logo
KCON 2025 draws thousands of K‑pop fans to downtown Los Angeles

KCON 2025 draws thousands of K‑pop fans to downtown Los Angeles

Express Tribune21 hours ago
Downtown Los Angeles is packed with energy this weekend as KCON 2025, the world's largest K‑pop culture festival, takes place from August 1 to 3.
Hosted at the LA Convention Center and Crypto.com Arena, the three-day event marks KCON's 13th year in Los Angeles, its original home since 2012.
The event features a full convention experience including panels, workshops, brand activations, fan meet-and-greets, and five performance stages, one of which, the newly added 'X stage,' spotlights rising K‑pop talent.
KCON's global reach continues to expand, with last year's audience surpassing 5.9 million fans across more than 170 countries.
In recognition of KCON's cultural and economic significance, Los Angeles city officials have officially designated August 1 as 'KCON Day.'
The announcement was made in partnership with the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea, emphasizing the growing influence of Korean pop culture in the U.S.
KCON LA 2025 showcases a mix of global superstars and emerging artists, delivering immersive fan experiences and performances that blend music, dance, and multimedia production.
Highlights include the Dream Stage, where fans perform live with artists, and professional panels offering behind-the-scenes insight into the Korean entertainment industry.
The event will be livestreamed for fans worldwide, allowing those unable to attend in person to participate in real time.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

KCON 2025 draws thousands of K‑pop fans to downtown Los Angeles
KCON 2025 draws thousands of K‑pop fans to downtown Los Angeles

Express Tribune

time21 hours ago

  • Express Tribune

KCON 2025 draws thousands of K‑pop fans to downtown Los Angeles

Downtown Los Angeles is packed with energy this weekend as KCON 2025, the world's largest K‑pop culture festival, takes place from August 1 to 3. Hosted at the LA Convention Center and Arena, the three-day event marks KCON's 13th year in Los Angeles, its original home since 2012. The event features a full convention experience including panels, workshops, brand activations, fan meet-and-greets, and five performance stages, one of which, the newly added 'X stage,' spotlights rising K‑pop talent. KCON's global reach continues to expand, with last year's audience surpassing 5.9 million fans across more than 170 countries. In recognition of KCON's cultural and economic significance, Los Angeles city officials have officially designated August 1 as 'KCON Day.' The announcement was made in partnership with the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea, emphasizing the growing influence of Korean pop culture in the U.S. KCON LA 2025 showcases a mix of global superstars and emerging artists, delivering immersive fan experiences and performances that blend music, dance, and multimedia production. Highlights include the Dream Stage, where fans perform live with artists, and professional panels offering behind-the-scenes insight into the Korean entertainment industry. The event will be livestreamed for fans worldwide, allowing those unable to attend in person to participate in real time.

Paris Jackson confirms split from Justin Long after public breakdown
Paris Jackson confirms split from Justin Long after public breakdown

Express Tribune

time2 days ago

  • Express Tribune

Paris Jackson confirms split from Justin Long after public breakdown

Paris Jackson has officially ended her engagement to actor Justin Long, confirming the breakup just days after she was seen tearfully walking alone. The announcement came in the early hours of August 1 via her social media, following intense speculation after a photo of her crying went viral. The emotional image, captured shortly after Michael Jackson's 16th death anniversary, led fans to assume she was mourning her father. But Paris cleared the air with a blunt response on X (formerly Twitter), 'Those are breakup tears. Y'all are fkn reaching again.' The split comes as a shock, especially considering how recent reports had suggested the couple were deep into wedding planning. Friends of Paris told media as recently as July 29 that she had been busy organising the upcoming ceremony. The engagement, which lasted eight months, began in December 2024, when Paris shared a heartfelt post thanking Justin for being her person. Until earlier this month, the couple seemed inseparable, with Paris sharing affectionate snapshots from her tour with Incubus and Manchester Orchestra. But the public breakdown, followed by her social media confirmation, marks a clear and painful end to the relationship. The 27-year-old singer and model, daughter of the late King of Pop, has spoken candidly about her journey with mental health and sobriety. In January 2025, she celebrated five years clean from alcohol and heroin, crediting her sobriety for giving her the strength to feel deeply, both joy and heartbreak. While Paris hasn't issued any additional statements, her fans have rallied with support online. Many are praising her honesty and resilience, especially in dealing with grief and personal loss in such a public spotlight.

Michael Jackson's dirty sock from 1997 concert sells for $8,822 at auction
Michael Jackson's dirty sock from 1997 concert sells for $8,822 at auction

Express Tribune

time3 days ago

  • Express Tribune

Michael Jackson's dirty sock from 1997 concert sells for $8,822 at auction

A rhinestone-covered sock once worn by Michael Jackson during a 1997 concert on his HIStory World Tour has fetched $8,822 at a French auction, far surpassing its $3,400–$4,500 estimate. The pop icon wore the off-white, glittery sock during a performance in Nîmes, France. After the show, a stage technician discovered it discarded near Jackson's dressing room. The sock, showing signs of age with yellowing and dulled rhinestones, was preserved in a display frame alongside the technician's backstage pass. Michael Jackson's old dirty sock has sold for over $8,000 at an auction in France — Xtra'O' (@DigitalXtraO) July 30, 2025 Auctioned through the Nîmes-based house Interencheres, the sock quickly drew global attention from collectors and fans. French auctioneer Aurore Illy described the item as 'an exceptional object — even a cult one for Michael Jackson fans.' Jackson famously wore sparkly socks during his performance of 'Billie Jean,' and they became a signature part of his iconic stage presence. The 1997 sock's authenticity and connection to the HIStory tour elevated its appeal, despite visible signs of wear. This isn't the first time Michael Jackson memorabilia has attracted high bids. In 2009, a Macau casino paid $350,000 for the glove he wore during his first moonwalk in 1983. While it remains unclear what the aged sock smells like — or whether it grants the ability to moonwalk — its new owner now owns a glittering piece of pop history. Michael Jackson collectibles continue to command strong demand, proving the King of Pop's legacy remains as powerful as ever.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store