KCON to return with enhanced version 'KCON:TACT HI 5', promises better fan interaction
KCON is one of the biggest K-pop conventions in the world where fans watch all of their artists perform in simultaneously held concerts, interact with them by having meet-and-greets and play games. It began in 2012 and was a popular way to spread the Hallyu Wave in the West. Since 2015, it has branched out with different versions in several countries like USA, Australia, Japan and Thailand.
Unfortunately, this Coachella version of K-pop suffered a setback in 2020 during the pandemic lockdown. Managed by CJ ENM, they did try to take it online and created a virtual KCON titled ‘KCON:TACT’. The performances were held online and so were the different segments like fan interactions, Q&As and games. While everyone involved has tried their best, in the end, it does seem like a larger version of a Zoom conference which KCON was not happy with.
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'KCON:TACT HI 5' to exceed VR experience
Till now we have had four seasons of 'KCON:TACT' since June 2020. While last year it only happened twice, 2021 has been better for the virtual version of the convention and we are getting a third 'KCON:TACT' this year. However, fans were not deterred by the online format and just wanted to see their faves perform and interact with them. With ‘KCON:TACT’ still having the same popularity as the offline KCON, management has decided to repay the fans.
While the offline audience used to be an average of 1.1 million when KCON first started, the online version has garnered a massive 17.45 million fans. This could be because while other offline K-pop conventions had to halt temporarily, KCON adapted by taking their event online. And for the fifth season, ‘KCON:TACT HI 5’ will be focusing on how to make the interaction between fans and artists more special by bringing in technology that will enhance the face-to-face video call meet-and-greet.
They are also working on strengthening the AR opening, the KCON Arena and the music room concept that enriches the artists’ music. The ‘HI 5’ part will also try to make the virtual high-five as real as possible by maximizing personal talk and real-time communication. In the fourth season held in June, it felt extra special as we had the groups who had participated in the survival show ‘Kingdom’ reuniting. We also saw some iconic stages by the likes of OH MY GIRL, ONEUS, Pentagon and ITZY.
‘KCON:TACT HI 5’ will be held between September 18 and 26. Lineup, ticket details and daily schedule will be gradually revealed from the first week of September. One can participate and watch the event through KCON’s website and their official YouTube channel.