KCON LA 2016 is bringing an incredible, star-studded lineup to this year’s event, including Block B, GFriend, TWICE, TTS, BTS, ASTRO, Dean, SHINee, I.O.I, MONSTA X, Eric Nam and Amber from f(x)!
This post will give you a general overview of what each group is like and what you can expect.
July 30 (Sat)
Block B will start the concert off with their dynamic hip-hop sound. A seven member boy group from Stardom Entertainment, Block B has released hit songs including Toy, Her and Very Good. I actually got the chance to take a dance workshop taught by the choreographer for Block B (Mandoo) and he expressed very obvious affection and pride in “his boys” and was disappointed he couldn’t be supporting them at the event they were attending at the moment – seeing his immense pride in Block B has made me interested in the group and I’m excited to see them perform!
Next up is Dean, who is an alternative R&B singer-songwriter and record producer. Dean grew up in Hongeun-dong, Seoul and was writing tracks for k-pop stars under the name ‘Deanfluenza’ at the young age of 18. He has made his debut in both America and South Korea and is definitely a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
Then, F(Amber) will perform – Amber from f(x). I’m so excited to see her; she has a very fun, upbeat style and definitely brings her American roots into her music. She was known originally for her androgynous looks and “masculine” face but has transitioned to become a lovable figure in the K-pop industry. Also known as a llama, she brings great joy to her fans through her entertaining Snapchat stories and down-to-earth personality.
GFriend is a six-member girl group under Source Music. They recently debuted in 2015 and have won several female rookie awards. They have a pure and traditionally feminine image.
I.O.I. is an eleven-member girl group formed by CJ E&M through the reality show Produce 101 on MNET. Because of the attention garnered from the reality show, the girl group is performing well despite being a rookie group.
Finally, SHINee will end off Saturday’s concert with their distinct, contemporary R&B sound. SHINee is a veteran of the K-pop field and is known for their unique sound combining funk rock, electronic music and rock as well as their complex dance routines. This five-member boy group is definitely the key performance of the night!
July 31 (Sun)
ASTRO, a six-member Korean boy band formed by Fantagio, will start the concert off! This rookie boy group is currently a hot topic as their fresh-faced, innocent image continues to result in lovable music videos and tracks. Their songs “Hide & Seek” and “Breathless” will definitely be performances I will look forward to.
Then BTS will take the stage, with their dynamic hip hop and R&B music. BTS is a seven-member boy group formed by Big Hit Entertainment. They have a huge international fan base and social media presence—“Boy in Luv” and “Danger” are some of their top hits featuring some very talented rapping throughout the songs.
Eric Nam is a highly influential, well-known Korean-American singer and show host. Born and raised in Atlanta, Eric Nam is fluent in both English and Korean, as well as other languages like Spanish and Chinese. He and his good friend, Amber from f(x), have replaced the rock group CN Blue in the lineup for KCON but no worries—Eric Nam has come out with a new summer single “Can’t Help Myself”, which is a light pop rock song which will captivate your heart, so don’t fret about CN Blue!
Girl’s Generation- TTS is a subgroup of the highly popular girl group, Girl’s Generation, including Taeyeon, Tiffany and Seohyun. These girls are veterans of the field and arguably one of the greatest presences in the K-pop music industry.
MONSTA X is a seven-member boy group under Starship Entertainment. Although I’m not too familiar with this group, I know that they were widely popular in last year’s KCON and have recently debuted with “Trespass” and “Rush”.
Finally, TWICE is a nine-member girl group under JYP Entertainment that has charmed the K-pop music industry with their fresh, girlish charms. This group was formed through the 2015 reality show Sixteen.
As you can see, the KCON LA 2016 lineup is definitely something to get excited for. From veteran groups to new rookie groups, KCON has it all. I’m most looking forward to BTS, SHINee, Amber, Eric Nam and Block B. What about you?
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