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KCON (music festival)

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KCON
Artists on stage at KCON 2012
GenreKorean pop
Location(s)
Inaugurated2012
FoundersKoreaboo
CJ ENM Entertainment Division
Organized byCJ ENM America
Powerhouse Live (2015–2019)
WebsiteKCON
KCON USA
KCON JAPAN

KCON is an annual convention held in locations across the world, created by Koreaboo and organized by CJ ENM Entertainment Division. It was first held in Southern California in 2012 and has since expanded to ten countries as of 2022.

In 2015, KCON expanded to Japan[1] and then quickly announced the first KCON USA on the East Coast.[2] In 2016, KCON expanded into Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates[3] 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.[4]

An online replacement of KCON due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, titled KCON:TACT, started on June 20 until June 26, 2020 via YouTube, AIS Play, and Shopee. The second season started on October 16, 2020 and ended on October 25, 2020. The third and final season started March 20, 2021.

Background

[edit]

KCON was first created by Koreaboo in 2012, after a partnership with CJ E&M's US-based subsidiary, Mnet America.[5][6] It was produced by Powerhouse Live, who have continued to work on KCON from 2013 to the present.[7][8] 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.[9] 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.[7]

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.[10] 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.[11]

History

[edit]
4Minute at KCON '12

2012

[edit]

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.[12]

2013

[edit]

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.[13][14] Super Junior-M's Henry Lau performed and spoke at a panel.[15] [16]

2014

[edit]
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.[17] 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,[18][19] who hosted red carpet interviews, filmed by Viki.[20]DramaFever documented the red carpet, explaining the missing Girls' Generation 9th member, Sooyoung, who was filming a drama.[21]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"."[22] 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."[23]

The two nightly concerts[24][25][26][27] 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.[28][29][30] 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.[31][32][33]"DFLA", in its third season, filmed a live taping of the show at the convention.[34][35]

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.[36] 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".[29][37][38] 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.[19][23][29][39]

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

2015

[edit]
Super Junior 2015 L.A.
Sistar 2015 L.A.
AOA 2015 L.A.
Red Velvet 2015 L.A.

Saitama, Japan – April 22

[edit]

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.[42] 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.[43]

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.[44]

Los Angeles – July 31 – August 2

[edit]

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.[45]

The convention was preceded with U.S. news reports about the drama and film stars to attend, People interviewed "Korean heartthrob" Kim Soo-hyun,[46] 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).[47] 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.[48]

English-language South Korean media Yonhap called the musical line-up "some of the hottest K-pop artists."[49] It included AOA, Block B, Crush, Got7, Monsta X, Red Velvet, Roy Kim, Shinhwa, Sistar, Super Junior and Zion.T.[49][50][51] 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.[50]

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.[51] Billboard gave detailed positive reviews for both night's concerts,[51][52] and interviewed Red Velvet[53] and Got7.[54]

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."[55] "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.[56] Fusion TV named seven of their "favorite KCON fashion statements" of the performing bands.[57]

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).[56] 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.[56] KCON organizer Killoren reiterated that the convention was not just music, but more, "a convention, a concert, content, a conversation."[56]

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.[58] They said, "Angelenos have shown their strong enthusiasm for all things Korean."[58]

New York – August 8

[edit]

In 2015, KCON expanded to New York City, being held outside of Southern California for the first time.[59][60][61]

A day before opening, Vogue discussed fashion and favorite designers with AOA and VIXX,[62] the later kept busy with a first time "showcase" in Orlando, Florida.[63] 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."[62] After focusing on the idol's fashion wear in L.A., Fusion TV shared the East Coast's fan's homemade and designer fashions.[64]

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.[65]

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.[66] 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.[67]

Teen Top's appearance made them the first band to perform for three consecutive years;[68] along with Girls' Generation,[49] AOA and VIXX.[62]

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."[69]

The New York Times said, "The tears began as soon as Teen Top waved hello", and interviewed passionate fans,[70] some who lined up for the concert at 2:00 a.m.,[69][70] and attended both the West and East Coast shows.[70] 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.[70]

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."[71]

KCON JEJU 2015 Jeju Stadium

Jeju, South Korea – November 6–7

[edit]

In November, KCON held its first 2-day domestic convention and concerts on the South Korean island of Jeju.[72][73][74] 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,[75] 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.[76]

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.[72]

2015 total attendance

[edit]

By the end of August, KCON '15's total attendance for the U.S. and Japan was 90,000. L.A.'s three day events had 58,000 attendees, and the two concerts at the Staples Center resulted in a sold-out crowd of 28,000 fans and Gross Sales of $2,055,800.[77] Newark's total was 17,000, and Saitama's was 15,000.[64][78][79]

In November, yearly attendance totals grew to 107,000 with the addition of the Jeju dates. Approximately 17,000 people attended the events in Jeju.[80]

Logo of KCON:TACT

2020–2021 KCON:TACT

[edit]

In 2020, all in-person KCON events scheduled were cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. On May 14, 2020, KCON announced that online events would take place on Mnet's YouTube channel on June 20–26, 2020, and be titled, "KCON:TACT". The events consisted of four hours of concerts each day, a meet and greet, as well as other benefits included with a YouTube Membership.[81] The second season of KCON:TACT was also held on Mnet and KCON's YouTube channel through membership from October 16 until October 25.

On February 16, 2021, Mnet announced that the online concert and meet and greet would return for nine days from March 20–28, 2021.[82]

2022

[edit]

In 2022, KCON returned as in-person events. The events were held from May 7 to October 16 in South Korea, Japan, the United States, and for the first time, Saudi Arabia.[83]

2023

[edit]

In 2023, KCON was held in Thailand, Japan, the United States, and Saudi Arabia.[citation needed] Attendees at KCON LA 2023 were able to watch performances and collaborative stages, as well as participate in fan-engaging events such as the "K-Con Dream Stage", panels, and workshops.[84]

2024

[edit]

In 2024, The CW unveiled the global simulcast for KCON LA Sunday show, marking the first time the event was broadcasting live in American television.[85]

Reception

[edit]

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."[86] The Orange County Register described KCON '12 as "A daylong K-Pop invasion at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater".[87]

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."[38] 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".[22] Miami's Fusion TV called KCON '14 "the mother ship of all Korean culture events in this country",[29] and observed, "k-pop fans might be the most devoted in the entire world."[23] Melissa Block of NPR's All Things Considered said of KCON '14, "K-pop is here to stay."[41]

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."[2] 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."[55]

Locations and dates

[edit]

2012–2019

[edit]
Date City Country Venue Attendance Line-up
October 13, 2012 Irvine United States Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre 10,000[12] 4Minute, B.A.P, Exo-M, G.NA, NU'EST, VIXX
August 24, 2013 Los Angeles Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena 20,000[88] 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[40] 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 15,000[61] Outdoor Stage
5tion, CODE-V, High4, Shu-I, Tahiti
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[64][78] 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[64][78][79] Girls' Generation,[89] VIXX,[90] AOA, Teen Top[91]
November 6–7, 2015 Jeju City South Korea Jeju Stadium 17,000[80] 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[92] BTS, Taeyeon, Kyuhyun, Double S 301, Ailee, Monsta X, Spica
April 9, 2016 Chiba Japan Makuhari Messe 33,000[92] 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[93] BTS, Block B, Shinee, F.T. Island, f(x), I.O.I
June 24, 2016 Newark, New Jersey United States Prudential Center 40,000[citation needed] Ailee, BtoB, Crush, Dynamic Duo, Seventeen
June 25, 2016 BTS, Day6, Eric Nam, Mamamoo
July 30, 2016 Los Angeles Staples Center 35,000[citation needed] 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[citation needed] 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[94] 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[citation needed] GFriend, Highlight, KNK, SF9, Zion.T
June 24, 2017 CNBLUE, NCT 127, Twice, UP10TION
August 19, 2017 Los Angeles Staples Center 40,000[95] 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[96] 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[97] Convention Stage
CODE-V, Ha Min-woo, 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 Min-woo, 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 Min-woo, 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[98] 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[99] 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[citation needed] 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[citation needed] Convention Stage
A.C.E, A-Peace, D-Crunch, G Most, In&Cho, MAP6, MY.st, NTB, Oneus, Onewe, Pink Fantasy, SIM YEJUN, Spectrum, The Rose, Trei, Two.Brothers, Voisper
M Countdown Stage
Kim Jaehwan, The Boyz, Ha Sung-woon, Momoland, Iz*One, Ateez, AB6IX, Jeong Se-woon, Cherry Bullet, The Rose
May 18, 2019 Convention Stage
A-Peace, D-Crunch, G Most, In&Choo, MAP6, MY.st, Niiisans's, NTB, Oneus, Onewe, Pink Fantasy, SIM YEJUN, Spectrum, The Rose, Trei, Two.Brothers, Voisper
M Countdown Stage
Itzy, WJSN, Verivery, Monsta X, ONF, Chungha, NU'EST, A.C.E, The Rose, Park Ji-hoon, TARGET
May 19, 2019 Convention Stage
A.C.E, A-Peace, G Most, In&Choo, MY.st, Niiisans's, NTB, Onewe, Pink Fantasy, SIM YEJUN, Spectrum, The Rose, Trei, Two.Brothers, Voisper
M Countdown Stage
Iz*One, Twice, Pentagon, GWSN, SF9, Oneus, Nature, VAV, Fromis 9, The Rose, D-Crunch
July 6, 2019 New York City[100] United States Madison Square Garden NU'EST, TXT, Ateez, Iz*One, The Boyz, Kevin Woo
July 7, 2019 Javits Center SF9, (G)I-dle, AB6IX, Verivery, Seventeen, Fromis 9
August 17, 2019 Los Angeles[101] Los Angeles Convention Center AB6IX, Ateez, Iz*One, Loona, Momoland, NU'EST, SF9
August 18, 2019 Staples Center Fromis 9, Itzy, Mamamoo, N.Flying, Seventeen, Stray Kids, Verivery
September 28, 2019 Bangkok[102] Thailand IMPACT Arena 45,000 Boy Story, Everglow, Golden Child, Got7, Kim Jaehwan, Oneus, The Boyz, Itzy, Nature, X1
September 29, 2019 Iz*One, Stray Kids, AB6IX, Ateez, (G)I-dle, Verivery, Bvndit, Chungha, X1

2020–2021: KCON through COVID-19 pandemic

[edit]
Date City Country Venue Attendance Line-up
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
March 20, 2021 KCON:TACT 3
Live Online Concert & Meet and Greet

Worldwide (except countries below):
Mnet K-Pop YouTube Channel
KCON YouTube Channel
*Requires YouTube Membership

South Korea:
TVING

Japan:
PIA

Philippines:
Smart Communications (gigafest.smart)

Thailand:
AIS Play

Malaysia:
Astro

AB6IX, Loona, Oh My Girl, The Boyz
(Concert & Meet and Greet)
MC: Lee Gi-kwang
March 21, 2021 Dreamcatcher, SF9, TXT, Woodz
(Concert & Meet and Greet)
MC: Lee Gi-kwang
March 23, 2021 JO1
(Meet and Greet)
March 25, 2021 Ha Sung-woon, iKON, Jessi, JO1, P1Harmony
(Concert & Meet and Greet)
MC: Lee Gi-kwang
March 26, 2021 A.C.E, Everglow, Hyuna, Lee Jin-hyuk, Stray Kids
(Concert & Meet and Greet)
MC: Lee Gi-kwang
March 27, 2021 Ateez, Enhypen, Itzy, Sunmi
(Concert & Meet and Greet)
MC: Lee Gi-kwang
March 28, 2021 BtoB 4U, Kang Daniel, Mamamoo, TOO
(Concert & Meet and Greet)
MC: Lee Gi-kwang
June 19, 2021 KCON:TACT 4U
Live Online Concert & Meet and Greet

Worldwide (except countries below):
Mnet K-Pop YouTube Channel
KCON YouTube Channel
*Requires YouTube Membership

South Korea:
TVING

Japan:
PIA

Philippines:
Smart Communications (gigafest.smart)

Ha Sung-woon, Highlight, Loona, Oneus, P1Harmony
(Concert & Meet and Greet)
MC: Lee Gi-kwang
June 20, 2021 A.C.E, Astro, Fromis 9, TO1, Weeekly
(Concert & Meet and Greet)
MC: Lee Gi-kwang
June 24, 2021 Itzy, Pentagon, Seventeen, Verivery, Weki Meki
(Concert & Meet and Greet)
MC: Lee Gi-kwang
June 25, 2021 CNBLUE, Everglow, Golden Child, JO1, ONF
(Concert & Meet and Greet)
MC: Lee Gi-kwang
June 26, 2021 iKON, SF9, The Boyz
(Concert & Meet and Greet)
MC: Lee Gi-kwang
June 27, 2021 BtoB, Oh My Girl, Stray Kids
(Concert & Meet and Greet)
MC: Lee Gi-kwang
September 18, 2021 KCON:TACT HI5
Live Online Concert & Meet and Greet

Worldwide (except countries below):
Mnet K-Pop YouTube Channel
KCON YouTube Channel
*Requires YouTube Membership

South Korea:
TVING

Japan:
PIA

Philippines:
Smart Communications (gigafest.smart)

AB6IX, Highlight, Park Ji-hoon, Weeekly, WEi
(Concert & Meet and Greet)
September 19, 2021 Dreamcatcher, Ghost9, Kwon Eunbi, Stray Kids
(Concert & Meet and Greet)
September 24, 2021 Ateez, Ciipher, Mamamoo, Woodz
(Concert & Meet and Greet)
September 25, 2021 BtoB, JO1, Kim Jae-hwan, Purple Kiss, TO1
(Concert & Meet and Greet)
September 26, 2021 Itzy, ONF, Rain, T1419, The Boyz
(Concert & Meet and Greet)

2022–present

[edit]
Date City Country Venue Attendance Line-up
May 7, 2022 KCON 2022 Premiere Seoul[103] South Korea CJ ENM Center TBA Highlight, Monsta X, Nmixx, TO1, Viviz, Loona, WJSN, Brave Girls, Kep1er, Hyolyn
May 8, 2022 Key, STAYC, The Boyz, NiziU, Viviz, Loona, WJSN, Brave Girls, Kep1er, Hyolyn
May 14, 2022 KCON 2022 Premiere Chiba[104] Japan Makuhari Messe Enjin, INI, JO1, Octpath, OWV, TO1
MC: Masayuki Furuya, Nako Yabuki
May 15, 2022 Enjin, INI, JO1, Octpath, OWV, TO1
MC: Masayuki Furuya, Hitomi Honda
Special Guest: Yuto
May 20, 2022 KCON 2022 Premiere Chicago United States[105] Rosemont Theatre BtoB, Cravity, Nmixx
May 21, 2022 BtoB, STAYC, TO1
August 20, 2022 Los Angeles Crypto.com Arena (Concert)
LA Convention Center (Convention)
90,000[106][107] Ateez, Cravity, Enhypen, INI, Itzy, Kep1er, Lightsum, Stray Kids
August 21, 2022 Loona, NCT Dream, Nmixx, P1Harmony, STAYC, The Boyz, TO1, WJSN
August 23, 2022 KCON Tour San Francisco Orpheum Theatre TBA Cravity, Lightsum, STAYC, TO1
August 25, 2022 KCON Tour Minneapolis State Theatre
August 27, 2022 KCON Tour Houston Sarofim Hall
August 28, 2022 KCON Tour Dallas Texas Trust CU Theatre
August 30, 2022 KCON Tour Atlanta The Eastern
September 1, 2022 KCON Tour New York Terminal 5
September 30, 2022 Riyadh Saudi Arabia[108] Boulevard Riyadh City P1Harmony, Pentagon, Rain, Secret Number, Sunmi, The Boyz
October 1, 2022 Ateez, Hyolyn, NewJeans, Oneus, STAYC, TO1
October 14, 2022 Tokyo Japan[109] Ariake Arena Kihyun, Le Sserafim, Nmixx, TNX, INI, Octpath, TO1, Viviz
October 15, 2022 IVE, JO1, NewJeans, ATBO, DKZ, Fromis 9, Tomorrow X Together
October 16, 2022 Jo Yu-ri, Kep1er, NiziU, Tempest, Ateez, Brave Girls, DKB
March 18, 2023 Bangkok Thailand[110] IMPACT Arena BamBam, (G)I-dle, iKON, JO1, Mbitious, Xikers, P1Harmony, 8Turn
March 19, 2023 Youngjae, Ateez, Itzy, Kep1er, Tempest, INI, TO1, TNX
May 12, 2023 Chiba Japan[111] Makuhari Messe 123,000[112] The Boyz, Yena, NiziU, STAYC, Just B, INI, 8Turn
May 13, 2023 AB6IX, Ateez, JO1, Viviz, XG, Le Sserafim, ATBO, DXTEEN
May 14, 2023 iKON, Itzy, Enhypen, Kep1er, Tempest, &TEAM, Xikers, Zerobaseone
August 18, 2023 Los Angeles United States[113] Crypto.com Arena (Concert)
LA Convention Center (Convention)
140,000[114] Cravity, IVE, Shownu X Hyungwon, Nmixx, Taemin, Taeyong, WayV
August 19, 2023 Ateez, INI, Kep1er, Rain, XG, Xikers, Zerobaseone
August 20, 2023 Everglow, (G)I-dle, Itzy, JO1, Lapillus, Stray Kids, The Boyz
October 6, 2023 Riyadh Saudi Arabia Boulevard Riyadh City TBA Everglow, Highlight, Hyolyn, Kard, Riize, Super Junior-D&E, 8Turn
October 7, 2023 Dreamcatcher, El7z Up, Evnne, Oh My Girl, Super Junior, Tempest, The New Six
March 30, 2024 Hong Kong Hong Kong, China AsiaWorld–Expo 45,000[115] Aespa, BoyNextDoor, Highlight, TWS, WayV, Xikers, Yena, Viviz
March 31, 2024 Ateez, Day6, JO1, Sistar19, Tempest, Viviz, Zerobaseone
May 10, 2024 Tokyo Japan Zozo Marine Stadium (Concert)
Makuhari Messe (Convention)
140,000[116] Convention Stage
BoyNextDoor, DXTEEN, INI, Isaac Hong [ko], Is:sue, TWS
May 11, 2024 Convention Stage
Kep1er, Me:I, NCT Wish, N.SSign, P1Harmony, Tempest
M Countdown Stage
BoyNextDoor, B.D.U, Cha Eun-woo, Epex, INI, Kep1er, Key, NiziU, P1Harmony, Red Velvet, The New Six, The Wind, TWS, Zerobaseone
May 12, 2024 Convention Stage
JO1, The Wind, TIOT, Wooah, &TEAM
M Countdown Stage
8Turn, Hi-Fi Un!corn, Illit, Is:sue, Jung Yong-hwa, Me:I, NCT Wish, Taeyeon, Tempest, Xikers, Yena, &TEAM
July 26, 2024 Los Angeles United States Crypto.com Arena (Concert)
LA Convention Center & Gilbert Lindsay Plaza (Convention)
TBA Convention Stage
AleXa, INI, Jo Yu-ri, P1Harmony, Zerobaseone
M Countdown Stage
Bibi, BoyNextDoor, INI, Kep1er, P1Harmony, Taemin
Special appearance: Zerobaseone
July 27, 2024 Convention Stage
Bibi, BoyNextDoor, Hyolyn, LØREN, Nmixx
Special appearance: Tiger JK
M Countdown Stage
Enhypen, g.o.d, Jo Yu-ri, Me:I, Nmixx, TWS
Special appearance: P1Harmony
July 28, 2024 Convention Stage
A.C.E, g.o.d, STAYC, TWS
M Countdown Stage
Jeon So-mi, NCT 127, STAYC, Zerobaseone, Zico
Special appearance: Bibi, Hyolyn, INI, ME:I, TWS
September 28, 2024 Frankfurt Germany Messe Frankfurt TBA Convention Stage
Dreamcatcher, Lee Young-ji, ONF, izna, The Boyz
M Countdown Stage
Evnne, Illit, JO1, Kiss of Life, Miyeon, Nowadays, The Boyz, Yugyeom
September 29, 2024 Convention Stage
Kiss of Life, Evnne, Kep1er, Yugyeom, JO1
M Countdown Stage
Dreamcatcher, izna, Kep1er, Key, Lee Young-ji, Lun8, ONF, Riize

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
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