From K-beauty to K-cinema, KCON JAPAN 2026 broadens its on-site experience with new zones, screenings and fan-focused programs
CJ ENM has unveiled the full range of FESTIVAL GROUNDS programs for KCON JAPAN 2026, from the K-CINEMA SHOWCASE to the OLIVE YOUNG FESTA World Tour, further building anticipation for the event.
KCON JAPAN 2026 will be held from May 8 to 10 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. Through an enhanced “FESTIVAL GROUNDS,” the event will present interactive spaces showcasing the latest trends in K-beauty, K-food, K-story and more.
KCON has established itself as the world’s largest K-Festival where K-pop fans and artists come together, combining K-pop shows with a convention that offers firsthand experiences of Korean lifestyle. The event has introduced Korean culture and music to audiences around the world, served as a gateway for emerging artists entering global markets and given fans the opportunity to discover new artists across a wide range of genres.
KCON JAPAN 2026 will be held under the theme “Walk in SOUL CITY.” Fans who love Korean culture – KLOVERs (K-Lovers) – are invited to explore a vibrant city filled with K-SOUL, where every corner offers new discoveries of K-Lifestyle and everyone can create their own “SOUL MAP.” Visitors will be able to experience and discover many different sides of “K” firsthand, with a broader range of content and activities throughout the event.
In the “K-BEAUTY ZONE,” OLIVE YOUNG FESTA JAPAN 2026 — the first stop of OLIVE YOUNG’s inaugural FESTA World Tour — is expected to draw strong attention. The zone will recreate the experience of OLIVE YOUNG’s popular stores in Korea, giving visitors the feeling of stepping into one firsthand. It will also offer OLIVE YOUNG’s trusted curation through programs such as the OLIVE YOUNG Sale, interactive events linked to the OLIVE YOUNG Global app and expert-led beauty sessions. Exclusive K-beauty goodie bags available only at KCON are also expected to generate strong interest among fans.
Designed to appeal to global fans’ tastes, the “K-FOOD ZONE” will present a vibrant space inspired by Korea’s nighttime streets and food alleys. Trendy K-dessert brands that have recently gained popularity in Japan, including Dubai Chewy Cookie and flat croissants, will join the zone and add to the culinary experience. Sampling stations featuring a variety of Korean street foods will also be available, creating a multisensory space where visitors can explore Korean food culture beyond taste alone.
The newly launched “K-STORY ZONE” will serve as a signature space where visitors can explore scripted K-content, including dramas and films, in greater depth. A SCREENX theater with around 100 seats will be set up, using CJ 4DPLEX’s triple-screen format to deliver a highly engaging viewing experience. Highlights from KCON JAPAN 2025, along with performance highlights from INI and JO1 concert films released in 2025, will be screened in SCREENX format, bringing the energy of the live stage to life.
The “K-CINEMA SHOWCASE,” taking place on May 8, will unveil next-generation films that incorporate AI technology into the production process. Centered on titles including “The Sword: Rebirth of the Red Wolf,” “Gulf of Aden,” “OK! MADAM: BONVOYAGE,” “Dream Game” and “STAGE WINGS,” the program will offer behind-the-scenes stories on how AI technology was used in production. Director Kim Han-min, who built a box office legacy with the action historical film trilogy “The Admiral: Roaring Currents,” “Hansan: Rising Dragon” and “Noryang: Deadly Sea,” will participate in the showcase. He will be joined by director Kang Yun-sung, known for the film “The Outlaws” and drama series “Big Bet” and “Low Life,” as well as director Lee Cheol-ha, who directs the “OK! MADAM” series. The directors will share updates on their upcoming projects and discuss K-content across the past, present and future.
On May 9, KCON JAPAN 2026 will host the world premiere highlight screening of TVING original “The Legend of Kitchen Soldier,” giving audiences at the event a special first look. “BEYOND THE SCREEN,” a program that brings audiences closer to actors beyond their on-screen roles, will feature actor PARK SEO HAM of tvN’s “Our Universe” on May 8 and actor LEE CHAE MIN of “Bon Appétit, Your Majesty” on May 10. The actors will share behind-the-scenes stories from filming and off-screen moments, offering fans a deeper connection.
Since launching in Irvine, California, in 2012, KCON has been held in 14 regions across Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas, drawing a cumulative in-person audience of about 2.23 million. Through digital platforms, tens of millions of global fans have continued to build powerful fandoms across languages and borders, while KCON has established itself as a distinctive platform that supports the global expansion of artists and brands.
