KCON JAPAN 2025 Announces Lineup and New Showcase Content

CJ ENM has revealed exciting updates for the K-POP fan and artist festival, KCON JAPAN 2025, including the addition of new artists and the introduction of a unique signature content called 'SHOWCASE'. Scheduled to take place from May 9 to 11 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan, the festival will feature a special performance by K-POP legend DAESUNG.

DAESUNG, known for his exceptional vocal talent and stage presence as a member of BIGBANG, will be making his KCON debut. Following a year-long hiatus, he is set to release his first mini-album 'D's WAVE' in April and embark on an Asia tour, generating significant buzz. Fans are eager to see him perform again in Japan after his successful live tour 'D's IS ME' last year, which captivated audiences in ten cities.

Since its inception in 2012, KCON has played a pivotal role in promoting Korean culture and music globally while serving as a launchpad for emerging artists. This year, KCON aims to expand its fandom programs and diversify its content in Japan, enhancing the interaction between artists and fans through innovative stages and the new 'SHOWCASE' feature.

The 'SHOWCASE', set to take place on the newly added 'X STAGE', will spotlight a variety of new artists across different genres. The lineup includes talented K-hip-hop artists such as SIKKOO (요시, 이백, 구민재), BIG Naughty (빅나티), lIlBOI (릴보이), and PH-1 (피에이치원), as well as sensitive singer-songwriters like So Subin (소수빈). Additionally, rookie groups poised to lead the next generation of K-POP, including 82MAJOR (82메이저), ARrC (아크), DXTEEN (디엑스틴), KickFlip (킥플립), NEWBEAT (뉴비트), ODD YOUTH (오드유스), RESCENE (리센느), and SAY MY NAME (세이마이네임), will also be featured. KCON continues to introduce new talent discovered through its Tune Up program, providing artists with opportunities to connect with global fans and allowing K-POP enthusiasts to discover fresh sounds.

Additionally, KCON JAPAN 2025 will be sponsored by SAMSUNG Galaxy, which will offer unique experiences related to the S25 and various KCON events. Since its first event in Irvine, USA, KCON has established itself as a festival model that encompasses cultural experiences centered around music, playing a pioneering role in the spread of Hallyu. The cumulative offline audience for KCON events across 14 regions worldwide, including Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the United States, has reached approximately 1.99 million.