News Summary
Los Angeles will host KCON, a popular festival celebrating Korean pop culture, from August 1-3. With over 5.9 million fans expected, the event will feature concerts, workshops, and cultural experiences aimed at immersing attendees in Korean traditions. Local leaders have recognized its economic and cultural significance, making it a vital event for the city. Fans can engage with K-pop artists and enjoy various activities celebrating Korean culture.
Los Angeles is buzzing with excitement as KCON, a highly anticipated festival celebrating Korean pop culture, returns for its 13th year. Scheduled to take place from August 1-3, 2023, the festival will unfold at the Los Angeles Convention Center and the Crypto.com Arena, attracting millions of fans from around the globe.
This year, the festival is expected to draw even more attendees than last year, when over 5.9 million fans from more than 170 countries participated. With the City Council officially declaring August 1 as “KCON Day,” local leaders have recognized the event’s significant economic and cultural impact on the city of Los Angeles.
KCON is not just about music; it encompasses a variety of activities designed to immerse fans in Korean culture. This includes concerts featuring multiple K-pop acts, interactive experiences, panels, and workshops. Fans will have the opportunity to engage with up-and-coming K-pop artists on the newly introduced X stage, showcasing fresh talent in the genre.
The festival features five stages, with the highlight being the nightly concerts held at the Crypto.com Arena. M Countdown serves as the main concert event and promises to bring some of the biggest K-pop acts right to the heart of Los Angeles.
KCON has grown tremendously since its inaugural event in 2012, which took place in Anaheim and attracted only 10,000 attendees. The festival has since expanded, with increasing popularity leading to its current scale, which accommodates extensive in-person and digital platforms. Past KCON events have also welcomed popular groups, including BTS, during one of their earliest U.S. appearances, highlighting its importance in the global K-pop landscape.
Economic and Cultural Significance
Officials are not just applauding KCON for its entertainment value but also for its role as a vital cultural exchange. The festival serves as an economic driver for the city, with local businesses reaping the benefits from the influx of visitors. Doane Liu, the executive director of the city’s Tourism Department, emphasized the significance of KCON as a major yearly event without location rotation.
Consul General Kim Young Wan of South Korea in Los Angeles underscored the festival’s ability to bring together fans from diverse backgrounds around the world, reinforcing the cultural ties that K-pop fosters internationally. By presenting Korean culture through music, art, and interactive events, KCON strengthens the connection between fans and the culture they admire, creating an inclusive environment for all attendees.
What to Expect at KCON 2023
KCON 2023 promises a packed schedule filled with events and experiences tailored for every type of fan. Attendees can look forward to not only exhilarating performances but also engaging panels where industry experts discuss trends in Korean entertainment. Workshops will provide hands-on activities, enabling fans to delve deeper into various aspects of Korean arts and culture.
In conjunction, vendors will showcase an extensive range of Korean products ranging from fashion to beauty, welcoming fans to explore unique offerings that celebrate Korean culture. This combination of entertainment, education, and commerce positions KCON as a central hub for cultural exchange, making it a can’t-miss event for anyone interested in immersing themselves in Korean pop culture.
Overall, as KCON returns to Los Angeles, the festival is set to provide an enriching experience that goes beyond entertainment. With the ongoing global growth of K-pop and the subsequent cultural interest, KCON aims to bring together fans in celebrating not just music but the overall Joseph experiences and shared love for Korean culture.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Cultural Events Illuminate Los Angeles This August
Additional Resources
- Variety: KCON 2025 Announcement
- Wikipedia: KCON
- Grimy Goods: Upcoming Concerts in Los Angeles
- Google Search: Los Angeles concerts
- CBS News: Inglewood Residents Noise Complaint
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Music
- Time Out: New Music Venue in LA Suburb
- Google News: KCON 2025
- NBC Los Angeles: KCON 2025 Event Coverage
- Google Scholar: Korean pop culture
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
