KCON LA 2023 Recap: Stormy Skies and Starry Stages

AKP STAFF

Extreme weather conditions weren’t enough to keep K-POP fans worldwide from making the pilgrimage to Los Angeles to attend this year’s KCON LA 2023. This year’s 3-day celebration of all things K-Pop, K-Drama, and K-Culture at the Los Angeles Convention Center and Crypto.com Arena started on Friday, August 18, and lasted through Sunday, August 20. KCON LA 2023’s convention and concert was bigger and better than ever, featuring artists ranging from fan favorites, TAEMIN, IVE, ITZY, ATEEZ, (G)-IDLE, SHOWNU & HYUNGWON, and TAEYONG to newer groups to hit the scene like KEP1ER, RIIZE, and ZEROBASEONE. Despite hot conditions on Days 1 and 2 and Hurricane Hilary striking down record-breaking amounts of rain on Day 3, fans withstood the extremities for a chance to see all their favorite artists in one place.

Throughout the weekend, participants eagerly lined up to explore the immersive booths within the LA Convention Center, amassing an array of freebies to collect. Attendees engaged in photo opportunities and challenges presented by prominent brands such as Samsung, OLIVE YOUNG, McDonald's, and others. The event featured an assortment of offerings, from complimentary skincare and makeup samples from exclusive K-Beauty vendors to delectable snacks and morsels showcased at the K-Food and K-Culture lifestyle booths.

This year's convention introduced novel experiences, including an AR Photobooth where fans could take snapshots with their favorite performers. The iconic DREAM STAGE allowed aspiring idols and dedicated fans the opportunity to audition and potentially join the evening's performances alongside groups like IVE, ZEROBASEONE, and ITZY. The talent showcased on the DREAM STAGE this year marked a high point since its inception as selected dancers tore up the stage that evening alongside their idols.

Inside the convention, many enthusiasts had the chance to get up close and personal with their beloved idols. While some fans opted for Meet and Greets and Red Carpet events, others gathered around the KCON STAGE to catch glimpses of artists during short interviews and on-stage games. Artist-specific booths like XG, ZEROBASEONE, 8TURN, JUST B, CRAXY, and PLAVE attracted crowds eager to purchase exclusive merchandise or score freebies. KIIS FM's K-POP VILLAGE, sponsored by KOCOWA+, featured interviews with idols like WayV, ATEEZ, KEP1ER, ITZY, and SHOWNU & HYUNGWON. The K-CON VILLAGE outside the convention center hosted vendors like Blackmagic Design, McDonald's, and It's Boba Time.

Performances were spread across Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with shows on all three days. KCONers spent their days at the convention and retired around dinner time to begin heading over to the arena to see the show. Artists performed 2 to 4 original songs with hidden surprises intermingled. Noteworthy covers, interactive games, and dance challenges further heightened the excitement.

Special stages added an extra layer of excitement throughout the weekend. Highlights included WayV's rendition of KCON's anthem "POPPIA," the return of NCT's TAEYONG and TEN with "Baby Don't Stop," NMIXX's cover of TWICE's "The Feels," debut performances by ATEEZ and Stray Kids, KEP1ER's cover of Girls' Generation's "Mister Mister," and THE BOYZ's sub-unit performances, among others. With a jam-packed lineup, KCON attendees enjoyed a diverse range of performances each night, making the event truly memorable.

KCON LA 2023 has showcased the global influence of K-Pop, breaking barriers and reaching new, unparalleled heights. This iconic annual celebration of K-Music and K-Culture has brought together fans from all walks of life. Rain or shine, K-Pop enthusiasts were ecstatic to be united in one place to relish their favorite passion with their friends and fellow KCONers.