'KCON LA 2026' Expands Global Gen-Z Targeted Content with Sing-along and Watch Parties

*This content was translated by AI.

'KCON LA 2026 (KCON Los Angeles 2026),' a global cultural complex platform offering diverse attractions beyond K-pop, including beauty, food, and stories, is expected to deliver a differentiated experience where audiences can interact closely with artists and actors while enjoying the K-lifestyle.

The newly established 'K-STORY ZONE,' which received explosive responses at last year's 'KCON JAPAN 2026,' will be presented in a new format in Los Angeles, USA. Featuring an open-air screen inspired by Seoul's outdoor screening spaces, the zone will recreate Seoul's charming vibe within the festival grounds. As a signature space unique to 'KCON LA 2026,' the K-STORY ZONE is designed to allow attendees to experience K-content in novel ways.

Audiences visiting from around the world will be able to connect through open-air screens that fully replicate Korea's outdoor screening culture, enjoying drama highlight clips, Mnet Plus original content, behind-the-scenes footage, and more. Familiar sing-along traditions for K-pop fans, watch parties where they react alongside actors, and sincere talks will also take place.

'SING THE SCREEN' is structured as a high-density non-stop sing-along session, allowing K-pop fans to freely enjoy the culture of group singing. Notably, various stage setlists from K-pop artists will be released in advance, enabling fans to cheer for their favorites and sing along together.

Actors Park Eun-bin from tvN's new occult romance drama <Spooky Romance>, actor Lee Jun-hyuk and director Yoon Young-been from TVING's office comedy <Even the Lottery Winner Goes to Work>, and actor Lee Sang-hun from <XO, Kitty (XO, Kitty)>—a global hit spin-off of Netflix's 'To All the Boys I've Loved Before'—will join the 'WATCH PARTY' and 'BEYOND THE SCREEN' programs. During 'WATCH PARTY,' attendees can watch works alongside actors at the venue and share their reactions. 'BEYOND THE SCREEN' offers talk and Q&A sessions where fans can ask questions, communicate with actors, and create memories together.

Additionally, audiences can view original content and latest episodes from Mnet Plus, a global K-pop content platform, as well as cinematic trailers for new albums by groups like Alpha Drive One, all presented on large screens.

'KCON LA 2026' will be transformed into an urban festival space centered around this year's theme 'K-SOUL CITY,' concentrating the K-lifestyle within a Los Angeles hanbok-inspired setting. The event will feature spaces and photo zones evoking Seoul, along with programs offering diverse experiences of Korean culture overall. Attendees can enjoy various stages by K-pop artists, experience the latest K-beauty trends, savor K-food in areas capturing Korea's night market atmosphere, and explore a wide range of K-story content in open screening spaces. A blend of lifestyles and entertainment beloved by global Gen-Z will provide audiences with an even richer on-site experience.

Integration with digital platforms will be further strengthened. Having previously showcased online-offline connected fan experiences at 'KCON JAPAN 2026,' Mnet Plus will continue to serve as a key touchpoint for making KCON more accessible and convenient during 'KCON LA 2026.' On-site attendees can utilize features such as MAP services and digital queuing via Mnet Plus to efficiently navigate between the festival grounds, stages, and booth programs while enjoying KCON. Additionally, merchandise purchases will be available through Mnet Plus merch, and participatory booths for experiencing Mnet Plus content will also be set up on-site.

'KCON LA 2026' will feature a total of 37 acts, including globally recognized K-pop artists, leading figures in K-content, and messengers from various fields, meeting global K-lovers. In addition to diverse stages allowing fans to find and enjoy their favorites by time slot, the M COUNTDOWN STAGE, which will ignite Los Angeles nights over three days, is expected to offer special attractions with expanded one-hour daily headliner performances. The stage events will also be accessible via real-time streaming services through digital platforms. Major stages such as ARTIST STAGE and M COUNTDOWN STAGE are scheduled to be broadcast worldwide via Mnet Plus and the official KCON YouTube channel.

Meanwhile, KCON, organized by CJ ENM since 2012, is beloved as an Every K Festival encompassing all aspects of the K-lifestyle, including beauty, food, and stories centered around K-pop. Held in 14 regions worldwide—including Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the United States—it has recorded cumulative offline attendance of approximately 2.35 million people and supported global expansion for various companies and brands beyond K-pop artists. Notably, last year, the City of Los Angeles officially designated 'KCON Day,' recognizing its symbolic significance and influence as a global cultural event. 'KCON LA 2026' will be held from August 14 to 16 over three days at Crypto.com Arena and the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, USA, with Olive Young Festa participating as the title sponsor.

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*This content was translated by AI.