At KCON, fans from around the world dance with their favorite K-pop idols — and each other

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On Friday, the Los Angeles Convention Center was a sea of green.

The 12th annual KCON, a Korean music festival that takes place over three days, was held at the convention center this year in Los Angeles. Originally started in 2012 as a celebration of K-pop, the event now includes panels with actors from popular Korean dramas, booths for learning about skincare products, and sections dedicated to Webtoons, or digital comics from Korea.

Every day of the convention ends with a performance at the Crypto.com Arena, and on Friday, the show concluded with a set from K-pop boy band NCT 127, known for their lime green (specifically “Pearl Neo Champagne”) color scheme. During both events, fans of the group demonstrated their allegiance by donning green outfits, accessories, bags, and signs.

At KCON, numerous enthusiasts have a special chance to interact closely with their cherished idols. The Dream Stage, one of the highlights, features some fortunate winners who get to perform alongside a K-pop band during the headlining concert.

At twenty-four years old, I myself journeyed from Virginia all the way to L.A., eagerly setting foot on hallowed ground for a chance to audition at Friday’s Dream Stage. Dressed in a vibrant lime green T-shirt and its complementary bandana, I was just one among numerous hopefuls, each of us striving to showcase our talents by performing NCT 127’s “Fact Check” on the KCON stage.

Jones beams with pride as he remarks that everyone here has worked incredibly hard. He’s thrilled about the upcoming day due to their collective effort.”

“Jones is bursting with pride because of everyone here. With such a tremendous amount of hard work, he can hardly wait for the day ahead.

Following the email confirming she’d cleared the online audition stage, Jones dedicated herself wholeheartedly to mastering the dance routine. As part of dance crews District Soul and Konnect DMV, she immersed herself in studying videos of NCT 127, adopting their style while also infusing her unique touch into the choreography.

As a devoted cinephile, I’d put in a solid day’s work from nine till six, but when the day was done, you wouldn’t find me lounging about. Instead, I’d be engrossed in continued practice, pouring every ounce of my dedication into it.

The substantial attendance of 2.1 million people at KCON over its 12-year span demonstrates a burgeoning international fascination with Korean pop culture. From its inception, this festival has expanded to 10 countries such as Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Germany, reflecting the growing global interest in Korean culture, a phenomenon often referred to as the hallyu wave.

Park Chan Uk, who leads live entertainment at KCON organizer CJ ENM, attributes the widespread appeal of Korean culture to the success of bands like BTS, Blackpink, and Stray Kids in the global music scene. However, he also highlights the far-reaching impact of Korean films and TV series such as “Squid Game” and “KPop Demon Hunters,” as well as South Korean beauty products. Notably, Olive Young, a popular Korean cosmetics chain, is the main sponsor for KCON this year.

As a passionate admirer of cinematic arts, I can’t help but feel proud when I reflect on the transformation Korean culture has undergone in the eyes of the world. From music to skincare, these diverse avenues have crafted an enticing lifestyle that resonates deeply with global audiences, making it nothing short of a promising phenomenon.

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, it’s clear that the global impact of K-pop was unmistakable in this year’s KCON lineup. Among the performers, I was particularly excited to see Full Circle Boys, an American boy group that draws inspiration from the dynamic world of K-pop. This innovative group is the brainchild of choreographer Keone Madrid, who has orchestrated some of the most iconic dance moves in K-pop, such as those in Jungkook of BTS’s “Standing Next to You.

In my own words, I’d say: “I was truly inspired by the incredible dance groups in Korea. The question that sparked the formation of our group was, ‘Why don’t we have a local team back home that can blend dance styles like these Korean groups do, but with a distinctly American twist?’

Aidan Talingting, a resident of San Diego, California, chose to attend KCON for the reason that his favorite bands were set to perform. However, there was an additional motivation behind their visit for Aidan and numerous others: to socialize and interact with fellow K-pop enthusiasts. Accompanying Aidan were friends Anitza Cerna and Dahrla Silva, both originally from Tijuana, Mexico.

Talingting shares, “We’ve had the chance to connect with numerous new individuals.” She continues, “This has been an exceptional journey as it allowed me to make friends and watch my beloved artists perform. I find it delightful because it seems to unite everyone as if they were part of one big family.

In the same high school, Talingting and Silva crossed paths with Cerna at a 2023 concert. Upon hearing them discuss K-pop, she approached the duo. Shared enthusiasm for Korean music often serves as a bridge for establishing enduring friendships among fans.

At KCON’s X Stage, it was clear that friendship thrived between fans as the new boy band Newbeat took the stage to an excited audience. Amidst the crowd, a lively bunch of around a dozen dedicated followers could be spotted, many donning custom-made Newbeat jerseys. Although these enthusiasts might have communicated online with numerous others, this was their initial encounter in real life.

A supporter known as Ash on the internet fell for the group after catching them at last year’s KCON event. Residing in Boston, Benjy joined the fanbase when his K-pop dance troupe teamed up with the same group. Many of their fans have been backing Newbeat since, if not before, their official launch in March.

According to a supporter named Olive, “We’re committed to backing Newbeat all throughout the day, right from morning till night.

Although Newbeat might not be as popular as some other acts, they made a significant impact at the convention by performing only on specific days and as the opening act for Sunday’s main concert. However, their fans’ excitement was far from minimal! They could be seen waving banners with the band members’ names and even passing out self-made flyers about Newbeat to fellow convention attendees. The fans couldn’t stop talking about Newbeat’s various performances on the convention floor, which included the debut of their new track “Cappuccino” as well as a rendition of Katseye’s hit song “Gnarly.

When asked what made them decide to come to KCON together, they all say in unison: “Group chat!”

The gathering of enthusiasts at X demonstrates how heavily K-pop fans, especially those residing abroad who are unable to witness their idols in person, rely on the internet. They participate in online voting for Newbeat on music programs, join video conferences with the artists, and engage with the band members through Plus Chat, a platform that enables both fans and idols to exchange messages.

Additionally, they established a group chat for contemplating the potential meet-up with Newbeat and personal encounters at KCON. Some individuals even journeyed cross-country to materialize these arrangements, often requiring several airplane trips.

“As they say, the plans made it out of the group chat,” Olive says.

Since our initial face-to-face encounter, the team has rapidly developed a strong connection, exchanging private humor and chatting excitedly as if they’ve been close companions for years.

I’ve found myself engaged in endless chatter and laughter that makes it seem like I’ve known this person for ages, as I shared with them today.

Benjy notes that we’ve grown quite close because our shared enthusiasm for Newbeat and mutual support is strong. This common ground allows us to connect deeply, which I believe is why we get along so well.

Some participants at KCON have ambitions that extend beyond interacting with fellow enthusiasts and watching their favorite acts. The event featured an open audition for Season 4 of “Produce 101 Japan,” a reality TV franchise focused on forming a Japanese idol group. Eligible male candidates were given the opportunity to showcase their talent through a one-minute performance in singing, rapping or dancing for the program.

Chris Zamora, who’s 19 and hails from Torrance, California, was motivated by the staff at a convention’s “Produce 101” booth to give auditioning a try.

Upon entering, I anticipated a nerve-wracking experience, but instead, I was warmly received. The questions they posed made it evident that each auditionee mattered to them, demonstrating genuine care for every participant.”

“Initially, I braced myself for an anxiety-inducing scenario, but the welcoming atmosphere soon put me at ease. Their curiosity and concern for each contestant showed in their questions, revealing a deep commitment to everyone who walks through the audition doors.

Just outside the Dream Stage tryout chamber, Jaelyn Jones stands on tenterhooks. A KCON employee calls out the numbers of those who made it through the final audition, and indeed, Jones’ number is announced.

“It just feels very surreal. I feel like I’m not here,” Jones says.

That evening at the mainstage concert, the winners of Dream Stage excitedly join the stage to dance along with NCT 127 during their performance of “Fact Check”. The arena is illuminated in green as K-pop enthusiasts – males and females, young and old, from various parts of the world – participate in the energetic song, synchronizing their moves with the original performers.

In the audience are Jones’ friends from home, cheering her on.

She mentions that it seems likely this place will become a regular tradition or annual event for us and our friends, she notes.

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2025-08-05 00:01