Eastern Time.
The massive K-pop festival also announced that previously revealed acts for the Sunday night show, Jeon Somi, NCT 127, STAYC, ZEROBASEONE, and ZICO will now be joined by special performances from BIBI, Hyolyn, INI, ME:I and TWS and a special pre-recorded stage for The CW Network broadcast from ENHYPEN, ensuring an unforgettable night of music and entertainment.
“Last year’s KCON LA marked a turning point and focused on expanding both the size and scope of KCON, such as having a major media partner for the first time and we are excited to build on this momentum,” Harry H.K. Shin, Head of Music Entertainment at CJ ENM. “As a flagship K-pop Super Festival, we will make every effort to serve as a platform for launching K-pop artists’ global debuts and provide more opportunities than ever for intimate connections between fans and artists.”
This partnership between The CW and CJ ENM highlights the power of fandom and the role KCON has played in building connections between emerging K-pop artists and their international fanbase. Over the past decade, KCON has facilitated the global rise of K-pop, propelling artists to the forefront of the music scene and highlighting the genre’s dynamic quality, according to CJ E&M.
Samsung will also be bringing special experiences for KCONers. Fans will be able to experience Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold6, Flip6, Watch7 Ultra and Buds 3 Pro at the Galaxy Experience Space. Fans can navigate their way out of a special Escape Room using Samsung Galaxy AI features, enter dance challenges, and receive exclusive KCON perks, all at the Galaxy Experience Space. KCON artists will also make special appearances, engaging fans and showing off their latest foldable smartphones, watch and buds.
More information on KCON LA 2024 can be found at kconusa.com and tickets to see KCON LA 2024 live in Los Angeles and enjoy all the festival has to offer available for purchase on AXS.com/KCON2024.
With K-pop fans new and old now able to experience KCON LA on television nationwide, KCON LA has also introduced a new 1DAY ticket, which makes the festival grounds and all stages accessible to an even larger audience.
Meanwhile, LINE FRIENDS, one of the fastest-growing global character brands, will also be participating in KCON LA 2024 for the first time with a booth called LINE FRIENDS SQUARE. The LINE FRIENDS SQUARE booth will be a pop-up style store featuring the latest trends and popular character IPs from around the world, and fans can experience it first-hand at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
In addition to merchandise, LINE FRIENDS will host a series of activities and giveaways throughout the weekend. Attendees will have the chance to win special gifts with any purchase and enjoy fun photo interactions, the company added.
BY YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.youngnam@koreadaily.com]
