Hong Kong, 2024 – CJ ENM, South Korea’s leading entertainment company, is holding the world’s largest K-POP-centered Hallyu culture celebration “KCON” at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong from March 30th (Saturday) to 31st (Sunday) this year. In addition to K-POP performances, the audience can also enjoy diversified exhibitions and activities, allowing them to experience the unique Korean culture. KCON was first held in the United States in 2012 and has since been held in 9 countries and regions including Japan, France, Australia, and Thailand. In the past 12 years, the cumulative audience has reached 1.65 million.

CJ ENM brings KCON to Hong Kong for the first time this year. The two-day “KCON HONG KONG 2024” includes three major programs, an exhibition, a fan meeting, and a large-scale concert, which is a grand event. The exhibition has 25 exhibition booths, covering K-POP, K-FOOD, K-DRAMA and K-MOVIE, etc. This year KCON launched “STAMP TOUR” and KCON official products, allowing viewers to experience the Korean wave lifestyle and culture while chasing stars. There are two major stages “KCON STAGE” and “DANCE ALL DAY” in the exhibition hall. K-POP artists will appear at different times to communicate closely with the audience.

The performance on the first day (DAY 1) has been successfully concluded. “KCON STAGE” featured TEMPEST, VIVIZ and YENA, giving exciting performances to warm up the evening concert. Among them, VIVIZ member Umji sang a solo Chinese song “The Moon Represents My Heart”, showing off her language talent. “DANCE ALL DAY” is specially designed for audiences who love K-POP dance. WHIB, who debuted at the end of last year, TWS, who debuted at the beginning of this year, and xikers, appeared on the “DANCE ALL DAY” stage on the first day to interact with the audience. One of KCON’s most popular programs, “MEET & GREET”, featured BOYNEXTDOOR, HIGHLIGHT, VIVIZ and WayV on the first day, which was divided into four sessions. They chatted and interacted with fans and created beautiful memories together.

On the first day of the concert, the performing units: WHIB, TWS, BOYNEXTDOOR, xikers, YENA, WayV, HIGHLIGHT and aespa took turns stepping on the red carpet and became the focus of the spotlight, and fans cheered one after another. WayV, which is active in China and South Korea, sent member Hendery to say hello in Cantonese when being interviewed on the red carpet. The popular girl group aespa also made their appearance on the red carpet, and they are participating in KCON for the first time. It happens that KCON is also held in Hong Kong for the first time. Aespa member Winter said that she is excited to participate in many “firsts” and is looking forward to it. Aespa also revealed that they will hold a concert in Hong Kong in June.

The highlight of “KCON HONG KONG 2024” is the large-scale concert held in Hall 1, which started at 7 p.m., with Hong Kong singer ANSONBEAN, the second runner-up of “Star Making 3”, as the opening guest. The concert was hosted by aespa member Ning Ning and BOYNEXTDOOR member Jae Hyun. HIGHLIGHT started the show with four members showing their skills after debuting for 14 years. TWS then came on stage and sang the new song “Plot Twist”, and then it was BOYNEXTDOOR’s turn. They sang their song “OUR” from their new album released in mid-April. They also practiced Cantonese and took turns saying “ONEDOOR (fan name) “Hello everyone”, “It’s so nice to meet you all”, “I miss you so much”, “Thank you for welcoming us so warmly”. Xikers, who celebrated their one-year debut anniversary yesterday, chose to spend time with their fans at KCON. The members said they were very happy to meet Hong Kong fans, tasted Hong Kong food and also admired the beautiful scenery of Hong Kong, and promised to come to Hong Kong often. YENA sang the popular songs “Good Morning” and “Smiley” in one breath, showing her cute and sweet side. WayV brought the exciting songs and dances “Love, Talk” and “Poppin’ Love”.

There was also special stage performances that can only be seen at KCON yesterday night. The first is “DREAM STAGE”, which has always been loved by fans and was co-created by K-POP artists and fans. Yesterday morning, hundreds of dancing talents came to participate in the selection. About 50 selected fans stepped onto the KCON stage with Aespa to perform the hit song “Next Level”. This once-in-a-lifetime dream stage was a touching scene.

“KCON HONG KONG 2024” Day 2 will be held at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong on March 31. The performance lineup includes ATEEZ, DAY6, JO1, Sistar19, TEMPEST, VIVIZ and ZEROBASEONE, so stay tuned.

Article and photo credits to CJ ENM