Fans of K-Pop are voicing their frustrations with KCON USA, citing what they deem as “unprofessional” actions.
Since its inception in 2012, excluding some years impacted by the pandemic, KCON has been an annual event in the USA, spreading to various other nations. It’s an event that combines a convention with numerous K-Pop concerts and fan engagements over several days.
This year’s iteration of KCON LA differed from its predecessors as it was scheduled for July instead of the typical August slot.
Initially, K-Pop enthusiasts welcomed the adjustment, avoiding clashes with other festivals like Head In The Clouds LA and the upcoming WATERBOMB LA.
Concerns emerged as the dates July 26-28 neared with no information on ticketing or artist lineup. On May 31, first details on ticket sales emerged, offering pre-sale access purchases.
June 2 brought the first teaser about the lineup, indicating at least 25 artists would appear, coinciding with the pre-sale release. The first formal lineup was declared the same day, with a follow-up lineup announced the day before pre-sales commenced.
[#KCONLA2024] 2nd LINEUP
💙 #APOKI and more! 💚
*Artist lineup and event schedule are subject to change… pic.twitter.com/Pji0adUshr
— KCON USA (@kconusa) June 6, 2024
Despite the promise of “and more,” no additional acts were announced before the start of presales.
Based on hints, fans speculated NCT 127 would be featured, supported by notifications from the Mnet+ app and Haechan of NCT during a video call with a fan.
Seems like NCT 127 may really be attending KCON LA 2024? This MNET ad says:
“[KCON LA 2024] Artist Lineup Reveal
Do you like NCT 127? 💗”— 링 (@NCTDAOYlNG) June 7, 2024
Forbes reported that KCON intended to announce additional acts, including a major K-Pop group. With the festival drawing near, fans expressed discontent with the limited notice and not having the complete artist list during sales.
Anguish grew when issues with Meet and Greet sales surfaced, with several fans reporting overselling and subsequent refunds, negating the use of their presale codes costing 85 USD.
AXS canceled my ZB1 m&g 😰😰
— Kojaky (@kojaky) June 8, 2024
Problems aside, KCON loyalists hope for a better experience with 48 days left to the festival’s start.
Share This Post
FAQs about KCON USA 2024 Ticketing Controversy
- What is KCON?
KCON is a K-Pop convention held annually in various countries, combining concerts with fan engagements and presentations over several days. - What issues occurred with KCON USA 2024?
Fans reported a lack of information on ticket sales and artist lineup, with a major controversy surrounding the overselling and subsequent refunding of Meet and Greet passes. - Were fans notified about NCT 127’s presence at KCON LA 2024 in advance?
There were hints and speculation, with indirect indications via the Mnet+ app and a confirmation from NCT’s Haechan in a fan video call, but no official announcement before initial ticket sales. - How are fans reacting to the overselling of Meet and Greet passes?
Fans are upset, especially those who purchased presale access but then had their Meet and Greet passes refunded. Many are demanding refunds and better management. - Is KCON USA responding to these issues?
At this time, the provided article content does not specify official responses from KCON USA regarding the ticketing and lineup issues.
