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**Los Angeles Declares “KCON Day” as K-Pop Festival Returns, Expecting Record Crowds**

**LOS ANGELES, CA -** Downtown Los Angeles is bracing for an influx of K-pop fans this weekend as KCON, the massive Korean pop culture festival, kicks off its 13th annual iteration. The three-day event, running from August 1st to 3rd at the Los Angeles Convention Center and Crypto.com Arena, is expected to draw even larger crowds than last year, when it attracted over 5.9 million participants from 170 countries.

Celebrating the economic and cultural significance of K-pop, the Los Angeles City Council officially declared August 1st as “KCON Day.” Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky highlighted Los Angeles’ unique embrace of the festival, stating, “KCON has grown into a global phenomenon, and no city embraces it quite like LA.”

KCON features a packed schedule of panels, workshops, and interactive experiences during the day, culminating in nightly concerts showcasing established and up-and-coming K-pop artists. This year’s festival includes a new “X Stage” dedicated to emerging talents. The festival is also well known for hosting BTS in one of their earliest U.S. appearances.

Councilmember Curren Price emphasized the economic impact of the festival, saying it’s “an economic driver and a cultural reflection of Los Angeles’ international reach.”

Doane Liu, executive director of the city’s Tourism Department, noted KCON’s unique status as an annual fixture in Los Angeles, unlike most major conventions. The city is committed to ensuring KCON remains a staple for years to come.

Consulate General Kim Young Wan of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles joined city leaders in celebrating KCON’s recognition, highlighting its importance to Korean, Angelenos, and K-pop fans worldwide.

From its humble beginnings with 10,000 attendees in Anaheim, KCON has evolved into a global phenomenon, connecting millions with Korean culture through both in-person and digital experiences.

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