Los Angeles Heats Up Once Again with KCON LA 2018!

Marking their sixth year in Los Angeles, California, KCON LA has once again returned with an even bigger and better convention and concert for fans to enjoy. Ranging from a variety of booths to idols appearing on the convention floor to the high-energy concert, KCON LA has outdone themselves for another year.

Convention Craziness

KCON never fails to bring a large array of booths to the convention. This year saw the comeback of the Kakao Friends, where for those who checked-in received a Kakao Friends character fan to help keep cool during the hot heat. The booth also sold exclusive Ryan and Apeach merchandise for those attending the convention. The K-Beauty booths had upped the ante this year by bringing more interactive booths to take photos to gain free samples of their featured products as well as smaller individual booths from other Korean skincare and beauty brands where you could test and purchase their products. Food-related booths such as McDonalds, Lotte, and Melona were also present inside of the convention, where attendees could grab a quick snack while roaming around the convention center. The Flowerboy Cafe and dance workshop areas were once again present for fans to hang out and also dance the day away.

photos by Annika Brandes

No KCON convention is complete without having designated areas and booths to catch the idols making an appearance on the exhibit floor. From the KCON stage to the K-Pop World area, idols graced the floor, meeting the fans who were not able to obtain the special meet-and-greet vouchers. Lucky fans who were in the area and managed to get a pass also had the amazing opportunity to take part in a special autograph signing with the idols who were able to come to the convention.

There were several panels going on during the convention as well, hosting special meet and greets and Q&A’s with panelists such as Cha Cha Malone, The Shib Sibs, Alex Reid, James Lee, as well as content creators like JRE, QPark, GoToe, and so much more. Panels served as a more intimate setting for panelists to talk not only about their work but to spend time talking to their fans.

Concert Mayhem

The biggest part of KCON is the concert and this year’s lineup did not disappoint. The Staples Center was packed to the brim on both nights, filled with eager and excited fans singing, dancing, and screaming for their favorites within the lineup of the concert.

KCON LA Night 1

Kicking off night one of the two-day concert series was MOMOLAND, and those who were in attendance can vouch for the intense and loud fanchants when “BAAM” and “Bboom Bboom” came on. Other performances included Crush, Dynamic Duo, Davichi, rising artist Mia, Golden Child, and IN2IT. But that was not all for the first night of concerts! Among the lineup was TWICE, returning to KCON LA for the second time. Fans went wild as the ladies took to the stage and danced their iconic songs such as “Dance The Night Away,” “LIKEY,” “CHEER UP,” and “What is Love.” When it came down to their fanchants, ONCE definitely made their presence known as they went all in with singing along and doing the fanchants for each song. Another big powerhouse of the lineup is Ailee as she made her first KCON LA appearance and greeted fans on the West coast. Ailee definitely broke the stage and made it her own as she commanded the stage with her overwhelming charisma and presence. To close out night one for KCON was none other than the popular boy group, Wanna One. Wannables too made their presence known during the group’s set. Wanna One’s performance for KCON LA was rather bittersweet as well as we all know that the group is nearing the end of their contract but regardless, Staples Center brought the heat and love for Wanna One and made it a memorable one for the project group.

KCON LA Night 2

Night two brought another round of great artists to the Staples Center. For the first time, fans were able to greet the rising girl group Dreamcatcher as they opened up for the concert. Other artists that performed on the second night were fromis_9, IMFACT, Roy Kim, JUN (also known as JunCurryAhn), and Chungha. Fans were also treated to a special stage featuring all the female acts of the night, showcasing a darker and sexier side to them with their own dance stage. The big acts of the night kicked off with PENTAGON, as this was their first time attending KCON LA (although many were sad to know that the group was incomplete due to Yanan and E’Dawn not being present). Jun had a surprise opening for PENTAGON, as he played his violin to the intro of “Shine” before PENTAGON then appeared amongst the crowd. Fans were super hyped and energized as they sang along to “Shine.” NU’EST W also was one of the most highly anticipated groups of the night as they have made their return for the second year in a row to KCON LA. Closing out KCON LA 2018 was SEVENTEEN as they brought the dance party once again to the Staples Center as this was also their second year in a row for attendance. Performing songs such as their latest release, “Oh My!,” “Mansae,” and “Very Nice” the crowd went crazy for the male group.

Nonetheless, fans who attended KCON LA 2018 had the time of their lives and another year for KCONUSA is in the books. Stay tuned for some exclusive interviews that The Kraze was able to have for KCON LA! In the meantime, who do you want to see come to KCON LA and KCON NY next year?