4 STANDOUT KCON LA 2025 MOMENTS

Last weekend, the biggest celebration of K-pop and K-entertainment in the U.S. took place at the Los Angeles Convention Center and Crypto.com Arena, gathering fans from all over the country and putting them in one place surrounded by all of their favorite K-pop acts. KCON LA 2025 had a lineup that featured both fresh faces and familiar names, igniting excitement in all fans, old and new. POP TOKKI had the chance of attending KCON weekend, so here are some of our standout moments from the star-studded three-night celebration of K-pop!

The Return of Third Gen

This year, the M COUNTDOWN stage saw an abundance of artists arising from the 3rd generation of K-pop. With groups returning from their military service, like MONSTA X, and artists like HOSHI X WOOZI using the stage as a farewell before enlistment, the KCON audience experienced the quality and style from one of the most iconic generations of K-pop. Performing hits as old as almost 10 years, these acts took the audience on a nostalgic journey, giving long-time fans a warm feeling while introducing new K-pop fans to the iconic songs like “Whiplash” by NCT 127, “Bring It” by SEVENTEEN and a MAMAMOO melody performed by Hwasa. This return of classic groups seemed to be on theme with the 30th anniversary of the Korean music broadcasting channel, MNET.

ZEROBASEONE Takeover

From MCing to a surprise comeback announcement, ZEROBASEONE took over every night of the M COUNTDOWN stage. Night one saw MCs Sung Han Bin and Matthew as they dazzled the audience with their charm in between performances before taking the stage with their group for a compilation of their hits featuring “Doctor! Doctor!” and “BLUE.” 

Following their lively performance on night one, night two not only saw Sung Han Bin and Ricky as MCs but also featured the group members in various special stages. First, Zhang Hao joined forces with i-dle’s YUQI to channel their inner Bonnie and Clyde with a performance of “Now” by Trouble Maker. Then, Matthew and Gun Wook hit the stage with an English version of “Back Packer.” Finally, we see Tae Rae teamed up with singer Roy Kim for a dreamy rendition of Coldplay’s “Everglow.” 

Just when you thought they were done, there’s still night three! The final night of KCON LA 2025 Presented by Olive Young featured Sung Han Bin and Zhang Hao as MCs. For this night, the group took the stage again as they displayed their latest single, “SLAM DUNK,” alongside tracks “Devil Game” and “KILL THE ROMEO.” Following this performance, a promised “special announcement” revealed the group’s comeback date, set for Sep. 1.

Pretty Boys Hit the Stage

P1Harmony is another group who stayed on the minds of KCONners this year. Their participation in the convention booths like Chi Forest and WEBTOON, paired with the unforgettable spectacle on the M COUNTDOWN stage, was sure to generate new fans. In true KCON fashion, the sextet began their set in the crowd with “Street Star,” before the audience erupted into cheers for the next song, “Pretty Boy.” This track stood out as an obvious crowd favorite with the continuous chants of iconic lines such as “pretty girls like pretty boys like me” and the addicting chorus. They then close out their set with another fan favorite track, “DUH!,” leaving everyone wanting more. 

Fourth Generation It Girls

While there were plenty of third-generation idol acts and up-and-coming fifth-generation groups taking part in KCON this year, fourth-generation girl groups dominated the stage every night. IVE delivered a powerful four-song set featuring popular songs “I AM” and “ATTITUDE,” holding it down as the only fourth-generation girl group of the night. NMIXX and aespa took over for night two, both delivering powerhouse performances with hit songs like “DASH” and “Supernova” while also integrating new tracks into their setlists like “KNOW ABOUT ME” and “Dirty Work.” Like the queens they are,  i-dle opened night three with “Queencard,” transforming the KCON stage into a pink landscape. Also draped in pink was Kep1er, who took the stage to showcase the refreshing tune “TIPI-TAP,” followed by “Yum” and a special preview of their upcoming release called “BubbleGum.” i-dle then returned to the stage for one last strong praise to femininity with “Super Lady,” “Good Thing” and “Wife.”

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Featured Image Credit: Courtesy of CJ ENM