First-timer at KCON LA 2025? My journey from K-pop newbie to certified fan, from the unforgettable stages to the Dream Stage, K-Beauty, and more!
KCON LA 2025 was a weekend I’ll never forget. As a complete newbie to the K-pop scene, I dove headfirst into the world’s largest fan and artist festival, and it was the perfect introduction. The event, presented by Olive Young, wrapped up another phenomenal year from August 1-3 at the Los Angeles Convention Center and Crypto.com Arena, and I was right there in the middle of it all.
The concert kicked off with an incredible nod to one of the biggest K-culture moments of the year: the viral popularity of Netflix’s animated film, K-Pop Demon Hunters. It was a fantastic surprise when the concert was opened by none other than Gwi-Ma, the main antagonist from the movie! The crowd went wild. The momentum continued when three members of the super rookie group izna took to the stage to perform a stunning cover of the film’s hit song, “Golden.” It was an electric moment that perfectly captured how KCON celebrates every corner of Korean entertainment.
Electrifying Performances & New Favorites
The Artist Stages, which take place at the convention center during the day, were a definite highlight for me. Getting to see so many different groups perform was the best way to get to know the genre – and pick my favorites. I was especially impressed by MEOVV, who completely won me over with their unforgettable performance.
While I came in knowing very little, I left with a long list of new favorites after the MCountdown Stage performances, including P1harmony, Jackson Wang, Monsta X, and Aespa. This experience has me eagerly anticipating their full tours, now that I’m a certified fan.
Beyond the Main Stage: Discoveries and Dream Stages
Beyond the main stages, KCON truly is a full-immersion experience. The X STAGE, for example, was an incredible platform for talented rookies to make their mark on a global audience. I absolutely loved watching Hitg—they are adorable and are definitely going places!
On Day 2, I witnessed the Dream Stage auditions in the morning and then got to see the winners perform with Monsta X on the main stage in the evening. It was one of my favorite parts of the weekend; I felt like a proud parent watching them rock the stage. The energy was electric, and it perfectly showcased the immense talent of KCONers.
A Festival of Culture, Beauty, and Food
The festival grounds at the Los Angeles Convention Center were a destination in themselves. With 358 booths and 107 participating companies, there was so much to explore. I spent a lot of time learning about K-Beauty and can’t wait to try all the free products I received.
The K-COLLECTION exhibition zone featured top brands in beauty, lifestyle, food, and fashion, offering everything from interactive brand experiences to K-food samples. It was a fantastic way to engage with Korean culture on a deeper level.
A Landmark Year for KCON
This year’s KCON LA was extra special for a few reasons. The event was livestreamed for the first time on Prime Video and Twitch in partnership with Amazon Music, bringing the electrifying energy to a wider audience. Amazon also used the weekend to announce a brand new K-pop playlist for their music streaming platform.
The City of Los Angeles officially recognized the festival’s cultural, social, and economic contributions by designating August 1, 2025, as “KCON Day.” According to Harry H.K. Shin, Head of Music Entertainment at CJ ENM, this official designation gives the festival an even greater sense of purpose, a sentiment I can definitely appreciate after my incredible weekend.
With a total of 125,000 attendees on-site and even more joining digitally, KCON LA 2025 was a massive success. For a newcomer like me, it was a phenomenal introduction to the world of K-pop, and I left feeling like a part of a vibrant, passionate community. I’m already counting down the days until next year when I get to once again scream “LET’S KCON!”
