KCON 2022 Premiere: Monsta X, NMIXX, The Boyz, 'Queendom 2', STAYC part of Korean lineup
KCON is one of the biggest music festivals and conventions of Korean popular culture. They have several segments from concerts by major K-pop acts to sessions on the beauty and food of South Korea. Having begun in 2012, it was one of the ways to bring K-pop and the Hallyu Wave to the West. It has since expanded as KCON takes place all over the world in countries like USA, Japan, Mexico, UAE, France, Australia and Thailand. Unfortunately due to the pandemic, it had gone online for the last two years but that is about to change with 'KCON 2022 Premiere'.
Since 2020, a new version had been introduced titled KCON:TACT as the convention and music festival went virtual. K-pop acts and Korean industry experts would meet and greet fans online. However, even the organizers agreed that it just felt like a big Zoom meeting and were doing their best to enhance the experience for their artists and fans as well. This was evident with the introduction of the ‘HI5’ virtual room for season five of KCON:TACT in September 2021. But we now have groups like NMIXX, Highlight and STAYC performing in person for KCON 2022.
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KCON goes offline again in 2022
However, there’s good news. With more and more countries easing their social distancing guidelines and allowing mass gathering events for music, film and sports, KCON is back with a bang. On March 17, organizers CJ ENM announced that the in-person, offline version of the convention was returning. They will hold a 'KCON 2022 Premiere' in Seoul, South Korea in May followed by Japan and USA editions. This is the first time in 2 years that we are getting the in-person event. And they are going all out with a lineup that includes the likes of Monsta X, The Boyz and ‘Queendom 2’ contestants.
'KCON 2022 Premiere' lineup
'KCON 2022 Premiere' has announced its lineup for the Seoul edition.
Highlight - The iconic second-gen boy group BEAST first performed at KCON in 2017 after they rebranded as Highlight. With the end of their military enlistment era in 2020, they are active once more as they had also performed at the last two seasons of KCON:TACT in 2021.
Monsta X - They had performed for the first time in KCON right after their debut in 2015 at Staples Center in LA along with GOT7, Sistar and Super Junior, solidifying their popularity in the West.
The Boyz - They have been a KCON favorite ever since 2018 and have been regularly invited to perform.
TO1 - The rookie boy group was invited for the fourth season of KCON:TACT and this will be their first offline edition of KCON.
STAYC - This is the first time that the rookie girl group has been invited to KCON.
NMIXX - Having debuted only in February, this is their first KCON.
NiziU - This is the J-pop girl group’s first Korean music festival.
‘Queendom 2’ contestants Hyolyn, Brave Girls, Viviz, WJSN, Loona and Kep1er - This is Brave Girls and Kep1er’s first KCON.
'KCON 2022 Premiere' will have a two-day event in Seoul on May 7 and 8. On March 25, the new lineup will be announced for the Japan edition being held on May 14 and 15 in Tokyo. And on March 29, the third lineup will be announced for the USA edition being held on May 20 and 21 in Chicago.
Update: SHINee's Key has been added to the lineup.