KCON is returning to the U.S, celebrating both the event’s 10th anniversary and its first return to live audiences since 2019, when it transitioned into a virtual event due to the Covid 19 pandemic. Held in Los Angeles on August 19-21 at the Los Angeles Convention Center and the Crypto.com Arena, KCON 2022 will offer fans an opportunity to get up close to their favorite K-pop bands and explore a wide array of merchandise, food and interactive activities.
Since its first event in 2012, KCON has been a catalyst for the global Korean culture sensation, channeling the supercharged enthusiasm that millions of people worldwide now feel for Korean music, media and style. One person who is no stranger to this phenomenon is professional interviewer and influencer Liam McEwan, who has been a close follower of – and an active participant in – this ever-growing wave of admiration for Korean pop artists. CJ Newsroom sat down with Liam to discuss his hopes for this year’s KCON, and to reflect on what the event has meant to him in the past.
Who is Liam?
Liam McEwan is a 26-year-old celebrity interviewer and entertainment journalist. After 8 years of being a prominent voice on both radio and television in New Zealand, he took his passion internationally and moved to Los Angeles in 2017. That same year, he was approached to interview K-pop group BTS. Liam quickly became a fan-favorite interviewer for K-pop fans worldwide, and now has eight BTS interviews under his belt. Now, over 5 years later, he is a go-to interviewer for K-pop acts and has spoken with groups such as TOMORROW X TOGETHER, GOT7, GFRIEND, ENHYPEN, SEVENTEEN and many more. He has also interviewed music legends such as Elton John, Ringo Starr from The Beatles and the Jackson Family.
On KCON
How were you first introduced to KCON?
My first KCON was in 2017. At that time, I had never gone to a K-pop concert and was amazed with how involved the audience is in the show. This was a couple of months after my first BTS interview, and just as their rise to international stardom was beginning. I attempted to interview a couple of the groups playing. I was impressed with how interactive KCON is as an experience. It truly gives fans the chance to be face-to-face with their favorite artists, something that hasn’t been done before.
Can you tell us a little bit more about your past KCON experiences?
I’ve visited KCON every possible year since I first went. With every year, my involvement with K-pop gets deeper. I’m excited for the first in-person event in three years. For the previous KCONs my focus has been on creating interview and social content with the artists. It’s also nice to meet fans who watch my interviews. I remember being blown away by the Random Dance Play game, where fans run onto the dance floor to perform their favorite K-pop choreographies.
Are there any other dimensions of Korean culture, besides K-pop, that you discovered through KCON?
I’m constantly surprised by K-culture merchandising. The first time I saw all the different booths, I was amazed at the variety of products that fans could find their favorite artists on. I also love watching K-culture fans come together. The love of K-culture has grown hugely throughout the last few years, particularly during the pandemic. With people being stuck at home, K-pop groups have given international fans something to enjoy and pay attention to.
Because I’m so involved in the K-pop space, pretty much all of my friends have taken an interest in Korean culture. Once they watch an interview, or watch a music video, they are hooked. I live relatively close to K-Town, and my friends have enjoyed taking me out to various K-hotspots. We also enjoy Korean food, and I am very aware of CJ Group’s massive presence in the food market. I’m a vegetarian and have purchased their bibigo vegetable dumplings on many occasions. My girlfriend and I regularly shop at the Korean market H-Mart to find foods not available at regular U.S. supermarkets.
KCON is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. How have you seen KCON evolve throughout the years?
I think KCON gives K-culture fans an opportunity to make new friends, or perhaps meet friends that they’ve been interacting with online with a common interest. By running specific panels, KCON allows fans to visit events that cater to their particular interests alongside other fans. KCON is also a place where people can discover new groups that they hadn’t seen or heard of before. KCON’s performance lineup is full of various and diverse groups, old and new.
KCON is back in person for the first time in three years. What part of this year’s KCON event are you looking forward to most?
This year is the first time I’ll be attending as a special guest, as well as an interviewer. I will be interested to see it from the perspective of a panelist. I look forward to sharing my stories and insights with fans who visit my panels or come to my meet and greet. I will also visit various booths to pick up some new merchandise of acts that debuted during the pandemic. I think the energy at the convention will be electric and joyous, with fans finally being able to come back together to celebrate their favorite music. Additionally, I am excited to see ENHYPEN. I interviewed them via Zoom during the pandemic, so can’t wait for an in-person interaction. STAYC is also an act scheduled that I am excited to see. Their bubblegum-pop tracks are infectious and will make for a great live show.
KCON has become a melting pot for fans, regardless of race, age and gender. What are some aspects of K-pop and K-culture that you think unite so many people from around the world?
I’ve learnt that good music truly transcends language, culture, age and gender. International fans are attracted to captivating performances, striking choreography, catchy music and stylish fashion. I also think K-culture is so different to what the western world is used to seeing in their media, offering a different perspective of the world to those that may never have looked further than what’s playing on the radio in their country of residence. KCON is a place where everyone can get together and enjoy these things. I’ve also noticed many US artists take influence from K-pop’s advertising techniques, social media marketing and merchandise strategies.
Any comments to the KCON?
With every KCON, it has become more interactive. I look forward to experiencing the first post-pandemic event. I truly enjoy myself at every KCON. I think fans will really enjoy KCON this year!
For more information on KCON 2022 LA, please visit https://www.kconusa.com
