I’ve been attending KCON LA since 2015, so with pandemic-closures in 2020 and 2021 that makes this yr my eighth time on the occasion. Over time, I’ve watched it change and develop in each good and dangerous methods, and people modifications have been actually on show this yr.
It was going to be troublesome (inconceivable?) to high final yr’s KCON as a result of that artist line-up was merely made for me. I wasn’t as excited concerning the artists this yr, 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 yr’s KCON alongside some movies I took all through the weekend.
If you happen to’re fascinated by 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 levels and interactions for me. I care much less concerning the precise conference surrounding these artists. This yr, the artist stage was in a distinct 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 obtained to be very shut for MEOVV and Hwasa. Even with out this plus cross, we obtained an awesome, shut view of CRAVITY on Friday. These levels are 30-40 minutes of 5-6 songs interspersed with some chit-chat. I truthfully choose 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 Phases
Considered one of my favourite issues KCON has completed over the previous few years is begin inviting rookie/indie artists to carry out on a wide range of showcase levels all through the conference and in the course of the pre-show of the mainstage. This yr, there weren’t many rookie acts I used to be fascinated by but it surely was nonetheless cool to study them up-close-and-personal by means of these levels. I’ve a newfound appreciation for ifeye and 82MAJOR, but it surely was the fellows of Means Higher (from20 and Howdy Gloom) that proceed to have my consideration. After assembly them final yr, it was so enjoyable to look at a number of levels 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 yr and have points with the mainstage concert events (see beneath), KCON nonetheless places on a top quality present with somewhat one thing for everybody.
1. Basic Disorganization
It’s one step ahead, three steps again on the subject of KCON’s logistics. They obtained issues so proper final yr, solely to retreat to their outdated methods this yr. Strains 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 typically impolite and typically outright hostile and clear signage was positively missing. They eliminated the choice for a 3-day cross this yr, which meant lining up for at the least an hour every morning earlier than even getting into the conference. And should you needed to get near artist levels or meet & greets, you wanted to queue for hours (and in some instances struggle off overzealous followers seeking to lower/cheat their strategy to the entrance of the road). It’s all fairly exhausting.
2. The Conference Itself
Like I mentioned 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 yr 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 unnecessary, they usually moved many of the market cubicles outdoors the place it was extremely popular. Meals, in fact, remained extremely costly.
3. An Overstuffed Line-up
Whereas I admire them inviting as many artists as attainable annually, I’m unsure all of them must be acting on the mainstage. The primary concert events felt a bit overstuffed, with so many acts that some have been merely overshadowed and the concert events approached a whopping three hours every night. After an extended day on the conference, it’s exhausting to maintain your power up over the course of those lengthy exhibits. I’d a lot choose a number of levels all through the day the place you possibly can select who you wish to see and when. You realize… like an actual music competition!
4. Meet & Greets
Except you pay the (overpriced) payment for a “excessive wave,” these meet and greets are form 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 yr. Even at twenty 5 {dollars}, I felt like this was a waste of cash — particularly in comparison with the artist stage. Final yr’s meet and greet stage was a lot better as a result of even should you have been distant you possibly can nonetheless see very nicely. And, it was included within the worth of the conference ticket.
1. ZEROBASEONE
The weekend felt nearly 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 every single place. 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 Howdy Gloom a lot final yr, I wasn’t anticipating them to be a spotlight of this yr as nicely. Nonetheless, 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 obtained 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 among these exhibits, are they? Even so, their music is made for stadiums and I actually favored 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 music 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, really. They’re very gifted.
6. CRAVITY – Set Internet 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 nearly the very same setlist as final yr and it consists of a few of their worst songs in my view.
2. HxW
Simply dangerous 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 music and this weekend solely confirmed that!