KCON LA 2026 once again transformed Los Angeles into a celebration of Korean music and culture, bringing fans together for three days of performances, artist interactions, food, beauty, shopping, and interactive experiences. While M COUNTDOWN remained the centerpiece of the weekend, the convention floor offered just as many opportunities for fans to discover something new. K-Beauty was a big focus with Olive Young Festa.
From the South Hall to Kentia Hall, KCON was filled with different stages and activities that allowed fans to experience artists outside of the main arena performances. New additions such as OLIVE YOUNG FESTA also expanded the event beyond music, demonstrating just how broad the K-culture experience has become.
A Convention Filled With Stages
One of the things that makes KCON different from a traditional convention is the number of stages spread throughout the convention. Fans did not have to wait until the evening M COUNTDOWN shows to see artists perform. Throughout the day, different stages provided opportunities to catch performances, interviews, dance segments, games, and fan interactions.
The convention stages created a more intimate environment than the arena shows. Instead of watching artists from the distant seats of a large venue, fans could get much closer to the performers and see another side of their personalities.
The various stages also meant there was almost always something happening somewhere on the convention floor. Fans could plan their day around specific artists or simply walk around and discover a performance they had not originally planned to see.
These stages also helped showcase newer and emerging artists alongside more established names. For fans who came primarily for the headliners, the convention became a chance to discover their next favorite artist.
OLIVE YOUNG FESTA Brings K-Beauty to KCON
One of the biggest additions to KCON LA 2026 was OLIVE YOUNG FESTA LA 2026, marking the first time Olive Young brought its signature beauty festival to the United States. Held at the Los Angeles Convention Center throughout the three-day convention, the Festa transformed a large portion of the event into an immersive K-beauty experience, bringing together approximately 55 Korean beauty and lifestyle brands. Rather than feeling like a traditional collection of vendor booths, the space was designed to encourage fans to explore, interact, take photos, and discover new products.
The Festa featured a wide variety of popular Korean beauty brands, including manyo, TIRTIR, Torriden, colorgram, VT Cosmetics, S.NATURE, and CLIO. Each booth offered its own activities and opportunities for fans to learn more about the products, with everything from skincare and makeup to haircare and lifestyle products available to explore. For longtime K-beauty fans, it was an opportunity to finally experience some of their favorite products in person, while newcomers could discover brands they may not have encountered before.
Olive Young Festa Stamp Rally
One of the most popular aspects was the stamp rally, which encouraged attendees to visit different sections and participating brands throughout the Festa. After completing the required activities, fans could receive an Olive Young goodie bag while supplies lasted. The bag was advertised as containing full-size K-beauty products valued at approximately $109, giving fans an extra incentive to explore as much of the space as possible.
The experience fit naturally into KCON because of the close relationship between K-pop and K-beauty. Fans often look to idols for inspiration in everything from makeup and hairstyles to skincare routines, and the Festa provided a physical space where attendees could explore many of the products and trends associated with Korean beauty. After watching an artist on one of KCON’s convention stages, fans could walk over to the Festa and discover the beauty brands that have become part of the larger K-culture experience.
The colorful installations and interactive displays also made the Festa a popular spot for photos and social media content, allowing fans to document their favorite discoveries throughout the weekend. With approximately 100,000 visitors attending during its first U.S. edition, OLIVE YOUNG FESTA proved to be more than an additional shopping area—it became one of the standout attractions of KCON LA 2026 and demonstrated just how much K-beauty has become intertwined with the global K-culture experience.
Kuromi’s Mischief Mansion
One of the most playful attractions at KCON was Kuromi’s Mischief Mansion, which brought Sanrio’s mischievous character into the convention in a way that was impossible to miss.
The themed space gave fans the opportunity to step into Kuromi’s world and take photos throughout the mansion. The attraction was especially popular for fans looking for something fun to do between artist stages and other convention activities. One of the highlights was the opportunity to take photos with Hello Kitty and Kuromi, giving fans a chance to capture the moment with two of Sanrio’s most recognizable characters.
The mansion’s visual design also made it a natural photo opportunity. With themed areas and character appearances, it became one of those stops where fans could create memories beyond simply collecting merchandise or watching performances. Kuromi also made an appearance during the M COUNTDOWN pre-show, with a video on the screen before her song was performed. Having Kuromi represented both inside the convention and during the concert programming made her presence feel like a small but memorable thread running through the weekend.
Toyota Brings the K-Culture Experience to the Booth Floor
Toyota was another major presence on the convention floor, creating an interactive booth that gave fans another reason to stop and explore.
Rather than functioning simply as a promotional display, the Toyota space was designed around fan participation. Visitors could explore the booth, take photos, and participate in activities while learning more about Toyota’s presence within the KCON experience.
The booth also provided another place for fans to gather between stages. With so many people moving through the convention throughout the day, these larger brand activations helped create natural meeting points while adding another layer to the overall festival atmosphere.
KCON’s brand partnerships have increasingly become part of the event itself, and Toyota’s booth fit into that larger approach by giving attendees something to experience rather than simply something to look at.
Exploring Kentia Hall
Kentia Hall offered another side of KCON LA 2026, with plenty of activities for fans who wanted to explore beyond the main convention areas.
The hall was filled with booths, interactive experiences, merchandise, food and cultural activities. For fans who enjoy collecting freebies and trying something new, Kentia Hall could easily become an entire afternoon destination.
There were opportunities to participate in games and challenges, take photos, discover products, and interact with brands. The variety meant that even fans who were not particularly interested in shopping could find activities worth checking out.
Kentia Hall also captured one of the best aspects of KCON: the sense of discovery. You could walk into the hall without a specific plan and come across an activity you had not expected to see. With the number of booths and experiences spread throughout the space, fans were encouraged to explore rather than simply move from one scheduled event to another. It gave KCON the feeling of a festival rather than a convention with a single focus.
KCON’s Convention Floor Keeps Fans Moving
Between the stages, brand activations, food, beauty experiences, and photo opportunities, the KCON convention floor stayed active throughout the weekend.
The different areas also allowed fans to customize their own KCON experience. Someone could spend the day following artist stages, while another attendee could focus on K-beauty, food, games, and merchandise.
That flexibility is one of the reasons KCON continues to feel different from a traditional K-pop concert. The M COUNTDOWN shows provide the massive arena experience, but the convention creates the environment where fans can slow down, explore, interact, and discover something unexpected.
And with attractions such as OLIVE YOUNG FESTA, Kuromi’s Mischief Mansion, Toyota’s booth, and the many activities throughout Kentia Hall, KCON LA 2026 made it clear that the festival is continuing to expand what a K-pop event can be.
Day 1 Starts With a Mix of Dance, New Artists, and Familiar Favorites
The first day of M COUNTDOWN opened with a fun pre-show that immediately established the festival atmosphere. A Kuromi video appeared on the screen before the character took the stage for a performance, giving fans an unexpected and playful start to the evening.
The Boston Conservatory at Berklee dance team followed with an energetic medley featuring music from groups including Stray Kids, IVE, aespa, and others. Their performance served as a reminder that K-pop’s choreography has become a global language of its own, inspiring dancers far beyond Korea.
From20 and HELLO GLOOM then brought a more intimate musical energy to the pre-show. From20 performed “Big Boy,” while HELLO GLOOM performed “Somebody.” The two artists later joined together for “119,” giving the pre-show a collaborative finish.
Once M COUNTDOWN officially began, Sung Han Bin welcomed the audience and kicked off the first major night of performances. Wing x KAYPA opened the artist portion before Hyunhayo of TREASURE made an entrance that immediately connected with the crowd. They walked through the audience while rapping before making his way onto the stage for “NALLY NA.”
New Faces and International Performances
KO1KEYZ, the representative act from PRODUCE 101 JAPAN SHINSEKAI, followed with “Shinsenkai.” The performance brought a distinctly Japanese idol energy to the M COUNTDOWN stage and highlighted KCON’s continued focus on connecting different corners of the Asian pop music scene.
H//PE PRINCESS brought a playful performance that included a cover of Block B’s “Very Good.” The group’s stage also included a song with the memorable “double double” lyric, keeping the audience engaged with a youthful and energetic performance.
Santos Bravos continued the international momentum with “Velocidade” and “MHM.” One member took a moment to tell the Los Angeles audience that they were finally in LA and that he was happy to be home, adding that this would not be their last visit.
Another standout collaboration came from Oisobagi, featuring So Jung-hwan of TREASURE, Park Gun-wook of ZEROBASEONE, and Kyehoon. The trio took on Crush and j-hope’s “Rush Hour,” giving the crowd a special stage that brought together members from different groups.
&TEAM, KICKFLIP, and TREASURE Keep the Energy High
&TEAM performed “Rush” and “Deer Hunter,” bringing their polished choreography and energetic stage presence to the arena.
KICKFLIP followed with “Eye-Poppin’” and “Backward,” continuing the rapid-fire sequence of performances. TREASURE then took the stage with “IF I” and “ZOOM ZOOM.”
Before “Run,” TREASURE asked the audience to stand and taught them a quick dance move, turning the performance into a much more interactive moment. It was one of those small touches that made the arena feel less like a concert audience and more like a participant in the show.
The collaboration between &TEAM and Santos Bravos was another highlight of the night. Santos Bravos performed a BTS cover of “Hooligan,” before &TEAM joined them for “Brand Brand New.” The groups then came together for “Permission to Dance,” with both artists encouraging the audience to sing along.
Wanna One’s Return Brings a Wave of Nostalgia
Im Siwan introduced the next stage, setting the stage for Wanna One. The group hasn’t been together for a while so the anticipation of seeing them perform together again was felt.
The group performed “Energetic” and “BOOMERANG,” immediately sending longtime fans back to the group’s original era. A video played afterward, chronicling the group’s beginnings, accomplishments, and journey before Wanna One returned to the stage for “Spring Breeze” and “Again.”
The performance was more than a reunion stage. It became one of the night’s strongest reminders of how quickly K-pop generations can pass—and how powerful nostalgia can be when an artist returns to the stage years later.
NCT 127 Closes Day 1 With an Arena-Sized Finale
NCT 127 brought Day 1 to its biggest finish with a set that showcased the group’s signature combination of performance-heavy choreography and high-energy production.
The group opened with “Lemonade” and “2 Baddies,” followed by “Summer127,” during which the members moved around the audience on the floor. They then performed “Touch,” giving fans a lighter change of pace.
NCT 127 also announced that their seventh album would be released on August 24, giving fans another reason to look forward to the group’s next chapter.
The final stretch—“Piñata,” “Fact Check,” and “Kick It”—turned the arena into one giant celebration. “Kick It” in particular was an explosive way to close the first night, sending the audience out with the energy KCON had built from the very beginning.
Day 3: SOUL CITY Comes Alive
Day 3 opened with a VCR introducing the concept of K-SOUL CITY, once again positioning KCON as a fictional city where different aspects of Korean culture intersect. Sung Han Bin, the creator of the opening concept, appeared to introduce the show.
The opening dance performance brought together Kida The Great, RIEHATA, and Bailey for a hip-hop-focused collaboration. The three dancers delivered a performance built around sharp choreography and contrasting styles before Sung Han Bin returned to continue the show’s introduction.
NEXZ Starts the Final Night With Precision
NEXZ made their first KCON performance and immediately demonstrated why their synchronized choreography has become one of their defining qualities.
The group performed the title track from their upcoming album “SAUCIN’,” which was scheduled for release on August 24, before performing “MMCK” from their second Korean single album.
The set quickly escalated into an explosive, beat-driven performance designed to get the crowd moving. For a group making its first KCON appearance, it was an effective introduction.
Wing followed with an EDM- and house-heavy set, including “Aventador,” bringing a completely different sound into the arena.
ALPHA DRIVE ONE Teases What’s Next
Soobin took over as announcer before ALPHA DRIVE ONE appeared alongside Wing for an intro stage.
ALPHA DRIVE ONE performed “Formula,” their pre-debut single, before teasing their upcoming album, also scheduled for August 24. The group even gave fans a preview of some of the choreography, including a killing point built around a dance break.
They also prepared a special performance of BTS’ “Fake Love” before moving into “Raw Glame.” The stage demonstrated the group’s ability to shift between a dramatic cover and their own developing identity.
RESCENE Turns the Arena Into a Fan-Made Moment
After a Girls Planet advertisement, RESCENE appeared in a VCR introducing their journey. The group recalled their first KCON appearance in Japan in 2025, where they performed on a smaller stage.
They then performed “Love Attack,” accompanied by the night’s first major confetti blast.
But what made RESCENE’s segment especially personal was the involvement of their fans. Another VCR featured fan-made videos created by the RESCENE team, with members of that fan team actually present in the crowd wearing matching blue shirts.
The group followed with “Pretty Girl,” a special single originally associated with KARA. The combination of the fan-created content and the performance made the segment feel less like a standard concert appearance and more like a celebration shared between the group and their fandom.
ALLDAY PROJECT Makes a Statement
ALLDAY PROJECT followed with “One More Time” and “Famous,” bringing their distinctive energy to the M COUNTDOWN stage.
After another ALPHA DRIVE ONE VCR and an Olive Young advertisement, the members even appeared among the audience to MC a portion of the show, creating another opportunity for fans to see the artists from much closer than they normally would during a large-scale concert.
Sangwon and the other members took part in a “Fit of the Day” segment, where fans competed in a playful posing game to determine the most energetic attendee. Olive Young kits added an extra incentive and tied the segment back into one of the weekend’s biggest festival partners.
MEOVV Brings Fierce Choreography
MEOVV opened their performance with a dramatic intro before launching into “HIT ‘EM.” Their intense choreography immediately changed the atmosphere of the arena.
“DDI DO RI” followed, giving the group another opportunity to show off their performance style. Later, the group returned for a “Clover Time” VCR and a special performance of “Jump,” complete with backup dancers and new outfits.
The two appearances gave MEOVV room to showcase different sides of their performance identity while keeping the energy high throughout the night.
Evan Takes the Stage Alone
Evan received some of the loudest cheers of the evening when he appeared for “Overflow.”
For his Harry Styles cover of “As It Was,” the production was stripped down to just Evan and a microphone stand. The simplicity allowed his vocals and interaction with the audience to take center stage.
He later performed “Ride or Die” with dancers, creating a dramatic transition from the intimate cover into a more performance-focused number.
JO1 Brings the Party
JO1 returned to KCON with “Whatcha Doin’,” an upbeat dance-pop track that immediately raised the energy.
The group also performed “Be Classic” in English, a single connected to their upcoming English EP, Animal, with the album scheduled for release in October.
They followed with “Sakura,” including a creative formation where the members faced the audience from different directions. Confetti filled the arena afterward, marking another celebratory moment during the final night.
TXT Turns Day 3 Into a Sing-Along
TXT’s entrance began with the sound of barking, immediately followed by an enormous reaction from the crowd.
The group launched into “0X1=LOVESONG,” with the members dressed in bedazzled denim. “Back for More” followed with backup dancers joining for the dance break.
After introducing themselves, TXT continued with “Danger” and “Good Boy Gone Bad,” moving around the stage and making full use of the production and backup dancers.
“Deja Vu” brought some of the loudest fan chants of the night, while the Dream Stage performance of “I’ll See You There Tomorrow” added another memorable audience-focused moment.
The final stretch became an enormous sing-along. “Anti-Romantic” brought out the microphone stands as fans sang along, followed by “Loser=Lover.” TXT then made another trip around the stage before their final ment and “So What.”
It was an appropriate ending to a weekend built around the relationship between artists and fans.
More Than Just a K-Pop Concert
KCON LA 2026 continued to evolve into something much larger than a three-day collection of concerts. The move to utilize both the South Hall and Kentia Hall helped spread out the festival’s food, beauty, shopping, and entertainment experiences, while new areas such as K-STORY and K-FOOD expanded the definition of what could be part of KCON.
The weekend’s biggest success may have been how naturally these different elements worked together. Fans could watch a favorite group on stage, visit an artist booth, try Korean food, discover a new skincare product at OLIVE YOUNG FESTA, participate in a dance challenge, and then head to the arena for another concert—all without ever really leaving the world of KCON.
And with OLIVE YOUNG FESTA welcoming approximately 100,000 visitors during its first U.S. edition, the partnership demonstrated that KCON’s future is not limited to music.
From the nostalgia of Wanna One and NCT 127’s explosive Day 1 finale to the rising acts making their KCON debuts and TXT closing Day 3 with a massive sing-along, KCON LA 2026 captured the many sides of modern Korean pop culture.
For three days, Los Angeles became SOUL CITY—and for the fans who walked through its streets, stages, booths, and arenas, there was something new to discover around every corner.
Written by: Diana | Photos by: Aaron V
