1VERSE has announced that they will be postponing their upcoming concert in Minnesota due to safety concerns for artists and fans. 1VERSE is a five-member boyband that was created by Singing Beetle Entertainment. They debuted in July of 2025 and just recently release their song “WABIF (‘Wide Awake before I Fall’)”.
The band consists of five members—Hyeok, Seok, Nathan, Kenny, and Aito. Member Hyeok is currently on a personal and health hiatus right now and will not be participating in the tour.
1VERSE was scheduled to perform at Granada Theater in Minneapolis tomorrow night. However, the concert has been postponed due to the political unrest happening in Minneapolis. Tomorrow will mark 1 week since the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti and today will be second General Strike in Minnesota.
The concert has been postponed to March 25th, 2026.
Read the full announcement of the postponement below.
** UPDATE: Due to Visa issues, the LA and San Francisco stop of the tour has been moved to after the Chicago stop. For full information, please check out the official announcement from Oppang: First Announcement & Announcement of change of dates **
Solo artist JUNHEE (previously JUN of A.C.E) recently announced his first US solo tour, <INTO THE OCEAN>. The tour will begin in San Francisco, California before making his way through Texas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, New York, Minnesota, and ending in Chicago, Illinois. The tour is ran by oppangofficial and KORUS Entertainment.
JUNHEE began his career as a contestant on episode 7 of the hit Korean variety show <I Can See Your Voice 4>. He later debuted as the leader of the K-pop idol group A.C.E under Beat Interactive. In 2024, A.C.E embarked on a U.S. Tour and participated in K-CON LA 2024. Their contract ended after the tour and the members of A.C.E decided to pursue solo careers under different companies.
Since starting his solo career, JUNHEE has established his own label, H&P Entertainment, is actively working on his music, and continues to connect with fans through live broadcasting platforms. He recently released his solo single “Supernova” and the mini album “The First Day & Night.”
He also released a singing cover of the hit song “Your Idol” and “Free” from the popular Netflix animated film KPop Demon Hunters after many fans requested it. Many fans noted that the character Jinu sounded and looked similar to JUNHEE. Fans celebrated when JUNHEE released a surprise cover of the songs.
We are looking forward to seeing JUNHEE performed in Minnesota on January 13th at the 7th Street Entry at First Avenue. Tickets for the Minnesota stop can be purchased on AXS.
Outside of the tour, JUNHEE will also be holding a Video call and Photo Event in Seoul on 12.25.2025 (KST). The chance to apply for these events can be purchased on inmyroom.co.kr with a purchase of his album.
It’s been a while since I attended a concert as a fan. Recently, I have only been covering concerts as a concert photographer / journalist. I debated a lot whether I should attend the SF9 concert. When the concert was first announced, I was shocked because of the VIP benefits, admissions ticket, and everything was sold separately. To be honest, it was just way too expensive and far away. So I decided to not attend the concert even though I really like SF9.
However, fans started circulating that there was a sale on the tickets. And after much thought, I ended up buying last minute tickets to see SF9 live in Kansas City, Missouri. VIP tickets for the stop was 50% off if you use the code FANTASY. Regular GA tickets for the show was 80% off if you use the code FANTASY80 so it was a great deal! You could attend the concert with GA tickets for ~$15!
It was so shocking to see VVIP and VIP set up the way it was. VVIP had group photo with the artist and VIP had fansign with the artist. Usually, VVIP had more benefits than VIP (ex. group photo AND fansign). But this one was split and you had to choose between one or the other. I guess the only thing you were paying for if you got VVIP was earlier access to choose your seats. After much debating, I decided to go with the VIP experience because I would rather have a signed poster than a photo with the artists since I already planned to do the snapshot option.
For as shocking as the ticket prices and benefit system was, the experience itself was super great and well organized. It was one of the best concerts and concert experiences I had ever had. Check in was super quick and easy. I arrived at around 2:45PM, was able to quickly check in and get my VIP lanyard, premium concert admission wristband, and snapshot tickets. I was in and out within 5 minutes.
Studio PAV had a queue system (like they do in Korea) and “No-Line” rule, so your entrance queue number was based on your ticket tier and how early you bought the tickets. Since I bought my tickets last minute, I was at the back of the VIP line. But, thankfully, that wasn’t too bad for this concert and venue because we were at an seated auditorium.
VIP Experience
I thought the VIP experience was really well done. Since we were in a seated auditorium at a community center, they didn’t really have a room to split VVIP from VIP. We all entered the venue based on our tier and queue number and was organized to sit in the chairs in front of the stage. Once we were all seated, the staff quickly told us what was going to happen and what to expect. The directions were loud and clear. VVIP was seated in the rows before us. They will go up on stage based on their seats and wait in line on the left side of the stage. Each person must have their phones ready. When it was their turn, they handed their phone to the staff member, sat in the chair in front of SF9 and got their photo taken. It was fun to watch because most people had a pose they wanted to do with SF9. So it was funny, cute, and exciting to see what each fan had planned for their 1 For All photo.
After the VVIP’s finished their last photo, the boys went backstage. The staff quickly set up some tables, chairs, and markers for the VIP fansign. Then VIP’s were instructed to stand up and line up in our correct order. SF9 came back out. When we got on the stage, we got a poster and went up to the table where SF9 was sitting. I think the order for the fansign was Chani, Hwiyoung, Inseong, Jaeyoon, and Youngbin. The fansign goes by really fast. I really just wanted to say hi to each member and look them in the eye because I wasn’t able to do that with ONEWE (I was too nervous). Inseong surprised me by asking for my name. I was shocked and all I said was my name. I don’t even remember saying “hello” or “thank you” to him.
After the fan sign ended, the boys went backstage again. Then we had sound check and the boys performed 3 songs for us. The seating for soundcheck was how we were sat when we first came in. After soundcheck ended, we were organized into our seats for the show.
Seating
How did seating go? We were moved to the top seats after sound check. They separated us as Premium or General Admission. Then they started calling out numbers for VVIP + Premium Admission ticket holders. The order went as below:
VVIP + Premium Admissions
VIP + Premium Admissions
VVIP + General Admissions
VIP + General Admissions
Non-VVIP/VIP fans came in after all of VIP was seated. They were lined up outside and came in as following:
Premium admissions
General admissions
I think the only other thing that was shocking was that merch was closed during the concert. If you needed to pick up snapshot tickets or wanted to check out merch you had to wait until after the concert if you didn’t pick them up before the concert. When I checked with merch, they only had some photo postcards and no other merch. A lot of people bought last minute snapshot tickets. You could still buy tickets before the concert but you had to buy them online then show the QR code to the merch volunteers when you went up to pick it up.
Concert
The concert was so so so so good! SF9 debuted in October 2016 under FNC Entertainment. Their debut song is “Fanfare”. They just hit their 9th year anniversary. Happy anniversary! If you are looking for a boyband who is really good at interacting with their fans, has a great sense of humor, and has great songs, SF9 is the band for you! They have a lot of really great and popular songs like “O Sole Mio”, “Good Guy”, “WARARU”, and “Tear Drop”. They also just released the song, “LOVE RACE,” earlier this year. Check them out! You won’t be disappointed 🙂 You can watch a highlight of the concert below:
Snapshot Experience
After the concert ended, they gave people without snapshot tickets time to trickle out of the auditorium and into the lobby and for people to pick up their snapshot tickets if they have not yet. Then, we were all separated based on whose snapshots we had. If you had snapshots for more than one member, you just have to go to the back of the other member’s line after you finished taking your photos.
They called Youngbin’s line first so I got up and went to his line. When they finished organizing everyone, SF9 members came out and stood in front of their lines. We were asked to tell them what number pose we wanted to do with the member. I had snapshots with each member so I tried my best to be time efficient and went to the members with the shortest line after each photo. This was a great plan because I was able to successfully take photos with each members with no issue. When the line finishes for a member, a Studio PAV staff announces it and asks if there is anyone else with snapshot tickets for that member. If no one responds, the member goes backstage and rests.
The members were so sweet. I really thought it would pass by super quickly and I wouldn’t get to say anything to the members except for “hi” and “bye” but I was really shocked when Youngbin, Hwiyoung, and Chani spoke to me. Thank you for the kind words. It was a really great experience. Since I am usually a festival and concert photographer staff, I am usually taking photos of these fan interactions. But this was the second time I attended as a fan so it was really nerve wrecking for me. It helps me relate to how fans feel.
It was a really great experience. If you guys have the chance, I really recommend attending one of their other stops before the tour ends. They still have a few stops in Texas and California left. 🙂 Thank you Studio PAV for the great organization and experience!
The chilly weather and first snowfall of the season didn’t stop fans from lining up outside the Varsity Theater on Sunday night to see Hannah Bahng perform at her long-awaited Minneapolis concert. Even passersby could feel the fans’ dedication — many had been waiting outside for hours before doors opened, despite not being dressed for the cold.
Fans shivered in the freezing air, chatting to keep their spirits up. Some tucked their faces into their sweaters or pulled their shirts over their legs in an attempt to stay warm. But as soon as the venue doors opened and everyone stepped into the cozy theater, the cold was quickly forgotten. The warm, intimate atmosphere set the perfect tone for an evening of laughter, heartfelt stories, and soul-soothing music.
Who is Hannah Bahng?
Hannah Bahng is a rising Korean-Australian artist known for her relatability, genre-blending music, and engaging TikTok presence. This show marked her first-ever visit and performance in Minnesota. Many fans outside mentioned discovering her through TikTok or through her brother, Bang Chan, the leader of the K-pop group Stray Kids.
Concert Experience
Tickets were sold in three tiers:
VIP 1: Meet and greet, photo with Hannah, sound check access, and a lanyard
VIP 2: Sound check access and a lanyard
General Admission: Entry to the main concert
During the sound check session, Hannah created a personal, lighthearted atmosphere with her VIP fans — answering questions, cracking jokes, and even attempting a Minnesota accent. When one brave fan asked her to marry her, Hannah playfully responded by asking the fan’s age. Upon hearing “13,” she laughed and said, “For legal reasons, I cannot marry you,” earning laughter from the crowd.
Hannah also shared her latest obsession: gumball machines. She had one on stage and invited a fan up to turn the handle to choose that night’s sound check song. The lucky pick was Sabrina Carpenter’s “Good Luck, Babe!”, which Hannah performed beautifully, turning the moment into a spontaneous duet with the fan.
After sound check, general admission ticket holders entered the venue. While waiting for Hannah’s main set, excited whispers spread through the crowd — fans had spotted her parents in the audience. Later, Hannah confirmed it was indeed their first time attending one of her shows. She thanked a couple who gave up their seats for them, gifting them a signed setlist as a token of appreciation.
Opening Act: RealestK
The night began with a soulful performance by RealestK, a Canadian R&B artist known for his smooth vocals and introspective songwriting. His emotional delivery and heartfelt storytelling won over many new fans in the audience. He closed his set with an inspiring message: “Chase your dreams.”
Hannah’s Set
When Hannah finally took the stage, the crowd erupted. She effortlessly commanded the room — performing her songs, connecting with fans, and sharing stories behind her lyrics. Her authenticity and warmth made the night feel deeply personal.
The Misunderstood World Tour includes 27 stops across North America, and Minneapolis marked the halfway point. From here, Hannah will head west and into Canada before wrapping up her tour in Dallas, Texas.
From chewy tteokbokki to show-stopping K-pop performances, the 2025 Korean Festival in Atlanta was one massive celebration of Korean culture. Held on October 4th and 5th in the back parking lot of Sugarloaf Mills, this two-day celebration-hosted by the Korean Festival Foundation – brought together everything from sizzling street food and cultural performances to full-blown K-pop concerts.
Rain or shine, event goers showed up ready to vibe, dance, and eat.
Headliners that Rocked the Festival
Kim Hye Yeon (김혜연) – Bringing Fun and Energy to the stage
Kim Hye-yeon lit up the stage with her signature trot-style performances, bringing a wave of nostalgia and joy to the crowd. A beloved singer with numerous hits from the 1990s and early 2000s, she especially resonated with the older generation—many of whom sang along to every lyric and had their phones out to capture the moment.
Energetic and full of charm, Kim Hye-yeon quickly became a fan favorite, breaking all age barriers and turning her set into one big party. She laughed and danced with the audience, even inviting audience members on stage to join her in the fun. At one point, she stepped off stage to dance among the crowd, creating an unforgettable moment of connection that perfectly embodied the festival’s inclusive and joyful spirit.
Kevin Woo – Opening the Honmoon
One of the standout moments of the festival was Kevin Woo’s performance. Having moved to Korea and debuting as a young teenager, Kevin has built an impressive career that spans over a decade in the K-pop industry. From his early days in XING and U-KISS to his solo ventures and musical theater work, Kevin’s dedication to his craft continues to shine.
Recently, he’s stepped back into the spotlight as the singing voice of Mystery Saja in the hit animated film “K-Pop Demon Hunters.” Fans—many of whom came out as longtime U-KISS supporters or new fans from the movie—braved the pouring rain just to see him perform live. Kevin treated the crowd to a dynamic setlist of his solo songs and even surprised everyone with a special “K-Pop Demon Hunters” collaboration stage with Big Ocean.
After his performance, 200 lucky fans had the opportunity to purchase a fan sign session where they could meet Kevin Woo up close, share a few words, and leave with a cherished autograph. It was a moment full of smiles, gratitude, and memories. Kevin Woo will be having a solo concert on November 25th in West Hollywood, California.
Big Ocean – Making Waves Everywhere
The main headliner of the 2025 Korean Festival in Atlanta was Big Ocean, a innovative three-member boy band under Parastar Entertainment. Since their debut in 2024, members Chanyeon, PJ, and Jiseok has been making waves in the K-pop industry as the first boyband where all of the members are hard of hearing. Trained as global idols, they have learned multiple spoken and sign languages to connect with their fans. They recently wrapped up a successful US tour in August 2025. Many fans were ecstatic when they heard that Big Ocean was coming back to the US. Fans from across the country flew or drove to Georgia to show support for Big Ocean.
Despite some technical issues and the rain, Big Ocean rocked the stage. They performed fan favorite songs like, “Flow,” “Attention,” and “Bucket hat”. Each song brought thunderous cheers from the crowd, who sang, signed, and danced along in unison with the boys. Big Ocean also performed fun and new stages like “Troublemaker,” originally by HyunA and Jang Hyun Seung.
Outside of their performance, many fans had the opportunity to interact and meet the members on both days of the festival. Fans had the opportunity to join Big Ocean for their Food Tour, purchase opportunities to do high-touch, fan signs, group photos, solo photos, buy merchandise from the members, or attend the fan café event. The fans said they really appreciated the opportunities for many fan engagements.
Food, Fun, and Culture Galore
Of course, no Korean Festival is complete without the feast. The air was filled with the scent of fish cake soup, tteokbokki, and sweet hotteok. But this year’s biggest food buzz came from a very special guest—Chef Jisun Jung, star of the Netflix hit Black and White Chef: Culinary Class Wars. Fans lined up to get a taste of her dishes and snap a quick selfie.
Beyond food, the festival’s cultural zones gave everyone a chance to experience Korea hands-on:
Taekwondo demonstrations that got the crowd cheering
Hanbok-wearing photo ops
Traditional Korean games
Masked Singer singing contest and K-Pop cover dance performances that had local talent shining bright
And, of course, endless rows of vendors selling everything from handmade crafts and skincare goodies to trendy K-pop merch. You couldn’t walk away empty-handed (or hungry).
** A special thank you to KORUS Entertainment and Parastar Entertainment for having me as the photographer for the event!
This past weekend, the Mall of America hosted the 2025 Midwest K-POP Festival (MKF) & MN Korean Culture Festival. MKF has grown to become a beloved tradition in Minnesota, drawing hundreds of fans and performers from both in and out of state. Different from previous years, this year, the two festivals were combined together. This year’s celebration showcased a vibrant mix of cultural performances alongside high-energy K-pop cover dances.
The festival began with the Korean national anthem played on the traditional Korean instrument, Gayageum, by Luna Lee, a message from the president of the Korean American Association of Minnesota (KAAM) and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Chicago, and a performance by Minnesota K-POP Dance Crew (MKDC).
This year’s theme of K-POP Demon Hunteralso drew in a large number of young children and their parents. The crowd erupted in cheers as three members of MKDC performed a powerful cover of the popular track, “Golden” from the animated film. Originally founded as a student group at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, MKDC has since evolved into a renowned crew known across the K-pop community. Over the years, they’ve competed in South Korea, won numerous competitions, and helped organize many K-pop dance events. Outside of the “Golden” performance, the festival also had a sing-along that the event attendees loved.
A major part of the festival was to showcase Korean culture. Cultural performances can be seen by Jangmi Dance, Gayageum performance by Luna Lee, Samulnori by Sejong Academy, and a special Taekwondo performance by Lee’s Champion Taekwondo. The local children and senior choir also performed during the show.
K-POP dance performances were a highlight throughout the festival. This year, MKDC welcomed several guest performers from out of state, bringing even more excitement to the stage. Well-known cover dance groups like Hush Crew, Chemical X, and aXis traveled to Minnesota to showcase their talent, while up-and-coming dance crews such as CypherSide and Makeway also delivered standout performances. The festival featured not only individual sets but also exciting collaboration stages, where dancers came together to perform tracks like J-Hope’s “Killin’ It Girl,” SHINee’s iconic “Sherlock” and “Lucifer,” Jennie’s “JENNIE,” and a high-energy remix of SNSD classics.
The 2025 Midwest K-POP Festival & MN Korean Culture Festival was more than just a showcase of talent—it was a vibrant celebration of culture, community, and creativity. From traditional performances to high-energy K-pop stages, the event brought people of all ages together through a shared love of Korean culture. As the crowd cheered, danced, and sang along, one thing was clear: the spirit of K-culture is alive and thriving in Minnesota.
** A special thank you to MKDC for having me back again this year to photograph the event! **
Korean indie rock band Se So Neon (새소년) stopped in Dinkytown as part of their North American “NOW” tour. Originally formed in 2016 as a project duo band, the band has undergone several lineup changes over the years. Today, Se So Neon is a solo project led by guitarist and lead vocalist Hwang So-Yoon, who performs under the stage name So!YoON!. The tour shares its name with her album released earlier this year, which features tracks such as “Jayu,” “Kidd,” “Twit Winter,” “Remember!,” and “New Romantic.”
Joining So!YoON! on tour were Spencer Zahn on bass and Gyun on drums. Minnesota was one of the few stops without an opening act, and the show began about 30 minutes later than scheduled. Still, the energy in the crowd remained high as fans were excited and more than ready when Se So Neon finally took the stage.
The Se So Neon show drew a diverse crowd. Some attendees were K-pop fans eager to show their support, while others were University of Minnesota students taking advantage of the concert’s close proximity to campus. Many in the audience, however, were long time fans who first became interested in Se So Neon because of the band’s distinctive and genre-defying sound.
Se So Neon had a diverse setlist. They played slow songs, upbeat songs, and heavy rock songs. The most memorable performance was when she performed her song, “Remember!” Se So Neon took a moment to teach the audience the chorus to the song. She mentioned it was the easiest track to sing along to, thanks to its repetitive melody and simple lyrics. With a hint of shyness, she encouraged the crowd to groove along with her. Fans responded enthusiastically, cheering as they picked up the tune. As the chorus echoed through the venue, the audience sang and danced together in sync.
Other than performing, So!YoON! took some time to talk with her fans. She mentioned that she really liked Minnesota. She walked around Minneapolis, walked across a nearby bridge, and took a short nap before returning to the concert venue to perform. She also mentioned that when she first started the tour, the songs felt very foreign to her– as if they weren’t her songs. But after performing them for each stop, they now feel as if they were her songs.
They ended the concert with a short encore. They performed popular songs like their track, “Midnight Train”. After they completed their setlist, So!YoON! threw a tour t-shirt and guitar pick into the audience. Drummer Gyun grabbed the set list and handed it to a lucky fan at the front barricade. They ended their performance with a bow to the crowd before exiting the stage.
Minneapolis is the 9th stop of their 16-stop US tour. Se So Neon will stop in Seattle, Vancouver, and Portland before they finish their tour with 4 stops in California (San Francisco, San Diego, Santa Ana, and Los Angeles). After they finish their US tour, they will go on their Asia tour, then end the year with an Australia tour.
Minnesota celebrated a major milestone in its K-pop community with the first K-POP Convention in Minnesota. Held at the RiverCentre in downtown St. Paul. KPOP MINNECON was organized by the beloved local event organizer MNKPOPCONNECT. Best known for their energetic Random Dance Play (RDP) gatherings, MNKPOPCONNECT has continued to expand their influence — recently partnering with KORUS Entertainment to bring K-pop boy group Big Ocean to Minnesota for a café fan event at Niko Niko Café and a concert at the Uptown Theater.
KPOP MINNECON was a celebration of everything K-pop. The convention offered a variety of booths where attendees could shop for albums, posters, handmade crafts, K-beauty products, stick-on nails, and more. Photo card trading tables allowed fans to connect and swap cards, while a large open area was reserved for an all-day RDP — a fan-favorite highlight. The event also featured community-led panels, where attendees could sign up before the convention to present on various K-pop-related topics.
For food, the RiverCentre provided indoor concessions, while food trucks lined Rice Park offering a diverse range of options — from Mexican and Japanese dishes to desserts and refreshing sugarcane juice.
After the dance lesson ended, fans waited to watch local talent compete for the K-POP dance competition. Ellen and Brian were the judges for this year’s show. The contest included solo performances and group performances. The winners took home a combined prize of $1,000. Many friends, family, and fans came to support the local talent.
Originally, the headliner was set to be BE:MAX, but due to unexpected visa issues, the group was unable to travel to the U.S. Despite the last-minute change, the concert remained on schedule, with the other artists extending their performances to keep the energy going strong.
During the convention, fans had the chance to meet and take photos with artists performing in the evening concert. Long lines formed at the artist booths as attendees waited eagerly for the opportunity to take photos with performers like Ted Park and Beomhan.
When interviewing some attendees in line, many people mentioned that they were big fans of Beomhan. They had recently seen him perform in Georgia and flew to Minnesota just to see him again. Others mentioned that they were sad that they were not able to see BE:MAX.
As the convention portion wrapped up, fans made their way upstairs to the concert hall. The evening show opened with a unique performance by Mimi Lee, who captivated the audience with K-pop covers on the cello. The night continued with high-energy sets from Ramiro Brave, LUC-iD, Alan Z, Ted Park, and Beomhan.
To end the night, fans had the option to purchase access to fan sign events, offering a more personal moment with the performers. Many fans mentioned that they came out to support KPOP MINNECON because they were avid KPOP fans. They hope that the event will grow larger next year and someday become multi-days like KCON LA. Many fans also hope that more artists participate next year.
** A special thank you to MNKPOPCONNECT for having me as a photographer for the event! **
Hundreds of fans lined up early Friday morning outside the LA Convention Center and Crypto.com Arena, eagerly waiting for wristbands to access GA or to enter the convention for Day 1 of KCON LA. Held every year in early August, KCON is the largest Korean convention in the U.S. Starting as a small 1 day event, KCON has grown to become a three day convention that brings thousands of fans to downtown LA. This year, the city of LA even officially declared August 1st as KCON Day.
From morning until evening, fans immerse themselves in Korean culture. In the day time, fans can attend panels, visit booths, attend fan meetings, or watch performances at the LA Convention Center. In the evening, fans head over to the Crypto.com Arena to see the M Countdown concert.
Way Better artists from20 and HELLO GLOOM performing at X Stage.
NEWBEAT holding a fan event on the Busking Stage.
This year, KCON LA featured three stages for fans to enjoy throughout the convention: the X Stage, Busking Stage, and Artist Stage. The X Stage and Busking Stage showcased smaller, up-and-coming artists, giving them a platform to connect with new audiences. Strategically located in the main hall and by the food trucks, these stages were designed to maximize exposure and draw in crowds, helping rising artists gain the attention of passing by fans.
The Artist stage was placed in a different hall. Bigger or more senior artists like Hwasa, Zerobaseone (Zb1), IZNA, and Lee Young Ji performed at this stage. The Artist stage was like a short concert. Fans could watch their favorite artists perform their biggest hits in 45 minute sets. Fans can purchase different tiered tickets to get better views. Those with 1Day Plus tickets were allowed to go to the front area to see the artists perform up close.
One of the panels this year featured renowned dancers Brian Puspos, Keone Madrid, and Aaliyah Flournoy. Brian is a famous choreographer and dancer who has choreographed dances for BTS, Justin Bieber, and Chris Brown. Keone Madrid has choreographed for Jungkook, Justin Bieber, BTS, NCT, SHINee, Enhypen, etc. Aaliyah has danced and performed with Jennie, TXT, Stray Kids, and Jungkook. They talked about choreographing for K-pop artists, fun stories with K-Pop idols, and their dance journey. After their performances finished, Keone introduced Full Circle Boys and they performed on stage. After their performance, Full Circle Boys spent time with fans by taking photos with them.
Aespa performs on the M Countdown Stage for KCON LA 2025 – Day 2.
After the convention completed, fans walked to the building next door to watch the M Countdown stage. This year, Crypto.com Arena had a strict bag policy. Any bags bigger than 5″ x 9″ x 1″ was not allowed in the arena. Fans must pay to store their bags outside or go back to their hotel/car to store their items.
KCON LA opened up M Countdown this year with a special guest appearance from popular actor Lee Byung-hun. Lee Byung-hun was recently in popular Netflix series, “Squid Game”. He also played the voice of Gwi-Ma (the demon king) in “KPop Demon Hunters”. Fans screamed in excitement from his surprise appearance.
Ricky and Hanbin from Zerobaseone (ZB1) emceeing for the night.
Hanbin from Zerobaseone continued as the main emcee for M Countdown. M Countdown is a music program in South Korea. It allows the top popular artists in Korea to perform their songs live on stage and broadcast throughout the nation. Hanbin has been the emcee for the show since 2023.
Each night, M Countdown ended with a special stage. This special stage allowed fans to dance on stage with the headliner of the day. The headliners for each night differ each night. This year NCT 127 headlined Day 1, Monsta X headlined Day 2, and Hoshi and Woozi (HxW) of Seventeen headlined Day 3.
Other artists that performed at M Countdown include JO1, NEWBEAT, 82 Major, Way Better artists from20 and HELLO GLOOM, IVE, Aespa, IZNA, NMIXX, Baby DONT Cry, MEOVV, Jackson Wang, KEY, Roy Kim, Zerobaseone, Hwasa, and Lee Youngji. A full list of artists who attended and performed at KCON LA can be found on the official KCON site.
Fans from across the Midwest traveled to Minnesota to see Korean pop group Big Ocean perform on their first U.S. tour, RIDE THE WAVE. Big Ocean is the first K-pop band made up entirely of members who are hard of hearing. The group consists of three members: PJ, Chanyeon, and Jiseok. Although they use hearing aids or cochlear implants, they also actively learn and use sign language, which is beautifully woven into their choreography—creating a distinctive fusion of dance and visual language. What makes them even more remarkable is their dedication to learning not only different sign languages, but also different spoken languages! Throughout the concert, the members can be seen engaging with fans in English, showcasing their commitment to creating meaningful communication and connecting with their fans.
Despite the heat from the summer sun, fans were already lined up hours before the concert started. Many of the fans attended the Big Ocean Cafe event the day before. They were all super excited to see Big Ocean perform for the first time. Fans passed time by handing out freebies and friendship bracelets. They shared how they got into Big Ocean and how Big Ocean helped inspired them because they also had a disability. It was heartwarming to see how kind and supportive the fans were of each other and Big Ocean.
After arrival, Big Ocean went to the green room to get ready. They did a quick rehearsal in between interviews and prepared for their concert. VIP holders were let in a little early. They lined up to do the high touch event and got their group photos taken. VIP holders were able to purchase the tour merchandise early then find a good spot by the barricade to watch sound check.
After sound check ended, those with fast-passes and general access came into the venue. Before long, the venue was buzzing with excitement as fans looked for a good spot, bought tour merchandise, and conversed with their friends.
Big Ocean performed many of their big hits. They performed fan favorites like “Attention”, “Bucket Hat,” and “Glow”. Each member also performed a solo piece. PJ performed his solo track, “SINKING”; Jiseok performed a dance cover of “Soda Pop” from K-POP Demon Hunters; and Chanyeon performed a dance cover of “Jennie” by Jennie from BLACKPINK. They finished the concert by having a surprise performance where the members secretly went to the crowd and balcony to greet the fans.
After the concert ended, fans who bought add-ons stayed behind to do the fan signing event and take 1:1 selfies with Big Ocean.
** A special thank you to Parastar Entertainment, KorUS Entertainment, and mnkpopconnect for having me there to photograph and videograph the concert!**
![[Concert Recap] Attending my first Studio PAV Concert as a Fan (SF9 LOVE DAWN Tour – VIP + Snapshot Experience)](https://project1004.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/BlogImage.jpg)
