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The Selective Hearing team returns from KCON LA 2026 to discuss the entire weekend, from the convention floor and media experience to the KCON M!Countdown concerts. In Episode 64, we compare this year’s KCON with previous editions, discuss the layout, crowds, booths, fan activities and artist interactions, and share which performances and unexpected discoveries stood out during the weekend. We also take a broader look at KCON’s place in the K-pop landscape in 2026. With more K-pop artists touring North America than ever before, does KCON still serve the same purpose it once did? Is artist discovery still an important part of the experience? And what can KCON offer fans that individual tours cannot? Finally, we give our overall verdict on KCON LA 2026, discuss what could be improved and whether we would return for KCON LA 2027. Opening Introductions.What are you drinking?Light banter and catchupBefore KCON Expectations going into KCON 2026.What were you most interested in seeing or doing this year?Were there artists, panels or activities you had marked as priorities?Anything that immediately seemed different from previous KCONs?Media / Press Experience Check-in and credentialing.Media orientation and communication.Press areas and working conditions. How was the cookie room this year? KCON Convention Experience The 2026 experience vs. previous KCON experiences.Layout, crowds and organization.Booths, merchandise and giveaways.Fan activities and interactive experiences.Artist appearances on the convention floor.Favorite unexpected discovery.Anything that felt missing or underdeveloped.KCON M!Countdown General thoughts about the lineup.Special stages.Favorite performances.Biggest surprises.Artists who exceeded expectations.Artists you were already excited about who delivered.Collaborations, covers or special KCON stages.Production: sound, screens, lighting, staging and cameras.Best performance of the weekend.Best individual song/stage.Biggest surprise.Artist you want to see in a full concert now.KCON as a K-Pop Event in 2026 Does KCON still serve the same purpose it did several years ago?With so many K-pop groups touring North America now, how important is KCON?Is discovering artists still a major part of the experience?Is KCON primarily a convention, concert festival or a way of pushing various Korean products on attendees?What does KCON offer that individual tours cannot?Was KCON 2026 Worth It? Final Verdict Overall rating for KCON 2026.What could KCON improve?Would you attend KCON again?What would make you return in 2027? (00:00) - TAG (00:10) - INTRO (01:21) - WHAT U DRINKING? (04:12) - QUICK CATCH UP (10:50) - EXPECTATIONS FOR KCON 2026 (20:17) - WHO DID YOU WANT TO SEE AT KCON 2026? (29:04) - THE KCON 2026 CONVENTION EXPERIENCE (41:28) - THE FOOD (47:32) - WHAT DID ELLIS PARTICIPATE IN? (53:48) - FAN ENGAGEMENT (01:04:06) - KCON M!COUNTDOWN (01:20:01) - WHO DO YOU WANT TO SEE MORE OF? (01:23:41) - DOES KCON STILL SERVE ITS PURPOSE? (01:31:32) - ELLIS GETS FIRED UP (01:35:33) - WAS KCON 2026 WORTH IT? (01:39:04) - WOULD YOU GO TO KCON AGAIN? (01:41:44) - WE WANT TRIPLES (01:43:50) - WILL THERE EVER BE A FEMALE HEADLINER? (01:44:54) - DOES KCON KNOW THEIR DEMOGRAPHIC? (01:49:30) - ONE REQUEST OF KCON (01:51:34) - CLOSING THOUGHTS

The Selective Hearing staff review the 2025 STAYC Tour: [Stay Tuned]. DISCLAIMER: Review Ticket Provided by LiveNation, Kakao, and High Up Entertainment Introduction What have you been doing?What are you drinking? Topic 1: Our Previous History with STAYC Quick reminder of how you got started with STAYCCliffs Notes on the previous shows you have seen them at (KCON Tour, Teenfresh) Topic 2: How many stops did you attend? Total stops (23)2025 STAYC Tour [Stay Tuned] | Kpop WikiTopic 3: “Official Review” of STAYC at Irving Show (Oct 10th) Allen talks about his thoughts on the Irving showStart with the approval process, getting last-minute travel in order, etc (thank everyone)Met a fan on the bus Talk about the team and their matching soccer jerseys and the meaning behind them.Pavilion at Toyota Music FactoryCool area with lots of restaurants, Alamo DrafthouseIntimate venue, very easy to move around and get to the bar and merch area, comfy seatsThe guys went ahead to the Pre-show benefits, while I waited outside and walked around to the bars for my entrance, which was through the VIP Lounge.The guys discuss all the pre-show activities they did. Any fun soundcheck notes?VIP benefits and goodsOverall concert thoughtsSetlistAre there any songs you'd like to listen to?CrowdHighlightsMents talking about the use of ChatGPT and the explanation of Buc-ees. (Monkey, muffin? There was a guy in a Buc-ees outfit.The tradition of STAYC encores, walking up and down the aisles, and interacting with fans.GoProProduction(Remixed rock versions of songs?)Topic 4: Any Differences Between Cities? We discussed that STAYC is quite flexible. Were there any other differences you noticed between the stops you went to?Pros and cons of venuesBoston benefits (connections to the venue and VIP Lounge)No differences in soundcheckSeeun is sitting out in D.C. Any changes to accommodate her absenceNotable differences between TEENFRESH and STAY TUNED tours?Which show did you like better?Topic 5: Other Cool Moments in Other Cities ASAP FreestyleFunny moments  (ex, “Oh My... Ass” ) Closing Comments Final thoughts of the tourHow have things changed for you as a SWITH during and after this tour?Thanks to Livenation, Kakao, High Up Entertainment and STAYC for the review ticketGoodbyes Photo credits to thomasma__ on Instagram.

The Selective Hearing staff review (G)I-DLE's World Tour I-DOL in Cinemas concert movie.  Topic List: 0:00 - Site ID/Intro Song - SUPER LADY. 0:21 - Introductions. 2:37 - Have you watched any K-pop concerts in theatres before? 7:10 - What screenings were available in your area? 9:56 - What type of screening did you attend? 30:10 - Thoughts on the concert movie. 56:59 - Would you recommend this movie to casuals? 1:02:56 - Your rating of this movie out of 10. 1:04:19 - Upcoming K-pop concert movies. 1:09:44 - Goodbyes/Site Promo/Outro Song - FATE.

Selective Hearing discusses the IU HEREH World tour stops in New Jersey, Oakland and Los Angeles. Recorded August 18, 2024 Introductions (Opening song: Good Day) What are you drinking?World Tour Announcement How hyped were you for this tour?Which American tour stop(s) did you choose to attend and why?How difficult was it for you to get tickets to your chosen show(s)?Pre Concert What seat did you end up getting?We all went to different cities to see IU. Were there special fan zones to keep you entertained while waiting in line?Briefly describe the demographic of the crowd at your stop. Were they different from the types of crowds you usually see at K-pop events you attend?What kind of free things did you get from other fans?Did you buy merch? What did you get?Concert How enforced was the “No Photography” rule at your stop?What did you think of the concert? Did it meet your expectations?The second encore was one of the most anticipated parts of this concert. How was it at your stop?What did the banner for your tour stop say?Post Concert Did you suffer post-concert depression?Goodbyes (Outro Song: LILAC) (00:00) - Selective Hearing Intro Tag (00:04) - Intro Song: Good Day (00:18) - Welcome (06:25) - Tour Annoucement Hype (14:18) - Tour Stop Selection & Ticketing (31:02) - The Festivus Miracle (33:39) - Why no VIP Level Tickets? (36:32) - Where did you end up sitting? (39:02) - Fan events on-site (43:57) - Type of crowd at IU concert (51:48) - Free Stuff (56:42) - The tour shirt is magic (01:06:20) - No soup for you! (01:11:20) - Thoughts on the concert (01:43:11) - The second encore (01:56:10) - Post concert depression (02:01:34) - Goodbyes (Outro Song: LILAC) (02:08:23) - Web Site Promo Selective Hearing Website https://selective-hearing.comSelective Hearing Social Media Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/selec_hearFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/SelecHear/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selechear/Threads - https://www.threads.net/@selechearYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/SelectiveHearing

Recorded on August 4, 2024 Selective Hearing’s Greg speaks to LST K-Pop’s Ping about his time at KCON LA 2024. Introductions (Intro Song: BINI – Cherry on Top) What was the main reason you decided to attend KCON 2024? Lineup The lineup of KCON 2024 had a good mix of up-and-comers, established mid-tier acts on the cusp of breaking through to the next level and industry veterans. What did you think of this year’s lineup?Which act(s) were you most excited about seeing, and why were they our fellow Filipinos BINI and the virtual personality APOKI?Why was the I-LAND girl group MIA?Ticketing The ticketing structure for KCON 2024 offered several packages: three-day premium at $1024.65, three-day plus at $843.28 for P1, and $542.76 for P2. There were also one-day packages: plus level at $309.54 for P1 and $188.06 for P2, and regular one-day at $124.02.  These tiers offered access to the convention/festival grounds, KCON Stage, and M&G stage. How close you ended up being in these areas depended on how much you were willing to drain your bank account or credit card balance. The M&G was only included as a perk in the Premium level ticket. Everyone else had to pay $128.75 for one session of being quickly rushed past a table of idols to wave at them. So, what are your thoughts on these packages? Did you end up getting a ticket at any of these levels? KCON Experience How would you compare KCON 2024 to previous KCONs? What was it like attending as a regular visitor?You were once again admitted access as press. What was it like this year compared to previous years?Besides the regular level of access with the badge, did you experience any difficulties covering what you wanted?Briefly describe your highlights or memorable moments on the convention floor/festival grounds. KCON STAGEDid you participate in the zoo monkey wave sessions? There was no plexiglass this year, right?BoothsPanelsHow were the M Countdown concerts? Did you like the Dream Stages? What are your thoughts on it being broadcast live on the CW network in the States? What are your closing thoughts on the 2024 KCON experience? Attendance numbers MAMA Awards in LA and Asia Outro/Goodbyes (Outro Song: god – 거짓말) (00:02) - Selective Hearing Intro Tag (00:04) - Intro Song: BINI - Cherry On Top (00:17) - Welcome (01:07) - Why did you go to KCON 2024? (04:23) - Thoughts on the KCON 2024 lineup (14:55) - What acts were you excited about? (28:45) - I-LAND girl group MIA (34:03) - KCON 2024 ticketing (46:27) - Meeting and Greeting (58:52) - Attending KCON 2024 as a pleab (01:08:18) - The press experience at KCON 2024 (01:15:14) - Highlights and memorable moments at KCON 2024 (01:30:08) - What happened at the Meet & Greet Stage (01:37:38) - Vendor, Food and Sponsor Booths (01:50:20) - Panels (01:53:59) - Red Carpet (01:56:38) - M Countdown Concerts (02:03:44) - Dream Stages at KCON 2024 (02:07:27) - KCON 2024 broadcast on the CW (02:12:15) - How many people attended KCON 2024? (02:18:08) - Closing thoughts on KCON 2024 (02:20:39) - MAMA is coming to Los Angeles (02:26:55) - Outro/Goodbyes (02:29:38) - Website Promo Selective Hearing Website https://selective-hearing.com Selective Hearing Social Media Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/selec_hearFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/SelecHear/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selechear/Threads - https://www.threads.net/@selechearYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/SelectiveHearing

Selective Hearing discusses the STAYC concert experience from the Los Angeles stop of their first world tour.

Greg and Ping discuss their experiences at the last stop in the North American leg of aespa's SYNK HYPER LINE world tour. Topics include pre-concert excitement, the relaxed atmosphere of the VIP, bias wreckers and thoughts on seeing the concert live as opposed to online.

Greg and Ping discuss their experiences at the inaugural Krazy K-Pop Super Concert. Topics include our thoughts about attending this new event, what VIP was like, and opinions of the concert.  Please note if you are listening on Spotify, the opening music may be muted due to copyright. The podcast starts at 17 seconds in.

Greg and Ping discuss KCON 2023 in Los Angeles. Topics include differences in procuring tickets compared to last year, the downsizing of the convention and super-sizing of the concert and the highs and lows of the weekend.

Greg and Ping talk about the KCON 2022 Rookie Concert. Recorded on August 19, 2022 Lineup experiencesImpressions of concert from the view of a plebian and a Prestige level attendee

The Selective Hearing staff, with special guest Ping from LST KPOP, discuss the return of the first in-person KCON in Los Angeles and their various experiences at the three-day event. Recorded on: September 11, 2022 OVERALL EXPERIENCE What is the prestige experience like?What was your success rate at “flashing the badge”?Did KCON meet your expectations after the three-year wait?What do you think they can improve to make the experience as smooth as possible?What do you think they got right?What would you have done differently?OUTRO Pimp your waresGoodbyes

The Selective Hearing staff, with special guest Ping from LST KPOP, discuss the return of the first in-person KCON in Los Angeles and their various experiences at the three-day event. Recorded on September 11, 2022 KCON 2022 LA Day 2 What did you see and do?Concert Night 1KCON 2022 LA Day 3 What did you see and do?Concert night 2

The Selective Hearing staff, with special guest Ping from LST KPOP, discuss the return of the first in-person KCON in Los Angeles and their various experiences at the three-day event. Recorded on: September 11, 2022 INTRODUCTIONS How are you doing?What are you drinking?KCON 2022 LA Day 0 Arrival in LA. How was your flight(s)?Wristband pickup, how long did you wait in line?Did you do anything else that day?KCON 2022 LA Day 1 Press badge pickupSTAYC Artist EngagementSTAYC and LIGHTSUM Selfie MV’sRookie Concert

Greg, Allen and Ping go over their experiences at the (G)I-DLE IDLE JUST ME World Tour at various American stops. Recorded on: August 7, 2022 Introduction Introduce YourselfWhat are you drinking?Open time for shameless self-promotionGetting down to business What tour stop(s) did you attend?Did you have VIP? Elaborate on your VIP experience(s)What was the line like?Estimate how many people were VIP vs. GAWhat kinds of people were there?How long was your wait to get into the venue?Any interesting stories about waiting in line?How was the sound check? Do you remember what songs they did?What was your view like?How many obstructions did you have?Did you have to leave VIP at all?Thoughts on the concert How was the concert itself? Were you around a hype crowd or dead fish?What was it like seeing (G)I-DLE do their thing up close if you could see anything?Were there any songs you didn’t like that you changed your mind about after seeing them live?What were your favourite moments of the concert?Did you stick around for the hi-touch? Give a rundown on how the pre-hi-touch lineup situation worked at the show(s) you went to.What was your hi-touch experience like? Give us the play-by-play.What are your thoughts on the “signed” poster?Overall Experience Lastly, give us your final thoughts on your entire experience from beginning to end.Closing Final words, well wishes and cursesSay goodbye to the people

The Selective Hearing staff with special guests Ping and Hiro go over their weekend seeing TWICE at the Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles. Disclaimer: As always, any opinions expressed by the participants of this discussion are purely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the other Selective Hearing staff. Like, comment, follow and subscribe. Thanks in advance! Apple PodcastsSpotify Amazon Music and AudibleOpening May 14 - TWICE 4th World Tour III Encore Night 1 Greg & Ping pre-show thoughts part 1Greg, Allen & Ping pre-show thoughts part 2May 15 - TWICE 4th World Tour III Encore Night 2 Greg & Allen pre-show thoughts part 1Greg, Allen & Ping pre-show thoughts part 2Greg & Hiro post-show thoughts (Please excuse the audio, we were in a busy diner.) May 28 - TWICE 4th World Tour III Encore Wrap Up Introduction What have you been up to?What are you drinking?Topic 1: How Did it Feel to be in LA Finally free from Canada/TexasThings you didPlaces you went toFood you ateTopic 2: Quick Comparisons Similarities/Differences from the other Concerts Ping and Allen quickly go over the similarities/differences between the live tour concerts and the Encore concerts VIP, sound check, fireworks etc.Topic 2.5: Greg’s Initial Thoughts First Impressions Spoiled by the VIP ExperienceDid you like the presentation and setlist?Who stood out to you among the members? Topic 3: Day 1 - Minuses and Pluses What did you not like about Day 1?What did you like about Day 1?Topic 4: Day 2 - Minuses and Pluses What did you not like about Day 2?What did you like about Day 2?Topic 5: Closing Thoughts on the Weekend and What is Next for TWICE? Closing CommentsGoodbyesFollow Us: Selective Hearing WebsiteTwitterInstagramFacebook