'KCON LA 2026' Promoted Emerging Artists and Won Over Global Fans, With Views Up 173% Year on Year

[Financial News] The K-culture festival 'KCON LA 2026' recorded significant digital buzz amid intense interest from global fans.
According to CJ ENM on the 3rd, content released during the event surpassed 43 million cumulative views, a 173% increase from the previous year. In particular, Wanna One's short-form video of 'Energetic,' performed at the 'M COUNTDOWN stage,' exceeded 3 million views on its own.

Amid the global enthusiasm both online and offline, the event also served as a springboard for emerging artists seeking recognition on the world stage.
At a showcase introducing artists with diverse identities and emerging talent, cosmosy, from20 & HELLO GLOOM, IAN, KEYVITUP, KO1KEYZ, MODYSSEY, NEXZ, ONE PACT, RESCENE, and Hwang So-yoon made an impression on global K-pop fans.
Close communication with local fans also stood out. About 100 U.S.-based K-pop fan creators were discovered and utilized as supporters to promote and expand KCON's brand value.
The newly introduced 'CHEER UP STAGE' program also received a positive response. Twelve official supporters selected from among KCON attendees carried out activities supporting the global breakthrough of emerging artists. RESCENE was selected as the first artist to receive support, and special slogan T-shirts and leaflets were produced to heighten the atmosphere of support at the venue.
Performances by artists from diverse genres also drew attention from local media. Billboard's selection of the 'Best Moments' of KCON LA 2026 included from20 & HELLO GLOOM's pre-show, which demonstrated a broad musical spectrum, and Wing's performance, which added a contemporary sensibility to Korean dance.
A CJ ENM official said, "Thanks to the enthusiastic support of global fans, KCON LA 2026 concluded successfully after generating significant digital buzz. We will continue to create spaces where fans and artists can connect deeply, while strengthening our role as a platform for mutual growth so that promising emerging artists can make the leap onto the global stage."
[email protected] Shin Jin-a Reporter