KCON Celebrates Milestone 10th Anniversary with Special Commemorative Events

A Decade of Cultural Bridge-Building Reaches New Heights in Los Angeles

Source: KCON

LOS ANGELES — As KCON LA 2025 celebrated its 10th anniversary, the festival paid homage to its remarkable journey from a modest convention in 2012 to becoming the world's largest K-culture celebration, having welcomed over 2.1 million fans across multiple international locations.

The anniversary celebration began with an elegant K-Culture Night at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, hosted in partnership with CJ ENM. The evening featured Korean American singer Eric Nam as MC, conducting an intimate interview with Korean actor Yim Si-wan from the hit series "Squid Game." The star-studded lineup included performances by Stage Fighter winner CHOIHOJONG, J-Pop group IS:SUE, Korean rapper Lee Young-ji, and K-pop group P1Harmony.

This pre-festival event set the tone for a weekend that honored KCON's evolution from showcasing K-pop to embracing "All Things Hallyu" — encompassing K-dramas, K-beauty, Korean cuisine, and broader cultural elements that have captivated global audiences.

The anniversary theme was woven throughout the festival's programming, with special retrospective moments highlighting how KCON has expanded from its Los Angeles origins to international destinations including New York, Tokyo, Bangkok, and Abu Dhabi. The festival's growth mirrors the explosive global popularity of Korean culture, positioning KCON as both a catalyst and beneficiary of the Hallyu wave.

Source: KCON

Festival organizers emphasized how the 10-year milestone represents more than just longevity — it symbolizes the successful creation of a lasting cultural bridge between Korea and the international community. The event has evolved from simply presenting Korean entertainment to fostering genuine cultural exchange and understanding.

The anniversary celebration also acknowledged the festival's role in launching international careers for K-pop artists and providing a platform for cultural newcomers to connect with established global fandoms. This legacy was evident in the diverse programming that balanced veteran artists with emerging talent, creating intergenerational connections that define the modern K-pop landscape.