KCON LA 2025: New Stages, World Premieres & K-Drama Stars Headline the Ultimate K-Culture Weekend
- K Fuse
- Jul 19
- 4 min read
Since its U.S. debut in 2012, KCON has evolved into a global K-culture phenomenon, drawing nearly 6 million fans across in-person and digital platforms in 2024. Last year’s broadcast via The CW marked the first nationally televised K-pop show in primetime U.S. history—and 2025 is aiming even higher. Tickets are now live via AXS, with more guest announcements and fan experiences expected soon.
With just weeks to go, KCON LA 2025 is cranking up the hype by adding even more exclusive performances, world premieres, and surprise appearances that will only be seen during the August 1–3 weekend at the Los Angeles Convention Center and Crypto.com Arena. Co-presented by Olive Young, South Korea’s top beauty and health brand, this year’s festival promises a stacked, immersive celebration of all things K-culture.
K-pop fans will get their first exclusive look at Mark’s solo stage—the longtime GOT7 main dancer stepping into the spotlight with his own showcase. Fan-favorite group NCT 127 will treat the crowd to a powerhouse medley of “Whiplash” and “Lemonade,” packing their legendary performance energy into one show-stopping set. All-killers IVE will debut their infectious new track “TKO” live on August 1—already stirring excitement across socials. Meanwhile, MONSTA X will reunite for a killer rendition of “Beautiful Liar,” with SHOWNU and HYUNGWON branching off for an emotional performance of “Love Me a Little”—a rare spotlight moment from the duo.
The surprises continue with solo performances from YUQI (ex-(G)I-DLE) with her new single “Red Rover,” HxW from SEVENTEEN showcasing “ECHO! (Prod. WOOZI),” and rookie powerhouse ZEROBASEONE premiering their anthem “SLAM DUNK.” But the biggest buzz? Yim Siwan, the K-pop mover turned K-drama heavyweight (Squid Game Season 3, Misaeng, The King in Love), is set to appear on August 1—adding a touch of acting star power to the weekend.
But KCON isn’t just a concert—this year’s expanded footprint includes a brand-new X STAGE for rising rookie groups making their KCON LA debut. Plus, returning favorites like the Artist Stage and Meet & Greet Stage will bring fans up close for personal sets and heartfelt interactions. It’s everything from intimate showcases to full-on star moments, curated into one dynamic weekend.
Each night culminates with M COUNTDOWN at Crypto.com Arena, delivering mega-lineups fans can’t see anywhere else. On Friday, August 1, the spotlight turns to Baby DONT Cry, the fresh-faced rookie group quickly making noise for their dreamy alt-pop edge; IS:SUE, the four-member powerhouse girl group whose fierce vocals and polished visuals have marked them as ones to watch; and IVE, the chart-topping queens behind hits like “After LIKE” and “I AM,” returning to KCON with the exclusive debut of their new song “TKO.” The night also welcomes Lee Youngji, the dynamic rapper and variety show scene-stealer known for her raw charisma and fearless flow; NCT 127, the performance titans known for synchronized stages and genre-pushing tracks like “2 Baddies”; NOWZ, a rising male idol team turning heads with sleek choreography and nostalgic 2000s pop sonics; P1Harmony, the multi-national sextet beloved for their fierce live stages and introspective lyrics; and ZEROBASEONE, the electrifying rookie group born from Boys Planet, ready to premiere their high-energy track “SLAM DUNK” for the first time live.
Saturday, August 2 dials up the heat with an even wilder mix. aespa, SM Entertainment’s A.I.-infused girl group with global hits like “Spicy” and “Drama,” will return with next-level production and choreography. CHOIHOJONG, the buzzed-about soloist building a cult following through TikTok and lyrical storytelling, joins the lineup, along with IDID and izna, two emerging indie acts turning the K-indie scene digital with lo-fi beats and poetic visuals. Global icon Jackson Wang—fresh off his MAGIC MAN world tour—will bring his sensual, genre-blending artistry to the M COUNTDOWN stage. JO1, the Japanese supergroup formed through Produce 101 Japan, will represent J-pop with their sharp vocals and arena-sized charisma. K-pop veterans MONSTA X return with a “Beautiful Liar” reunion performance and a special SHOWNU x HYUNGWON stage. Meanwhile, NMIXX, known for their experimental pop fusion and top-tier vocal line, and Roy Kim, the soulful balladeer known for hits like “Only Then,” round out the night. YUQI, stepping out solo from (G)I-DLE, adds edge and emotion with her new single “Red Rover.”
By Sunday, August 3, the lineup explodes into a kaleidoscope of genre and talent. ALLDAY PROJECT, a rising co-ed unit known for their dance-meets-digital sound, and Cravity, the Starship Entertainment boy group winning hearts with their balance of soft and swagger, will open the night. The incomparable Hwasa, of MAMAMOO fame, will deliver her signature fierce vocals and unapologetic style in a set likely to go viral. HxW, the subunit project featuring SEVENTEEN’s WOOZI, will present “ECHO!”—a layered, live-arranged performance blending R&B, synth, and pure heart. (G)I-DLE, the bold trendsetters with hits like “Queencard” and “Nxde,” will return with a full-group stage packed with their signature energy. Kep1er, formed through Girls Planet 999, will energize with colorful pop and athletic choreo. Key, the SHINee icon and soloist known for his futuristic aesthetic and emotional depth, will bring both bangers and sentimentality. Breakout artist Meovv and experimental act RIIZE round out the rising-edge soundscape. And ZEROBASEONE will return for a second night, doubling down on their position as KCON’s must-watch next-gen act.
For full details and to claim your pass, visit kconusa.com and connect with the buzz on Instagram at @kconusa and CJ ENM at @cjenm.official. Ticket access is through AXS, and VIP packages, premium seats, and festival-ground passes are still available
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