K-drama stars ramp up excitement for expanded celebration of Korean culture at KCON 2024

As a long-time enthusiast of global cinema, I must say that witnessing the spectacle that was KCON 2024 L.A. was nothing short of breathtaking. The passion and energy of Kim Soo-hyun’s fans were infectious, making even the most cynical of hearts swell with joy.

At KCON 2024 L.A., the crowd’s enthusiastic shouts of “oppa saranghae!” leave South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun feeling delightfully swamped by the massive throng before the stage.

Having grown up with a deep appreciation for Korean culture, I was thrilled to learn that L.A.’s biggest event celebrating this vibrant tradition was taking place across three iconic venues: the Convention Center, Crypto.com Arena, and Gilbert Lindsay Plaza downtown. As someone who has always cherished the opportunity to immerse myself in Korean art, music, and cuisine, attending this year’s event felt like a dream come true. The energy was electrifying, and each venue offered unique experiences that showcased different aspects of Korea’s rich heritage. From traditional performances at the Convention Center to modern K-pop concerts at Crypto.com Arena, there was something for everyone to enjoy. The Gilbert Lindsay Plaza, with its stunning display of Korean food trucks, provided a delightful opportunity to sample delicious dishes that I had been craving for years. This event not only enriched my understanding and appreciation of Korean culture but also allowed me to connect with others who share the same passion. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience that I will cherish for years to come.

In the thrill of being interviewed by Regina Kim before a packed crowd, I found myself pleasantly preoccupied, returning smiles, waves, and heartfelt gestures to my enamored fans.

Kim Soo-hyun, now 36, made his television debut at 19, and his popularity has only grown since.

In the year 2024, his recent dramatic production titled “Queen of Tears” proved to be successful. This Netflix series was among the most highly acclaimed non-English language programs on the platform that year.

Over the past 12 years, since the inaugural KCON at Irvine’s Verizon Amphitheater, Korean pop culture – music, dramas, movies, and TV shows – has exploded into a thriving micro-economy. Mirroring this growth, KCON itself has expanded its horizons, attracting fans from around the globe. This September, we’ll be witnessing another milestone with KCON Germany! As a movie reviewer, I can’t wait to see how this global celebration of Korean pop culture continues to evolve.

As a follower, I’m thrilled to share that this year, under the management of Organizer CJ ENM – one of South Korea’s leading entertainment groups – we successfully organized an event from July 26 to 28, which attracted an astounding 5.9 million fans from 170 different countries. Among these enthusiasts were many TV viewers who tuned in on Sunday night to witness electrifying live performances by artists such as rapper Zico, NCT 127, and Enhyphen at the Crypto.com arena. For the first time ever, this show was broadcasted on American television, with the talented actor Awkwafina serving as the special host. It was an unforgettable experience that I am proud to have been part of.

The expanding size of KCON indicates a conscious expansion plan by its management, as stated by Harry H.K. Shin, the head of music entertainment at CJ ENM. Shin revealed that the aim for KCON’s future is to grow in all dimensions, with a focus on showcasing prominent K-drama stars such as Kim, actress Park Min-young (“Marry My Husband”), and actor and singer Rowoon, who interacted with fans at this year’s event.

Previously, panels – less conspicuous elements – used to be thinner, providing attendees with extended intervals between speaking sessions. This extra time enabled them to attend their preferred celebrity meet-and-greets or audition for the “Dream Stage,” a coveted opportunity where fans could dance alongside their favorite stars on the main stage.

Shin emphasized that audience feedback plays a crucial role in designing a KCON experience that caters to the preferences of most fans. The data we gather through surveys, like those conducted by CJ ENM, are vital when mapping out our future events.

He mentioned that they broadened the survey in order to gather more requirements and viewpoints. Additionally, he noted that unlike previous years where M Countdown was the primary performance stage, this year they can accommodate a larger audience due to the addition of KCON stage performances throughout the day, along with various venues available.

Veteran attendees of KCON argue that bigger doesn’t always equate to better. Christian Oh, a resident from Washington D.C., skipped this year’s event but has been involved with it since 2015, serving as host, panelist, and emcee until the pandemic halted the events.

He expressed, “I believe this event still has potential for visibility and education, but I reminisce about simpler times. Back then, events like KCON had a separate pass for attendance, allowing me to explore vendors, interact with people, watch smaller acts, and meet up-and-coming personalities on YouTube or Instagram who weren’t yet megastars.”

That doesn’t matter much to attendees like Ling Lin who are drawn in by big names.

At the very last moment, Lin, along with her sisters Lily and Dewi, arrived from Georgia to catch a glimpse of Kim Soo-hyun. “I’ve long held him in high regard not just for his talents, but also as an individual,” Lin expressed. “Despite coming from humble beginnings, he remains humble.”

Lin identifies a frequently disregarded group: Individuals aged 30 to 50 who are enthusiastic about K-culture, possessing sufficient funds to travel worldwide to support their beloved actors, visiting South Korea regularly, and attending numerous concerts and events annually.

Absolutely, the youthful segment is still accounted for. A row of young women, eagerly anticipating Enhypen’s performance the following day, pitched their tents along the pavement outside Crypto.com Arena.

Everyone, regardless of age, eagerly cheered for the Filipino girl group Bini, marking their historic debut as the first all-Filipino act to grace the KCON stage.

For Kyra Godoy, a devoted K-pop enthusiast who’s been into K-culture for eight years, the main attraction of the event wasn’t the popular artists, but rather the community of fans. Living in the L.A. area, Kyra had long desired to attend KCON and seized the opportunity when she and her sister won VIP tickets thanks to their partnership with Samsung.

During a pause within the arena, Godoy remarked, “Everyone here has been incredibly kind.” I find it charming that we’re surrounded by so many individuals who share the same passion.”

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2024-07-30 23:31