KCON LA 2025 Day 2: Dreamers, Rising Stars, and Unforgettable Energy Across the Stages!
- K Fuse
- Aug 26
- 7 min read
KCON LA 2025 Presented by Olive Young’s second day kept the momentum rolling with an electric blend of live performances, fan engagement, and cultural showcases that filled the convention hall and festival grounds from the moment doors opened. Day 2, held on August 2, felt like the true heart of the weekend — the place where seasoned KCONers, first-time visitors, and K-Pop’s rising stars came together to create moments that will live far beyond the summer.
KCON LA 2025 Day 2 kicked off with a burst of excitement as the Dreamers gathered in the foyer of the convention center. Dressed in reds and blacks to match the aesthetic of MONSTA X’s "GAMBLER" music video, participants greeted old friends and made new connections while warming up for the day ahead. The air buzzed with anticipation as they practiced their choreography over and over, perfecting every move and adding their own signature flair. The Dreamers were about to take the Artist Stage for two intense rounds of auditions, and the energy in the room was electric. MC Andy Jin stepped onto the stage to officially start the auditions, introducing the judges and explaining the rules. The judges, brimming with excitement, shared what they were looking for: sharp choreography, stage presence, and serious commitment. Each Dreamer took their moment under the lights, performing with confidence and passion. For many, it was their first time on a professional stage, yet their vibrant energy and radiant smiles made it seem as though they had been performing for years. As groups cheered for one another backstage, bonds quickly formed, transforming the waiting area into a supportive family. After two rounds of intense performances, the top participants were selected to join MONSTA X on the evening’s Dream Stage for “GAMBLER,” making their dreams a reality in front of a live audience.
While the Dreamers were just finding their rhythm on the big stage, the energy just down the hall was electric for a whole different reason — the NMIXX Meet & Greet. Several KCONers were already lined up, lightsticks in hand, ready for face-to-face moments with the members. The event was packed with games that brought plenty of laughs, starting with Hit Drop, where the girls had to nail the choreography to whichever song snippet was played. When fan favorites like “DASH,” “See That?” and “Love Me Like This” came on, the crowd instantly turned into a mini singalong, with cheers exploding whenever NMIXX beat the challenge. The fun didn’t stop there — the next game, Lucky / Unlucky, added a twist. In front of them were several mystery boxes: most “unlucky,” containing silly or cute challenges, and just one “lucky” box. The members leaned into the moment, asking the crowd for help choosing. Fans yelled “yes!” or “no!” with every box picked up, and the room roared when a member opened one to reveal challenges like saying “I love you” sweetly or giving a charming wink. Every playful reaction from the members only made the fans love them more, and it was clear this was a memory to hold onto.
Following the DREAMSTAGE auditions, the artist stage space began to fill with KCONer's of all ages as they went to support some of the favorite rising artists like MEOVV, and established talents like JO1, HWASA, and ZEROBASEONE. MEOVV kicked off their set with “MEOW,” instantly getting KCONers singing along from the very first note. The energy carried right into “BODY,” as the members showcased their dynamic stage presence and tight choreography. Between songs, they took a moment for member introductions, letting KCONers get to know the personalities behind the performance. Their momentum only grew as they performed “TOXIC,” “LIT RIGHT NOW,” “HANDS UP,” and closed their set with “DROP TOP,” leaving the crowd hyped and buzzing with excitement.
Next, the stage lit up for ZEROBASEONE, who brought a surge of energy and emotion with a setlist featuring “Out of Love,” “Step Back,” “Cruel,” “Doctor! Doctor!,” and “BLUE.” The group’s polished choreography and strong vocal performances had KCONers singing and cheering with every track. From heartfelt moments in ballads to the fierce intensity of their dance tracks, ZEROBASEONE’s performance demonstrated why they’re adored worldwide, with the crowd fully engaged from start to finish.
Then came JO1, who took the stage to thunderous applause. KCONers were packed from front to back, eager to see every move from the Japanese powerhouse. They kicked off with “BE CLASSIC (English ver.),” immediately drawing the crowd in, before flowing seamlessly into “ICY” and the playful, upbeat “EZPZ.” The group slowed down just enough to deliver “Be There For You” with heartfelt emotion, swaying the audience along, before bringing the energy back with “Hottie with the Hot Tea.” They closed their set with the collaborative hit “Eyes On Me (Feat. R3HAB),” leaving KCONers buzzing long after the final note.
Closing out the Artist Stage was HWASA, joined by Baby DON’T Cry, blending sultry charisma and powerhouse vocals. The set opened with the spicy and dynamic “Chili,” followed by the catchy and unforgettable “TWIT.” “Don’t” and “NA” had KCONers swaying along, while “I Love My Body” celebrated empowerment and connection with the audience. The performance closed with “Maria,” leaving the crowd exhilarated, applauding, and fully charged for the rest of the festival day.
Across the connector of the North Hall and West Hall, the X Stage offered a variety of engaging performances that complemented the main stage action. As from20 and HELLO GLOOM took over, immediately pulling KCONers into their world. They opened with “Blue” and “WEOL,” setting the stage for an interactive, high-energy experience. Welcoming KCONers warmly, they encouraged everyone to return later for more fun. Next came a Time Attack challenge, where the duo had exactly 82 seconds to introduce themselves to KCONers. The excitement was palpable as the crowd cheered them on, and two lucky KCONers had the chance to win a signed “Mamacita” CD if they succeeded. From20 and HELLO GLOOM kept the momentum going with “Dancing in the Dark,” “Eye Candy,” “Your Love,” “Chemical,” and closed with “MAMACITA.” From start to finish, KCONers screamed, jumped, and sang along with every song.
Following the high-energy X Stage performance by from20 and HELLO GLOOM, KCONers made their way through the bustling festival grounds, soaking in the sights, sounds, and interactive experiences along the convention floor. As they moved past artist booths, merchandise tables, and vibrant displays, the excitement built toward the outdoor Busking Stage.
On the way, the Dance Stage captured attention as Baby DON'T Cry joined KCONers for a playful fan engagement segment. KCONers eagerly gathered to participate in a fast-paced game where the group played snippets of three songs at triple speed, challenging attendees to correctly identify each track. The crowd erupted with laughter and cheers as participants shouted guesses for fan-favorite hits, showing off their knowledge and love for the group. The energy was infectious, blending the thrill of a game with the joy of seeing idols perform live. This interactive moment perfectly bridged the convention floor’s immersive experiences with the outdoor excitement awaiting at the Busking Stage, keeping KCONers fully engaged and ready for more music and connection.
As the cheers from Baby DON'T Cry’s game still echoed through the convention, KCONers followed the summer breeze out toward the Busking Stage, where the vibe shifted to something more personal and laid-back. There, 82MAJOR was ready to spend quality time with their supporters, offering a more intimate experience in contrast to their Day 1 appearances. The rising rookie group from Great M could be spotted grinning as brightly as the summer sun, effortlessly blending playful banter with heartfelt moments. Instead of the big stage lights, they were surrounded by KCONers just a few feet away, making every interaction feel special. Laughter filled the air as they invited KCONers to join in a lively game of rock, paper, scissors, with the winners walking away with exclusive prizes. Whether KCONers were playing or just watching, the warmth and fun of the moment made it feel like hanging out with old friends rather than attending a formal event.
But the day wasn’t over yet. As the sun began to dip and the convention energy rolled toward its evening peak, the crowd’s attention shifted back indoors to the X Stage — where the spotlight was about to fall on none other than HITGS. Ending the festival grounds showcases with an explosive finale, HITGS commanded the stage with charisma that radiated from the very first beat. Opening with “SOURPATCH,” the group had KCONers screaming from the first note, singing along in unison. The energy only grew as they launched into a high-voltage dance medley featuring BTS’s “Dynamite,” IVE’s “I AM,” NCT 127’s “Whiplash,” SEVENTEEN’s “Walk,” and BLACKPINK’s “As If It’s Your Last.” Each transition sparked louder cheers, with KCONers bouncing, chanting, and filming every second. The medley was a true love letter to K-pop’s biggest hits, delivered with HITGS’s unique flavor. The climax came with “CHARIZZMA,” a track that lived up to its title as the boys poured every ounce of energy into their performance. KCONers roared back, waving lightsticks and screaming lyrics until the very last note. By the time HITGS took their bows, the X Stage felt like it had just hosted a full-scale concert. Ending Day 2’s festival grounds showcases on such a high note, HITGS left KCONers buzzing with anticipation for the evening’s main concert — proving once again why the X Stage has become the place to discover the rising forces of K-pop.
The evening came to an end as KCONers made their way to the evening's KCON concert, where all the excitement of the day converged. MONSTA X, MEOVV, ZEROBASEONE, HWASA, and other featured acts brought unforgettable performances, leaving KCONers buzzing with memories of a day packed with talent, energy, and culture. Every corner of KCON LA 2025 — from the Dream Stage to the festival booths, the Busking Stage, and the main concert — had offered moments for KCONers to connect with artists, explore Korean culture, and celebrate together.
With Day 2 in the books, KCONers can already feel the momentum building for the weekend. Fans should stay tuned as the excitement ramps up even higher for Day 3, promising more surprises, rising artists, and unforgettable experiences across the festival grounds and stages.
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