Disclaimer

The F10$$ Series is written in an informal tone meant to sound conversational. It includes a DIML (“Day in My Life”) style with opinion. This review is not sponsored by KCON, the Crypto. com Arena, or the Los Angeles Convention Center! Okay let’s get into the review and my experience with this ticketing! (pictures and edits coming soon!)

Okay let’s go back to the review! So, if you haven’t seen the first installment of this, you missed out a bit. Check it out to get the full day!

Crypto. com ARENA

Outside the arena

Let’s do an energy check: I must tell you that by now we were a bit tired. We waited outside the venue and sat down and relaxed. It was extrememly hot. So again let’s do some tips:

Tip: Make sure to have a cool down moment. Drink some water! You’re going to need it. If you find some shade, even better. Take this time because we are in the peak of summer.

Then we decided to go stand in line since the concert was only a few hours away. And because of how lines can be, we didn’t want to take any chances. The line was short at this time so we knew that we would be able to get in pretty easy.

Tip: Make sure when cooling down you also eat something. That line will drain you and you’re going to want to have as much energy as you can get. Especially if you are going to stand at the concert as well.

We continued to stand there in line for a long time. I think we actually started to worry there might be another line somewhere as we went through this before with a previous concert. And so, we saw some security who was super kind and was helping everyone get to where they needed to be. And after asking we learned we were in the wrong line. The line we needed to be in was actually the VIP entrance. It’s called the Star Plaza Vip Entry which is on the premium levels.

When we got to that line, there was a lot more to look at as you had all of the statues and stars. So, if you get to go early take a look around! Again, one cool thing, the staff was very sweet. We were talking with a security guard who was there. All of them were so welcoming. The bag check and security check were swift and thorough.

Inside the venue

The escalator entrance was fun. There were also stairs. And I’m not too sure about the rest. I think there’s an elevator as well, but I did not look out for it. After we got in you can see each entryway into each section. We finally arrive to ours and it was breathtaking. Not too many people were there yet so I really took in the moment. Then after some thought, we decided to get some refreshments.

I have to say, the convention and the concert are very different things. In my opinion. That being said, I think that they should sell these things differently.

Value wise, I think having both just to say you experienced it is a good buy. Pros: IF you are the type of person who likes to try everything, this is the bundle for you. Cons: If you don’t want to go to both, well unfortunately to get into the concert, you have to go the convention.

CYPTO. com ARENA

I attended this place before, but when it was the Staples Center and only for a Clippers game. Side note: was so fun. Seeing a concert at the Cypto was even better! Since they did the changes to make it a concert, it looked like a concert. And well, I am a bigger music fan, okay? HAHA. But seriously I really enjoyed it here.

Con: The price of the refreshments. I can’t justify it. I’m sorry.

Con: I think it can be easier to have the info of where you need to stand (when it comes to lines) within the ticket information. Possibly in a email? I think that would help a lot of people.

Pro: The staff was nice. Most of them were just doing their jobs, but a few stood out to me. It was the ones waiting by the lines with us. I think they were there to redirect us and also serve as security in a way? I’m not sure of their exact position. however, they were very friendly to everyone. We asked questions and they answered very friendly. And they were just having normal conversations with everyone as well. They were very friendly. Which you appreciate as they can really make or break your experience. You know that feeling.

Pro: The ads that we saw at the convention was playing at the Arena as well. And you would of thought that would be annoying, but it actually wasn’t. I think whoever did the advertisements did a great job because they were catchy. I definitely started singing and rapping to them. And again the ads were as versatile as the event itself. Food, Beauty, Music, Travel. Everything pretty much. But knowing the company and their partners, can you expect less? I hope this year’s KCON will have catchy ads as well.

Pro: I know I was pressed about the prices earlier, but the popcorn was really good. But what do you expect from popcorn from places? And food hits when you’re hungry to be frank. It was really good and the fountain drinks as well. Very basic, but the concept of eating and watching something is great. And it brought the energy I needed because next thing I knew it was showtime.

SHOW TIME!

The show was awesome! I was also happy that everyone brought whatever light stick they wanted, and no one judged anyone. I thought someone would comment for sure. Although no one should I just thought that they might. However, this is a celebration of KPOP! We should have fun and learn a thing or two.

Honestly, I didn’t look at the full list of artists coming to DAY 3. I only knew a few so it was a pleasant surprise to see all of the hosts and artists. It added another layer to the layers of suspense with the VCRs, spoilers, and setlist (we will reveal the setlist later). For now, let’s get into the lineup!

KCON 2024 LINEUP (DAY 3)

OPENING ACTS:

THE SHOW:

You might be wondering what a Dream Stage is. Well to put it simply, it’s a stage where fans get to collaborate through the art of dance with the idol(s) having the dream stage! There’s a total of three. King’s Crown performed with Taemin Day 1 of KCON! Check it out below!

And we’re not done yet! Stay tuned to see how King’s Crown Day 3 went!

Let’s show a few more photos of the show:

The show so far has been great! But by the 9th act…I really started to fill that soda I had. So, I kind of needed a-

Small break…

Well since we are on a break, how about I tell you some of my thoughts so far. And maybe take some of this weight off my chest with a mini rant on human decency. This has nothing to do with staff, the venue, or the event. Okay let’s get to it!

Audience is killing it! Honestly, I really enjoy everyone I am sitting around (aside from the people who were there from this company). They really know how to turn up. And we are respecting each other, vibing, and have manners when going across. However, some people still don’t know how to say, “excuse me” and “thank you”, but yeah. Have manners. The people next to me was mad chill though.

The restrooms were clean and didn’t take too long to get in and out of there. I will say. People. Please clean up after yourself in the bathrooms. It’s embarrassing not to. If you make a mess, clean it up. You really want someone to clean up after you? Seriously? Do better. Okay now that we are done with that, let’s get back to my evaluation.

I think the floors were nice too right outside of the restroom which will lead you into the hallway, food court situation. And again, could be cleaner if you pick up after yourselves. Don’t leave those kennels, crumbs, and straw paper wrappers on the floor. Okay? Thank you. Okay enough lecturing let’s enjoy the show.

BACK TO THE SHOW!

Going back was so cool. I got to take it in that I was actually there. Like do you see this view???

The show was full of action-packed performances as well as things to look forward to in the future. We got some fun spoilers from some of the artist (Somi and ZEROBASEONE). The host were amazing as well! I did wish the audience interacted more. But that’s uncontrollable and is a topic for another day.

And I will do some suggestions as well. I think everyone is worth watching. I actually got to add so many songs to my playlist! And I actually started stanning some more groups.

If I only had to put three to start your 2024 KCON stage watch list…I will say StayC, Issac Hong, and NCT 127.

In my personal opinion if you had to pick only one to watch right now, it has to be Hyolyn. she is the master of live performance. With her killer vocals, her strong dance moves, and undeniable stage presence, you will be left wondering where she was all your life. And most likely want to go see her live again. I know I did!

Another thing I really enjoyed were the videos and VCRs that played throughout the show where Jaehyun would virtually be there narrating with other idols as well included in this interview telling us about the history of K-pop, what makes it special, and other fun things that really had the crowd immersed. Even the groups that weren’t at this KCON were mentioned and everyone had a great time singing and dancing to their music.

Let’s get into the F10$$ scale! If you are unfamiliar with F10$$, you can find out more about it here!

F10$$:

FAN: Like I mentioned on the last one, THIS IS KCON! What more do you wish as a fan. I think the program was really planned out and sitting there through the concert was very fun.

BOSS: As a boss, it was quite easy today! I think I was able to film a lot of great moments. I was also able to take notes on things I found important. They even with some throwbacks on previous KCON performances, showed inspirations of KPOP, and so much more. I personally failed on my end. I should have known better than to go on less than a full charge on my phone. And I needed to make more space on my device. I didn’t get to capture as much as I wanted, but I think that the photos and videos were definitely able to go into use.

$$$: You already know how I feel about this. I think the price of the show was fair. Now like any venue, the price of the food is a bit excessive. So, make sure to fill beforehand. And if you can afford to get a snack, go for it! Having refreshments during the show is nice!

They also had the show stream on their YouTube channel as well as the CW channel on TV! So, this is a great way to still see your favs. I think both options are amazing. Obviously watching something live does have this factor that cannot be replicated; however, you do have options. KCON is not only in LA it is a show that is in other countries as well so it’s not an LA exclusive event. Maybe the lineups are different, but you get that experience. So, if it’s closer to you somewhere else, that’s an option. And if you want to travel and your dates line up with the show, even better. And it’s great to know there’s so many ways you can connect through music and culture. So, I say price is justified.

And finally, your favorite segment! The VLOGS! Now you can see how it went through video.

OUR HOST POV:

ENDING THOUGHTS:

Personal opinions:

They need to have some kind of membership thing where you can pick your day. Pick your experience. Not everyone will like all of the things you offer. It’s okay, we are human. I have some good ideas, please contact me.

I think as an introvert, you might want to bring others with you. It’s just easier to get through the day. Also, with the fact around the venue, you are in the heart of downtown LA… umm…yeah, I don’t have to say much about security, do I?

Would I go again? Short answer: …Yes! I would. I would just like to bring more people with me as I think they could really elevate the day. It’s a long one and you need a lot of energy to get through it.

Written by: A.P.