KCON LA this year featured one of the best lineups the convention has ever had- a mix of 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and even the newly introduced 5th generation idols and groups showcasing their discography to eagerly awaiting K-pop fans worldwide. Although the three concert days were filled with energetic and breathtaking performances from all the artists, here are POP TOKKI’s KCON LA 2023 concert highlights!
Taemin
Taemin, one of the most highly anticipated artists in the lineup for this year’s KCON, put on a show-stopping performance, singing his fan favorites ‘Criminal,’ ‘Advice’ and ‘Move.’ His captivating stage presence along with his songs’ catchy and addictive melody had every fan in the arena mesmerized, singing and cheering along. Every second was filled with screams of support for Taemin, making him one of the most memorable closers in KCON history and further solidifying his title as the “Idol of Idols.”
NCT
Being able to see NCT Artists live at KCON was definitely a highlight for many who attended the event. WayV and Taeyong both had their own separate stages, the group performing a song well-known by K-pop fans around the world, ‘Love Talk,’ and Taeyong performed his latest single ‘Shalala.’ Combining the two artists, KCON showcased an NCT U Special Stage with members Taeyong and Ten, where they performed their iconic duo song ‘Baby Don’t Stop.’ The NCT soloist and subunit absolutely dominated day one, making the stage theirs in a way that will be unforgettable to KCON spectators worldwide.
IVE
Performing ‘Kitsch’ and ‘Love Dive,’ IVE put on a mesmerizing stage compilation of their hit songs. IVE’s song ‘I Am’ was also the first song featured in KCON’s “Dream Stage,” where talented fans dance with their favorite idols after passing multiple rounds of auditions. IVE’s Wonyoung also made appearances throughout the show as the Special MC of the night, introducing fans to their favorite artists. The girl group proved to be one of the best all-rounder fourth-generation groups with their talent, visuals, and fanservice at this year’s KCON.
ATEEZ
Although this is the group’s fourth year attending KCON LA, ATEEZ brought a unique and riveting performance to the crowd. They opened with the symphony version of their hit song ‘Wonderland,’ then performed four songs after that: ‘Bouncy,’ the viral song that broke multiple of their own and fourth generation records, ‘Pirate King,’ which was last performed at KPOP Masterz 2 in Manilla in 2022, ‘From,’ one of their songs from early in their career, and closed with ‘Guerilla,’ known for its iconic fan chant at the end. ATEEZ is no stranger to KCON, and this year proved to be one of their most iconic KCON performances yet.
Zerobaseone
Monster Rookies ZEROBASEONE absolutely rocked the stage with their first U.S. performance at KCON. The group performed three songs, two of their own, ‘New Kids On The Block’ and their title track ‘In Bloom’ which broke many records in the K-pop charts. They also were the artist featured for day two’s Dream Stage, the group and their fans ZEROSE performing Boy’s Planet’s ‘Here I Am.’ Their energetic and fresh performances were the perfect embodiment of youthful self-discovery, proving yet again that ZEROBASEONE is the perfect group to start the fifth generation of K-pop.
(G)I-DLE
Making a pit stop at KCON through their “I am FREE-TY” world tour, (G)I-DLE took the stage with their party song ‘Queencard’ and ‘Tomboy’ a song that went viral due to its catchy melody and addictive choreography. The group, known for their dedication to pushing the limits and their confidence, had fans loudly cheering and following along to ‘Queencard,’ a song about being confident in yourself no matter who you are. They were the perfect headliner for the last day, and ended KCON this year on a high note.
Want to see more from KCON LA? Follow their Instagram here! Comment below or on Instagram who you were excited to see this year, or who you hope to see next year!
