KCON LA 2026 kicked off its M COUNTDOWN stage with a weekend packed with exciting debuts, powerhouse performances, unexpected collaborations, and plenty of moments that had fans on their feet.
From the opening acts to the final performances, the three-day concert showcased the variety of K-pop and Korean cultural performances, with established artists sharing the stage with some of K-pop’s rising acts.
Day one opened with a unique performance from beatboxer Wing and KAYPA, combining beatboxing with traditional Korean music. It was an inventive way to kick off the weekend before the show moved into performances from artists including KO1KEYZ, H//PE Princess, Santo Bravos, and &TEAM. From20 and Hello Gloom also performed during the preview stage.
KO1KEYZ made their KCON debut with two songs that highlighted very different sides of the group – one bright and playful, the other showcasing a street-dance edge. The group’s genuine excitement about being on the KCON stage was infectious.
&TEAM brought a darker, sexier energy to their second song, earning an enthusiastic response from the crowd. TREASURE also made their first KCON appearance, delivering a standout set filled with hip-hop swagger. Their performance of “Zoom Zoom” kept the energy high, while “RUN” featured a fun moment of crowd interaction.
Day one’s best collab stage of the evening goes to &TEAM and Santos Bravos, who covered BTS’s “Hooligan” and “2.0” respectively before sharing the stage with “Permission To Dance.”
One of the biggest moments of the night was Wanna One’s return to the stage as a full group for the first time in eight years. Performing hits including “Boomerang,” the reunion was clearly an emotional moment for fans.
The night closed with NCT 127, whose explosive energy made them the perfect finale. The evening ended with a special NCT 127 x DREAM Stage.
Solo Stages and Iconic Moments
Day two opened with an impressive dance performance led by Yeonjun before moving into sets from MODYSSEY, izna, ILLIT and P1Harmony. izna delivered a fun cover of BLACKPINK’s “DDU-DU DDU-DU,” while ILLIT brought their signature youthful energy to the stage.
Yeonjun took over the show with a rockstar-inspired solo set marking his first KCON appearance. Taeyong also delivered a memorable solo performance, showcasing another side of the NCT member.
ZEROBASEONE closed out the night with an energetic set that included a surprise cover of Justin Timberlake’s “SexyBack.” Jiwoo also performed his solo song for the first time, giving fans another memorable debut moment.
The final day opened with an incredible dance showcase featuring Kida The Great, RIEHATA and Bailey Sok of ALL DAY PROJECT, before performances from NEXZ, RESCENE, ADP and MEOVV.
EVAN delivered a standout set that included a Harry Styles cover of “As It Was” before closing with “Ride or Die.” ALPHA DRIVE ONE also treated fans to a performance of BTS’ “Fake Love,” while JO1 brought their signature energy with “WHATCHA DOIN,” “BE CLASSIC,” and “Sakura.”
With the crowd hyped up, the final stage belonged to TXT. The fandom’s deafening response throughout their performance made it clear just how much the group means to their fans — a fitting way to close out three days of KCON LA.
From first-time appearances to long-awaited reunions and unexpected collaborations, the M COUNTDOWN Stage proved once again that KCON is at its best when it brings different generations and styles of K-pop together on one stage.
KCON LA 2026 wrapped up the weekend with 142,000 fans and 36 acts across three days at Crypto.com Arena and the Los Angeles Convention Center, once again cementing its place as the world’s largest K-Festival, spanning everything from music and beauty to food, story and lifestyle.
KCON LA will return in 2027, August 13-15, at Crypto.com Arena and the Los Angeles Convention Center.
