CJ ENM, the entertainment company behind KCON, has announced new, exclusive Special Stages for their M COUNTDOWN Stage during this year’s KCON LA 2026. The stages will feature never-before-seen collaborations, special unit performances, and many unforgettable moments, including Taeyong of NCT and Anderson .Paak, who makes his KCON debut on Saturday, August 16, performing their single, “Rock Solid.”
Since 2012, KCON has served as a connector between K-culture (encompassing K-pop, K-dramas, K-beauty, and more) and American fans, establishing itself as a leader in the global K-pop music scene. The event, which takes place August 14-16 at the Crypto.com Arena and the Los Angeles Convention Center, will feature K-pop group TREASURE’s special unit, HYUNHAYO of TREASURE (Choi Hyun Suk, Yoshi, Haruto), taking the stage on Friday, August 14.
World-renowned beatboxer WING will make his debut on the stage, doing his first-ever live performance of “Aventador.” He is also set to partner with other K-pop artists on stage, blending their K-pop performances with his beatboxing.
As one of the largest Korean culture festivals, KCON LA has officially announced its theme as “K-SOUL CITY.” Yes, a pun based on the capital of South Korea. The theme is inspired by the “vibrant energy, creativity, and spirit of Seoul,” inviting fans from around the world to immerse themselves in every aspect of Korean culture – K-pop, K-dramas, beauty, food, storytelling, and lifestyle.
KCON LA’s M Countdown shows take place over three days from Friday, August 14, to Sunday, August 16. On Friday, H//PE Princess, PRODUCE 101 JAPAN SHINSEKAI winners K01KEYZ, KickFlip, SANTOS BRAVOS, TREASURE, &TEAM will perform, with NCT 127 as the headliners. On Saturday, MODYSSEY, ILLIT, izna, P1Harmony, TAEYONG (of NCT), YEONJUN will perform, as TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) headlines that night. Sunday will feature EVAN, NEXZ, ALLDAY PROJECT, ALPHA DRIVE ONE, JO1, MEOVV, and ZEROBASEONE headline the evening.
KCON LA will also feature special guests, Korean actors Lee Jun Hyuk (Stranger, The Art of Sarah), PARK EUN BIN (Extraordinary Attorney Woo), and Sangheon Lee (XO, Kitty). They will make special appearances at the convention and on M Countdown.
Tickets are still available for both the convention and the concert, or as a package, alongside other fan opportunities. KCON LA will be from August 14 to August 16 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. M Countdown takes place at the Crypto.com Arena. For more information, click here.