I’ve been attending KCON LA since 2015, so with pandemic-closures in 2020 and 2021 that makes this 12 months my eighth time on the occasion. Through the years, I’ve watched it change and develop in each good and unhealthy methods, and people adjustments have been definitely on show this 12 months.
It was going to be tough (not possible?) to high final 12 months’s KCON as a result of that artist line-up was merely made for me. I wasn’t as excited in regards to the artists this 12 months, although there have been just a few I grew to like within the weeks main as much as the occasion.
Under, I’ll recap the highlights and lowlights of this 12 months’s KCON alongside some movies I took all through the weekend.
For those who’re concerned with earlier recaps, click on right here: 2016 // 2017 // 2018 // 2019 // 2022 Pt.1 // 2022 Pt.2 // 2023 // 2024
1. The Artist Stage
KCON has at all times been about artist phases and interactions for me. I care much less in regards to the precise conference surrounding these artists. This 12 months, the artist stage was in a special wing and also you had the chance to purchase a “plus” ticket to entry the entrance of the stage. We had this cross on Saturday, particularly for ZEROBASEONE. However, we additionally received to be very shut for MEOVV and Hwasa. Even with out this plus cross, we received an ideal, shut view of CRAVITY on Friday. These phases are 30-40 minutes of 5-6 songs interspersed with some chit-chat. I truthfully want them to the mainstage performances as a result of Ok-pop actually must be seen up near be totally appreciated. Relying on the line-up, I may spend the entire day on this part of the con (and we did on Saturday!).
2. Showcase & Busking Levels
Certainly one of my favourite issues KCON has finished over the previous few years is begin inviting rookie/indie artists to carry out on quite a lot of showcase phases all through the conference and through the pre-show of the mainstage. This 12 months, there weren’t many rookie acts I used to be concerned with however it was nonetheless cool to find out about them up-close-and-personal by means of these phases. I’ve a newfound appreciation for ifeye and 82MAJOR, however it was the fellows of Means Higher (from20 and Hey Gloom) that proceed to have my consideration. After assembly them final 12 months, it was so enjoyable to look at a number of phases this weekend and see how far they’ve come. And, they rocked the mainstage throughout Saturday’s pre-show!
3. Mainstage Concert events
Whereas I wasn’t as thrilled with the artist line-up this 12 months and have points with the mainstage live shows (see beneath), KCON nonetheless places on a top quality present with a bit of one thing for everybody.
1. Normal Disorganization
It’s one step ahead, three steps again in the case of KCON’s logistics. They received issues so proper final 12 months, solely to retreat to their outdated methods this 12 months. Traces have been tremendous lengthy and check-in took eternally (they actually didn’t have sufficient check-in cubicles for all of the folks). Workers have been usually impolite and typically outright hostile and clear signage was undoubtedly missing. They eliminated the choice for a 3-day cross this 12 months, which meant lining up for a minimum of an hour every morning earlier than even coming into the conference. And when you wished to get near artist phases or meet & greets, you wanted to queue for hours (and in some circumstances combat off overzealous followers trying to lower/cheat their strategy to the entrance of the road). It’s all fairly exhausting.
2. The Conference Itself
Like I stated earlier, the precise conference isn’t my favourite a part of the weekend, besides it’s actually a shell of its former self. KCON eradicated panels this 12 months and the conference flooring was 95% Ok-beauty merchandise (which I’ve little interest in). There was nowhere to purchase artist albums or merch, which is not sensible, they usually moved many of the market cubicles outdoors the place it was very popular. Meals, after all, remained extremely costly.
3. An Overstuffed Line-up
Whereas I admire them inviting as many artists as potential every year, I’m undecided all of them must be acting on the mainstage. The principle live shows felt a bit overstuffed, with so many acts that some have been merely overshadowed and the live shows approached a whopping three hours every night. After an extended day on the conference, it’s arduous to maintain your power up over the course of those lengthy reveals. I’d a lot want a number of phases all through the day the place you may select who you need to see and when. … like an actual music pageant!
4. Meet & Greets
Until you pay the (overpriced) charge for a “excessive wave,” these meet and greets are sort of pointless. You possibly can’t actually see something from the again and the entire thing is so scripted and predictable. Making issues worse, you needed to pay further to attend this 12 months. Even at twenty 5 {dollars}, I felt like this was a waste of cash — particularly in comparison with the artist stage. Final 12 months’s meet and greet stage was a lot better as a result of even when you have been distant you may nonetheless see very properly. And, it was included within the value of the conference ticket.
1. ZEROBASEONE
The weekend felt virtually like an prolonged ZEROBASEONE live performance, with performances from the fellows all three nights. Members additionally hosted the present they usually did each the artist stage and meet and greet. Briefly, they have been in all places. My favourite second, as talked about earlier than, was the artist stage. After hours of queuing, we have been tremendous shut. Like… touching distance shut.
2. WAY BETTER
Having seen from20 and Hey Gloom a lot final 12 months, I wasn’t anticipating them to be a spotlight of this 12 months as properly. Nevertheless, the fellows have been everywhere in the conference, charming audiences and performing their wonderful string of singles (see video above).
3. CRAVITY
Within the lead-up to KCON, I’ve gone from being an informal CRAVITY listener to a full-blown fan, so it was actually enjoyable seeing them carry out now that I do know the members a bit extra. I assumed their two-song set on Sunday’s mainstage was significantly good.
4. Hwasa
She actually killed the mainstage efficiency (together with a medley of Mamamoo hits), however her artist stage was most enjoyable since we have been entrance row. She’s received a lot charisma.
5. RIIZE
RIIZE was the group I used to be most excited to see, although it was a disgrace they by no means did a extra intimate artist stage. Nonetheless, I cherished seeing them kill their mainstage efficiency.
6. IVE
They’re by no means going to carry out After Like at one in all these reveals, are they? Even so, their music is made for stadiums and I actually appreciated their set. Plus, their response to dropping their hand mic made for some very humorous and charming memes.
https://x.com/i/standing/1951513694887878814
7. NOWZ
Although they didn’t get a ton of time to shine, their three songs on Friday (together with a Stray Youngsters cowl) have been so energetic and powerful. I actually like this group.
1. ifeye – R U OK?
Boy, has this tune grown on me.
2. IDID – Step It Up
This one’s grown on me massively too. I like these guys.
3. Means Higher – Mamacita / Eye Sweet
Simply so enjoyable.
4. ZEROBASEONE – Slam Dunk
Yep, this one’s grown on me too.
5. MEOVV – Drop High
I’ve a brand new appreciation for MEOVV after this weekend, truly. They’re very proficient.
6. CRAVITY – Set Web G0?! / Swish
I used to be already offered on these songs however now I’m mega-sold.
7. NOWZ – Everglow / Downside Little one
Ditto.
1. NCT 127
They carried out virtually the very same setlist as final 12 months and it consists of a few of their worst songs for my part.
2. HxW
Simply unhealthy songs, actually.
3. IS:SUE
Actually didn’t like these songs both.
4. Jackson Wang
I discovered his basic presentation very off-putting and weirdly confrontation/uncomfortable.
5. P1Harmony – Duh
I actually don’t like this tune and this weekend solely confirmed that!
