[REVIEW] KCON 2013 – All Things Hallyu

KCON 2013 completes another successful event in Los Angeles, California! This year, KCON 2013 expanded to a bigger venue as well as making the event two days with more fans and more activities.

On August 24th and 25th, KCON 2013 held their 2 day convention and concert at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena. With hundreds of staff and volunteers, thousands of fans, and some of the best artists of Korea, KCON was named one of the largest Korean entertainment and culture events to ever hit Los Angeles. Last year, over 10,000 fans attended KCON 2012 and this year, many more have joined the spectacular event. With such a big hype, #KCON2013 was trending on Twitter’s worldwide trends by the end of the second night, thus gaining attention on an international level.

The 2 day event included panels, workshops, and artist engagements. They had well known food-trucks and great entertainment booths for fans to buy their favorite merchandise and participate in games and contests. They included a side stage where “Danny From LA” was filmed live as well as performances by Yoo Seung Woo, Jun Sung Ahn, After Romeo, and many more. KCON simply brought South Korea to Los Angeles and making an unforgettable experience for fans of all ages.

Many special guests were present for different workshops and panels, including Aimee Lee Lucas, former After School member, Bekah, Bobby Lee, Chad Future, Danny Im, Drew Ryan Scott, and Heejun Han. Also Jake Patchett, Dumbfoundead, Bruce “Automatic” Vanderveer have participated in different panels throughout the two days. The list doesn’t stop there, JD Relic, Shin-B, Tokimonsta, Nylon Pink, Sean Richard Dulake, and even Jeremy Thurber was around for the 2 day convention.

Henry of Super Junior M had a panel promoting and talking about his upcoming movie, “Final Recipe.” Booths included CGV, Tous Les Jours, Bibigo, Soompi, Hulu Plus, Viki, SM Entertainment pop-up store, Nongshim, K-Beauty Zone and many many more. Fanclubs also were able to participate with booths by 2ONEDAY, Soshified, CODEEXO, EXOTICS, RUNNING FAN and more.

KCON proved its international popularity with thousands of fans from all over the world lining up as early as three to four hours before the gates were even opened! Fans were so dedicated that they even dressed up as their favorite K-pop idols and brought a lot of fan support items despite the heat. With a wide array of booths and contests, fans knew how to keep themselves entertained and energized throughout the entire day. KCON was truly an event where K-pop fans can, in the words of KCON, “geek out Kpop style.”

Walking around, we interviewed some fans on what they thought of the event. Fans have mentioned despite the long lines, parking fee’s, and a long-two day event, they enjoyed KCON and what it brought. Fans have revealed that they enjoyed the booths and loved the many different panels. With a jam packed 2 day event, it was impossible to not enjoy KCON. This is only KCON’s second year and fans are already anticipating for what’s in store for KCON 2014!

The most interesting panel to me was the “writing the next KPOP Song” which included panelists Sean Alexander, Joe Lee, John Major, Ebony Cunningham, and Automatic Vanderveer. They spoke about their favorite K-POP groups, songs, who they liked working with, and who they would like to work with in the future. The group of songwriters and producers were asked many questions about how they write and some of the materials they use. John Major also answered questions concerning lyrics. He is the writer of “Don’t Go” as well as hit song “Growl” by EXO and mentioned that it was always surprising to see different lyrics. He revealed that the original lyrics of “Growl” were really “put it on” versus what it is now, “eureureong.”

Artist Engagement’s included Hi-touch events, Fan signing’s and more. HypnoticAsia was present at EXO, f(x) and 2AM’s events and they all had different things in store for fans. While EXO focused on just Q&A and singing different covers for their fans, f(x) signed postcards and gave them out. 2AM did both the hi-touch and fansigning. The ballad group didn’t stop there though, they answered a Q&A for fans as well. No matter what sessions were given, all three groups interacted with the LA Fans.

They ended the 2nd night with a great concert. KCON was joined by M-net’s number 1 K-POP chart show, M!Countdown. The concert event was named “M!Countdown What’s Up LA” and will be aired later as an M!Countdown special. The concert lineup included some of Korea’s biggest artists as well as America’s. Big Bang’s leader, G-Dragon joined the lineup and gave fans an amazing performance, even collaborating with world-wide famous Missy Elliott. SM Entertainment’s girl group f(x) performed some of their hits including their newest track, “Rum Pum Pum Pum.”  SM Entertainment also sent 12-member boy group EXO and Super Junior M’s Henry. Henry was joined by Amber for his newest single “1-4-3 (I Love You)” and sang the English version of his song “Trap.” EXO performed their hit songs “Growl,” “Wolf,” and “3.6.5.”

Teen Top of Top Media also had their comeback stage in Los Angeles and revealed their new song “Rocking” for the first time ever. Hip-Hop duo, Dynamic Duo hyped up the crowd with 3 of their hit songs including their newest track, “BAAM.” 2AM was also present and fans participated by singing along to their songs. The 4-member group sang a special, performing Bruno Mars’ “Just The Way You Are.” Yoo Seung Woo collaborated with HeeJun Han and they performed a medley of hit KPOP songs and later he went on to sing his song “Hello.” DJ Koo opened up the concert with his awesome DJ skills and that’s how all the groups were introduced. Also as a special surprise, hit girl group CRAYON POP took the stage and the whole stadium fan chanted to their hit song “Bar Bar Bar” gaining the attention of many producers present at the event.

Jeff Bernat also opened the concert and was followed by Chad Future and his dancers. Surprising many fans, PSY was present at the concert, walking in after the lights went down to watch the concert unfold.

Overall, KCON 2013 was a successful event; gaining worldwide attention and a star-studded lineup, everyone is excited for KCON 2014.

Photos of KCON2013 can be found HERE.