KCON USA is being criticized by attendees for false advertising its services and event planning in its first day.
Here's what happened.
Hallyu Havoc: KCON USA Slammed for False Advertising & Convention Chaos
One of the biggest hallyu events is under siege online.
On August 18, the KCON USA 2023 has finally commenced its activities. Given how exciting the event is due to numerous K-pop artists attending, fans are understandably ecstatic for its annual celebration on Korean culture and music.
In its first day, the event included a star-studded lineup comprised of ATEEZ, IVE, NCT Taeyong, Stray Kids, NMIXX, and more. With many of these artists taking the stage, fans are given the lucky opportunity to watch them live, forming new memories with the artists.
[#KCONLA2023] MEET & GREET
— KCON USA (@kconusa) August 19, 2023
This is just what Destiny looks like
This precious moment will always be in our hearts💖#CRAVITY & #LUVITY 함께해서 가장 행복한 순간💖
🎈KCON LA 2023
8.18.~8.20.
Let’s #KCON ! pic.twitter.com/WgyxLzmEtd
[#KCONLA2023] MEET & GREET
— KCON USA (@kconusa) August 19, 2023
This is just what Destiny looks like
This precious moment will always be in our hearts💖#IVE & #DIVE 함께해서 가장 행복한 순간
🎈KCON LA 2023
8.18.~8.20.
Let’s #KCON! pic.twitter.com/L5K9xhpsHw
[#KCONLA2023] MEET & GREET
— KCON USA (@kconusa) August 19, 2023
This is just what Destiny looks like
This precious moment will always be in our hearts💖#NMIXX & #NSWER 함께해서 가장 행복한 순간💖
🎈KCON LA 2023
8.18.~8.20.
Let’s #KCON! pic.twitter.com/8Tk00QGRpt
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Apart from these energetic performances, KCON is also known for its thrilling booths, which includes and meetups with other fandoms and the idols. This is just one of the aspects that make KCON a memorable K-pop experience for any fan.
However, this 2023, KCON USA received negative reactions on its first day. Firstly, netizens became concerned before the festivities started. This included a tweet from their official page, which showcased the event's itinerary.
Fans saw an additional caption which says how admission can be restricted if the hall has reached its maximum capacity and assured that it's for safety measures. The post stated:
"Organizer can restrict admission for safety measures if the hall has reached its maximum capacity."
considering I had no choice but to pay for the convention ticket with my show ticket, this asterisk disclaimer is wild; maybe don't oversell tickets! https://t.co/9DZozsuStI
— Eli Mudd (@SHCH_1127) August 17, 2023
KCON USA on Day 1 was then slammed due to the long lines that caused some attendees to miss out events inside the venue. They complained that the event had a long line because of how it lacked early check-ins or multi day passes.
i'm actually so goddamn pissed about kcon & i'm not even there yet lmao. the line goes around BLOCKS 2 whole hours after convention start bc of no early check-in, & no multi day passes like usual so this line will happen every day. it's hi wave again even though they advertised-
— Miranda (@mirandarenee3) August 18, 2023
Is Kcon LA 2023 worth it? I’ll let you know but I’m still in line to get in after over 2 hours in line. pic.twitter.com/52Bgfsu3In
— KPOPDAD💜💜💜 (@KpopDAD1) August 18, 2023
Interacting close with your favorite artist up close can make you feel on top of the world. While it may not have been entirely bad, fans also pointed out that KCON USA had engaged attendees into a hi-wave event despite putting hi-touch in their advertisement.
Attendees also commented that glass separators were also included during the meet & greet event with artists, notably with IVE.
behind glass 🥲 but finally got to see ive in person~ #KCONLA2023#IVE pic.twitter.com/LVFPiHMUCj
— bloop (@minju) August 18, 2023
this is such a scam. kcon SPECIFIED last year itd be hiwave bc of covid and this year they said HITOUCH so we all assumed itd go back to how it was the previous years? people paid insane resale prices just for the plexiglass again .. https://t.co/BznDfG6dfs
— gio🍓 (@taekeoff) August 18, 2023
False advertising @kconusa @KCON_official so this is hi touch at least last year you told us it would be hi wave.
— your emo aunty, Em (@AhreAlos) August 18, 2023
Warning for all those buying hi touch for ateez/zb1 we got the plexiglass again. pic.twitter.com/Py86czgnFu
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Some fans weren't entirely against the idea of the event having glass separators since this precaution is due to the ongoing dangers of COVID-19 and has always been implemented to promote social distancing to avoid health risks.
However, they still called out KCON USA's "deceitful" $100 charge per artist and indication of hi-touch, only for fans to find out that it was actually a hi-wave event.
What are your thoughts on this? Will you go to more of KCON USA's upcoming events? Let us know in the comments below!
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